The Chimehuin River is the most famous of all Patagonia Trout Rivers. The Chimehuin is ground zero for traveling fly anglers in Patagonia since 1960. Spanning 50-miles from Lago Huechulafquen to the Rio Alumine, the best place to fish the Chimehuin is the private access water of Tipiliuke Lodge on the Estancia Cerro de los Pinos.
What’s Included?
All services by Angler Adventures are FREE
Lodge accomodations
Meals, including beer and wine with dinner
Experienced fishing guides
Transfers to and from Gallegos Airport
Enjoy the most exclusive lodge in Rio Gallegos, situated just 5 minutes from the river. Stay in one of five private suites, dine on locally-raised beef and lamb prepared by the Lodge Chef, and relish the curated wine selection during your stay.
Customized itinerary for your best fishing experience
Guided Horseback Riding
Golfing at Chapelco Golf Club
Birding (San Martín de los Andes has 189 species)
Gourmet Food Experience (tasting and cooking)
Photography Workshop (Eliseo Miciu)
Hiking and Climbing
Outstanding dry fly fishing thoughtout the season
Available for booking NOW
Photos from our recent adventure with Bella Vista Lodge
Explore the Lodges
in beautiful Patagonia, Argentia
Rio Collon Cura & Collon Cura Lodge
To fish the remote private water, the best water on the Collon Cura, clients stay at Collon Cura Lodge. From mid-January to mid-March, small bait fish migrate into the Collon Cura and the trout feed on them voraciously. Mixed with inch worms and evening caddis hatches, the Collon Cura can produce some incredible fishing. The lodge is not as charming and picturesque as some, but what you are buying here is location, location, location.
Scenic
Arroyo Verde
Arroyo Verde is an elegant lodge located on the Traful, the premier landlocked Atlantic salmon river in Patagonia. The river runs 10 miles through the valley, and it has some of the most spectacular views of any Patagonian river!
Record fish are an 18-lb. salmon, a 16-lb. brown and a 23-lb. rainbow! The lodge, which is a traditional estancia in a magnificent Andean valley, was called by Forbes Magazine: “the finest fishing lodge in the world, period!” Three or four days at this unique lodge, wading this marvelous river, will challenge your fly-fishing skills, and invite you to contemplate the extraordinary scenery. The food and wine served at Arroyo Verde rival any great restaurant in the world!
Best in Forbes
Filo Lodge
Filo Lodge, located on the Filo Hua Hum River, takes just 8 clients at a time. This elegant lodge is located in a spectacular remote setting, which ensures privacy and little angling pressure.
The Filo Hua Hum, a tributary of the Caleufu River, runs for approximately 7 miles between two lakes and offers fantastic dry fly fishing, beginning with dragonflies in January. This river holds fish that average 16-20″, up to 10 pounds!
Much of the fishing is sight fishing. This is not a place to catch great numbers of trout, it’s a place to stalk and catch several good sized fish a day, that are used to looking up and taking dry flies.
The Chimehuin River is the most famous of all Patagonia Trout Rivers. In fact, it’s considered to be responsible for putting Argentine trout fishing on the
The Malleo River is considered by many trout fisherman to be an almost perfect trout stream. The Malleo is a moderate size freestone river comprised of
Tres Rios Lodge is located just south of the junction where the Chimehuin and the Aluminé Rivers join to form the Collon Cura River. The traditionally styled lodge is a new building
More about Tipiliuke Lodge and the famous Chimehuin
Nine miles of the Chimehuin River and seven miles of the Chimehuin’s top tributary, the Quilquihue, create more than 16-miles of private access to ideal trout water that flows though Tipiliuke’s property. The Chimehuin is a moderate grade freestone river that can be compared in size to the Madison or Yellowstone Rivers. The Chimehuin has an amazing variety of waters, most allowing fly fishermen to easily wade the cobblestone riverbed while sight fishing for wild Rainbow and Brown Trout averaging 16 – 20 inches with fish in the 21 – 24 inch range being common. There are trophy trout available, up to 30 inches, that can be specifically targeted with streamers or large attractor style dries. While streamers and nymphs are effective, the Fly Fishing Andes guides’ passion is catching trout on dry flies. Alberto Cordero with a nice Brown Trout landed on a dry fly.
The Quilquihue is a smaller river than the Chimehuin with a steeper gradient creating faster currents, which is more challenging to wade. The Quilquihue offers excellent dry fly fishing, trout of surprising size, and lots of shaded water. In addition to fishing the Quilquihue, there is a man-made spring creek that runs through a pasture on the property and joins the Chimehuin. The creek was created from an underground channel of the Chimehuin, a pond, and an underground spring and has been evolving into an unique and reliable fishery since it was completed in 2006.
Tipiliuke Lodge is one of the premier hosterias in Argentina and is a favorite among trout fisherman staying in Patagonia. The lodge is set in the heart of the 48,000-acre Cerro de los Pinos’ Estancia (ranch) at the foot of the Andes mountain range and conveniently located near the city of San Martín de los
Andes (12 min. drive from Chapelco airport). Tipiliuke’s luxury accommodations, excellent food, and personalized service makes the lodge a great place for non-anglers as well as fishermen.
Tipiliuke LodgeThe Estancia includes a number of buildings: Tipiliuke Lodge, old barns, a chapel and several family houses, which are beautiful and unique in their traditional and rustic Argentine architecture. Tipiliuke Lodge has 9 comfortable bedrooms for 18 guests (each with a private bathroom), a living room, dining room and cozy bar. While the lodge can accommodate 18 guests, they limit the number of anglers to a maximum of 10 anglers at any one time. Tipiliuke Lodge offers 220-volt electricity, domestic and international telephone service, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access, authentic refined cuisine and knowledgeable personalized assistance.
Tipiliuke Lodge is surrounded by a 15-acre tree sanctuary with close to 2000 different species of trees from all over the world and miles of the Chimehuin and Quilquihue Rivers. The sanctuary creates an oasis of shade in the barren basalt hills of the surrounding area. Guests will often enjoy their lunch outside, surrounded by the trees’ shade. The closest pool is only 600 yards from Tipiliuke, making fishing during the mid-day break or the evening rise on the Chimehuin an easy walk from the lodge. Natural and Immitation Dry Flies
Alberto Cordero and the Fly Fishing Andes staff of guides have extensive experience fishing the private-access water of the Chimehuin and the Quilquihue on the Estancia Tipilikue. These professional English-speaking guides are experts taking the rivers browns and rainbows on dry flies, as well utilizing nymphs and streamers for big trout. Combining the fabled rivers and top guides from Fly Fishing Andes with the accommodations, food, wine and setting of Tipiliuke is sure to create a truly unforgettable experience for anglers and non-anglers alike.
Included in the rate: Pick up and return to Chapelco Airport in San Martin; daily guided fishing; accommodations; all meals, wine and non-alcoholic drinks during meals, open bar with assorted national liquor and beverages, use of the lodge’s private access waters, internet access; fishing license and taxes.
Not included in the rate: Airfare; departure taxes; transfers; hotels and meals in Buenos Aires (if required); laundry, tips to guides, tips to lodge staff, phone calls, tackle; flies and waders.
Bella Vista Lodge offers 50 kms of double-bank private access fishing. Giant sea-run trout as well as some of the finest dry-fly brown trout fishing on the intimate Gallegos Chico are highlights while staying in unparalleled luxury at this lodge.
What’s Included?
All services by Angler Adventures are FREE
Lodge accomodations
Meals, including beer and wine with dinner
Experienced fishing guides
Transfers to and from Gallegos Airport
We’ve put together the perfect itinerary. Time to book your trip!
Customized itinerary for your best fishing experience
Exclusive, private estancias offer plentiful fish and low competition
Favorable weather conditions year-round
Open November through May
Outstanding dry fly fishing thoughtout the season
Available for booking NOW
Enjoy the most exclusive lodge in Rio Gallegos, situated just 5 minutes from the river. Stay in one of five private suites, dine on locally-raised beef and lamb prepared by the Lodge Chef, and relish the curated wine selection during your stay.
Photos from our recent adventure with Bella Vista Lodge
Explore the Lodges
in beautiful Patagonia, Argentia
Rio Collon Cura & Collon Cura Lodge
To fish the remote private water, the best water on the Collon Cura, clients stay at Collon Cura Lodge. From mid-January to mid-March, small bait fish migrate into the Collon Cura and the trout feed on them voraciously. Mixed with inch worms and evening caddis hatches, the Collon Cura can produce some incredible fishing. The lodge is not as charming and picturesque as some, but what you are buying here is location, location, location.
Scenic
Arroyo Verde
Arroyo Verde is an elegant lodge located on the Traful, the premier landlocked Atlantic salmon river in Patagonia. The river runs 10 miles through the valley, and it has some of the most spectacular views of any Patagonian river!
Record fish are an 18-lb. salmon, a 16-lb. brown and a 23-lb. rainbow! The lodge, which is a traditional estancia in a magnificent Andean valley, was called by Forbes Magazine: “the finest fishing lodge in the world, period!” Three or four days at this unique lodge, wading this marvelous river, will challenge your fly-fishing skills, and invite you to contemplate the extraordinary scenery. The food and wine served at Arroyo Verde rival any great restaurant in the world!
Best in Forbes
Filo Lodge
Filo Lodge, located on the Filo Hua Hum River, takes just 8 clients at a time. This elegant lodge is located in a spectacular remote setting, which ensures privacy and little angling pressure.
The Filo Hua Hum, a tributary of the Caleufu River, runs for approximately 7 miles between two lakes and offers fantastic dry fly fishing, beginning with dragonflies in January. This river holds fish that average 16-20″, up to 10 pounds!
Much of the fishing is sight fishing. This is not a place to catch great numbers of trout, it’s a place to stalk and catch several good sized fish a day, that are used to looking up and taking dry flies.
The Chimehuin River is the most famous of all Patagonia Trout Rivers. In fact, it’s considered to be responsible for putting Argentine trout fishing on the
The Malleo River is considered by many trout fisherman to be an almost perfect trout stream. The Malleo is a moderate size freestone river comprised of
Tres Rios Lodge is located just south of the junction where the Chimehuin and the Aluminé Rivers join to form the Collon Cura River. The traditionally styled lodge is a new building
Fly Fishing Andes offers miles upon miles of private access water on multi-thousand acre estancias (ranches). Large Rainbow and Brown Trout (and landlocked salmon on certain rivers) are actively feeding and present the wonderful challenge we all love.
Where do you want to go?
Choose from lodges and rivers in the San Martin and Junin del los Andes region.
Customized itinerary for your best fishing experience
Exclusive, private estancias offer plentiful fish and low competition
Favorable weather conditions year-round
Open November through May
Outstanding dry fly fishing thoughtout the season
Available for booking NOW
You’ll lodge and dine in very comfortable accommodations with private bath and enjoy professional, English-speaking fly fishing guides, the finest Argentine wines and exceptional meals with uniformed service personnel to cater to your every need. This is very civilized fishing!
Photos from our recent adventure with Fly Fishing Andes
Explore the Lodges
in beautiful Patagonia, Argentia
Rio Collon Cura & Collon Cura Lodge
To fish the remote private water, the best water on the Collon Cura, clients stay at Collon Cura Lodge. From mid-January to mid-March, small bait fish migrate into the Collon Cura and the trout feed on them voraciously. Mixed with inch worms and evening caddis hatches, the Collon Cura can produce some incredible fishing. The lodge is not as charming and picturesque as some, but what you are buying here is location, location, location.
Scenic
Arroyo Verde
Arroyo Verde is an elegant lodge located on the Traful, the premier landlocked Atlantic salmon river in Patagonia. The river runs 10 miles through the valley, and it has some of the most spectacular views of any Patagonian river!
Record fish are an 18-lb. salmon, a 16-lb. brown and a 23-lb. rainbow! The lodge, which is a traditional estancia in a magnificent Andean valley, was called by Forbes Magazine: “the finest fishing lodge in the world, period!” Three or four days at this unique lodge, wading this marvelous river, will challenge your fly-fishing skills, and invite you to contemplate the extraordinary scenery. The food and wine served at Arroyo Verde rival any great restaurant in the world!
Best in Forbes
Filo Lodge
Filo Lodge, located on the Filo Hua Hum River, takes just 8 clients at a time. This elegant lodge is located in a spectacular remote setting, which ensures privacy and little angling pressure.
The Filo Hua Hum, a tributary of the Caleufu River, runs for approximately 7 miles between two lakes and offers fantastic dry fly fishing, beginning with dragonflies in January. This river holds fish that average 16-20″, up to 10 pounds!
Much of the fishing is sight fishing. This is not a place to catch great numbers of trout, it’s a place to stalk and catch several good sized fish a day, that are used to looking up and taking dry flies.
The Chimehuin River is the most famous of all Patagonia Trout Rivers. In fact, it’s considered to be responsible for putting Argentine trout fishing on the
The Malleo River is considered by many trout fisherman to be an almost perfect trout stream. The Malleo is a moderate size freestone river comprised of
Tres Rios Lodge is located just south of the junction where the Chimehuin and the Aluminé Rivers join to form the Collon Cura River. The traditionally styled lodge is a new building
Take a trout fishing expedition in Patagonia with Angler Adventures
Argentina is one of the top destinations to fly fish for trout. Angler Adventures represents lodges from Esquel to Junin del los Andes with Bariloche in the middle. This region represents the best trout fishing Argentina has to offer, including extensive wade and float fishing options – much of it on private estancias (ranches).
Jorge Graziosi has been guiding in Patagonia Argentina since 1968, first under the name Safaris Acuaticos and more recently as Arroyo Claro Lodge, which he opened 1999. In 2006, Jorge
Fly Fishing Andes offers miles upon miles of private access water on multi-thousand acre estancias (ranches), where you might never see another angler during your fishing
The Limay River Lodge is the first and only lodge on the incomparable Middle Limay River. The lodge opened in November 2014 and created easy access to a
Tecka Lodge is a unique fishing property, holding more than 90-miles of fishable private water inside of 435,000 acres. It’s hard to imagine a scenario better
Rio Grande Salmon fishermen, steelheaders, or anyone keen to pursue “overstuffed, energized anadramous torpedoes” should head to Southern Argentina this winter. Angler Adventures represents Kau Tapen
Dave and Christine Decker’s Complete Fly Fisher is one of Montana’s finest fishing lodges and is ideally situated directly on the legendary Big Hole River.
CFF specializes in dry fly fishing, which is best when the water levels drop sometime after the fourth of July.
