Ikari House, Christmas Island fly fishing

THE IKARI HOUSE ADVANTAGE

IKARI MEANS BONEFISH

Ikari means bonefish, and the name speaks directly to the purpose of this locally owned lodge. We believe Ikari House is the strongest base on Christmas Island for anglers who value experienced guides, efficient daily logistics and comfortable accommodation close to the lagoon and launching beach.

Its location in London Village, also known locally as Ronton, involves a road transfer from Cassidy International Airport on arrival into CXI. That journey is made once. Each fishing day, the advantage is reversed: the launching bay is close, road time is short, and Ikari House’s own fast fibreglass boats can put anglers onto their chosen flats ahead of the slower orange pangas used by other lodges.

The fishing extends from the lagoon’s immense bonefish flats to giant and bluefin trevally, triggerfish and milkfish. When conditions allow, anglers can also ask their boatman to work beyond the breakers for tuna, wahoo and offshore GTs.

Ikari House has 12 air-conditioned ensuite rooms, daily room and laundry service, outdoor tackle storage and dedicated gear-rinsing areas. Cooked breakfasts, generous coffee and dinners in the lagoon-side maneaba are supported by an attentive local team. Isolation Outfitters also arranges additional touches including beer and wine with meals, fresh sashimi, occasional mantis shrimp and access to senior guides.

IKARI HOUSE PACKAGE

SEVEN NIGHTS AND SIX GUIDED FISHING DAYS

Ikari House operates Wednesday-to-Wednesday stays throughout the year. The current 2026 package is US$4,450 per angler, based on shared accommodation and two anglers per guide. The annual US$250 fishing licence is included. Fast-boat fuel charges, single-room accommodation and 1:1 guiding upgrades are additional where applicable.

HOSTED EXPEDITIONS

CHRISTMAS + FANNING · NOVEMBER 4 TO 18, 2026

Begin with Fanning Island’s remote GT fishery before travelling to CXI for a second week targeting bonefish, giant trevally and triggerfish based a Ikari House. Both trips are available as a one-week expedition to Christmas Island only.

View the November trip details.

CHRISTMAS + FANNING · MARCH 31 TO APRIL 14, 2027

Fish two very different Line Islands fisheries in one carefully coordinated expedition, with the Christmas Island portion based at Ikari House.

View the April trip details.

KIRITIMATI LAGOON AND OCEAN REEF

BONEFISH AND TREVALLY FROM IKARI HOUSE

THE FISHERY

Kiritimati is a vast coral atoll with an extraordinary network of lagoon flats, channels, reef edges and interior waters. Bonefish are the principal day-to-day target, encountered as singles, pairs and moving schools over pale sand, coral and darker-bottomed flats.

Giant and bluefin trevally patrol deeper channels, lagoon edges and areas where bait gathers. Triggerfish and milkfish add technically demanding sight-fishing, while tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi and additional trevally can be found beyond the breakers when the weather and ocean conditions permit.

Tides, moon phase, wind and cloud cover change how the atoll fishes rather than simply creating good or bad weeks. Some tides open extended wading opportunities for bonefish; others bring more water onto the flats and improve the chance of encountering moving GTs. The guides adjust the day around those conditions.

THE DAILY FISHING PROGRAM

After an early cooked breakfast and plenty of coffee, anglers prepare their equipment and make the short journey to Ikari House’s nearby launching beach. The lodge’s fast fibreglass boats provide efficient access across the lagoon and help the guide team reach productive water without losing a large part of the morning to road or boat travel.

Standard guiding is based on two anglers sharing one guide and boat, with 1:1 guiding available as an upgrade. Much of the fishing is conducted on foot after the boatman places each guide and pair of anglers onto a selected flat. Guides may move several times during the day as the tide, light and wind alter the available water.

