Dolphins Resorts
Dedicated anglers are always seeking secret spots, and heli-fishing lodges around the world are catering to their desires. Here, a sampling of some of the retreats that send reels spinning.
King Pacific Lodge
Moored in the shelter of Barnard Harbour on Princess Royal Island in British Columbia, the lodge offers a variety of activities including heli-fishing and heli-hiking. From $5,000 for five days/four nights in summer.
Lake Marie Lodge
Previously available only to charters, this lodge near Anchorage, Alaska, now runs three general heli-fishing trips per week. It also offers helicopter tours into Denali National Park and Preserve. From $3,800 for four days/three nights.
The Lodge at Gold River
Perched on the edge of a river, this brand-new resort on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, is no roughing-it retreat. In addition to heli-fishing, hunting expeditions, and a private casting pond, it offers spa services. From $3,000 for three nights/two days in summer.
Nimmo Bay Resort
Head chef Heather Davis is renowned for the way she prepares (what else?) fish at this lodge outside Port McNeill, British Columbia. The lodge also offers six private intertidal and three private streamside chalets. From about $5,170 for three days of heli-fishing.
Nomads of the Seas
Actually a yacht based out of Santiago, Chile, this enterprise offers heli-fishing trips—via a Bell 407—into the mountains of Patagonia. From $14,875 for one week.
Poronui Ranch
This operation near Taupo, New Zealand, has access to more than 250 miles of coastline, much of which is leased from the Maori tribe. The arrangement allows helicopters to transport anglers to some of the remotest rivers on earth. From $4,394 for one week in summer.
Purcell Mountain Lodge
Situated in the Canadian Rocky Mountains near Golden, British Columbia, this lodge operates heli-skiing as well as heli-hiking trips. Amenities include fresh-baked cookies and an all-you-can-drink bar. From $2,760 for five nights in summer.
Talaheim Lodge
If you're tired of hopping in the helicopter at this lodge west of Anchorage, Alaska, take the jet boat up the Talachulitna River, where the fish are just as plentiful. From $6,200 per person for weeklong trips.
Dolphins Resorts
This oceanfront resort in Campbell River on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, offers wireless internet and fully equipped kitchens for guests to cook their own food. Cabins and lodges range in size from 600 to 4,600 square feet. From $3,400 for three weekend nights.
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