The record fish at the Complete Fly Fisher is a 30-inch, 8-pound brown trout taken on a dry fly. That fish was the exception, but fish over three pounds are landed every year.
The Big Hole, Wise and Beaverhead Rivers were traditionally the Complete Fly Fishers main area of expertise. However, in recent years the lodge has expanded its repertorie of waters to include Rock Creek, the Ruby, Red Rock, Bitterroot, Clarks Fork, Jefferson, Madison, Missouri and Yellowsone Rivers, as well as Spring Creek Fishing. The Big Hole remains a main staple of the lodge’s angling diet.
CFF has selectively guided anglers down Rock Creek for many seasons. Several years ago, through new partnerships with the U.S. and Lolo Forests Services, CFF has obtained the necessary permits to make this special creek available to all of its clients. For steady action and scenery, many anglers feel that Rock Creek is unequaled.
CFF has also obtained permission from the U.S. Forest Serivice to maintain a seasonal camp along the banks of Rock Creek, allowing guests to overnight in this wild and beautiful river corridor. Guests will enjoy comfortable accommodations and fresh cuisine
excellently prepared by Complete Fly Fisher staff. This wilderness adventure should be booked well in advance of your trip.
Throughout Montana and the American west, the Jefferson River is known for its trout of immense size and unyielding character. The harsh environmental conditions of the Jefferson and natural selection have left only the strongest and most aggressive survivors. These fish are opportunistic feeders, attacking high-protien whitefish, sculpins and crayfish. Complete Fly Fisher’s biggest and strongest trout are routinely pulled from the Jefferson.
The Big Hole has over 100 miles of fishable water. While there is very good fishing near the lodge, most guests choose to float the river, stopping to wade the productive pools. The scenery is magnificent as you drift through cattle ranches and canyons. It is one of the very few western rivers that, in addition to brown, rainbow, and brook trout, holds cutthroat trout and grayling.
In addition to the Big Hole and it’s tributary, the Wise River (pictured below), is also a freestone river. Big boulders and willowed banks make for great pocket water fishing.
The Complete Fly Fisher is an ideal place for couples, families, or groups composed of expert and novice fly fishermen. Experts will be challenged by the Big Hole’s browns. Novices will return from a week’s outing with a feeling of accomplishment, having been taught casting skills by competent instructors. The CFF staff teaches people to fish while they’re fishing.
There is a tackle shop that carries Sage, Loomis, and Winston rods and accessories. Even if you arrive without a rod or reel, the CFF will outfit you with their brand name equipment, a service, which is included in the cost. To help you decide on when to schedule your angling adventure, a month-by-month description follows:
JUNE: From around June 10th, the giant Salmon flies begin to emerge in the Lower Big Hole River. This emergence steadily moves upstream until early July. Huge dry flies and nymphs that imitate the naturals will bring the big boys out. As large trout protect prime feeding stations, streamer patterns can bring thrilling strikes. High, fast water makes this a truly exciting time to be on the Big Hole River.
JULY: Golden stone and tremendous Caddis fly hatches replace the Salmon flies. As water drops and clears, comfortable wading is now possible and trout will spread out making for more diversified angling. July offers steady fishing from about dawn til dusk; and we do fish until dark! Weather can be particularly nice during July, with dry flies and sunshine the daily fare.
AUGUST: The hoppers are out! Caddis and small Mayflies are hatching early and late in the day. Excellent streamer fishing can be yours, along with the fish of a lifetime. Terrestrials are abundant and trout are looking for them. Flat-water angling is available for the spring creek devotee; small flies, picky fish, great challenge and usually superb weather!
SEPTEMBER: Fall is beautiful on the Big Hole and can generate some spectacular angling. Brown trout moving to spawn are very aggressive and smash big streamers. Steady dry-fly fishing and the season’s lowest water bring anglers from all over the world to fish the Big Hole. While floating is still effective, wading can be tremendous sport and is recommended. Weather can range from hot and dry, to cool and wet, so come prepared for everything.
At the Complete Fly Fisher a maximum of 14 guests are accommodated in six spacious cottages and a master suite located in the main lodge.
The Complete Fly Fisher has traditionally been known for its excellence in the dining room as well. They take great pride in finding the most creative and enthusiastic chefs to prepare culinary adventures to accompany the world class fishing. Typically each week’s menu is tailored to meet guests’ preferences and pallet.
EQUIPMENT & ACCESSORIES TO BRING
Rods: DRY FLY and NYMPH: 8’ to 9’ for #4 to #6 lines.
STREAMERS: 8½ to 9½ for #6 to #8 lines.
Lines: All dry lines, weight-forward or double-taper.
Clothing: Fly fishing garb such as vests, waders, boots and the like are quite handy, but not absolutely necessary. We have at our disposal many items that you may need in this regard. Please inquire ahead. A good set of rainwear is essential because weather can range from hot and dry, to cold and wet. We highly recommend a hat with sun visor, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent.
In case you forget something, any or all of these items are available from Complete Fly Fisher’s well-stocked Fly Shop at fair prices. If you have any equipment questions, please contact us.
NOTE: For those of you who do not have rods or reels, etc., Complete Fly Fisher has top quality equipment available for guests use at no additional charge.
Our Services are Free!
Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
The 2020 rate for 6 nights, 5 days fishing at the CFF is $4,800 per person.
This rate includes: transfers to and from the Butte Airport and the lodge; expert casting instruction (as good or better than any fly fishing school); double occupancy accommodations in a cabin; all meals, including daily packed lunch and beverages; flies; unlimited use of brand name equipment from the Complete Fly Fisher’s well stocked tackle shop; fishing license; expertly guided float trips; bed tax.
This rate does not include: Gratuities for guide and staff; participation in other lodge activities such as horseback riding, guided hiking or nature tours. These activities will be billed a la carte for payment at the end of your stay.
Depending upon availability, anglers may extend a stay beyond 6 nights/5 days. Trips can be extended at a cost of $960 per day (subject to change). This rate also applies for stays of less than 6 nights.
A 50% deposit per person is necessary to secure a reservation. The balance is payable upon departure from the Complete Fly Fisher in cash, travelers checks or by personal check.
We also represent guides throughout Montana and can design individual itineraries should you want to extend your trip. The Complete Fly Fisher is in great demand, so it is a good idea to plan well ahead.
(From L to R) Jefferson River, Bitteroot River and Beaverhead River
Our Services are Free!
Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
Yan Kee Lodge
Fly-Fishing & Sport-Adventure Packages
Please call or email Angler Adventures for the current packages at Yan Kee Way, or to set up a custom itinerary.
The number of days of the expedition is flexible and will be arranged to accommodate your itinerary. A minimum of two nights at Yan Kee Way Lodge is required for the all-inclusive expeditions. To assure your activities are available when you arrive, your activities must be selected and scheduled prior to your arrival.
Tres Rios Lodge is located just south of the junction where the Chimehuin and the Aluminé Rivers join to form the Collon Cura River. The traditionally styled lodge is a new building constructed with the latest building technology, but still Patagonia style stone covered walls and classic red roof. The lodge is comprised of 3 guest rooms with private bathrooms, kitchen, living and dinning rooms. Two of the rooms over look the Collon Cura valley and river. As a small lodge, Tres Rios is committed to accommodating one group at a time, so guests will experience exclusive use.
Tres Rios Lodge offers access to 9-miles of the lower Chimehuin, 4-miles on the lower Aluminé, and 4-miles on the upper Collon Cura. Anglers can choose to float, float to wade, or exclusively wade these rivers.
Aluminé River
Aluminé River (“shining button” in the native language) & Collon Cura River (“stone mask” in the native language) are the larger two river. These freestone rivers are a filled with overhanging willows, pocket water, back eddies, drop off, high banks and beautiful rock formations. This area is known for exceptional terrestrial fishing, in addition to having hatches throughout the season. Casting hoppers, ants, crickets, inch worms or big attractors against the bank draws exciting strikes from rainbow and brown trout. The Collon Cura has more fish per mile than any other river in the area, and the average fish is around 16 to 18 inches, with browns over 20 inches being caught regularly. The fish density on the Collon Cura makes Tres Rios a great place for beginners and experienced anglers.
Late in the season (March – April) the brown trout of the lower Collon Cura, and some of the area lakes, migrate up the Collon Cura to Spawn. This means there are much bigger fish in the water around Tres Rios and there’s a chance of catching a trophy brown. Streamer fishing, especially at the head of the runs and riffles, can be very effective.
Chimehuin River
The Chimehuin River (“land of the spirit” in the native language) is the smallest of the three rivers, but arguably the most beautiful. The Chimehuin is ideal for dry fly fishing and Tres Rios offers access to 9 miles of perfect pocket water, back eddies, rock structure, over hanging willows and water oaks. The gin clear water and season long hatches make this river a great place for sight fishing. The Chimehuin is also known for it’s side channels, where wading is more manageable early in season!
Because Tres Rios offers each group exclusive use of the lodge, there’s no set schedule. Guests can dictate meal times and locations. Especially during the summer months, guests enjoy having lunch or dinner outside, overlooking at the Collon Cura Valley. It’s also possible to have dinner on the river, to extend the fishing day and fish the entire evening rise. Tres Rios employs a professional chef, who will act as your personal chef and prepares gourmet cuisine. Tres Rios also prides itself in an excellent selection of premium Argentine wines.
Alberto Cordero and the Fly Fishing Andes staff of guides have extensive experience fishing the remote-access water of the Chimehuin, Aluminé, and Collon Cura rivers. These professional English-speaking guides are experts taking the rivers browns and rainbows on dry flies, as well utilizing nymphs and streamers for big trout. Combining the fabled rivers and top guides from Fly Fishing Andes with the accommodations, food, wine and setting of Tres Rios is sure to create a truly unforgettable experience for anglers.
Included in the rate: Pick up and return to Chapelco Airport in San Martin; daily guided fishing; accommodations; all meals, wine and non-alcoholic drinks during meals, open bar with assorted national liquor and beverages, use of the lodge’s private access waters, internet access; fishing license and taxes.
Not included in the rate: Airfare; departure taxes; transfers; hotels and meals in Buenos Aires (if required); laundry, tips to guides, tips to lodge staff, phone calls, tackle; flies and waders.
Heart of Patagonia’s catch and release philosophy reflects the lodge’s dedication to the preservation of this beautiful part of the world, which is so unique in the eyes of anglers and world travelers. And, our guests will find the proximity of the fishing to the lodge a major attraction.
The geographical diversity of the region accounts for the many types of waters we fish. We are located in the midst of the southern Andes mountains. Dramatic mountain scenery is omnipresent. The many mountains form numerous river valleys, all within close proximity to the lodge. Every river valley has its own distinct characteristics, and anglers have the opportunity to experience a wide variety of fishing situations. Although emphasis is put on fishing the dry fly, the flies and fly fishing techniques that are employed are as diverse as the many sections of water that we fish.
Located on the banks of the Rio Aysen, and less than one mile below the confluence of the renown Rio Simpson and Rio Manihuales, Heart of Patagonia offers much fishing opportunity within walking distance of the lodge. These three rivers comprise a prolific fishery. In fact, excellent wading runs are located immediately in front of our property. Catching the evenings hatch in still air and low light with trout feeding in abundance is not to be missed. This trout fisherman’s dream is only a short walk from the lodge itself.
Further, five other major rivers are located within 30 minutes drive time from the lodge. Of the 8 major rivers of which we frequent, 6 are floatable. Although many of our rivers are floatable, much wading is done on these same rivers. The amount of water and diversity of fishing we have to offer within such close proximity of the lodge is impressive.
In addition to the many rivers and streams, we also fish lakes and lagunas. These waters hold large fish and always remain an excellent alternative to river fishing.
The guides at Heart of Patagonia pay close attention to the individual preferences of each angler and group. The variety of water available will challenge the most seasoned angler and coddle novices. Safety and the comfortable enjoyment of our guests’ experience is our number one concern.
The lodge is equipped with 4-wheel drive trucks, new rafts, motor boats, and float tubes to access the many waters of our region.
Our season is from mid-October through mid-April. The fish we target are the resident rainbows and browns that make these freestone waters flowing through the spectacular mountain scenery of the southern Andes their home. Coho, king, and atlantic salmon also run the rivers as well as steelhead and sea-run browns. The arrival of these other salmonoids in our rivers occurs mostly in the late season (March thru April), but big fish lurk in all of our waters year-round.
NON-FISHING ACTIVITIES:
For those not wishing to fish every day, Heart of Patagonia offers many other activities to enjoy the area. Horseback riding, hiking, village visits, and birding are conveniently and easily arranged. Opportunities for sight-seeing and photography abound.
Our Services are Free!
Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
Heart of Patagonia Lodge 2009 – 2010 Rates
(Rates are subject to Change, Rates are per person)
The Malleo River is considered by many trout fisherman to be an almost perfect trout stream. The Malleo is a moderate size freestone river comprised of diverse water, from boulder strewn runs through hip-deep water to classic pools tailing out into riffles to stretches of under-cut banks shaded by overhanging willows. The majority of the Malleo is easily waded over its 50-mile course from Lago Tromen until it joins the Rio Alumine.
The Malleo River originates at an elevation of 3,821 feet in the Eastern Andes as a small freestone stream. The wading can be difficult on the upper reaches of Malleo and the fishing is typically in small riffles and pools. The Malleo gets very little fishing pressure in this area, mostly due to the difficult wading and challenging fishing. Rainbow Trout are the predominant species in this part of the river and they’re typically abundant to 16-inches with some fish into the 20-inch range, especially in the early season.
As the Malleo approaches the property of the Estancia San Huberto, the river changes it’s course from a freestone river to a variety of water – fast runs through basalt canyons, long slow pools meandering through meadows, traditional freestone riffle and pools, and spring creek like runs. Here the Malleo passes through the 25,000-acre Estancia San Huberto where guests of the hosteria have private access to nearly 20 miles of prime trout habitat. This section of the Malleo has an incredible population of mature Rainbow and Brown Trout (including some large browns up to 8 pounds). The adult trout population has flourished due to San Huberto’s strict catch and release policy that has been diligently enforced. Here, the Malleo is also known for some of the best and most predictable mayfly, caddis and stonefly hatches in South America.
Guide Tommy Sordelli
The best way to experience the fishing on the Malleo is with an experienced Fly Fishing Andes guide staying at Hosteria San Huberto. San Huberto is a classic guesthouse located on a large cattle-farming ranch, just North of San Martin del los Andes and on the banks of the Malleo River. The first San Huberto guesthouse was built 1970’s to accommodate a growing number of travelers passing through this section of Patagonia. San Huberto is now considered the most distinguished fishing lodge in northern Patagonia due to the Hosterias long tradition of hospitality and the excellent access the Malleo.
