Fly fishing enthusiasts seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience in untouched wilderness will soon have a new destination: the Amazonian depths of southeast Manaus, Brazil. William (Will) Blair, renowned fly fishing guide and conservation advocate, is launching an exclusive fly fishing program that promises both pristine waters and unparalleled access to some of the most remote fishing locations in the world. With successful ventures in Russia, the Bahamas, and Alaska, Blair’s latest program is designed for the passionate fly fisherman who craves tranquility and mastery over quantity.
This new initiative represents The Best of The Wild founder’s (Will) vision to create an experience rooted in exploration and a deep respect for natural ecosystems. Over the past three months, Will has navigated eight different rivers in Brazil, identifying the perfect locations that are virtually untouched by the commercial sport fishing industry dominating the Amazon Basin. While many of these rivers are already popular among gear fishermen using spinning rods, fly fishing remains underrepresented, often resulting in competition for resources and a diminished experience for true fly fishermen.
“There are hundreds of fishing programs in Brazil for regular spinning rods, but only four exclusive fly fishing programs in the entire country,” says Will. “You can’t mix the two. Fly fishing is a quiet sport; it requires skill and patience, while gear fishermen often overwhelm the waters with their efficiency. We needed a dedicated place where fly fishermen could thrive without being outcompeted.” This insight led Will to create a fly fishing-only operation deep in the southeast of Manaus. By maintaining a program exclusively for fly fishermen, Will aims to offer a superior experience where each cast feels meaningful and every catch is a reward for skill rather than luck.
The remoteness of this fly fishing expert’s new Brazilian destination is part of what makes it so unique. Accessible by high-end turbine caravan planes – state-of-the-art aircraft designed for rugged, off-the-grid adventures – the journey itself becomes part of the experience. “There’s something deeply satisfying about flying over the Amazon’s vast canopy, knowing that when you touch down, you’re entering a world that few have ever seen,” Will explains.
Such remoteness is central to his philosophy. As a dedicated conservationist, Will believes that isolation helps protect the delicate balance of these ecosystems while offering his clients a true wilderness adventure. “Once you’re in a place untouched by human interference, everything falls into a natural rhythm – the piranhas, the caimans, the birds. It’s about being a part of that balance, respecting it, and impacting it as little as possible.”
Will’s passion for exploration and conservation is evident in every program he designs. He’s spent decades creating and refining some of the most exclusive fly fishing trips in the world, beginning with his renowned Russian venture, which will be reinstated next summer due to high demand. His Alaska program and Bahamas lodge at Ragged Island have been celebrated by anglers globally for their unparalleled access and exclusivity.
In Ragged Island, for example, Will’s fly fishing trips accommodate only four guests a week. The secluded location – reachable only by a private charter – boasts some of the best Bonefish and Permit fishing in the Bahamas, including what many consider the largest and most rewarding Permit fishing in the entire region. “Permit fishing is the holy grail of saltwater fly fishing,” Will notes. “It’s not about how many you catch, but the sheer thrill of the pursuit in such a remote, untouched setting.”
But Will’s trips are more than just about catching fish. He views himself as a guide not only to the rivers and seas but to the ecosystems and wildlife that surround them. “I’m an amateur birder,” he says with a grin. “The Amazon alone has given me countless first sightings. For me, a great guide is someone who points out a toucan’s flight pattern or the nuances of a caiman’s movement in the water, not just someone who helps you hook a fish.”
This approach is part of what makes his programs so special and why Will’s clients are willing to travel to the ends of the earth for one of his trips. “Catching fish is the easy part. Once you get to a real wilderness place, it’s all the other things – the ecology, the birds, the silence – that transform it into something profound.”
Will’s new Brazilian fly fishing program is poised to set a new standard for the sport in the region. “For fly fishermen, this is the destination that has been missing in Brazil,” he says. “With our new program, it’s 100% fly fishing from start to finish. No gear rods, no competition, just pure fly fishing in a setting that’s as close to paradise as you can get.”
The true reason behind this program, according to Will, is to offer an authentic, unspoiled experience while also promoting sustainable fishing practices. “My goal has always been to provide the best possible experience in the most beautiful, remote locations without compromising the natural beauty and balance of these ecosystems.”
With the launch of this new program, William Blair is inviting anglers to step into the unexplored heart of the Amazon and experience fly fishing like never before. It’s a call to those who crave adventure, conservation, and a chance to be part of something truly special.
