Cargill Creek

Historic Fishing Lodges

For over four decades, the Andros Island Bonefish Club has hosted serious anglers at Cargill Creek, establishing this settlement as a pilgrimage site for fly fishing enthusiasts. The lodge sits at the mouth of the creek, providing immediate access to the fabled flats of the North Bight and the nearby West Side National Park.

Other lodges have followed, including Big Charlie's Lodge and Mount Pleasant Fishing Lodge, each offering their own approach to guiding and hospitality. What unites them is access to the same extraordinary fishery and guides who have spent their lives mastering these waters.

The West Side and North Bight

The waters accessible from Cargill Creek include some of the most productive bonefishing habitat in the Bahamas. The West Side National Park, reached by boat through the bights and creeks that penetrate the island, offers miles of undeveloped flats where bonefish grow large and relatively unpressured.

The North Bight—a vast body of water separating Central and North Andros—provides diverse fishing opportunities from hard sand flats to softer marl bottoms to oceanside beaches. Guides from Cargill Creek know the daily movements of fish through this complex system, positioning anglers for success.

Community and Conservation

Cargill Creek maintains the character of a traditional Bahamian fishing settlement, with modest homes, small docks, and a pace of life tied to the tides. The economic importance of catch-and-release fly fishing has made residents strong advocates for marine conservation, protecting the resources that sustain both the community and visiting anglers.

Beyond fishing, the surrounding mangrove ecosystems support extraordinary birdlife and serve as nurseries for countless marine species. Conservation efforts here help preserve the broader ecological health of Andros Island.

Getting there

Cargill Creek is accessed via Andros Town Airport, which receives daily flights from Nassau. The drive from the airport takes approximately 20 minutes heading south on the Queen's Highway. Most fishing lodges arrange airport transfers for their guests. Some anglers arrive by private boat, anchoring in the protected waters of the creek.

Frequently asked questions

What makes the West Side fishing special?

The West Side National Park remains largely undeveloped with minimal fishing pressure, allowing bonefish to grow larger than average. The pristine habitat and remote location create fishing conditions rarely found elsewhere in the Bahamas.

How long does it take to reach the West Side flats?

Boat rides from Cargill Creek to the West Side typically range from 30 minutes to over an hour depending on the specific flats being fished. Guides navigate through the bights and creeks that connect the island's eastern and western shores.

Is Cargill Creek suitable for beginner fly anglers?

While the waters here hold trophy fish that challenge experienced anglers, guides are skilled at teaching beginners. The excellent visibility and fish populations provide good learning opportunities, though some basic casting ability is helpful.