San Huberto can accommodate a maximum of 16 guests, however prefers to limit the number of anglers to 12 per week. The Hosteria is set up for both single and double occupancy rooms, as well as having rooms set up to accommodate guests with physical disabilities. Each room has direct dial phone service for domestic and international phone calls and the lodge offers guests use of their satellite internet connection that can be accessed in the lodge and in the offices. San Huberto is a pleasant, relaxed, informal hosteria with large, bright living rooms that have been carefully decorated and designed for comfort.
As the Malleo runs through the Estancia San Huberto, the river flows through the “little canyon” and “big canyon” and the banks become shaded by “mimbres” (willows). The majority of the Malleo here is difficult to access since the river moves away from the road, but can offer some excellent dry fly fishing. As the Malleo approaches the
Alumine, the river slows considerably and large calm pools become abundant. The landscape surrounding the lower Malleo is more arid and barer than upper reaches. The trout are typically smaller in the section of river, averaging between 8 – 12 inches, however there may be opportunities to for browns up to 8 pounds near the junction pools and during the spawing run. The section of the Malleo below Estancia San Huberto is open to the public, but is is not the best water. The best water is the private water, owned by the Olsen family who operate San Huberto. To Fish the private waters, you must stay at Hosteria San Huberto.
Included in the rate: Pick up and return to Chapelco Airport in San Martin; daily guided fishing; accommodations; all meals, wine and non-alcoholic drinks during meals, open bar with assorted national liquor and beverages, use of the lodge’s private access waters, internet access; fishing license and taxes.
Not included in the rate: Airfare; departure taxes; transfers; hotels and meals in Buenos Aires (if required); laundry, tips to guides, tips to lodge staff, phone calls, tackle; flies and waders.
Rio Malleo Fishing Season at San Huberto
November – December: Morning Caddis, Afternoon Mayflies – typically small, Stoneflies. The Huaca Mamuil creek has great dry fly fishing during the early season.
December – February: Larger Mayflies (Drakes); Evening Caddis Hatches of bigger caddis flies; Terrestrials – Grasshoppers, Inchworms, Dragon Flies; Caddis hatches decline in February. Tan and cream are the primary caddis colors.
March and April: Midges; Mayflies, Mahogany duns and BWOs; Aphids.
San Huberto particularly recommends Royal PMX, Adams (Parachute and Catskill style), Humpies (red, yellow and green) and Elk Hair Caddis as must have dry flies and the best nymphs as Pheasant Tails, Hare’s Ears, and Bead Head Princes.
The Chimehuin River is the most famous of all Patagonia Trout Rivers. In fact, it’s considered to be responsible for putting Argentine trout fishing on the map. The Chimehuin has been ground zero for traveling fly anglers in Patagonia since it was “discovered” in the 1960’s. While all 50-miles of the Chimehuin, from it’s origin at Lago Huechulafquen until it joins the Rio Alumine, offers good fishing, the best place to fish the Chimehuin is the private access water of Tipiliuke Lodge on the Estancia Cerro de los Pinos (also known as Estancia Tipiliuke), especially with dry flies.
Nine miles of the Chimehuin River and seven miles of the Chimehuin’s top tributary, the Quilquihue, create more than 16-miles of private access to ideal trout water that flows though Tipiliuke’s property. The Chimehuin is a moderate grade freestone river that can be compared in size to the Madison or Yellowstone Rivers. The Chimehuin has an amazing variety of waters, most allowing fly fishermen to easily wade the cobblestone riverbed while sight fishing for wild Rainbow and Brown Trout averaging 16 – 20 inches with fish in the 21 – 24 inch range being common. There are trophy trout available, up to 30 inches, that can be specifically targeted with streamers or large attractor style dries. While streamers and nymphs are effective, the Fly Fishing Andes guides’ passion is catching trout on dry flies.
The Quilquihue is a smaller river than the Chimehuin with a steeper gradient creating faster currents, which is more challenging to wade. The Quilquihue offers excellent dry fly fishing, trout of surprising size, and lots of shaded water. In addition to fishing the Quilquihue, there is a man-made spring creek that runs through a pasture on the property and joins the Chimehuin. The creek was created from an underground channel of the Chimehuin, a pond, and an underground spring and has been evolving into an unique and reliable fishery since it was completed in 2006.
Tipiliuke Lodge is one of the premier hosterias in Argentina and is a favorite among trout fisherman staying in Patagonia. The lodge is set in the heart of the 48,000-acre Cerro de los Pinos’ Estancia (ranch) at the foot of the Andes mountain range and conveniently located near the city of San Martín de los
Andes (12 min. drive from Chapelco airport). Tipiliuke’s luxury accommodations, excellent food, and personalized service makes the lodge a great place for non-anglers as well as fishermen.
The Estancia includes a number of buildings: Tipiliuke Lodge, old barns, a chapel and several family houses, which are beautiful and unique in their traditional and rustic Argentine architecture. Tipiliuke Lodge has 9 comfortable bedrooms for 18 guests (each with a private bathroom), a living room, dining room and cozy bar. While the lodge can accommodate 18 guests, they limit the number of anglers to a maximum of 10 anglers at any one time. Tipiliuke Lodge offers 220-volt electricity, domestic and international telephone service, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access, authentic refined cuisine and knowledgeable personalized assistance.
Tipiliuke Lodge is surrounded by a 15-acre tree sanctuary with close to 2000 different species of trees from all over the world and miles of the Chimehuin and Quilquihue Rivers. The sanctuary creates an oasis of shade in the barren basalt hills of the surrounding area. Guests will often enjoy their lunch outside, surrounded by the trees’ shade. The closest pool is only 600 yards from Tipiliuke, making fishing during the mid-day break or the evening rise on the Chimehuin an easy walk from the lodge.
Alberto Cordero and the Fly Fishing Andes staff of guides have extensive experience fishing the private-access water of the Chimehuin and the Quilquihue on the Estancia Tipilikue. These professional English-speaking guides are experts taking the rivers browns and rainbows on dry flies, as well utilizing nymphs and streamers for big trout. Combining the fabled rivers and top guides from Fly Fishing Andes with the accommodations, food, wine and setting of Tipiliuke is sure to create a truly unforgettable experience for anglers and non-anglers alike.
Included in the rate: Pick up and return to Chapelco Airport in San Martin; daily guided fishing; accommodations; all meals, wine and non-alcoholic drinks during meals, open bar with assorted national liquor and beverages, use of the lodge’s private access waters, internet access; fishing license and taxes.
Not included in the rate: Airfare; departure taxes; transfers; hotels and meals in Buenos Aires (if required); laundry, tips to guides, tips to lodge staff, phone calls, tackle; flies and waders.
Non-fishing Activities
Popular non-fishing activities at Tipiliuke are Guided Horseback Riding; Golfing at Chapelco Golf Club (designed by Jack Nicklaus); Birding (San Martín de los Andes has 189 species); Hiking; Gourmet Food Experience (tasting and cooking); Photography Workshop (Eliseo Miciu); Park and Plant Nursery Visits. Other activities available are Rafting trips with great views of the Aluminé, Collón Curá and Hua-Hum valleys; Climbing the Lanín Volcano; visiting the Lanín National Park Thermal Spa (Termas de Epulafquen); Skiing a wonderful small family oriented ski area in Chapelco; Experimental Learning; Visit Lanín and Nahuel Huapi National Parks.
Rio Manso Lodge is located on the Eastern bank of Lake Hess and the Manso River in the Nahuel Huapi National Park (the first national park in Argentina), deep in the beautiful Patagonia region of Argentina. Rio Manso is only 90-minutes South West of the city of San Carlos de Bariloche. Despite being close to Bariloche, the Manso River gets little fishing pressure due to its inaccessibility.
Rio Manso guests can expect good fishing for wild rainbow, brown and brook trout in the un-pressured and diverse water that surrounds the lodge. The remarkable quality and size of the trout is a result of the low pressure, conservation efforts, and Rio Manso Lodge’s strict catch-and-release policy. The Manso River, runs for 20 miles around the lodge from its origin at Moscos Lake (20 minutes up-river) and contains a variety of water. Rio Manso Lodge’s experienced guides all speak English. A typical week of fishing at Rio Manso includes fishing from a drift boat, wading the Manso River, floating sections of the Manso or the Quieto, and excellent sight fishing on Lago Hess, Lago Fonk and Lago Roca from the skiff or raft, casting big dries or streams to the banks, as well as a few places where anglers can get out the boat and fish from shore. This variety of water allows fly fisherman the opportunity to fish steamers, nymphs, and dries.
The fishing season in Argentina runs from early November until the end of April. November – December typically have higher water, with the dry-fly fishing increasing in productivity in December. By the middle of December, the dragonflies are hatching in the rivers and lakes and the big fish that come out to eat makes December – January an exciting time for fishing dries at Rio Manso. The summer season (January – February) sees the mayflies and caddis hatches wane, but the terrestrials (grasshoppers, ants, and inchworms) become an important staple in the trout’s diet. In March and April, the water temperatures begin to cool and the fish become more active. Most fishing is done with streamers or large attractor dry flies (big rubber legged dries work well in the lakes) with a brief flurry of dry fly activity right before dark. April is also when the big browns become aggressive, as they get ready to spawn.
Rio Manso can accommodate 8 anglers in spacious, comfortable, rooms, each with private bathroom and some rooms have Jacuzzi tubs. All the rooms at Rio Manso face northwest, overlooking the Manso River, Lake Hess, and enjoy a spectacular view of Mount Tronador on the Argentina – Chile border towering over the Andes. The rest of the lodge is comprised of a warm common area with beautiful wooden posts and beams and a river stone fireplace, where you can enjoy a welcoming fire after fishing, a fly-tying bench, wader room by the Lodge’s entrance, a bar, and a main dining area. Rio Manso also has a sauna and a massage room for guests who want to relax. Since anglers usually end their fishing day between 7:00 – 8:00 PM, hour d’oevres are served in front of the fireplace before dinner, typically between 9:00 – 10:00 PM. Rio Manso’s international menu is accented by local dishes and homemade delicacies, which are enhanced by the lodge’s own garden and excellent collection of fine Argentine wines. There is also a weekly “asado” or traditional Argentine barbeque.
Rio Manso Lodge primarily caters to fly fishers, however, there are a variety of activities for the non-angler, such as guided hiking and/or bird watching through the virgin areas surrounding the lodge, climbing to the nearby mounts, and horseback riding.
Our Services are Free!
Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
Rio Manso 2024 – 2025 Rates
The cost for a 7-night / 6-day fishing package is $7,000 per person based on double occupancy accommodations and two anglers per guide daily. Different length packages are available upon request.
The cost for non-fishermen is $5,400 per person for 7 nights/6 days, based on double occupancy accommodations, or $800 per person per night. Single supplement is $400 per day. Best value is a 7 night / 6 day package.
Rates include: transportation between Bariloche to Rio Manso on arrival and departure days, lodging (double bedrooms), all meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, fishing guides (one guide for every two anglers), any extra activities (rafting, horseback riding, hiking), boats, belly boats, fishing permits, Internet access, laundry.
Not Included: airfare to and from Bariloche, fishing tackle, gratuities, phone calls, purchases from the fly shop.
A 50% deposit is required to secure a reservation.
Telephone and Internet are available as well. A fully equipped Fly Shop provides anything else you might need: Fly gear: nine foot single handed 3 to 6 weight rods, floating and fast sinking tip lines, 7 to 11 foot tapered leaders ranging from 2X to 6X. Flies: streamers, nymphs, dries (all available at the Lodge).
Getting There: The lodge is near the city of S. C. de Bariloche, which makes access extremely easy. There are several flights a day connecting this city with Buenos Aires or Santiago (Chile). Upon arrival at the local airport, a Rio Manso representative will be waiting for you and take you to the lodge (4WD commuting takes approximately 90 minutes).
Documents: US Citizens visiting Argentina are required to carry a passport. Please be sure your passport will be valid 6 months after your departure from Argentina. When using a passport for proof of citizenship, we recommend carrying a photocopy of your passport picture page and two spare passport photos in a separate piece of luggage. This will greatly expedite matters should you lose your passport during your travels.
Remota Hotel is located in the town Puerto Natales, a short drive south of Torres del Paine. Torres del Paine, famous for its dramatic rock formations, is one of Chile’s most photogenic parks, and a mecca for walkers and hikers. The luxury hotel is open all year around, because Remota believes that every season is beautiful and enjoyable in Patagonia. Although Remota has the highest standards of service and comfort, the hotel doesn’t define itself by stars. The concept of luxury for Remota lies in how it incorporates the rich environment and culture where the property is located. All of Remota’s buildings are in perfect harmony with the environment and the local culture, from its well-recognized sustainable architecture, to insuring daily activities cause minimum impact to the local ecosystem. Remota is built with locally sourced materials using only local workers and paying special attention to the use of green renewable energies. The Hotel follows strict rules for the protection of the environment, local cultures and practices. As part of its commitment, Remota aims to employ and train only local people.
Remota has 72 guest rooms, each are 344 square foot (22 with king beds and 50 with twin double beds) with a private bathroom, Telephone, Safe, Desk, Hairdryer, Bathrobe, Free toiletries, and Slippers. The views from the floor to ceiling windows provide stunning views of the local landscape. There is also a spa, with a heated 24′ infinity swimming pool, Finnish sauna, outdoor Jacuzzi, and a massage parlor. Remota has a yoga studio with quite a view, common reading and lounge areas, and a couple of larger rooms for meetings.
Guests are served their meals in Remota’s restaurant. The restaurant offers a selection of dishes, giving special preference to local produce like fresh seafood, meats, and the vegetables produced in Remota’s own greenhouses. Breakfasts are served buffet style to accommodate the different schedules for the individual fishing or non-fishing activities. As you’d except, the restaurant provides a good selection of excellent Chilean wines to match with your meals. Appetizers are served in the bar area each afternoon before dinner.
Remota has a diverse collection of fishing areas for anglers to choose from, from easily wadable spring creeks to floatable larger rivers to lagoons. There are half and full day options, from 20-minutes to 2 hours drive from the hotel. The majority of the fishing is for resident brown trout, however the location of many of the rivers means that sea / lake-run brown trout, Atlantic Salmon, Silver Salmon and King Salmon are available seasonally. Anglers may have to opportunity to fish a variety of landscapes, such as the Patagonian Steppe, Beech Tree forests, mountains and mountain valleys, Tundra, private estancias (ranches), fjords, and within view of the Torres del Paine massif.
