Fly fishing Belize: A complete north to south guide

Choosing the right Belize fishing region just got easy
A fly angler stands with arms and fly fishing rod raised in a guide’s skiff at sunset, while one other angler sits down and the fishing guide look out over calm, darkening waters near Placencia, Belize
By Marlon Leslie, Belize fly fishing guide
Last updated: April 18, 2025

Belize is a small country with world-class fishing, all the way from its northern border with Mexico and all the way down south to Guatemala. You have a wide range of habitats to explore along the Belize Barrier Reef – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and hundreds of Cayes. Fly fishing in Belize is one of the most diverse saltwater experiences in the Caribbean. In fact, Belize flats fishing offers everything from skinny white-sand flats and mangrove-covered lagoons to remote coral atolls swarming with life.

In this guide, I'll take you down from north to south through Belize's major fly fishing regions. Each area has its own character. And good news: since 2009, all Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit have been catch-and-release by law in Belize, with a gill-net ban since 2020 boosting the fish population! Let's dig into what makes each spot special, starting all the way up north.

Table of contents

Ambergris Caye and the northern flats

Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize and a hub for saltwater anglers. It is located at the northeastern tip of Belize, just below Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula.

Habitats and species in Ambergris

The island runs parallel to the barrier reef...

Access and conditions

The waters around Ambergris are relatively sheltered...

Pros for fishing Ambergris Caye:

  • Year‑round Tarpon fishery.
  • Good variety and chances of a Grand Slam with a guide.
  • Well‑developed fishing infrastructure.

Cons for fishing Ambergris Caye:

  • High fishing pressure and boat traffic.
  • Smaller average Bonefish size.
  • Spooky Permit due to pressure.
  • Muddy flats requiring boat or kayak access.

Caye Caulker and the central Cayes

Just south of Ambergris lies Caye Caulker...

Habitats and species in Caye Caulker

Much like Ambergris, Caye Caulker offers a mix...

Access and conditions

Caye Caulker has fewer boats and anglers than Ambergris...

Unique insights for Caye Caulker

In the Caye Caulker area, Tarpon is a highlight...

Pros for fishing Caye Caulker and Central Cayes:

  • Healthy Tarpon fishery – resident and migratory.
  • Less fishing pressure – a more secluded experience.
  • Diverse environments (flats, lagoons, mangroves).
  • Laid-back island atmosphere – great for fishing + relaxation.

Cons for fishing Caye Caulker and Central Cayes:

  • Most prime spots require a guide or boat ride.
  • Permit harder to spot in deeper flats.
  • Belize City base lacks island scenery.

Belize City and Turneffe Atoll (Central Belize)

Moving down the map, we come to the Central Belize region...

Coastal Belize City and nearby Cayes

Belize City isn't usually a popular destination...

Habitats and species (Belize mainland coast)

The water right at the river mouth is murky and muddy-bottomed...

Access and tips

To fish in this area, hire a local guide from Belize City...

Pros for fishing the Belize City area:

  • Convenient to airport – great for a transit day.
  • Possible dry-fly Permit.
  • Trophy Tarpon opportunities.

Cons for fishing the Belize City area:

  • Unattractive river-delta scenery.
  • Inconsistent water clarity.
  • Soft wade terrain.
  • Belize City is rough-around-the-edges.

Turneffe Atoll

Heading about 30 miles offshore from Belize City...

Habitats and species on Turneffe Atoll

Turneffe Atoll is often cited as the best bonefishing location...

Access and conditions

Turneffe Atoll is isolated – only reachable via lodge or mothership...

Pros of fishing Turneffe Atoll:

  • Vast area with minimal pressure.
  • Exceptional Bonefish fishery.
  • Great Permit opportunities.
  • Pristine, private-feeling environment.

Cons of fishing Turneffe Atoll:

  • High-cost lodges or yacht charters.
  • Weather-dependent access.
  • No DIY options – guide and boat required.

Central Belize: Stann Creek (Placencia, Hopkins, and the Barrier Reef)

Continuing south, we reach the Stann Creek District...

Habitats and geography for the Stann Creek area:

The barrier reef runs closest to the mainland in this stretch...

Species focus in "Permit Alley"

Permit

One of the world's most prolific permit fisheries...

Bonefish

Bonefish are present year-round but in smaller schools...

Tarpon

Resident and migratory Tarpon can be found in lagoons and channels...

Angling experience

Fishing Permit Alley usually means long days on the bow...

Why Placencia stands out

Placencia offers Grand Slam potential and a central base...

