South America as a Destination:

In my opinion there is no finer trout fishing destination in the world than Chile and Argentina. This statement is perhaps a bit bold but I feel this way for the following reasons:

*Winter in The United States means it is summertime in South America: The months of January, February and March are equivalent to the months of July, August and September in Montana. The main difference is that there are no crowds and the fishing is, by in large, more productive. Unless you can take more than one fishing trip per year, why go out West when you can go to South America during the wintertime?

* Variety & Diversity:  South America has wide diversity of water types in close proximity to each other. There are large rivers where one can drift and cast streamers, and spring creeks that will challenge the skilled angler. There are small rivers which are fun to fish and good confidence builders for beginners. It is possible to fish a different river everyday and not see another angler the whole week.

*Great Dry Fly Fishing: The dry fly fishing is superb and, more often than not, there are trout rising to mayflies, caddis flies, stoneflies and midges. In addition, the terrestrial fishing can be outrageous and big trout will inhale large hopper, beetle and Chernobyl style patterns.

* Some areas offer huge trout: Some places, particularly around lakes where rivers flow in and out (bocas), there are chances of catching the biggest trout of your life. For skilled anglers that enjoy streamer fishing it is very possible to catch a trout over 10 pounds, especially in the early (Nov) and late (April) seasons.

*Flying to there is Simple: South America is easy to get to, especially from the east coast. Flights depart in the early evening and arrive the next day in Buenos Aires or Santiago, and there is only a two-hour time difference. Depending on where you are fishing, you then take a two hour flight into Balmaceda, Puerto Mont, San Martin or Bariloche. In most cases, you will arrive in time to fish the evening hatch.  Very little fishing time is lost since you will be traveling during the evening hours. In simple terms, it is a 24 hour trip from New York or Boston to the lodge, with most of the travel during the evening hours. An extra day in Santiago and Buenos Aires makes the trip a little easier and certainly more cultural. We will help you with all the arrangements and consult you on what itinerary makes the most sense for your particular trip.

*Spectacular Scenery: The scenery is outrageously beautiful and the snow capped Andes are always making their presence known. There are gorgeous vistas around every corner and an angler realizes that it is not just the fishing that brought him here, but the complete angling experience. You will be immersed in a pure, unspoiled, wild setting that, simply put, is magnificent!

*Argentina and Chile are Relaxed, Cultural & Fun: In both countries people are kind, fun and have an easy going way about them. They are hard working, humble and extremely gracious. Life moves a little slower and everything is pushed back an hour or two. There are pisco sours, asados, pampas, gaucho's, condors, and a host of other things we don't hear of in North America. Put this all together and you have an unforgettable fishing vacation that will make a lasting impression.

Hosted Trips for 2009:

In January I will be hosting two trips in Argentina and in March (when the big fish move into the rivers from the lakes) I will be hosting two trips in Chile. Please disregard any previous dates that you may have seen from me via the mail or on my website. Group size not to exceed six (6) anglers per week, and deposits are due no later than August 1st, 2008. For more information please click on lodge locations, itineraries and the photo gallery. Better yet, give me a call to discuss! Each rate is based on double occupancy & two anglers per guide. Included are 7 nights lodging, 6 full days of guided fishing, all meals, beer/ wine, and all transfers. Airfare and gratuities are not included.

Jan 3rd – Jan 10th Junin de los Andes, Argentina
$4,550/Person
During this week you will enjoy staying in some of Argentina's most sought after fishing lodges, San Huberto on the Malleo & Collon Cura Lodge on the Rio Collon Cura. Both are large estancias (ranches) that give you private access to great fishing & are top shelf for privacy, comfort, cuisine and hospitality. You will be guided by some of the area's most experienced English speaking guides via drift boats and on foot. The dry fly fishing is superb at this time of year and aside from the Malleo, Collon Cura, and Chimehuin we may fish the Alumine' or Limay Medio. Note: These lodges are in high demand and fill up quickly. If you are interested please contact me ASAP.

Jan 10th – 17th Esquel Outfitters, Argentina
$3,550/Person
This week is for the more adventurous angler who wants to fish a variety of rivers. We will start our week fishing around Esquel, staying at a private estancia that Esquel Outfitters has exclusive access to. One day we will fish the fabulous Arroyo Pescado, which is a fish filled spring creek and the next the Guiljaina which is the lower section of the same river. Then we move down to the remote Rio Pico / Corcovado region which is home to brook trout and large browns and rainbows. Esquel Outfitters is one of the best outfitters in Patagonia, come see why.

March 14th – 21st Coyhaique, Chile
$2,800/Person
This is where many of my clients go for their first trip to Patagonia. It is the most cost effective of all the trips and the lodge is right on the banks of the Rio Simpson, with access to over a dozen rivers within one hour's drive of the lodge. There are small rivers to walk/wade and large rivers suitable for floating. Expect superb hospitality, excellent food, comfortable lodging and great fishing. Whatever your tastes are we can accommodate you at this location.

March 21 – 28th Martin Pescador Lodges near Chaiten, Chile
$4,850/Person
If having good chances at browns over 10 pounds and steelhead between 6-15 pounds is of interest, then you should come with me to these two beautiful lodges, one of which is on the magnificent Rio Yelcho and the other on the Rio Palena. You will also find rainbows that average about 18 inches in the back eddies of the mighty Yelcho, and we may have the opportunity to catch Chinook, silver and Atlantic salmon. We will fish three days in the Yelcho area and the last three days around the Palena. The lodges are luxurious, the food amazing, and the guides experienced. They have a fleet of different kinds of boats to fish this diverse fishery and you will find the snow caped peaks, virgin forests, volcanoes, and pristine rivers breathtaking.