Remota Hotel is a great choice for anglers traveling with non-fishing spouse, families, or who want to experience the combination of world-class hiking, fly fishing, and more. There are more than 25 non-fishing activities, tours and excursions so guests can enjoy the best the region has to offer. Depending on the activity and the guests preference, tours are done in 4×4 vehicle, horseback, bicycle, walking, or sailing the fjords. 75% of Remota’s excursions are unique to Remota and not on marked trails. The list of excursions includes 7 unique full day trips to Torres del Paine, which is one of the most well known attractions in southern Chile. Other excursions focus on the Southern Fjords, Sierra Baguales, Puerto Natales, Lake Sofia and more. Most of these excursions are 40 minutes or less by car, including Torres del Paine and are filled with a maximum of eight participants.
Remota trains their tour guides in their own guide-school (including first-aid training). Each team of guides speaks Spanish and English, as well as being friendly and enthusiastic people, who feel that being a guide is a pleasure as much as it is their job. The guides know when to respect silence while guests are enjoying the excursions.
Our Services are Free!
Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
Remota Hotel & Resort
Please call or email Angler Adventures for a customized quote.
Included: Accommodations at Remota; 3 meals daily, all beverages except premium wines; use of the Remota’s; use of Remota’s Sauna, Jacuzzi, heated indoor pool and yoga studio, daily transfers from Punta Arenas or Calafate City (Argentina); Activities (as arranged).
Not Included: Airfare; Premium wine; Massage services, Equipment; Personal Items; Gratuities; Gift shop purchases; Activities beyond what’s confirmed.
Owen River Lodge has quickly become one of New Zealand’s top trout fishing lodges in terms of fishing and luxury accommodations since it open in November 2003. Owen River Lodge is located on New Zealand’s South Island, near Murchison, in the Nelson Lakes area. The location of the lodge was strategically chosen to allow guests to fish more than 30 of the South Island’s top trout rivers and streams in the Nelson and West Coast fisheries, generally without needing to drive for more than a hour. The trout fishing water is varied from small intimate rivers like the Owen River to iconic freestone rivers such as the Wairau. In addition to the trout water accessible by road, Owen River Lodge offers access to countless numbers of remote rivers and mountain streams, which are accessible only by Helicopter.
Trout fishing on New Zealand’s South Island is primarily done by sight fishing and is well known as a trophy brown trout fishery. The average trout size an angler can expect at Owen River Lodge ranges from 3lb to 6lb and each season guests land browns in the 10 lb class. In most of the rivers Owen River Lodge guest fish, anglers must spot, stalk, and present a fly to these large trout before the trout sees the angler. Owen River Lodge has assembled a world-class guiding roster to assist both experienced and novice fly fishers catch large brown trout in gin-clear water.
Owen River Lodge is comprised of the main lodge building and 6 individual luxurious guest cottages on a beautiful 16-acres. The grounds are filled with organic herb and vegetable gardens, almost a mile of river frontage on the Owen River, and sensational views of the Owen River Valley, Mount Owen & the
Kahurangi National Park. The main lodge contains the dining room, the lounge and sitting rooms, the lodge shop, fly tying area and the bar. The lodge is equipped with a TV/Video Player and DVD player as well as a Notebook PC for you to check e-mails etc. The Internet connection is over a WiFi wireless network with satellite delivered broadband.
A maximum of 12 guests per week are accommodated in 6 separate luxuriously appointed cottages, located in the gardens, just a short distance from the main lodge building. Owner/Manager Felix Borenstein selected the garden location and built the cabins to ensure the highest levels of privacy for guests of Owen River Lodge. Each guest cabin has comfortable king-sized beds, reverse cycle air conditioning, an electronic safe, ironing facilities, alarm clock, complimentary stocked mini bar, tea & coffee making facilities and en suite bathrooms stocked with oversized towels, bathrobes, a hairdryer and, of course, shower gels, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner. Each cottage features original Australasian artwork and 100-year-old recycled Oregon beams and woodwork. The spacious interior utilizes high cathedral style ceilings and large windows to emphasize light and space. Each cottage features a large veranda, which is a great place to relax after a day of trout fishing or just relax and enjoy the view of the river, the valley and the mountains with the sounds of the Owen River passing by.
Non-Fishing Guests
Owen River Lodge is first and foremost a fly fishing destination, however, there is also an endless supply of “non fishing” activities to do around the lodge, the local area and the greater Nelson / Marlborough region. Fishing guests at Owen River Lodge can rest assured that their non-fishing partners will have a sensational time. Non-fishing activities range from relaxing in the 4-person
Jacuzzi or massage to local hikes, horseback or mountain bike rides, or tours of New Zealand’s farms, vineyards or a trip to Nelson.
Our Services are Free!
Owen River Lodge 2020 – 2021 Rates
Package Rates
Per Person, Double Occupancy, Shared Twin
Spring
Oct. 1 – Dec. 6, 2020
Summer
Dec. 7 – Mar. 21, 2021
Fall
Mar. 21 – Apr. 30, 2021
4 Night / 3 Day Guided Fishing
$4,045 NZD
$5,205 NZD
$4,045 NZD
5 Night / 4 Day Guided Fishing
$5,165 NZD
$6,615 NZD
$5,165 NZD
6 Night / 5 Day Guided Fishing
$6,282 NZD
$8,020 NZD
$6,282 NZD
7 Night / 6 Day Guided Fishing
$7,400 NZD
$9,430 NZD
$7,400 NZD
Please Note: All rates are subject to change without notice. The rates are also subject to current exchange rate. Pricing for individual nights accommodations and fishing days is available upon request.
Package Rates Include: All meals; accommodations in a cottage suite; daily guided fishing; non-alcoholic beverages; use of all lodge facilities (including the use of fly fishing equipment, waders, boots, mountain bikes etc); Transportation to fishing (excluding helifishing); GST.
Package Rates do not Include: International airfare; Transfers to the Owen River Lodge (Cost to/from Nelson Airport); New Zealand fishing license; alcoholic beverages; gratuities; purchases from the Lodge Shop; Helifishing; Personal Items.
Due to New Zealand’s strict policy regarding the banning of felt soled wading boots, Owen River Lodge includes use of the lodges’ stock of Simms Guide Gore-Tex waders (men’s and woman’s sizes), Simms Guide wading boots (sizes 5 – 14), and Simms Gore-Tex wading jackets at no additional cost. Owen River Lodge is also happy to provide anglers with any of the fishing gear you may need. In addition to waders, boots, and jackets, the lodge has Sage rods, Sage reels and Waterworks-Lamson reels available to guests at no additional charge. Since supplies and sizes are limited, guests who are planning to use Owen River’s equipment should make a request for the sizes or tackle desired to ensure that it will be available.
Fjordland Lodge is a very special lodge tucked away on the road to Milford Sound. Built on an elevated terrace of log construction, it was the dream of long time New Zealand residents Ron and Robynne Peacock. With commanding views of Lake Te Anau, and the southern Alps, the setting is rural with rolling grasslands surrounding the lodge. Fjordland offfers the opportunity to relax, after that magnificent fly fishing experience or Milford Trek experience, in the big leather chairs while the staff brings you refreshments and you ponder the activities for your next day of adventure.
Lake Te Anau is a ten minute walk from Fjordland Lodge. Across the lake to the west lie the majestic mountains of Fjordland National Park, an area of over three million acres of untouched wilderness, which is part of the much larger South West New Zealand World Heritage area. Te Anau is the gatewy to Milford and Doubtful Sounds and the Kepler and Murchison mountains. Fjordland Lodge owns and operates Fjordland Guides that offers trekking and hikes, birdwatching excurstions, and of course most important of all Fishing trips. The Fjordland region is world renowned for it’s fly fishing, in particular rainbow and brown trout in the well stocked local rivers and streams.
Fjordland’s Ron Peacock is no stranger to the outdoors, having been a National Park Ranger with the Department of Conservation for twenty-five years and a nature guide and fishing guide for the last ten years. His knowledge of this area is world reknown and unsurpassed. He will fill you in on it’s history, flora, fauna, myths and legends. Ron is a professional fishing guide and Fjordland has access to 40 rivers and streams all within one and half hours travel to the lodge. Fishing packages are a big part of the many features offered at Fjordland Lodge. All fishing is catch and release, a policy strictly adhered to in order to conserve the fishery.
Fjordland has some of the finest and most unique fly fishing rivers in New Zealand. There are over 40 rivers and streams within 1 hour 30 minutes of Fjordland Lodge.
The Eglington River
The Eglinton is one of New Zealand’s premier fly-fishing rivers. The impressive amount of easily accessable water available within this magnificent setting makes this one of Fjordland’s highest-ranking rivers. The river varies in character throughout its length to Lake Te Anau. Of a generally loosely meandering nature, it is also confined in places by gorges and ancient tributary fans. Bed material varies from quite loose gravels to boulders and solid bedrock.
The Eglinton is dominated by brown trout, although the more active rainbow plays a major role in the river’s tremendous fishery.
The clarity of the Eglinton’s water is very high, so the angler needs to be extremely careful. Polaroid glasses are essential.
The Oreti River
The Oreti River flows out of the Eyre Mountains wilderness area and is famous for its large brown trout, which are fewer in number, but can weigh over 10lbs. The Oreti is a river where local knowledge and the expertise of your guide is essential. The upper reaches are very strictly regulated with foot access only and helicopters are strictly forbidden to fly over or land.
Aparima River
The Aparima River rises in the Takitimu Mountains. Initially it flows east but changes to a southerly flow over farmland south of Mossburn, after it is joined by Hamilton Burn and Braxton Burn. Fish feed in the edge of fast water and at the base of ripples. The middle of the day is best for fly fishing and the river has a good number of brown trout of 1-2kg in size, with the occasional fish up to 4.5 kg.
Mataura River
The Mataura is the second largest river in the region. It begins south of Lake Wakatipu, travels south-east to Gore, then turns south again before emptying into Toestoes Bay at Fortrose, near Invercargill. Regarded by many as New Zealand’s top dry fly water, the Mataura is a premier fishery offering over 150kms of fishable water.
Upukerora River
The Upukerora is a small attractive stream that flows over a gravel and stone bed and is an important spawning river for Lake Te Anau . In the lower reaches it holds mostly rainbow trout with a lower number of brown trout in the upper reaches. Despite its proximity to Te Anau town with its easy access, it is a relatively un-fished water that can provide several kilometres of wonderful fly water for those who enjoy the challenge of fishing small streams.
Hamilton Burn
Hamilton Burn rises in the Takitimu Hills and flows south east to join the Aparima south of Mossburn. The Hamilton is mostly slow flowing waters between banks lined with willow and broom. Fish tend to cruise the pools looking for food or to station themsleves along the foam feedlines.
Mararoa River
The Mararoa River is a fast flowing medium-sized river that has a very good stock of brown and rainbow trout. It has several distincly different types of water along its length, so if offers something for all anglers and skill levels. A very attractive medium sized water to fish.
Milford Sound is today frequently referred to as the “Eighth Natural Wonder of the World” and is by far the best known of all of the fjords and the only one that can be accessed by road. Daily from Fjordland Lodge guided trips into Milford Sound depart and this is a very popular option for your Milford experience. Explore spectacular alpine scenery along the Milford road, then once at Milford Sound board Real Journey’s new and modern small- vessel “MV Sinbad”. Passenger numbers are strictly limited to ensure a high quality personalised experience, and attentive service. Comfortable coaches with unrestricted views from every seat. Enjoy an informative commentary and numerous photographic stops as you drive on one of the world’s most impressive alpine scenic roads.
Milford Sound Scenic Flight
Departs from the lodge helipad and follow the shores of Lake Te Anau to make the first landing at Mt Skelmorlie. This is a picturesque area that looks down on the famous Milford Track and Clinton Valley. Airborne again we overfly the remote Wick Mountains and rugged landscape such as Lake Iceburg, so called because it grows Iceburgs! Views of Mitre Peak and Milford Sound unfold as we circuit the fjord to follow the Milford Track, flying over the McKinnon Pass before landing at the Sutherland Falls. The rugged beauty of the Fjordland National Park will unfold before your eyes as you enjoy this helicopter trip with Southern Lakes Helicopters. Returning to Te Anau is a descent back to reality.
Doubtful Sound
Wilderness Cruise’s also operate daily. Sometimes called ‘the Sound of Silence’, for this trip you cruise across beautiful Lake Manapouri, take a scenic coach trip across the Wilmot Pass, and then cruise 2½ hours on Doubtful Sound. New Zealand Fur Seals and Fjordland Crested Penguins can be seen on many of the small islets at the entrance of the fjord. Doubtful Sound is a massive wilderness area of rugged peaks, rainforest and twisting, hidden fjords.
Our Services are Free!
Fjordland Lodge 2017 – 2018 Rates
(All rates are subject to change)
Rates are based on 2 anglers sharing a room and guide daily
November 2017 – March 2018 (High Season)
NZD $4,780 or NZD $2,390 per person
Sept. & October 2017 (Shoulder Season)
NZD $4,340 or NZD $2,170 per person
Included: 3 nights accommodations at Fjordland Lodge, 2 days guided fishing with an experienced local guide, all meals, any fishing tackle required, GST tax.
Not Included: Fishing license, staff and guide gratuities, beverages, phone calls, excursion activities.
Riverview Lodge is located on the South Island of New Zealand in the heart of trophy brown country. The lodge is conveniently located within leisurely driving distance of Nelson, Christchurch, and Kaikora and offers both fishing and non-fishing activities.
Riverview Lodge is situated on a plateau overlooking the beautiful Hanmer Springs valley of the Spencer mountains, the Waiau, Hanmer and Percival Rivers, and beautiful rural farmland. Born and raised “Kiwi’s” John and Robin Gemmell have owned and operated Riverview Lodge for over 25 years. After your first visit to the lodge it won’t take long before you feel like part of the family, staying in luxurious accommodations with unbelievable Panoramic views.
Riverview offers 5 guest bedrooms, with either King or Queen beds and modern private bathrooms. There are large lounge areas, a stone log fire, pool room, satelite Sky TV, laundry facilities, and a computer with Wi Fi for your use. Owners, Robin & John, have a private cottage on site, so they’re never far away.
The lodge offers predominantly brown trout fishing with experienced guides who have fished this areaa over a lifetime. In the off-season duck and game hunting are also offered.
John Gemmell and his guiding staff have guided clients to some of the largest Brown Trout In New Zealand. The average size is 5 to 6 pounds, however most every season a 10 pound plus fish is caught, every angler’s dream.
