Traveling to a fly fishing lodge as a non-angler? Or are you bringing a non-angling spouse or friend and are worried they'll be bored while you're out on the water? Have no fear! Non-anglers can still have a fantastic experience at a fly fishing lodge or ranch – no fishing required!
Our fly fishing aficionado, Zach Lazzari has guided at many fly fishing lodges around the globe and says: "Fly fishing vacations often host non-anglers! Oftentimes, the non-fishing guests are spouses, but occasionally, a friend or family member will tag along, too. Sometimes the fishing trip is part of a larger trip in the region as well", he notes.
Fly fishing lodges and destinations are typically situated in areas that are scenic, and loaded with additional adventure travel opportunities.
We've handpicked just a few of the amazing fly fishing adventures the non-angler can enjoy at our fly fishing ranches and lodges. Non-fishing companions will be in their element, too!
Read on to explore the exciting activities for non-anglers to try on a fly fishing vacation – there's everything, from total relaxation, to adrenaline-pumping excursions on the slopes, on the water, on land, indoors and even in the skies!
Fishing lodges with spas
Who doesn't need a little bit of downtime and some R&R on their vacation?
If being pampered at a lodge or ranch with a spa is your idea of heaven, many of our luxury fishing lodges in New Zealand and North America offer amazing on-site spas for when you need to escape from it all.
Grab that massage or specialty treatment while your partner or friends are out fishing! Also look out for fly fishing lodges with sauna, steam rooms and hot tubs.
The best lodges with hiking trails
Most fly fishing destinations are near epic hiking trails. Alaska is the one exception where some fly fishing lodges are so remote, hiking trails don't even exist!
However, at our Alaska fishing lodges, you can usually find a guide or staff member who knows the area to join you in for a hike or walk while your companions are out on the river.
At our fly fishing lodges and ranches in the western United States hiking trails are abundant, and you can rejoin your travel partner late in the afternoon, with plenty of stories to share.
Patagonia fly fishing lodges are also surrounded by trails. Many lodges and destinations will have hiking options within minutes of the lodges. Look for opportunities to hike near glaciers and volcanoes in this region.
"I love hiking off the Carretera Austral in Chile," says Zach. "If a trail isn't convenient, there is usually a quiet country road or livestock trail to explore."
Fishing lodges with mountain bikes
Take to the trails on two wheels! All our international fly fishing ranches and lodges are nestled in some of the most spectacular wilderness on the planet, so if you've got the wanderlust and love exploring by bike, this is the perfect opportunity to explore your surroundings while they've gone fishing.
Look for lodges with mountain bike hire – it's usually included in the price of your stay and some even offer guided tours if you're not confident going out on your own.
Fishing vacations with yoga
There's no need to break your usual yoga routine while at a fly fishing vacation, or if you're new to it, it's a great opportunity to try!
Most fly fishing lodges and ranches with yoga like to take the sessions outdoors, so you can really immerse in nature and breathe in the fresh, wild air.
If weather's not permitting a zen outdoor experience, it's more than likely to be held in a cozy cabin instead.
Wildlife viewing vacations
Alaska is THE destination for wildlife viewing and our fishing lodges in Alaska are in close proximity to high-density bear populations.
Being located on salmon rivers, anglers at a fly fishing lodge in Alaska can stay busy fishing while non-angling companions view and photograph bears, moose and other incredible wildlife in the same vicinity.
Side trips to Brooks Falls in the famous Katmai Region are also an option with some of our Bristol Bay fly fishing lodges.
The beauty of wildlife viewing in Alaska is the convenience once you arrive. Many visitors to fly fishing lodges in Alaska will see bears and other wildlife right outside the front door! The wilderness locations in Alaska are so special and rare in that regard.
In the western US, especially at our Idaho fishing lodge, our Montana fishing lodges, our Wyoming fishing lodges and Colorado fishing lodges, wildlife abounds as well. It's not uncommon to see big game from backroads and river trails. Bring a pair of binoculars and take some time to hike around, and scan for deer, elk, moose, bears and more.
