Patagonia is a fly fisherman’s dream with miles of rivers and streams and countless lakes full of wild trout eager to take a fly. Most of the waters see very few anglers each year, and there are still places where the fish have never seen a fly before. The fishery is comprised of brown trout, rainbows, and some brookies. All of these inland waters were originally fishless until European settlers brought the eggs over in the early 1900’s. The most productive flyfishing methods are with dry flies and streamers. Nymph fishing is very productive but usually not necessary.
The Patagonia fly fishing opportunity offers several advantages over other trout fishing destinations. It is economical in comparison to many other trips and places. The unspoiled beauty of the land and unmolested nature of the water is very refreshing. The volume of water is such that that you may fish new streams and lakes each year and after several years, there are still new waters to explore. The people are among the friendliest in the world. Travel there and back is very comfortable and safe from the U.S. Since we are traveling mostly longitudinally, the jet lag is minimal. There is only two hours difference in time between EST and South America. We like the flights from Atlanta, Ga. to Santiago, Chile or Buenos Aires, Argentina the best. It is a winter escape, since January and February are summer in Patagonia.
The Fishing
The fishing can only be described as awesome. All of the trout are wild, and average fish size is large. The fish are very aggressive. The streams and rivers hold a variety of aquatic insects. Some rivers contain the pancora crab as a food source and the model for the Chilean Bugger. Many different beetles and grass hoppers encourage surface feeding in the summer for large foam flies. More familiar mayfly and caddisflies are also prevalent in many waters.
Our flyfishing excursions take place in a variety of areas from northern to southern Patagonia. The geography ranges from the pampas to the rugged Andes and coastal mountains in the west. Both climate and geography can change from coastal rainforest to arid high mountain desert to pampas in just a short travel range. Chile is slightly larger than twice the size of Montana. The Aisen region of Chile is approximately 45 degrees south latitude, which is about the same latitude south as the state of Wyoming is north.
Equipment
We recommend clothing for three seasons, for three days. Bring a day’s clothing for a hot summer day. A day’s garb for spring or fall, and a day of clothing for a cold winter day. Between these three wardrobes you can mix and match for perfect comfort. Bring nylon, because it dries quickly when wet or washed and is lightweight for travel. The lodges will wash for you once during midweek. It is summertime in Patagonia which is somewhat like our western summers which can start off cool in the morning and become warm during the day. However, almost every week will see some cool and wet weather. Bring good quality waders and rain gear, headgear, fishing gloves and polarized eye wear. For rods, bring a six or seven weight with a floating line as your main rod. A five weight for smaller waters and a seven or eight weight for larger waters, flies, or wind is also a good idea. Bring at least one rod and a spare. We recommend three rods, based around the six or seven weight of your preference. Sink tips can work great but are not a requirement unless concentrating on lakes. Leaders should be 9ft, 0-4x. The guides usually supply the flies, but you may also want to bring your own. I am happy to share my pattern choices of terrestrials, dries, streamers, attractors, etc. The photos here are taken by members from our trips.
Chile and Argentina are considered democratic republics with a president. Chile is divided into 16 regions with the capital city being Santiago. The countries population is 16 million with 4 million being in Santiago. Argentina is comprised of 23 provinces with the capitol being Buenos Aires. The countries population is 45 million with 15 million being in Buenos Aires. The primary religion of both is Catholicism. The language is Spanish with a high level of fluency in English.
Pristine Fishing Areas in Patagonia
There are many great fishing areas in Patagonia. So many that it would be very difficult to fish them all in a lifetime. Here is a list of areas that we have current experience with. The list grows every year as we add a new Patagonian destination annually.
San Martin – Argentina, Junín de los Andes – Argentina, Lago Strobel – Argentina, Rio/Lago El Capitan – Argentina, Lonquimay – Chile, Lago Yelcho – Chile, Coyhaique – Chile, Cerra Castillo – Chile, Baker/ Cochran – Chile, Chacabuco – Chile, Puerto Natales – Chile, Tiera Del Fuego – Chile.
Trip Costs
Over the course of over 20 years, we have put together one of the best Patagonia fly fishing excursion offerings available. We will typically host 2-3 different one-week trips at 2-3 different locations in Patagonia during the months of January and February. Each of these hosted trips will have 6-12 slots available. We can also act as your state side concierge to arrange your own trip for you with one of our lodge partners. The average cost per person based on double occupancy is $6500. The cost includes seven nights of lodging and six days of guided fishing, meals, laundry service, and transport to and from the airport. It is basically all inclusive except for the air travel, fishing license, and tip. We have designed a payment schedule that spreads the total trip cost over the year if booked during early spring. We typically solicit and book trips during March – May, taking a 50% lodge deposit. Then during midsummer, we will book the International flight. During late summer/fall we will book the low-cost domestic flight to our destination. Lastly, we send in the remaining 50% lodge balance during December – January.
Airfare and Transportation
Round trip airfare is economical if reservations are made in advance. Summer in the US typically see the lowest fares of the year for the international flight. Expect $2000 - $2800 for roundtrip airfare. We watch flights weekly. We assist with the recommendations for both the International and domestic flights. Since we have made this trip many times and continue to do so annually, we are here to assist in all phases of your trip planning and execution.
Patagonia Fishing Trip Itinerary
A typical itinerary would be to fly out of Hartsfield airport in Atlanta around 9:00 p.m. on a Friday night and arrive in Santiago at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. Pass customs, eat breakfast and catch a 3-hour connecting flight to our destination in Chile. Our guides meet us at the airport and take us to the lodge. Arrival time is about 4:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon. Saturday afternoon is spent relaxing and discussing and planning the next day’s adventure. There are several itinerary variations for this trip depending on the destination. Departing the US on Thursday evening and overnighting in one of the cities or towns before you go to the lodge has become increasingly attractive giving a time for rest and eliminating tight flight connections. Fishing begins on Sunday morning for the next six days. You and your guide will develop a custom itinerary based on your preferences. You can fish as long or short as you wish, go as far or near as you want. There are unlimited possibilities. One of the usual mixes is to split the six days between two days of drift fishing, two days of wading, and two days of lake fishing from the jet boats. The following Saturday morning, you make the trip home in reverse. We arrive in the US around 7:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. If you are within a few hours’ drive time of Atlanta, this whole adventure can be accomplished by only missing one week of work, Monday through Friday. There are also many other air travel options and other routes. A 50% deposit confirms your trip. Deposits are refundable 90 days prior to trip time. Within 90 days of trip time deposits are refundable if we can refill your spot. We recommend travel insurance if your schedule may be uncertain and Global Rescue if you have health concerns. Both are economical and we can assist you with procurement.
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