Clear mountain waters offer the opportunity to see the brown trout before it sees you. Brown trout immediately seek cover if they see movement on the riverbank. Your guide goes ahead, stalks the fish, then points it out to you. With additional instructions, the challenge is for you to outsmart the fish. Being one of the most difficult freshwater fish to catch, the satisfaction of hooking and landing a New Zealand Brown Trout is a rewarding experience.
Non-Fishing Activities
Hanmer Springs Alpine Spa Village is one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist destinations. There are a number of non-fishing activities available around Hamner Springs. Soak in a one of Hamner Springs’ famous thermal spa pools, private Sauna and Spa treatments, wine tastings at local vineyards, whale watching, seal photography, golf, forest walks, horse treks, jet boat rides, rafting, and bungy jumping (for the more adventurous). With Christchurch less than 2-hours drive, a day trip to visit the Arts & Crafts Centre, Art Gallery is possible, as well as the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train to Greymouth.
Our Services are Free!
Riverview Lodge 2017 – 2018 Rates
(All rates are subject to change)
Shoulder Season
Effective Spring: November 1 – December 14, 2017 & Autumn: March 15 – 31, 2018
Nights/Days
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
4/3
$3,245 pp NZD
$5,030 pp NZD
5/4
$4,150 pp NZD
$6,475 pp NZD
6/5
$5,055 pp NZD
$7,920 pp NZD
7/6
$5,960 pp NZD
$9,365 pp NZD
Peak Season
Effective Summer: December 15, 2017 – March 14, 2018
Nights/Days
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
4/3
$3,625 pp NZD
$5,150 pp NZD
5/4
$4,625 pp NZD
$6,625 pp NZD
6/5
$5,625 pp NZD
$8,100 pp NZD
7/6
$6,625 pp NZD
$9,575 pp NZD
Included: Accommodations at River Lodge with a private bath; Guided fishing with an experienced local guide; All meals; All land concessions; Pre-dinner house wine and beer; GST tax.
Not Included: Fishing license; Staff and Guide Gratuities; Beverages; Phone calls; excursion activities.
Tongariro Lodge is situated in park-like grounds on the banks of the Tongariro River adjacent to the southern shores of Lake Taupo. Tongariro Lodge is ideally located among some of the world’s best trout fishing waters and employs a staff of New Zealand’s top guides.
Enjoy a superb meal in one of the lodge’s dining rooms, relax in the lounge or enjoy a game of chess in the library. Established in 1982, the Lodge has an excellent reputation for gourmet dining, the finest accommodation, quality outdoor activities, and the very best in trout fishing guides.
Tongariro Lodge is situated in the heart of rainbow and brown trout country. Trout here average four pounds and many over ten pounds are landed by Tongariro guests every season.
Tongariro Lodge guides are extremely knowledgeable about the nearby waters and guide guests on over forty different rivers and streams, including many that run through private land, as well as four lakes. Guides are also always exploring and love to share newly discovered water with their clients.
Tongariro Lodge runs its own rafts, four wheel drive vehicles and boats. Within a short overland distance from the lodge is some of the best back country nymph and dry fly fishing for sighted browns and rainbows in New Zealand.
Helicopter access options offer truly remarkable fishing, and are available at an additional cost.
For the dedicated fisherman Tongariro Lodge offers opportunities to stalk and delicately present a dry fly to trophy browns and rainbows in high country streams during the summer rainbows in shallow margins of Lake Taupo and other nearby lakes.
Tongariro Lodge also welcomes the opportunity to introduce newcomers to trout fishing. Tongariro Guides can teach learners the fine art of fly fishing or provide the enjoyment of a day’s trolling on Lake Taupo in comfortable surveyed boats. No experience necessary.
Tongariro Lodge offers old fashioned comfort and style combined with friendly personal service. Guest accommodation is separate from the main lodge to ensure maximum privacy.
Riverside chalets range from one to three bedrooms. Each chalet has private facilities and its own secluded sunny terrace with views of the Tongariro River, Lake Taupo, or the mountains.
Tongariro Lodge has developed an international reputation for fine food and wine. The Lodge specializes in serving fresh, local game and traditional foods.
The true atmosphere of the Lodge is best experienced in front of an open fire over a four course evening meal as the day’s activities are recounted. Breakfast and luncheon are provided at your leisure. Hamper lunches are a lodge specialty.
The 2007 season at Tongariro Lodge was a celebration of its 25th year of operation as well as the recent refurbishment of all the Tongariro chalets. Aside from the improved accommodations, Tongariro Lodge now offers a two level home with views of the Tongariro River and Lake Taupo.
Tongariro Lodge prides itself on tailoring each package to suit individual guests. The Lodge can arrange transfers to and from airports at Taupo, Rotorua, or Auckland, as well as organizing all activities during your stay.
Our Services are Free!
Tongariro 2019 – 2020 FISHING PACKAGE RATES
2 N / 1 D Fishing
3 N / 2 D Fishing
4 N / 3 Day Fishing
5 N / 4 D Fishing
6 N / 5 D Fishing
7 N / 6 Fishing
Executive Villa
$1,828
$2,965
$4,103
$5,240
$6,378
$7,515
2 – 5 Bedroom Villa
$1,418
$2,350
$3,283
$4,215
$5,148
$6,080
1 Bedroom Chalet
$1,138
$1,930
$2,723
$3,515
$4,308
$5,100
Rates are NZD per person, share twin and include all meals, i.e. cooked English breakfast, pre-dinner canapes, 3 course gourmet dinner and picnic lunch daily, accommodations, daily guided fishing and free WiFi.
Transfers
Taupo Airport to Tongariro Lodge per vehicle, one way (up to 8 passengers, including GST): $NZ174 per person
Healing Waters Lodge offers rustic elegance and extensive access to terrific public, private and exclusive trout fishing in southwestern Montana. Located in Twin Bridges, the lodge is situated perfectly to provide a wide variety of fishing opportunities for a range of fishing styles. Within a 40 mile radius anglers can float larger blue ribbon rivers, walk and wade on mid-size meadow streams, small, productive spring creeks and still water fishing.
The amount of high quality fishing at Healing Waters is unbelievable. Anglers can pick from the Big Hole, Madison, Jefferson, Beaverhead River larger floatable rivers; from the Ruby, Upper Clark’s Fork, South Boulder, Mill Creek, Flint Creek for smaller meadow rivers & streams; and from Circle 3 (exclusive), Alber’s (exclusive), Leonard Slough, Parson’s Slough for private access spring creeks. There’s a lifetime of fishing here, and it’s not a complete list! Healing Waters roster of experienced guides is headed by co-owners Greg Lilly and Bill Kemph
Healing Waters can accommodate up to 18 guests in 9 bedrooms. The main building was actually moved from Sheridan, Montana in 1891 to its current location and restored with local stone and timber. The name “Healing Waters” was a partial homage to the buildings previous use as a hospital and its new location overlooking a small pond. When Greg and Janet Lilly transformed the building into a fishing lodge in 1997, they kept the name Healing Waters because of the healing effects fly fishing has on the soul. The Lilly’s converted a then storage room connected to the main building into a guest room and a two-story workshop into 4 guest rooms. Since then a second 4 room guest building has been constructed. Each of the guest rooms have two queen beds, a private deck and patio, private baths, and a fantastic view of the Ruby Mountains. The lodge also offers a pool table, television room, an exercise room, wireless internet access, fax machine, conference room and quiet places to read a good book. Healing Waters prides itself in offering its guests the lavish comforts of world-class resorts with a down to earth, Southwestern Montana hospitality.
Guides
Healing Waters has an experienced, knowledgeable and personable group of guides on staff. Each of these guides will work their hearts out for you. They will not just help you catch fish but they will make you a better angler and they will share with you their love for Montana and its wonderful natural treasures. Bill Kemph is a native Montanan who grew up fishing and hunting the rivers and forests of SW Montana. For almost 20 years Bill has guided both fishermen and hunters in Montana. He operates his own hunting outfitting business, and is a superb angler, skilled in all aspects of fly fishing including instruction, an accomplished tier and a wonderful streamside companion. Greg Lilly is also a native Montanan. He has been a guide in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming for 40 years. He has been an outfitter and owner/operator of four outfitting businesses in Montana for 22 years. Greg Lilly has a reputation world wide as a teacher of fly-fishing and as one of the finest guides in the Rocky Mountain area.
Bart Doig is a native Montana who chose to stay in state and make a career as a professional guide. Bart is a wonderful angler and a terrific stream guide however Bart’s real passion is chasing exceptionally large trout on some of the Stillwater fisheries of SW Montana. Bart has had clients catch a number of fish in the ten pound class guiding anglers and hunters in Montana for 25 years. Butch Wicks grew up in Oregon and has guided steelhead and trout fishermen for many years in the Northwest and Montana. Butch recently retired from a career as a teacher and now is one of the primary instructors of the Lilly & Kemph “Learn to Fish Like a Guide Schools.” Butch enjoys technical match the hatch type of fishing and is really at home on our spring creeks. Terry Throckmorton grew up in Montana. He has been a fishing and hunting outfitter in SW Montana for well over 20 years. Terry is another apparently easy going and laid back Montana guide. He is a very easy man to spend time on the water with, but don’t let that relaxed demeanor fool you! When it comes to finding fish and game Terry is a predator! T. J. Migneault is the newest addition to the Healing Waters’ staff. T.J. has been a guide in the Missoula, Montana area for six years. He established an excellent reputation on the Clark Fork, Rock Creek, Blackfoot and Bitterroot rivers. T.J. is one of those guys who is fishing every day of the year when he is not guiding. He knows the Big Hole/Big Hole area well and is looking forward to working and fishing this corner of Montana on a full time basis.
Bob Flynn is one of the real “Old Men” of guiding in the Big Hole and Beaverhead Valleys. He has guided anglers on these waters for over 30 years. He is head of the local guides and outfitters association. He knows the trout on all the SW Montana rivers by name and is just a lot of fun to be with on the stream. Cassandra Osborn is an excellent angler and most pleasant companion on the water. Cassandra has guided anglers in Montana for many years. She is a licensed fly fishing outfitter with a reputation as a superb guide. Cassandra spends her summers guiding anglers in Montana and then finds a way to spend the winters pursuing bonefish, permit and tarpon on the flats of some exotic location. Chuck Robbins is not only a veteran fly fishing guide but also a professional photographer and author. He has written the “Fly Fisher’s Guide to Montana” and “On the Fly Guide to the Northern Rockies”. His photographs have appeared in numerous prestigious magazines such as Montana Outdoors. Originally from Pennsylvania, Chuck learned his fly fishing craft on very selective small stream trout. He is a patient teacher and enjoys sharing his knowledge of spring creek and small meadow stream tactics.
Fishing Calendar
April and May, prior to run-off, finds Montana’s rivers low with warming water temperatures. With growing activity and no pressure on the rivers, nymph and streamer fishing excels, with occasional dry fly action on the top.
June brings out the heavy Stone Flies on the Big Hole and the Madison. Big flies appear after the waters clear in early June, and on the Madison, a huge Salmon Fly hatch usually pops during the last five days of the month.
July means consistent dry fly fishing. You’ll experience caddis, mayflies, and small stone flies in great numbers. With incredible fishing, you’ll also experience more pressure on the rivers.
August means hoppers, beetles, ants and crane flies are fished on the surface for some aggressive large trout. If the surface becomes inactive, fishing small nymphs off attractor dry flies can be productive.
September begins like August and transitions into fall-like fishing toward the latter part of the month. You’ll spend most of the days fishing nymphs and streamers.
October and early November bring incredible vistas and beauty, along with very little pressure to go after large (and careless this time of the year) brown trout.
Non-Fishing Activities
Nature/History Tours: You can spend the day hiking and photographing everything wild… digging for quartz crystals, or exploring and enjoying natural hot springs. With a naturalist/historian by your side, you’ll see the Montana that most people just drive by. We’ll walk in Lewis and Clark’s footsteps, visit legendary battlefields, and step into ghost towns where you can still feel a bygone century. Let us know your fascinations and we’ll plan a day that you’ll never forget.
Horseback Riding: Nothing’s more relaxing than the gentle sway of the saddle as you venture into the serene high country. Let your horse climb into stunning mountain lakes while your senses practically overload from the pure air, mountain scents and incredible vistas. If it’s your first time riding or you’ve spent years in the saddle, the McNiel family’s Diamond Hitch Outfitters or the McDonald’s Upper Canyon Outfitters will take great care of you. You decide how long you want to ride and they’ll tailor an experience agreeable to your physical needs. Just let us know and we’ll set you up with the right horse, a wrangler, plenty of beverages, and a gourmet trail lunch, ready to eat near a cool mountain stream.
Hunting: Healing Waters’ all inclusive packages provide everything you’ll need to leave the world behind. Call for specific dates and to set up a trip. As a general rule, hunts take place approximately within these dates:
Upland Birds: Mountain Grouse Sept 1-Dec 15; Partridge Sept 1-Jan 1; Wild Pheasant Oct 8-Jan 1; Preserve pheasant shooting on the Circle 3 Ranch (early September – March); Sage Grouse Sept 1-Nov; Sharp Tailed Grouse Sept 1-Jan 1
Waterfowl: Coot, Oct 2-Jan 14; Ducks, Oct 2-Jan 14; Geese, Oct 2-Jan 14; Swan, Oct 16-Dec 1
Deer: Halloween to Thanksgiving. Call about special early or late season hunts
Our Services are Free!
Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
Healing Waters 2020 Rates
Package
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
Non-Fishing
7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing
$5,525 per person
$6,625 per person
$3,250 w/ angler
6 Nights / 5 Days Fishing
$4,750 per person
$5,350 per person
$2,725 w/ angler
5 Nights / 4 Days Fishing
$3,975 per person
$4,475 per person
$2,300 w/ angler
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing
$3,200 per person
$3,600 per person
$1,875 w/ angler
3 Nights / 2 Days Fishing
$2,425 per person
$2,725 per person
$1,350 w/ angler
Included in the rate: Accommodations; Daily guided fishing; Breakfasts, Streamside lunches are prepared each day, hor d’oeurves on the porch, followed by a delicious dinner with meat, poultry, and seafood; tackle (use of the lodge’s rods, reels and waders can be arranged with advance notice); Evening wines are handpicked from the wine list to compliment each individual course selection, beer and soft drinks, Gratuities for the staff, leaders and flies.