"I love birding in the west as well", says Zach. "Many fishing destinations are near wetlands and preserves with excellent bird watching".
Winter sports at fly fishing lodges
If ice fishing isn't your thing, then hit the slopes instead at a fishing lodge that's open in the winter!
There are so many options for high-octane snowy adventures; why not try skijoring, snow-shoeing, skiing, sledding or a real sleigh ride?
Not keen on spending time in the northern hemisphere winter? Check out our southern hemisphere fly fishing vacations and head out for some winter sun instead.
Vacations with cooking classes
Weather not looking too great? Take your non-angling adventures indoors and hone your skills in the kitchen under the watchful eye of a professional chef and his team.
Many of our North American fishing lodges and ranches have dedicated classes where you can learn the art of appetizers, what entrees entail and perhaps even learn how to present a plate!
Scenic float trip vacations
If your travel partner has a fly fishing float trip scheduled and the boat has an extra seat, jump in and enjoy the ride!
"I've had quite a few passengers who brought a book and relaxed in the back seat while their partner fished," says Zach. "Guides can customize the day to meet dual interests as well. You can take a long shore lunch, walk around river islands and make the most of a day on the water – even as a non-angler."
Whitewater adventures
Another option is to book a separate tour for whitewater adventures while your travel partner is fishing – many fishing destinations overlap with whitewater if you want an adrenaline rush!
New Zealand and Patagonia are both whitewater hotspots, and finding half-day trips is pretty easy in many areas.
Horseback riding ranches and lodges
Some of our fly fishing lodges are also established guest ranches and offer world-class cowboy experiences so you can explore the vast wilderness of the wild west in a totally unique way – on the back of a horse!
Turn your hoof to cattle drives, roping, trail rides, picnic rides, barrel racing and more. Many ranches and lodges cater for beginners who've never been in the saddle before, too.
Fishing lodges with heli-tours
Take your adventures to the skies at a fly fishing lodge with heli tours! Fly fishing vacations with heli tours combine the thrill of fly fishing with the convenience and accessibility of helicopter transport to remote fishing spots.
Heli tours allow anglers to reach the best places for fly fishing that might otherwise be difficult to reach, providing access to unique fishing opportunities and potentially fewer anglers on the water.
And it's the perfect chance for non-anglers to come along for the ride, and explore the area from a bird's-eye view.
If you're really keen to visit a fishing lodge with heli tours, our New Zealand lodges are the best places to go!
Resort-style fishing holidays
Many of our more resort-style fly fishing lodges, and those who are also guest ranches have an abundance of sporting opportunities for all ages and interests.
For example, you can have a go at archery, shooting, tennis, golf, rope courses and zip lines, rock climbing, wine and whiskey tasting, and so much more – some even have swimming pools, too!
Most resort-style fly fishing lodges and ranches will also offer tours to local attractions if you fancy a day away from the lodge.
Is a fly fishing vacation for me?
If you find yourself on a fly fishing vacation as a non-angler, don't worry, there will be plenty of alternative activities to explore! (And if we haven't managed to convince you yet, here are five more exciting bucket list experiences you'll have on a fly fishing vacation!)
Whether you try any or all of the above, go shopping in town or lounge at the lodge and read by a fire, a fishing trip can be a ton of fun for the non-anglers, too.
With world class destinations, amazing food, comfortable lodges and flexible arrangements, fishing holidays are truly a win for everyone.
And ladies, if you're looking to maybe have a go at fly fishing while you're there, but are still on the fence, here are our five reasons women should try fly fishing today!
Original article written by freelance writer and fishing afficionado, Zach Lazzari.
Co-written, edited and created by Kate Hammaren; luxury and adventure travel writer, editor and world traveler.
About our author, Zach Lazzari
Zach Lazzari is a freelance outdoor writer, fly fisherman and full-time adventure traveler. After a decade of guiding anglers in Colorado, Montana, Alaska and Patagonia, he turned to the travel and media industry to continue pursuing new species in exciting locations. Zach has written for The Drake, Orvis, NRS, and many other brands and publications in the outdoor industry.