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Coyhaique Area Rio Baker Area Rio Paloma Area Rio Picacho Area Chuco Lodge Junin de los Andes Area Esquel / Choila Area

LODGE LOCATIONS

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Coyhaique Area/Chile (www.lapasarela.cl) & (www.heartofpatagonia.com)

We represent two lodges in this area. One is La Pasarela which is very close to town and rests on the banks of the Rio Simpson. This lodge is ideally located and gives anglers a variety of angling choice as there are rivers and lakes in all directions from the lodge. The name Coyhaique literally means "meeting of rivers" in the native tongue. Our head guide, Claudio Ramos, is one of the best, most personable guides I know and he partners with several other excellent guides to accommodate for groups up to 8 anglers. The second lodge is Heart of Patagonia Lodge which is more remote and is very close to the confluence of the Rio Simpson and Rio Manihuales. There might not be as much angling choice from this location but it is closer to the rivers you are most likely to fish, particularly if you want to float, and offers a more comfortable, intimate setting. Within an hour's drive of either lodge there are dozens of rivers that are loaded with wild brown and rainbow trout that are eager to take a fly. Some are small, intimate streams that support large populations of native trout that range in size from 10-17 inches, while others, such as the lower Simpson, Manihuales and Aisen, are large freestone rivers that harbor trophy trout. For the angler who wants to fish a different river everyday, this is your place. The angling options in this area are varied and spectacular and our lodge puts you right in the center of it all. The Rio Simpson offers some of the best "match the hatch" dry fly fishing of any river in Chile. As an added bonus, despite the fact that there are several lodge operations in this area, it is unlikely that you will see another fisherman, especially when on foot in some of the "lesser known" streams and tributaries. Keep in mind it is very possible to combine this area with the Rio Baker area which is about a 4 hour drive.

 

Rio Baker Area/Chile

The Rio Baker is a huge river that supports an incredible population of rainbow trout that average 16-17 inches with many in the 19-24 inch range. Mostly they are not difficult to catch and can be seen feeding on dries and caddis pupa in huge back eddies. Some of the larger fish provide challenging dry fly fishing in quiet waters near shore. There are also large gravel bars with productive down stream riffles where a good nymph fisherman can have a field day. The lodge in this area is gorgeous and sits on one of the largest lakes in South America. The fishing in front of the lodge is excellent and there are both trophy browns and rainbows to be caught in a large channel that runs for a short distance between two lakes. In addition to the Rio Baker, and the fishing in front of the lodge, there is a technical river that fishes much like a spring creek. The fishing can be tough here but the rewards are great and it supports huge browns and rainbows that range in size from 4-10 pounds. Keep in mind it is very possible to combine fishing in this area with the Coyhaique area by means of a 4 hour drive.

 

Rio Paloma/Chile (www.palomariverlodge.com)

To get to Paloma River Lodge you fly into Balmaceda and will be picked up by a representative of the lodge. This is a newly renovated facility overlooks the Rio Paloma and the fishing is superb right in front of the lodge. Head guide, Felipe, is and extremely capable and charming guide who knows his fishery well. Known for its terrestrial fishing, the Paloma is a gin clear river with a fantastic population of good sized brown and rainbow trout. The Paloma has every kind of water type you could ask for. There are canyon sections, long runs, pocket water, undercut banks, structure, and numerous channels and braids. The river and lodge surroundings are some of the most beautiful in all of Chile. There are excellent fishing choices here with several very productive small streams, a spring creek, numerous lakes and river mouths. Aside from the fishing, you will get a feeling of remoteness and are not likely to see other fishermen. The meals prepared by the lodge staff are magnificent and the deserts delicious. Paloma River Lodge caters to small groups of 4 to 6 anglers so you will get superior service in an intimate setting. The rooms are single occupancy, with the exception of couples, and each has its own private bath.

 

Rio Picacho Area/Chile (www.picacholodge.com)

This is the most remote lodge that I know of in Chile. After landing in Balmaceda, you will be greeted by the staff and transferred to the lodge via a 4x4 vehicle and then by a 40 min boat ride down the Rio Picacho. The lodge sits on a bend in the river and you will be surrounded by virgin forests, gin clear water, majestic mountains and there are no other operations even close. The Picacho guides are intimate with the rivers, lakes, and Laguna's (ponds) of the area and some of the most professional I have met in Chile. In addition to the main lodge which is extremely comfortable and luxurious, the owner had built a modest facility located on the upper Manihuales or Manny. This location gives anglers quick access to a host of different rivers and streams, making it possible to move around in order to find the best fishing. There is also a very comfortable spike camp located at the mouth (boca) of Rio Roosevelt where it enters into Lago Roosevelt. For those anglers that are looking for complete isolation and want to get away from civilization for awhile, this is the place. Aside from the remoteness, the fishing in this area is fantastic. You will have several rivers to walk and wade, several to float, and tremendous lake fishing where big browns will inhale mouse patterns. You will be treated to superb wines and fine gourmet meals by a very gracious and courteous staff.