Not included in the rate: Airfare to Bozeman; Transfers to and from the Bozeman Airport and the lodge; Guide gratuities; hard liquor (the lodge only has a license to dispense beer & wine but you can bring your own liquor); private water rod fees; airfare and other travel expenses.
As its name implies, Five Rivers Lodge is in close proximity to the Beaverhead, the Big Hole, the Ruby, the Jefferson and the Madison Rivers, each famous for the large trout that call them home. Guests enjoy miles of wading access, floats on bigger water or spectacular horseback trips to fish the high mountain lakes and streams. There is also private water directly in front of the lodge for guests would like to get in some practice or some extra hours of fishing. Many Five Rivers’ guests have taken their personal best from this water.
In addition to the big name rivers, there are miles spring creeks and streams that offer a more intimate fishing experience. Both beginners and experts will enjoy fishing these waters, which receive little pressure. Each hold good numbers of trout with a variety of dispositions from picky to voracious trout that will explode on resembling a “hopper”.
Each section of the private water is rested (some sections are only fished once a week). The limited numbers of anglers and attention to fishing pressure insures privacy and a quality fishing experience. Five Rivers’ catch and release policy protects the wild, native trout. With access to a wide variety of private waters and blue ribbon trout streams, Five Rivers Lodge offers some of the finest fishing in the United States. All of this without the crowds usually associated with world-class fishing, except for the birds, waterfowl, wildlife and wildflowers that are abundant in this mountainous section of the Lewis & Clark Trail; so don’t forget your camera!
The guides at Five Rivers are experienced, hard working and excellent teachers. They all enjoy working with anglers at any level of experience or expertise. The guides also have a unique opportunity to guide during the winter months at Cinco Rios, the sister lodge to Five Rivers, in Southern Chile. These guides are willing to stay out well into the evening to fish the exceptional hatches that come off at dusk. Even staying out for that late Caddis hatch, you will never miss dinner as meals are on your schedule; Five Rivers will be happy to serve your meal whenever you return from fishing.
The lodge itself is an exquisite and comfortable place with extensive amenities to return to after a day of fishing. Each guest a suite has two king size beds, a private bath, beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and a door leading to decks and garden areas. The living room is a great place to enjoy Five Rivers Lodge’s extensive library of fly fishing and fly tying magazines, books and videos, tie flies at their completely stocked fly tying desk, a drink and hors d ‘ oeuvres, or discuss the days fishing. There are many other gathering areas at the lodge where anglers can wait for dinner or just relax. Five Rivers also has a hot tub available – a favorite way for guests to relax and rejuvenate for the next day of trout fishing. Please note that the Lodges interior, including bedrooms, is a non-smoking environment.
Five Rivers Lodge offers non-fishing guests a variety of experiences to choose from. They can relax in comfort and browse Five Rivers’ extensive library, reading their choice on the porch, overlooking the Beaverhead Valley or in the hot tub. Five Rivers can arrange activities like horseback riding, hikes, panning for gold, digging for garnets and
crystals, or a gourmet picnic lunch on a day trip. There are also a number of attractions in the surrounding areas like the Ghost Towns of Bannack or Virgina City and Beaverhead Natural Forest. Both guided and self-guided tours offer fishing and non-fishing guests alike the opportunity to explore western history, gardening, photography, literature and the arts or take a literary tour of the area.
Our Services are Free!
Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
Five Rivers Lodge 2020 Rates
Double Occupancy
3-Nights/2-Days Fishing
$ 2,095 per person
4-Nights/3-Days Fishing
$ 2,850 per person
5-Nights/4-Days Fishing
$ 3,595 per person
6-Nights/5-Days Fishing
$ 4,325 per person
7-Nights/6-Days Fishing
$ 4,895 per person
Included: Guided fishing, accommodations, round-trip transfer from the Dillon Airport to the lodge, healthy gourmet meals, and laundry services.
Not Included: Airfare, gratuities, flies and tackle, liquor, other travel expenses, Montana fishing license.
Guests are picked up in Bozeman, Montana and at Beaverhead County Airport in Dillon. Beaverhead County Airport, ten minutes from the lodge. The Dillon Airport’s runway is 6100 feet long. Before booking flights, please check with Angler Adventures. Five Rivers Lodge offers FREE shuttles from the Bozeman airport/lodge, round-trip, during daylight hours only. Both arrival and departure shuttles are scheduled for mid-morning.
Single Suppliment: $125 per night for single occupancy accommodations & $275 per day for one angler per boat/guide.
Private water fees: $100 per angler, per day (subject to change).
Yan Kee Way sits on the banks of Lago Llanquihue the southern most lake in Chile’s famous Lake District. The lodge and its 320 square mile lake look up the foothills of the Andes and are in the center of the best fishing in Southern Chile. The lodge is located just a one hour drive north and east of Puerto Montt (known as the “Gateway to Chilean Patagonia”), near the little town of Ensenada. The lodge is nestled within a small 12-acre forest on the lake’s edge, in the shadow of Volcano Osorno.
Yan Kee Way Lodge is located in the middle of one of the most prolific fisheries in all of Chile. The rivers and lakes surrounding the lodge are home to resident Brown and Rainbow Trout as well as a large population of Atlantic, Coho, and King salmon that don’t head out to sea. Each year, migratory Sea Run Brown Trout, Steelhead, Atlantic salmon, King salmon, and Coho salmon pass though the river systems on their way to distant spawning grounds. The resident salmon population is well established in Lago Llanquihue, that Yan Kee Way is allowed to open their fishing season for all trout and salmon species in September – 2 months prior to Chile’s country-wide opening the season in November.
Yan Kee Way’s primary river, the Rio Petrohue, is known for its big, clear, cool water and big Chilean trout. The Rio Petrohue is only minutes from the lodge and is best fished out of the boat with sinking lines and streamers, however there are sections of prime water to be waded. The main river does offer some dry fly fishing opportunities, the dozen’s of tributaries are more easily waded and have more prolific hatches. Anglers can choose from main waters of Lago Llanquihue and Rio Petrohue or from the smaller rivers like Maullin, Cayatue, El Salto, San Antonio, Cobre, Sin Nombre, Coiheco rivers as well some more remote, spring creek type water. Yan Kee Way uses a variety of different watercraft, so the right boat, for each water type, because there isn’t one boat that can do it all. This gives anglers at Yan Kee Way an advantage and the ability to locate fish no matter what the weather or the conditions.
The lodge is unique in Chile. The compound was carefully constructed over a five-year period, with great attention to detail. The main lodge building has exposed, sandblasted post and beam throughout, which highlights beautiful local woods, black lava encrustations and old-world style craftsmanship. Yan Kee Way’s accommodations are comprised of private chalets, bungalows, hotel style rooms, and suites. The 1,400 square foot chalets and bungalows are designed to accommodate groups of various sizes. Each building was carefully designed and constructed from the beautiful local woods, in a style that reflects the Southern Chile’s architecture but still incorporated modern features, like central heating.
Yan Kee Way also features Latitude 42º Restaurant. The restaurant has been consistently recognized as the best dining in Patagonia and was given the title of best restaurant outside of Santiago for the whole of Chile. Latitude 42º offers excellent international cuisine, a wine cellar with over 350 distinct labels from 30 Chilean vineyards, and a talented master Sommelier who is an expert at matching the perfect wine with your meals. Yan Kee Way and Latitude 42º Restaurant also provide the extraordinary service expected to accompany the gourmet meals and fine wine.
The artwork and furniture add to the Chilean ambiance at Yan Kee Way. Most of the furnishings were custom designed and crafted in Chile and Argentina. There are numerous pieces of original art on the grounds, created by Chilean artists, like the 6-foot long Stonefly nymph sculptor in front of the restaurant. The most prolific of which is the beautifully sculpted, 350 year old Coihue Tree. The tree began to die and loose it’s limbs in 1998. Yan Kee Way decided to preserve the tree and hired Arnaldo Diez, a well know Chilean sculptor, to transform the tree into a work of art. The tree currently stands with 120 distinct, wonderfully colored carvings, depicting the “Legend of Osorno Volcano.”
The artwork and furniture add to the Chilean ambiance at Yan Kee Way. Most of the furnishings were custom designed and crafted in Chile and Argentina. There are numerous pieces of original art on the grounds, created by Chilean artists, like the 6-foot long Stonefly nymph sculptor in front of the restaurant. The most prolific of which is the beautifully sculpted, 350 year
old Coihue Tree. The tree began to die and loose it’s limbs in 1998. Yan Kee Way decided to preserve the tree and hired Arnaldo Diez, a well know Chilean sculptor, to transform the tree into a work of art. The tree currently stands with 120 distinct, wonderfully colored carvings, depicting the “Legend of Osorno Volcano.”
Yan Kee Way is the perfect place for groups, families and couples to come and relax, enjoy great fishing and/or indulge in a variety of outdoor activities. In addition to fishing packages, Yan Kee Way also offers a number of guided outdoor activities, from light to extreme, for the non-angler from photography or cultural tours to canopy tours on a zip-line to shopping. There is also satellite television and access to telephone, fax, and the Internet. Guests can enjoy excellent stargazing and usually gain a new appreciation of the night sky – there are an incredible number of celestial objects, not to mention two galaxies and the Southern Cross, which are not visible from much of the Northern Hemisphere.
Yan Kee Way is perfect for a week-long fishing trip or as a family vacation, where you can get a few days of fantastic fishing in. Yan Kee Way is also a great place to add a day or two to the beginning or end of another fishing trip to Chile because it is so close to world-class trout fishing and is an easy drive to the Puerto Montt airport.
Estancia del Zorro is a private ranch located in the Coyhaique Alto mountains on the Chile-Argentina border, 23 miles from Coyhaique, Chile. A great variety of wild trout waters are within easy reach at Estancia del Zorro.
Less than a half-mile from the lodge, by gravel road, lies a spring creek that traverses the 15,000 acre ranch. The deepest runs and pools of this creek are home to brown trout to 30 inches that will rise to a hopper or large terrestrial. Other parts of the creek support greater numbers of smaller fish, averaging twleve to twenty inches. The entire spring creek, more than a mile in length, is reserved exclusively for Estancia del Zorro guests.
To limit pressure on the creek, each guest is allowed to fish it one day during his or her week. For the other 5 days of your stay at Estancia del Zorro, you select from a variety of rivers, streams and creeks in both Chile and Argentina.
Owners Jay Burgin, Mary Jacques and their Chilean partner, Sebastian Galilea have
established a network of private ranch leases that allow their clients to fish an entire week without touching public water. Add in the public water, and the variety of waters available is diverse and exciting, with an emphasis on walk and wade fishing.
Estancia del Zorro guests also have the opportunity to float the Rio Simpson once or twice during their stay. The Simpson is approximately 45 minutes by car from del Zorro.
The Highlands, a small stream tributary of The Petragosa, flows through the del Zorro ranch property and offers another option for a day of walk and wade fishing and usually constant action. Estancia Isabela is less than a half hour drive from Estancia del Zorro and is a small, wadeable creek available exclusively to Estancia del Zorro guests.
Just west of the ranch is the Petragosa, a small stream loaded with large numbers of browns from 12 to 22 inches. Pack your lunch in your guide’s backpack and you can walk and wade the Petragosa for miles, sometimes pulling a dozen fish from a single pool. Further west the Petragosa runs through a gorgeous canyon, which is difficult to access and so holds very unsophisticated trout. Estancia del Zorro guides are exploring ways to make the canyon a regular part of their fishing program.
Of course, Estancia del Zorro is surrounded by pristine trout water; these are only a few examples of what guests at the ranch might fish.
The lodge at Estancia del Zorro can accommodate up to twelve guests at a time in 6 double rooms. A main Great Room invites guests to relax, swap fish stories, and make plans for the next day’s angling.
Also located in the main building is the dining room. The chef takes advantage of savory local fare prepared with a distinctive South American style.
Breakfasts and dinners are served in the main dinning room. Guests prepare their own lunches from a selection of cold cuts, breads, fresh fruits and other snacks. Lunches are packed and eaten streamside.
Our Services are Free!
Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
Estancia del Zorro 2020 – 2021 RATES
The rate is $5,495 US per person for 7 nights/6 days guided fishing (in on Saturday, out on Saturday) per person, double occupancy and shared guide.
Rates include: pick-up and return to Balmaceda Airport; daily guided fishing by vehicle / foot and by drift boats or jet boat; accommodations at Estancia del Zorro, all meals with house wine and beer; soft drinks; Pisco Sour before dinner; satellite TV in club house; flies, leaders and tippet material (provided by your guide); tax.
Rates Do Not Include: airfare; fishing license (approximately $15 US to be paid at Estancia del Zorro); airport fees and taxes (to be paid upon arrival in Santiago); laundry; tips to guides and staff; hard liquor (a limited selection is available at the lodge, you may want to bring your own); tackle, possible meals or sightseeing during layovers in Santiago; additional tours; use of fax or telephone.
How to get there: From the United States you will fly into Santiago. An impressive, scenic flight on a 737 jet from Santiago, with a stop in Puerto Montt takes you to Balmecada. Upon arrival in Balmaceda, you will be met by your Estancia del Zorro Chile representative and transferred by vehicle to Estancia del Zorro. This trip takes approximately 1½ hours.
Many years ago we discovered El Saltamontes on the Gorrono Ranch in the Patagonia Region of Southern Chile. El Saltamontes is, arguably, home to one of the finest resident Brown Trout streams anywhere. Testimony to its excellence is the fact that the lodge is completely booked consistently year after year.
Also, at the conclusion of each season, many of the guests are already making plans to return the following year. However, despite the number of guests rebooking each year, excellent dates remain.
El Saltamontes is exclusively a brown trout fishery. Most fishing is done in the Nireguao River and its oxbow lagoons, and some of the best water is only a few feet from the door of the new lodge facility. In addition to the many miles of 4-wheel drive accessible river that flows through the ranch, El Saltamontes also has the fishing rights to all of the best off-property water, including some beautiful canyon stretches accessible only on horseback, as well as oxbow lagoons and lakes for larger brown trout and smaller, remote spring creeks with fish rising eagerly to large dries.
Each season, each year, week after week, from January through the end of March, the dry fly fishing on the Nireguao is remarkable and, for the most part, lives up to the outlandish claims made about it. The Chilean government has even designated the Nireguao as the first “catch-and-
release”, “artificials only” river in Chile. The browns gorge themselves on grasshoppers, and the grass bordering the stream is loaded with them throughout the season. Even the name of the lodge (El Saltamontes) means the grasshopper.