A typical day combines dedicated bonefish fishing with opportunities for giant trevally, bluefin trevally and triggerfish. Anglers should keep suitable bonefish and GT outfits rigged so they can respond quickly when a larger fish appears. Packed lunch and cold drinking water travel with the boat.

Guests normally return to Ikari House during the mid-to-late afternoon. Equipment can be rinsed and stored outside the rooms before drinks, dinner and a discussion with the guide team about the following day. Offshore fishing may be possible by prior arrangement, but depends on conditions and requires appropriate tackle.

A TYPICAL WEDNESDAY-TO-WEDNESDAY WEEK

TUESDAY - INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Guests travelling through Honolulu normally depart on Tuesday and cross the International Date Line before reaching Kiritimati. Travellers from New Zealand, Australia and other South Pacific origins generally connect through Nadi. Isolation Outfitters will review the appropriate routing with you before flights are booked.

WEDNESDAY - ARRIVAL AT KIRITIMATI

Current schedules may bring Nadi-origin guests to Kiritimati earlier in the day, with Honolulu-origin guests arriving later. The Ikari House team meets arriving flights at Cassidy International Airport and transfers guests by road to London Village. After settling in, rods are assembled, equipment is checked and the fishing program is discussed. An additional arrival-day fishing opportunity may be possible for early-arriving guests.

THURSDAY TO TUESDAY - SIX GUIDED FISHING DAYS

Each morning begins with breakfast, guide allocation and a short transfer to the launching beach. Six guided days allow the program to move between different areas of the lagoon as tides, wind and visibility change. Evenings are spent at Ikari House, with dinner served in the maneaba and equipment prepared for the following day.

WEDNESDAY - DEPARTURE

Guests returning through Honolulu generally leave for the airport early and regain a calendar day when crossing the International Date Line. Nadi-bound travellers normally depart later and may have time for a final lagoon swim or optional morning fishing. Exact flight times and transfer arrangements are reconfirmed before travel.

IKARI HOUSE AT A GLANCE

LOCATION
London Village, also known as Ronton, on Kiritimati in the Republic of Kiribati. Cassidy International Airport is reached by road.

STAY
Wednesday arrival to Wednesday departure, with seven nights at Ikari House and six guided fishing days.

SEASON
Fishing is available throughout the year. Dates should be considered alongside tides, moon phase, seasonal weather and the angler’s preferred target species.

FISHING
Primarily walk-and-wade flats fishing with fast-boat transportation across the lagoon. Offshore fishing may be possible when conditions permit.

SPECIES
Bonefish, giant trevally, bluefin trevally, triggerfish and milkfish, with tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi and other pelagic species beyond the reef.

GUIDING
Two anglers per guide and boat as standard. A 1:1 guiding upgrade may be arranged subject to availability.

ACCOMMODATION
Twelve air-conditioned ensuite rooms with twin or king-bed configurations, daily room service, laundry, tackle storage and outdoor gear-rinsing areas.

DINING
Cooked breakfasts and evening meals in the lagoon-side maneaba. Isolation Outfitters bookings include additional meal and beverage arrangements such as beer, wine, fresh sashimi and mantis shrimp when available.

CURRENT 2026 PACKAGE
US$4,450 per angler based on shared accommodation and two anglers per guide. The 2026 annual fishing license is included (US$250). Fast-boat fuel charges and optional upgrades are additional where applicable.

Tackle for CXI

RODS:

  • 9’ 7 or 8 wt fly rod for bonefish

  • 9’ 9 wt rod for triggerfish/bluefin (optional)

  • 8’6” or 9’ 11/12 wt rod for giant trevally

REELS: Smooth ‘sealed drag’ reels matching rods, and bring a backup

LINES: Floating lines (bring a backup 11/12 wt line), plus optional intermediate or sink-tip lines if fishing deeper channels.

LEADERS & TIPPET: A 9-12 ft tapered leader of nylon monofilament (we use FC) in the 16-20 lb range with 12-16 lb tippet and 60-80 lb fluorocarbon nylon for giant trevally.