Lago Yelcho Area/Chile www.chucaolodge.cl

The operation I have chosen to service this magnificent area has two first class lodges that are strategically located, giving you a variety of fishing options and diversity. The owner of the lodge is Gonzalo Cortes who wrote the book, "Fly Fishing in Chilean Patagonia." The fact that he has chosen this area to base his two lodges is significant. The first lodge is on the boca of the Rio Yelcho which is the perfect place to start any float trip on the Yelcho River and gives you immediate access to the unbelievable dry fly fishing on Lago Yelcho. The second lodge is on Lago Rosselot and right next to the beautiful and productive Palena and Figueroa rivers. There is no way you can even come close to fishing all these waters in a week but it is nice to know that you have options. Gonzalo has several kinds of specially designed boats for fishing the lakes and rivers of this region. For the angler that enjoys targeting large fish (4-15 pounds) with streamers this is a great place for that pursuit. There are also places where dry fly enthusiasts can sight fish to pods of rainbows in the 16-24 inch range that are sipping insects all day long in some of the rivers back eddies. Aside from the fantastic fishing, the setting could not be more breathtaking and you will be surrounded by virgin forests, glaciers, and volcanoes. The food, service and hospitality are in keeping with most of the lodges in Patagonia....it is outstanding!

 

Bariloche & Junin de los Andes Area/Argentina www.outfitterspatagonia.com & www.chimelodge.com

Bariloche is the starting point for most fishing trips to Junin and Esquel and has several good rivers to fish with in close proximity to this picturesque ski town. Rivers like the Limay and Manso, as well as several lakes are great places to begin any fishing adventure. The Junin area has great fishing diversity and an abundance of rivers to choose from.   Rivers like the Collon Cura, Alumine, Chimehuin, Caleufu, and Malleo will be on the menu, and there is a variety of places to stay. We work with two different operations to service this magnificent area, and where you fish and stay will depend on your interests and budget. There are several high end lodges with private river access such as San Huberto Lodge on the Malleo (www.sanhubertolodge.com.ar), Tipiliuke Lodge on the Chimehun (www.tipiliuke.com), and Estancia Quemquemtreu on the Collon Cura (www.quemquemtreu.com). All of these lodges provide the utmost in hospitality, accommodations, cuisine and fine wine. Any combination of lodges, small hotels, and camping can be arranged on a given week. Martin Caranza's brand new (Chime Lodge) , on the banks of the upper Chimehuin, is another great option. From this lodge you can fish all the rivers mentioned above and return home each day to a great meal and comfortable bed. For more hard core anglers who want to put in long days with some of the area's most talented, younger guides, I recommend Martin Freedman's Outfitters Patagonia (www.outfitterspatagonia.com). His operation is top notch in all respects and if you like to float and camp there is no better option. Camping allows you to fish remote areas and put in longer fishing days. Regardless of where you stay you will find the Junin area reminiscent of the American West. The weather is more reliable here and receives less rainfall than other parts of Patagonia and the dry fly fishing is superb.

 

Esquel/Choila Area/Argentina (www.esqueloutfitters.com)

There is no question that the team of guides and staff employed by Esquel Outfitters is one of the best I have seen in Patagonia.   They are a professional organization that is 100% focused on insuring the well being of its guests. They fish a huge cross section of rivers and lakes over a large geographic area, so where you fish and stay will depend on your interests as an angler. Choices are varied and include the Rio Pico/Corcovado region, the Esquel Region, and the rivers around Cholila and Los Alerces National Park. You could spend three (3) weeks fishing with Esquel Outfitters and not repeat a river or lake the whole time. In addition to the excellent lodges utilized, you will also have the opportunity to do some first class camping. Some of the rivers you might fish include the Rivadavia, Nant Y Fall, Rio Frey, Carrileufu, Futalafu (Rio Grande), Chubut, Guiljiana, Arroyo Pescado, Corcovado and Rio Pico. The lakes and rivers around Los Alerces National Park near Cholila provide stunning scenery you are not likely to forget. The trout will range in size for 12-24 inches, depending on where you are fishing and the land locked salmon in the Carrileufu are an added bonus and a great deal of fun if you are lucky enough to catch one. All the lodges are well maintained, fully staffed and provide superb meals and top shelf wines. Estancia El Vira is a massive working ranch with more than 20 miles of exclusive access to the Guiljiana river which is known for it superb dry fly fishing.

 

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