As in most of Patagonia, breezes range from light to strong and occasionally, a heavy rain spate may briefly cloud the water, making streamers as effective as dries. Even in unseasonably cold or wet weather, or if the wind picks up, the lodge has such a diverse fishing program, there is always some place to go to avoid the heaviest winds.
Most experienced anglers hook impressive numbers of fish in the 3 to 6 pound range during their week and nearly everyone finds the river “user friendly” and full of non-stop action with smaller fish. No other resident Brown Trout fishery in North America, South America or New Zealand is as consistently productive and the fishery continues to demonstrate their claim to being the finest resident Brown Trout fishery in the Americas.
While much of the water is on the ranch, the river flows through bordering estancias and there are other nearby regional water anglers might wish to visit. That is not to mention the new “pristine, off-property” angling opportunities that have blossomed as the guides continue explore new fisheries that, in many cases, have never seen a fly. Each two anglers share a guide and transportation; choices to the stream include horses, jeep or on foot.
The superb new lodge, nestled in a beautiful valley, is luxurious by any angling standards. The lodge is constructed completely from local timber and river stones, the furnishings and final touches reflect the Gorrono family commitment to make this the finest fishing lodge in South America. Each of the five guestrooms have private baths and all have magnificent views. El Saltamontes remains a small, intimate experience by continuing to allow only 8 fishermen and two non-anglers each week of its short season.
The guides at the lodge are a combination of talented North Americans and native Chileans. All are excellent instructors, experienced anglers and understand the intricacies of regional fly-fishing. The seasoned staff at El Saltamontes will all be returning, and no other anglers can lay claim to being more knowledgeable or familiar with the Nireguao than these veteran guides.
El Saltamontes’ talented chefs deliver meal after meal of gourmet and regional specialties and, owner, Jose Gorrono stocks the lodge cellar with a fine selection of domestic wines for each season to accent these his chefs’ wonderful meals. This superb facility along with the experienced guides and staff, has to rank among the best angling experiences and fullfill’s Gorrono’s plan: to make El Saltamontes the standard of angling comparison in South America.
Our Services are Free!
El Saltamontes 2020 Rates
The 7 night/6 day (Sat.-Sat.) package cost is $4,995 per person. The El Saltamontes season stretches over a short thirteen week span of January, February and March.
El Saltamontes’ package price includes: All licenses; Meet and greet at Balmaceda airport; Round-trip ground transportation; Accommodations (dbl occupancy); Meals; Daily guided fishing (2 anglers per guide); fishing permits/license; wine, beer, spirits and mixers.
El Saltamontes’ package price not Included: travel to Balmaceda; gratuities; tackle and equipment; items of a personal nature are not provided.
Non-angling companions are welcome! El Saltamontes has a variety of interesting “non-fishing” options:
Bird Watching: Condors, parrots, kingfishers, ibis, woodpeckers, to name a few.
Cultural Visits: A visit to some of the neighboring farms and villages is a fascinating day trip. It is often the most memorable part of a guest’s trip to Chile. The local rural people live a lifestyle like one would imagine it to have been like in the Western U.S. a century ago.
Horseback Riding: The area around El Saltamontes is horse country and endless trails lead off in all directions through spectacular mountain vistas and virgin forest. The Gorrono family are all expert horse people, and keep a wonderful stable of well-mannered, sure-footed horses appropriate for any skill level of rider.
El Saltamontes Itinerary
DAY 1 (Saturday) -Travelers usually arrive in Santiago, Chile in the morning, however the trip to the lodge from the States can be done in a single day, but much more comfortably by allowing a night en route in Santiago. Most of our guests transfer to the historic and lovely Carrera Hotel, adjacent to the Governor’s Palace in the city center to relax for a day and acclimate. It is authentically Chilean and the accommodations are located near Santiago’s cultural center, best shopping, excellent bars and restaurants, and nightlife. There are other hotel options.
DAY 2 (Sunday) – After a comfortable night in Santiago, guests fly (jet) to the newly constructed Balmaceda Air Terminal, where they are met by hosts Jose and Erica Gorrono and taken to the lodge. The trip to El Saltamontes by van is about a two and half hours and is accented by beautiful roadside streams and waterfalls.
Upon arrival at El Saltamontes, you’ll be introduced to the staff and accommodations. The Gorrono’s impressive, single story lodge and ranch house is in the shadow of the snow-capped Andes. After the brief orientation and a chance to settle in and organize tackle, anglers are free to fish with their guides for the remainder of the day.
The browns actively feed on grasshoppers and other terrestrials throughout the Patagonian summer months of January, February and March making dry flies are very effective and anglers seldom have to resort to subsurface patterns while fishing at El Saltamontes. Anglers often release trophy Browns during the week.
The after angling cocktail reception always includes Pisco Sour, the Chilean version of a Margarita, a complimentary bar and fine domestic wines. Non-alcoholic beverages are available. The first evening’s dinner is a little later than usual to allow for a full afternoon of fishing. Dinners, like all meals at the lodge are informal, superb and accompanied the by finest Chilean and Argentine wines.
DAYS 2-6 (Monday thru Friday) – These are full fishing days and the exact schedule will depend on the guests wishes. Breakfast and dinner will be served in the lodge and fine mid-day meals are served in the field.
An asado, the traditional South American lamb barbecue highlights the last night at the lodge. Neighbors often attend and music and native folk songs provide a memorable accent to the trip.
DAY 7 (Saturday) – Anglers will be transported to the local airport and begin their journey home starting with the flight to Santiago via Puerto Montt.
La Posada de los Farios offers spectacular guided fishing for brown trout and rainbow trout in the heart of Chilean Patagonia. Professional guides and deluxe accommodations make La Posada de los Farios on of the area’s premier fishing lodges.
La Posada de los Farios is situated on the Rio Cisnes (Swan River) with easy access to its tributaries and miles of nearby trout fishing water. The area is famous for its dry fly, streamer and nymph fishing for huge brown trout.
THE LODGE: La Posada de Los Farios first opened in 1994 on a bank overlooking the picturesque Cisnes and has been a great success ever since. The lodge name, La Posada de los Farios, translates literally to The Inn of the Brown Trout.
The fishing lodge itself can accommodate a maximum of only 6 guests in 3 comfortable guests suites, each with private bath. The lodge’s small size ensures plenty of privacy and just the right amount of personal attention. The lodge is extremely well appointed, though we would not describe it as luxurious. However, the serious fishermen will certainly not find anything lacking.
Daily life at La Posada de los Farios is designed around daily guided trout fishing, though no personal comfort is spared on lodge guests. The resident chef, Fernando, serves delicious meals. His dishes are served family style and prepared with a focus on traditional Chilean fare, especially fish, chicken and beef. Fresh vegetables from the lodge’s garden compliment Fernando’s cooking, as does the lodge’s expert selection of Chilean wines. Breakfasts and dinners at La Posada de los Farios generally served according to the daily fishing schedule; lunches are served streamside.
A few short steps from the fishing lodge are several miles of direct river frontage on the Cisnes. This part of the river is relatively large and slow moving, making it easily wadeable and great for after-hours wading. Several tributaries enter the Cisnes within walking distance of the lodge. Several small lakes, loaded with trout, are also easily accessed.
The majority of the daily guided trout fishing out of La Posada de los Farios is done wading or floating the Cisnes or exploring its countless tributaries and nearby lagoons. The Parque Nacional Quelat is also a favored resource of Posada’s professional fishing guides because of its diversity of unpressured trout fishing waters. Most of these areas are only a short car ride away. The scenery that surrounds the lodge and extends throughout this trout fishing paradise turns these drives into inspiring, sight seeing tours.
The best of the river fishing is less than 45 kilos from the lodge’s front door. Here guests drift miles of dry fly water, teaming with mayfly activity and, at certain times during the Chilean summer, enormous hoppers. The native browns here feed on these morsels with splashy abandon. An incredible diversity of insect life and proliferation of hatches will challenge and delight even the most experienced angler.
Trout fishing conditions at La Posada de los Farios range from beginner to expert. Because of their thorough understanding of this fishery, Rex and his guides can ensure that the novice fisherman as well as the seasoned veteran will find challenges and success at La Posada de los Farios. Guests have many options for daily fishing. One might choose to fill his creel with the smaller brown trout which choke the shallower creeks, or to float the deeper stretches of the Cisnes for one of the many trophies that lurk there. The fishery also offers rainbow trout and the occasional king salmon.
La Posada de los Farios uses two new boats to drift the Cisnes. Guests usually leave the lodge right after breakfast to enjoy these floats and often return after dark. Guides will anchor the drift boats intermittently to wade the more productive stretches. A packed lunch will be brought aboard to eat beside the stream. Most of the fish in the Cisnes will be caught using streamers and nymphs. There is some very good dry fly fishing during the warmer parts of the summer, though. Rex calls floating the Cisnes, especially its lower stretches, “one of the most scenic fishing floats to be found anywhere in the world.” Rex has recently begun to explore these lower stretches, which flow through high granite canyons, and has already spotted some 30+ inch browns lurking there.
Trout fishing conditions at La Posada de los Farios range from beginner to expert. Because of their thorough understanding of this fishery, Rex and his guides can ensure that the novice fisherman as well as the seasoned veteran will find challenges and success at La Posada de los Farios. Guests have many options for daily fishing. One might choose to fill his creel with the smaller brown trout which choke the shallower creeks, or to float the deeper stretches of the Cisnes for one of the many trophies that lurk there. The fishery also offers rainbow trout and the occasional king salmon.
La Posada de los Farios uses two new boats to drift the Cisnes. Guests usually leave the lodge right after breakfast to enjoy these floats and often return after dark. Guides will anchor the drift boats intermittently to wade the more productive stretches. A packed lunch will be brought aboard to eat beside the stream. Most of the fish in the Cisnes will be caught using streamers and nymphs. There is some very good dry fly fishing during the warmer parts of the summer, though. Rex calls floating the Cisnes, especially its lower stretches, “one of the most scenic fishing floats to be found anywhere in the world.” Rex has recently begun to explore these lower stretches, which flow through high granite canyons, and has already spotted some 30+ inch browns lurking there.
La Posada de los Farios is the only lodge in Chile that fishes this part of the Cisnes, and its guests have been rewarded with some enormous and very aggressive trout. An overnight trip can be arranged that offers a chance at fishing the famous Cisnes evening hatch.
It should be noted that while other areas of Chile have seen increased fishing pressure in recent years, the areas on which the La Posada de los Farios guides focus have remained relatively quiet. In fact, it is extremely rare to see any other anglers for your entire stay at the lodge.
Chilean Fjords
After several years of extensive research and exploration, Rex Bryngelson is now outfitting organized fishing excursions in the coastal fjords of Chile’s Aysen Region. The coastal fishing program is a unique opportunity to fish seldom-fished (let alone seen) rivers and estuaries for trout and salmon. Healthy populations of rainbow trout and salmon can be found cruising in the salt and up the mouths of the coastal streams accessed by Rex and his team of highly skilled an professional guides.
During the 1998 and 1999 seasons, Rex developed a coastal angling program that was fantastically successful. Anglers accessed pristine coastal rivers and bays, often taking dozens of 3 – 10 pound fish per day, both in fresh water and in the salt. Generally, subsurface fly patterns were used but, when conditions were suitable, it was not uncommon to take truly large rainbow trout on dry flies.
Anglers will have the option of going to the coast as part of their package at La Posada de los Farios during their stay if the fishing reports from the Fjordlands are good. With all the diversity and different destinations available near La Posada, guests will revel in the choices. Fishermen may also choose to over- night at the coast in a local “hosteria” ( for an additional $150 per night).
Another highlight of many trips to La Posada de los Farios is an optional horseback ride to a remote, privately owned lake. Accessing this private fishery involves a spectacular ride through arid country. The lake is full of unsophisticated brown trout that rise eagerly to dry flies. Here, anglers often have the rare opportunity to sight-cast to 20+ inch trout.
Posada de los Farios uses well maintained 4WD vehicles for transportation. The float fishing is done from a 14-foot self-bailing river raft that is very stable, safe and comfortable to fish from. Zodiacs and float tubes are used to access and fish the diversity of lakes. For fishing the fjords, Rex has a well outfitted 22 foot Panga with cabin that comfortably handles 4 anglers and 2 guides. La Posada de los Farios guides are all experienced oarsmen and expert boat handlers.
Non-angling companions are welcome; La Posada de los Farios offers a variety of non-fishing activities: Condors, parrots, kingfishers, ibis, woodpeckers, and more offer world class bird watching; a visit to some of the neighboring farms and villages is a fascinating day trip. It is often the most memorable part of a guest’s trip to Chile. The local rural people live a lifestyle like one would imagine it to have been like in the western U.S. a century ago; The Cisnes also offers some scenic rafting sections and even some class III and IV rapids; The country around La Posada de los Farios is laced with miles of horse trails which wind through forests and mountain vistas. La Posada de los Farios has a collection of docile animals on hand for guests use.
Our Services are Free!
Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
La Posada de los Farios 2020 – 2021 Rates
(Rates are per person and subject to change)
Description
Angling Days
Double
Single
3 Nights / 2 Days
2 Full Days
$2,200
$2,750
4 Nights / 3 Days
3 Full Days
$2,800
$3,500
5 Nights / 4 Days
4 Full Days
$3,350
$4,200
6 Nights / 5 Days
5 Full Days
$3,850
$4,850
7 Nights / 6 Days
6 Full Days
$4,350
$5,500
Additional Nights
Additional Full Days Fishing
$500
$650
Includes: ground transportation, accommodations, meals, guide service, beer, wine, Pisco Sours (Chilean national cocktail) and mixes.
Not included: hard liquor, all Chilean fishing licenses, international airfare, gratuities, items of a personal nature.
La Posada de los Farios also offers a special 10% discount for groups of 4 or more. Call or email us for details.
Anglers will be picked up and returned to Coyhaique, Balmaceda or any of the other regional destinations. The schedule at Posada de Los Farios can be custom-tailored to dovetail with packages or any of the other regional lodges, guide services, or South American angling destinations.
Scheduled Turn-Around Days: Any combination of Saturdays, Sundays & Wednesdays
Note: Guests who opt to explore the fishing in the coastal fjords with Rex have the option of returning to La Posada de los Farios each evening, for which there is no additional cost and is part of the standard package rate. Anglers can also opt to stay at a hosteria in one of the coastal villages at a rate of $150 per night / per person charge, to cover lodging and meals. The charge will be paid directly to Rex Bryngleson. Again, staying on the coast is optional but highly recommended.