Pros for fishing the Placencia area:

  • Unmatched Permit flats with light pressure.
  • Balanced species mix (Permit, Tarpon, Bonefish).
  • Wide variety of flats and low boat traffic.
  • Family‑friendly beach village base.

Cons for fishing the Placencia area:

  • Minimal DIY shore access unless on an island.

Are you thinking about or planning to visit Placencia, Hopkins, or nearby islands?

I've spent the past two decades exploring every nook and cranny of the flats...

If you want to catch some fish in Permit Alley, get in touch at [email protected] or WhatsApp (501) 661‑5709!

Glover's Reef Atoll – offshore adventure

Further east of "Permit Alley", about 20+ miles offshore...

Glover's Reef environment

Glover's is a UNESCO World Heritage Site...

Bonefish on Glover's

Present year‑round with trophy-sized fish...

Permit on Glover's

Occasional Permit on select flats...

Barracuda on Glover's

Big cudas on flats and drop‑offs...

Other species

Jacks, Snappers, Triggerfish, and more...

The Glover's experience

Remote, pristine, and often solo fishing...

Pros for fishing Glover's Reef:

  • Untouched ecosystem with minimal pressure.
  • Exceptional scenic beauty and private feel.
  • Diverse species – Bonefish, Barracuda, Jacks.

Cons for fishing Glover's Reef:

  • Logistics and cost for remote lodging.
  • Unreliable Permit fishing.
  • Few professional guides and no DIY options.
  • Weather can blow out flats with little shelter.

Punta Gorda and the far south (Toledo District)

Finally, we reach the deep south of Belize: Punta Gorda...

Punta Gorda setting

Coastline framed by mangroves and coral flats...

Permit fishing in Punta Gorda

Spooky Permit on narrow coral flats...

Other species

Snook, Tarpon in river mouths, occasional Bonefish...

The Punta Gorda experience

Remote, low pressure, wildlife-rich fishing...

Pros for fishing Punta Gorda:

  • Privacy and untouched Permit fishing.
  • Low pressure yields natural behavior.
  • Unique jungle‑backdrop setting.

Cons for fishing Punta Gorda:

  • Limited variety – Permit-focused fishery.
  • Longer travel logistics.
  • Minimal tourism infrastructure.

Choosing the right Belize fishing region for you

Each region from north to south offers something unique:

Ambergris Caye (north)

Plentiful Bonefish, resident Tarpon, developed guides, but high pressure.

Caye Caulker & central Cayes

Quieter than Ambergris, summer Tarpon, occasional Permit, midsize Bonefish.

Belize City coast & Turneffe Atoll

Muddy river mouth Tarpon, offshore Turneffe trophies, high reward but costly.

Placencia & "Permit Alley"

World‑class Permit flats, Grand Slam potential, family‑friendly base.

Glover's Reef Atoll

Stunning, unpressured flats, trophy Bonefish, diverse species, remote.

Punta Gorda and the far south

Secluded Permit hunting, minimal pressure, unique environment.

Ready to plan your next fishing trip to Belize?

Consider combining regions or reach out for tailored advice: [email protected] or WhatsApp (501) 661‑5709.

Frequently asked questions about fishing in Belize

When is the best time to come for fly fishing in Belize?

Belize is a year‑round fishery! Check out my Belize fly fishing calendar for details.

Do I need a fishing license in Belize?

Yes. Purchase online at Coastal Zone portal. Costs are ~$10/day or $25/week, catch‑and‑release only.

Which part of Belize is best for Permit?

Southern waters (Placencia to Punta Gorda) and Turneffe Atoll are top Permit grounds.

Is DIY fly fishing possible in Belize, or do I need a guide?

Some shore‑accessible flats exist (Ambergris, Caulker), but prime spots require a boat and guide.

What gear should I bring for fly fishing in Belize?

7–8 wt for Bonefish/Snook, 9–10 wt for Permit, 10–12 wt for Tarpon; tropical WF lines; 9–12 ft leaders with 12–16 lb tippet; 200+ yd backing for big Tarpon.

Besides flats species, can I do other fishing in Belize?

Yes—reef (snapper, Barracuda) and offshore (mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, Sailfish) via conventional charters.

How do I get to the different spots within Belize?

Domestic flights (Tropic Air, Maya Island Air) connect major bases; water taxis serve northern cayes; boat transfers arrange offshore atolls.

What else is there to do for non‑fishing companions or rest days?

Mayan ruins, cave tubing, zip‑lining, Great Blue Hole tours, wildlife sanctuaries, snorkeling, island‑hopping, beaches, spas.