Bluewater: Pack your medium-heavy to heavy spinning rod (popper or stickbait), stout line and reel to enjoy an afternoon catching yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo and giant trevally with your guide and boatman just outside the lagoon.

Other Gear:

  • Breathable flats pants and good quality wading boots

  • Polarized sunglasses, cap & a wide-brimmed hat, suncream

  • Waterproof bum bag, and a day bag for the boat

  • Fly boxes, robust nippers/pliers, forceps, leader material

A full packing list is provided on booking confirmation.

A fishing rod resting on a pebbled beach with a body of water and a distant shoreline with palm trees in the background.

BOOKING, PREPARATION AND PRACTICAL DETAILS

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO IKARI HOUSE

WHAT YOUR WEEK INCLUDES

The standard package includes seven nights at Ikari House, six guided fishing days, shared accommodation, meals, drinking water, daily room service and laundry. Guiding is based on two anglers sharing a guide and boat.

Isolation Outfitters bookings also include beer and wine with meals and additional food arrangements such as fresh sashimi and mantis shrimp when available. The current 2026 package includes the US$250 annual Kiritimati fishing license.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

International flights to and from Cassidy International Airport are not included. Fast-boat fuel charges, gratuities, optional tours, private transfers and any itinerary changes requested outside the standard lodge arrangements are additional.

Anglers provide their own fly-fishing equipment. Conventional bluewater tackle is also excluded and should be brought or arranged separately if offshore fishing is planned.

SINGLE ANGLERS AND UPGRADES

Individual anglers are welcome. Standard pricing is based on shared accommodation and two anglers per guide and boat. Single-room accommodation and 1:1 guiding may be arranged for an additional charge, subject to availability.

Tell us your preferred room and guiding arrangement when enquiring so that availability and the complete cost can be confirmed before you book.

SKILL, WADING AND PREPARATION

You do not need to be an experienced saltwater angler, and the guides will help with presentation, fish identification and technique. You should, however, be able to cast confidently in variable wind and handle the heavier flies and rods used for trevally.

Most fishing is conducted on foot. Anglers should be comfortable wading sand, coral and uneven lagoon terrain in warm conditions. Tell us about any mobility or medical considerations before booking so that the most appropriate program can be discussed.

CLIMATE, HEALTH AND CONNECTIVITY

Kiritimati has a warm, humid tropical climate, with daytime temperatures generally between 82 and 90°F (28–32°C). Brief rain showers and stronger trade winds can occur throughout the year. Bring effective sun protection, a light rain layer, suitable flats footwear and a waterproof day bag.

Wi-Fi is available at Ikari House, and Vodafone prepaid SIM cards can be purchased locally. Connectivity on a remote atoll can vary, so guests who require independent communication may wish to carry a satellite messenger.

BOOKING, PAYMENT AND INSURANCE

A 50% deposit confirms the booking, with the remaining balance due 90 days before departure. Prices are quoted in US Dollars and remain fixed once the booking has been confirmed by receipt of the deposit. Payment can be arranged through our United States or New Zealand bank accounts, or by major credit card.

Comprehensive travel insurance, including appropriate medical-evacuation cover, is required. Any additional transfers, specialist equipment or itinerary changes arranged on your behalf will be confirmed and invoiced separately.

FOR BOOKINGS & ENQUIRES

USA & CANADA Toll Free +1 (888) 404 1390

Bozeman MT +1 (406) 404-2419
Wānaka, NZ +64 (27) 223-6796
Mendoza, ARG +54 9261 546 5084

Email: hi@isolationoutfitters.com

  • Beachside scene at dusk with sandy beach, trees, a thatched roof structure, and faint lights in the background.

    IKARI HOUSE

  • Exterior view of an outdoor seating area with chairs, tables, potted plants, and a tree, illuminated by warm sunset light.

