Anaa Atoll, located in French Polynesia, is one of the most unique, remote and stunning saltwater fly fishing destinations in the world. Situated 350 kilometres east from Tahiti in the Tuamotu Archipelago, this signature destination provides a diversity of saltwater fly fishing options ideal for small groups, couples and families.
Well known for its large Bluefin Trevally and Bonefish populations, the 160km+ fringing reef system surrounding the Atoll also provides the ability to chase Napoleon, Triggerfish, Bohar Snapper and Giant Trevally on foot. You can also fish offshore in the bluewater, where you can target Dogtooth and Yellowfin Tuna, while a large Humpback whale population can be seen regularly throughout the year.
The extensive flats systems that line the perimeter of the lagoon are crystal clear, with palm trees framing the backdrop and small ocean passes throughout with beautiful beaches, and ideal bonefish habitat. The local Bonefish population on Anaa Atoll is also protected through the successful Island Initiative spawning program which commenced in 2015. This closed season protects the large spawning Bonefish from any fishing pressure as they move between the lagoon and ocean passes and has already seen a large recruitment of juvenile Bonefish into the system since its introduction. A designated Marine Park is also providing the fishery with a fantastic future ahead, as fly fishermen from around the world travel to experience Anaa Atoll in all of its beauty.
Off the water, the local sport of spear throwing or “Patia Fa” has to be seen to be believed, and a developing art and crafts scene including the local fly tying cooperative is assisting the development of a local economy. With community involvement in the fly fishing and conservation program on Anaa, which is home to less than 500 people, it’s a destination with real warmth, character and a visit to the island will stay with you forever.
Situated on a magnificent beach with uninterrupted views of the beautiful lagoon, our Anaa Atoll lodging includes four traditional private bungalows which accommodate up to eight guests.
Rooms comprise of a double and single bed, en-suite, fridge, hot walk-in shower, wardrobe, high ceilings, fan and partition doors that open up the whole space onto your own large private balcony. The beds are comfortable, and the rooms serviced daily.
The lodge has a large communal dining-room, bar and lounge area also overlooking the lagoon and provides a great range of Polynesian cuisine daily. Wi-Fi is available at no extra charge with good service and ability to make calls via WhatsApp.
Breakfast starts at 6:30 am with local eggs, honey, fresh fruits and coffee, while packed lunches, bottled water and soft drink are provided on the boats each day.
On your return, you can relax in a hammock or enjoy the Maneaba thatched hut by the water which is a great spot enjoy the view as the sun goes down and discuss the days fishing with pre-dinner snacks.
The evening meal around 8 pm consists of local seafood delicacies such as raw fish marinated in lime and coconut juice, grilled meats, chicken, fish and local suckling pig with Tahitian and French influences.
Local beers, wine and a limited range of mixers are available from the bar where you can run a tab for the week.
Bicycles are available if you wish to take a ride around the island, and kayaks are also available on your doorstep.
This trip is ideal for intermediate and experienced saltwater fly anglers, partners and small groups keen to experience remarkable French Polynesia, on a stunning tropical island hideaway. We will accommodate a maximum of 6 anglers and exclusive fly fishing access on Anaa for the week’s duration.
Anaa Atoll fly fishing opportunities can generally be categorised into three main areas, accessible on the island: the flats, inshore reef/ocean passes and reef edge. Anaa is very unique for lots of different reasons however the ability to chase Bonefish and Bluefin Trevally on the flats in the morning and then be able to walk the reef edges in the afternoon casting to Giant Trevally and Napoleon Wrasse is quite special.
Flats
With around 140km2 of waters to explore, the small islands fringing the lagoon boast extensive sand and coral rubble flats providing an ideal habitat to Polaroid cruising fish, including Bonefish, Bluefin and Striped Trevally on foot, while being guided by the best eyes on the Island.
All of the flats are located around the perimeter of the lagoon, with multiple ocean passes providing water movement, which is predominantly governed by the outer swell height. Other species you may encounter include GT’s, Triggerfish, Reef sharks, Parrotfish and surge wrasse.
The average size of the bonefish on Anaa flats are typically 4-5lb, with fish of 7-8lb’s common and several double figure fish now landed to 76cm. #8 weight outfits are recommended, wading mid-shin to mid-thigh depth, in crystal clear water.
Similar to many other pacific island bonefish locations, it’s not a destination for anglers chasing cricket-score numbers of fish. It is, however, a very rewarding but challenging fishery suitable for intermediate fly anglers, with many stunning flats on offer.
On the flats, the Bluefin trevally fly-fishing can also be outstanding at various times throughout the year providing shots at fish in the 2-4kg range with many larger 5-15kg fish also available to target on #12 weights.
There are some very large GT’s inside the lagoon with fish to 1m in length landed, generally cruising drop-offs with larger sharks however most GT’s encountered on Anaa are found on the reef edges or ocean passes. While there is some tidal influence in and out of the lagoon, this is generally dictated by swell height which governs the water height in the lagoon and often influences where the fish can be found from day to day. Travel time to the flats each day is 20-30 minutes by boat which collect you from the beach in front of your bungalow daily.
Inshore Reef and Reef Edges
The entire Atoll is surrounded by an inshore shallow reef system, passes from the lagoon out to sea and reef shelves where you can target species patrolling and living along Anaa’s 80km perimeter.
Anglers need to have a good level of fitness, be steady on their feet and generally be able to use #12 or even #14 weight outfits for this style of fly fishing which is also done on foot. There are generally always calm areas to fish, depending on the swell height and direction which can also vary throughout the week, with the fish generally feeding on the turn of the tides.
Bohar Snapper or Red Bass (2-10kg), Giant (20-40 kg) and Bluefin trevally (3-10 kg) are available at numerous locations, generally safe from big swell’s that allows you to both sight and blind cast the deep drop-off’s for very large fish on fly.
When larger swells are present, some of the inshore reef areas can be very good as fish move up onto them from the ocean drop-offs to forage and feed. Similarly, on out-going tides, fish including GT’s, Bluefin Trevally and Bohar Snapper can wait to ambush prey in small channel wash-outs or areas where the lagoon is draining through the major ocean passes.
As per all Fly Odyssey bookings, will provide a comprehensive & detailed pre-trip fly fishing guide, prior to your departure.
Flights to Papeete, Tahiti are available daily and direct from Auckland, Los Angeles and Tokyo.
The flight schedule from Papeete, Tahiti to Anaa Atoll departs on a Thursday morning, with clients requiring to arrive into Tahiti a day earlier.
Travel time from Papeete direct to Anaa takes around 1h and 15m on their ATR Twin Turboprop 42 and ATR72 aircraft which are perfect for the journey. With leather seats, and a 2-2 seat configuration they provide a great view of the remote islands, and in-flight service.
Coming home, your flight will arrive back into Tahiti late Thursday afternoon to meet international flights, or you can extend your stay in Tahiti on any of the other beautiful islands such as Moorea, Tetiaroa or Bora Bora with friends or family.
Let us do the groundwork for you.
Our tailored fly fishing and accommodation itineraries are designed with you in mind to suit your preferences. They are also quoted in your local currency with very favourable exchange rates.
This includes flight bookings, transit accommodation, transfers and a host of non-angling activities and experiences.
We specialise in group, family and couples stays to French Polynesia, and our long involvement with our partners on the ground in Tahiti will ensure you are well looked after both on and off the water. This includes holidays and resort stays to nearby Tetiaroa, Bora Bora and Moorea.
CONTACT OUR INTERNATIONAL OFFICE
- M: +61 (0)499 900816
- E:
CONTACT OUR UK OFFICE
- M: +44 (0)7936 708305
- E:
Creating and sharing memorable travel experiences with our clients and friends provides us with genuine satisfaction. All of our trips are bespoke, tailored to your needs, and we always love hearing all about the adventure on your return.
Our knowledge of travel logistics saves you time, and our highly experienced team is here to ensure it’s spent on the water and not at the desk or on a long flight connection that you didn’t require. Since 2006 we have developed a valued client-base that has travelled to all corners of the globe.
We are a fully-accredited travel agency, where all of our flights, accommodation and associated travel bookings are made in-house, which means that you pay less. We have access to a huge range of specials, deals, great volume pricing and excellent currency exchange rates which allows us to pass these benefits directly onto you.
On the fishing front, our extensive expertise and experience around prime seasons, species, moon-phases, tides and personalised customer service is centred around one principal – preparation. This includes detailed gear and equipment lists, the fly patterns, transfer details, up-to-date fishing reports and some of the finer aspects that can often be overlooked.
We travel extensively and understand that your free-time is important. Just as we all understand from experience, that the key to a successful trip is pre-trip preparation.
Our highly experienced team has fly fished the world for the last 25 years, and we understand the considerations and gear needed to turn a good fly fishing trip into a great one.
Fly fishing and travel is our passion. It’s all we do.