    Outdoor Rinsing Area

  • Empty indoor community hall or meeting space with a tiled floor, a water cooler, a table with chairs, and a water dispenser. There are lattice dividers, a map on the wall, and a door leading outside.

    Maneaba

  • A round white table with four white chairs on a sandy beach, overlooking the ocean under a blue sky with some clouds. Some leaves cast shadows on the table.

    BEACHFRONT VIEWS

  • saltwater angler and guide on the flats at Christmas Island as weather passes over

    Endless Flats

  • southflyfisher poses with a giant trevally in Christmas Island ,Kiribati

    BLUEFIN TREVALLY

  • Several small white boats are on a sandy beach, with some people preparing to take them out on the water. The beach has white sand and a few rocks, with a backdrop of calm blue ocean and a cloudy sky.

    FAST BOATS

  • A man standing in shallow water holding a large fish with a pale body and silvery scales.

    TARGET SPECIES

  • A bedroom with a bed covered in a vibrant yellow and red floral blanket and a stuffed animal resembling a lion on top. There are two chairs with maroon cushions near the wall, a window with patterned curtains showing trees outside, and a door leading outside. A framed black and white photo of a person holding a large fish hangs on the wall.

    BEACHFRONT BEDROOM

  • A hotel room with two beds, a colorful bedspread, a towel animal on the bed, a painting of a beach scene, a small nightstand, and a black shelving unit.

    DOUBLE BEDROOM

  • A tropical beach with white sand, clear turquoise water, palm trees, and a boat near the shore, under a partly cloudy sky.

    WHITE SAND BEACHES

  • Two men on a boat holding a large fish, with blue ocean and sky in the background.

    GIANT TREVALLY

  • A man wearing sunglasses, a hat, and fishing gear standing in shallow ocean water holding a large fish with a light-colored body and dark markings near its face and tail.

    THOSE TRIGGERS!

  • Man holding a large fish while standing in shallow water, smiling, wearing sunglasses, a white long-sleeve shirt, a baseball cap, and a neck gaiter, with a blue sky and clouds in the background.

    Guide holds a solid Geet

  • Two people walking along a body of clear turquoise water near a sandy shoreline with a cloudy sky above.

    PARIS FLATS

  • RELAX AFTER FISHING

  • Aerial view of a large body of water with an elongated island or sandbar running through it. The water varies in color from turquoise to deeper blue, with some areas reflecting sunlight. A small boat is visible near the island, and landmasses can be seen in the distance.

    Fast boat on the flats

  • A tropical island with white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and lush green palm trees under a cloudy sky, with a small boat near the shore.

    Fly Fishing Heaven

PLAN AROUND THE WATER

CHOOSE YOUR CHRISTMAS ISLAND WEEK

Christmas Island fishes throughout the year, but the character of each week changes with the moon, tidal range, time of high water and prevailing conditions. The best dates depend on whether your priority is bonefish, giant trevally or a balanced week across several species.

BONEFISH-FOCUSED WEEKS
Moderate and neap tides can provide longer, steadier periods for walking the flats and sight-fishing bonefish. We look for incoming water during useful daylight hours, with enough time to fish carefully rather than chase a short tidal window.

HOW WE SELECT YOUR DATES

We consider more than the moon phase. Tide height and timing, daylight, wind direction, group experience and the species you most want to pursue all influence our recommendation. Tell us what matters most and we will compare the available weeks before you commit.

VIEW MOON PHASES AND TIDE TIMES

ASK US TO RECOMMEND A WEEK

GIANT TREVALLY WEEKS
Larger spring tides around the new and full moon create stronger water movement through channels, reef edges and lagoon entrances. These weeks can produce excellent GT opportunities, although the prime windows may be shorter and demand quicker decisions.

BALANCED FLATS WEEKS
Transitional tides can support a varied program combining bonefish, GTs, bluefin trevally and triggerfish. These dates often suit anglers who want flexibility rather than building the entire week around one species or tidal event.