Nomads of the Seas is a new concept that revolves around Chilean Patagonia and a revolutionary approach to fly fishing. Nomads of the Seas has developed a new venture that promises unparalleled levels of personal and professional service in an area many call the world’s ultimate fly fishing and ecotourism destination.
Overlooking no detail, Nomads of the Seas has designed one-week extreme fly fishing adventures and ecotourism expedition programs for a very limited amount of guests. All itineraries are based out of Atmosphere, a 150-foot mother ship specifically designed for exploring Chilean fjords in safety and extreme comfort. This ship accommodates a maximum of 18
fishing guests and 10 non-fishing guests for each trip. Atmosphere is also equipped with a Bell 407 helicopter and a fleet of jet boats, enabling anglers to penetrate the very deepest parts of the Patagonian wilderness over land, air and water. The mobility of Nomads of the Seas also allows for the flexibility required for successful fishing in an extremely variable climate.
Because of its isolation and the diversity of its terrain, Chilean Patagonia is one of the world’s best places for the kind of exploratory fishing and specialized eco-tourism Nomads of the Seas offers. The coast-to-land ratio is enormous, and the Cordillera generates a huge number of river and lake systems that are close to the ocean fjords. These bodies of water are largely inaccessible by conventional transportation and so have remained virginal and unexplored.
The lakes provide rich vegetation and the ideal environment for insects, crustaceans, nymphs and small fish, creating ideal fishing conditions on the surface and on the bottom. A number of these big lakes have regulatory effects on rivers, transforming them into a calm and clear flowing habitat for fish. Nomads of the Seas calls its fishingprogram “extreme fly fishing,” which Nomads defines as “being able to fish at any spot, regardless of its accessibility, without having to stay in any specific place; with all the flexibility to deal with different weather and water conditions, and fluctuating fish behaviors . . . With the assistance of our guides and pilots you will encounter a fisherman’s dream: shallow and deep rivers, white waters, tight bends, creeks, lakes, lagoons, mountains, volcanoes, and many confined sites that are almost inaccessible without the proper training, equipment and experience.”
There is so much water and coast line and open space in this region that Nomads of the Seas has by no means stopped exploring. On virtually every expedition new water is covered, some of which has never been fished before.
Nomads of the Seas uses its helicopter and an extensive fleet, comprised of 6 fully equipped Jetboats, plus 2 SOLAS Rescue Boats, 4 Helitour Mission Zodiacs (equipped for air transport below the Bell 407), and one Huricane
920 RIB Zodiac to cover these untouched waters. The diversity of these vessels gives guests opportunities to fish for brown trout (sea-run and native), brook trout, rainbow trout, steelhead, chinook salmon and other species of land-locked salmon. One week fishing programs depart every Saturday from mid October through April.
Nomads of the Seas has designed special outings for non-fishing guests as well: sight seeing for a wide variety of dolphins and elusive giant whales in specialized rigid inflatable boats, bird watching, spotting and identifying native and endemic flora and fauna throughout the wilderness. Most will be overwhelmed by the diversity of life and the natural beauty Patagonia offers. Guests will also have access to a variety of on board activities such as daily wine tastings, gourmet regional cuisine, Thalasoterapy and spa relaxation, specialized lectures and more. Few other operations combine so many activities in a single adventure.
Nomads of the Seas describes its on board cuisine as “Chilean gourmet nouvelle.” It has been specially designed by Guillermo Rodriguez, one of the most famous chefs in all of Chile. His dishes focus on traditional Chilean flavors with an exciting, modern twist.
Atmosphere is also equipped with a full bar, stocked with top brands of liquor. The bar is open all day and the drinks are included in the package rate (there are certain exceptions to this rule).
The Mothership’s cabins have been built with extreme care, priorizing comfort and safety above all. You’ll also find the décor quite tasteful, so you won’t miss anything from home.
The cabins are specially designed to emphasise passenger privacy and comfort onboard. Great efforts have been made to provide guests with natural and tasteful interiors. The 14 guest cabins are equipped with either one queen or two twin beds as well as a private bath. All guest cabins are exterior. Guests will also enjoy first class service from the attentive, live-aboard crew.The coastal sector of Patagonia and its intermediate valleys have a cold temperate western- coastline climate with peak rainfall in the winter (U.S. summer). However, there is rainfall throughout the entire year. The temperatures are not extremely low due to the influence of the sea and the action of the winds, and the coldest months are rarely below 4º C/39° F. The thermal amplitudes are not very high, with the daily and yearly ranging from 5º to 7º C/41° F to 45° F. The atmospheric humidity has a mean annual value of 87% in the zone, and no month of the year has relative humidity of less than 80%.
Nomads has satellite telephones that have worldwide coverage. They work with prepaid cards, which can be purchased on board.
Our Services are Free!
Nomads of the Seas 2017 Rates
FISHING GUESTS
Occupancy
Cabin
Beds
Rate
Single
Deluxe Cabin
Twins/King
$12,805 per person
Premium Cabin
King
$16,647 per person
Double
Deluxe Cabin
Twins/King
$ 9,850 per person
Premium Cabin
King
$12,805 per person
Included in the above rates: Transfers to / from Puerto Montt; all meals and appetizers, open bar (excluding certain liquors), all on board activities (sauna, lectures, wine tasting, etc.), 8 days and 7 nights accommodations as described, daily guided fly-fishing / daily whale watching and eco-tours, V.A.T. tax.
Not included in the above rates: airfare, gratuities, items purchased in the marina gift shop, massages, laundry, additional helicopter / jet boat hours beyond time specified in reservation, special liquors, use of satellite telephone
Across the border from Esquel in Argentina, and deep into the Coyhue forests of the tenth region of Chile flow the azure depths of the Futaleufu river.
A world away from the hustle and bustle that even sleepy Esquel represent, the “Big River”; (for this is how Futaleufu translates from the Tehuelche tongue) rolls along, amid some of the most unspoiled mountain scenery on the planet.
South of the Chilean lake district, Futaleufu is a stand alone fishery. The freestone giant grows healthy stocks of rainbow and brown trout that are fed by abundant hatches of mayfly, caddis and stone flies. A heavy resident stock
of fish and great hatches combined with classic fly water make the Futaleufu a trout fisherman’s paradise. Average rainbows and browns are in the 14″-16″ class but much larger fish are caught regularly.
There is even the occasional sea-run fish, guaranteed to put a bend in your rod! In truth though, whilst the chance of a big fish is a daily occurrence, it’s hard to be totally focused on the fishing in a place this special.
There’s a magic in the valley that transcends mere fishing. Futaleufu is a place to re-charge your batteries, to feel your spirits soar.
The lodges inaccessibility through the Valle de las Escalas make this part of the river unique, lazy horseback trails wind down to the rivers edge, a riot of Lupins and other wild flowers, no engines pollute the river here chemically or audibly and time appears to have stood still. Futa Lodge stands sentinel on the river bank wishing you well on your daily fishing foray, its lights twinkling a greeting in the evening as you return from the river.
Since the mid -eighties Futa Lodge has welcomed the greatest names in fishing, from Lefty Kreh and Mel Kreiger to Lee and Joan Wulff. The reason they came is the same now as it always has been, Futa represents the best of Chilean fishing, hospitality, accommodations, guiding and service.
The Fishing
Futa Lodge fishes primarily for Brown and Rainbow trout, with dry and wet flies in the Futaleufu river itself. The lodge also fishes neighboring tributaries and lakes which are mostly populated by Browns and Rainbows.
Other species occasionally encountered in the Futaleufu and Espolon rivers include Chinook, Silver & Atlantic Salmon, Sea-run Brown Trout and Steelhead. During a full week stay, anglers can visit different waters each day.
Easy access to some of the prime water on the Futaleufu river from right in front of the lodge. Great wade and drift boat fishing. Superb Dry fly and Streamer fishing. Varied fishing program taking in local tributaries and Lakes.
Fly Gear: Nine foot 4-7 weight rods for dry flies, 5-8 weight rods for wet-flies and streamers. Floating lines and sink tip and fast sinking lines. 8 foot to 12 foot leaders tapered down to two pound tippet for dry-flies and tapered down to 6 lbs for streamers.
Flies in Dry fly would be all mayfly patterns from size 12-20, spent patterns in similar sizes. Nymphs and Scuds in sizes 10-18 weighted and un-weighted. Streamers, Sculpins and Wooly Buggers in sizes 6-12.
Fishing Schedule is flexible but will normally start after breakfast at 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM. Shore lunches are the norm followed by fishing in the afternoon until into the evening. Seasonal changes will take into account the changing light but early season fishing may be as late as 10 PM, late season as early as 7 PM.
Futaleufu Lodge is strictly a catch and release fishery.
Location: Futa Lodge is situated in the Valle de las Escalas on the Futaleufu River, about half way between Puerto Montt and Coyhaique, 40 minutes drive from the village of Fuateufu.
How to get there: From Argentina, there are weekly flights to Esquel. You will be met by a lodge representative, cross the border to Chile and driven to the lodge (approx 1 1/2 hours)
By air from Santiago and Puerto Montt to Chaiten. You will be met in Chaiten and transfers to the lodge by 4WD vehicle (approx 4 hours).
From Puerto Montt you can also charter direct to the Futaleufu airport, where you will be met by a lodge representative and driven to the lodge (approx 40 minutes).
Facilities & Services
Capacity of 6 rods. Accommodations: Guests are housed in the main lodge, in comfortable twin rooms with private bathroom. Bedrooms have efficient wood burning stoves, and bathrooms are newly modernized, with plenty of hot water.
Extended Dining room, living room and bar areas with ample room for relaxing by the log fire.
Fly-tying table and extensive selection of materials. Fly-shop fully equipped with flies, rods, reels, lines and selected items of clothing.
Professional Local and International English speaking guides, trained in first aid and C.P.R all of whom are also qualified casting instructors. Quality custom Built fishing Rafts with swivel ended frames Fore and Aft. 4WD double cabin vehicles.
Full stable of horses, so anglers can access rivers on horseback should they choose to do so.
All inclusive bar featuring local spirits and the famous pisco sour cocktails. Wonderful wine selection served with dinner. Our wines ar
e selected from Chile’s finest vineyards. Gourmet cuisine featuring a variety of typical Chilean dishes such as curanto and sopaipillas, home made breads and desserts and fresh vegetables from our kitchen garden.
Cooked shore lunches served with wine, beer and hot drinks. Lamb asados, attended by a local dance troop who will demonstrate the Cueca (national dance). This special evening has been a long standing tradition at the Lodge and most popular with guests.
Maid and laundry service. 24 hour internet service.
Non-fishing activities:
White-water rafting and kayaking in the Futaleufu River.
Horse-riding through the magical coyhue forests.
Hiking to local waterfalls.
Bird watching
Our Services are Free!
Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
Futa lodge 2020 – 2021 Rates
Rates are based on double occupancy and shared guide 7 nights / 6 days of fishing, $5,950 per person (subject to change). Shorter packages and Special packages combining fishing in Futa Lodge and Nervous Waters lodges in Argentina can be arranged.
The lodge is open from December – March.
Included: Lodging, meals, local spirits and wines at the lodge, transfers from Chaiten or Esquel, fishing license
Not included: gratuities for guides and staff, airfares, laundry service, transfer from Bariloche or Esquel (price available upon request).
Paloma River Lodge sits among the beautiful Andes Mountain Range in Chilean Patagonia. Rivers have cut through the mountains to form narrow valleys and lakes here that are filled with large numbers of brown trout and rainbow trout. Paloma River Lodge offers easy access to these unspoiled waters.
Paloma River Lodge is surrounded by high mountain vistas, blue water and big trout. The peaks of the Chilean Andes rise high above the surrounding valleys, their glacial mantles giving rise to the cold, rushing rivers that make this region an angler’s dream.
Many say that this region of southern Chile is a reminder of what is was like to fish the American west approximately 50
or more years ago. Paloma River Lodge is far from any highway, paved boat ramp or crowd. Not to mention the trout, which are large and aggressive and will rise eagerly to a variety of large dry flies.
Many of the region’s waters are accessible only by Paloma River Lodge clients. Even seasoned anglers will find the lodge’s scenery and unpressured brown trout unique. Of course, the other great attraction of the Paloma River Lodge fishery is its population of very large trout (5+ pound fish are not uncommon). In addition to the rivers and lakes that are well known, some additional access points have been secured through local farmers that are long time friends of Paloma River Lodge owners.
While some of the trout are taken on streamers at Paloma River Lodge, about 80% of them are hooked on dry flies. All of the dry fly patterns used there are unique to this lodge, most imitating six species of beetle unique to the area. The dry-fly enthusiast will love successfully fishing big (sizes 4-10), high-floating patterns all summer long. Streamers are productive all year round but their key roll is in the lakes and during the fall season. Nymphs have typically not been used in the rivers but they can be productive when sighting fish in on of the crystal clear lakes.
Conditions around Paloma River Lodge can be challenging at times but the rewards are worth it. The lodges uses 4-wheel drive vehicles, jet boats and drift boats to access fishing areas. There is some walking required in certain
instances, such as when accessing sidechannels of the Paloma River or to the outlets of the lakes. Wading as fairly easy because the river bottoms are not slick. Some excellent fishing can also be found in the harder to reach rivers for those anglers who are willing and able to walk greater distances.
For beginning anglers we recommend spending a couple of days on the smaller creeks as a warm-up before hitting the big rivers. The wind can be a factor, particularly in November and December, but it tends to calm down by mid-January.
Though Patagonian weather is varied and unprediactable, February, March and April are generally the best months to avoid the wind.
Anglers that can cast 40 feet will be able to reach most of the fish in the lodge’s rivers. Intermediate to expert fly fisherman that follow the guides suggestions should expect to see 20 to 30 trout a day. The weather can drastically reduce productivity but shut-outs are very rare because of the variety and large number of accessible lakes.
Trout between 16 and 18 inches are average. There are many over 18 inches and it is not uncommon to get several chances at browns over 22 inches. As far as the size of the fish is concerned, an average day here can outweigh a good day on most Montana or Idaho rivers. Superb days here will leave an impression on even the most experienced of anglers. Doug Swisher had a memorable day at Paloma River Lodge when in his last hour of fishing he landed ten fish between 18 and 23 inches.
The fishing at Paloma River Lodge is good from early November to mid April. The best dry-fly fishing generally occurs from January to the end of March. March brings cooler mornings and evenings and the lowest river volume, but the cooler days bring the truly big fish out of the lakes and into the rivers for spawning. The prespawn streamer fishing can be incredible from mid March to mid April.
The lodge is a very comfortable 1,980 sq. foot construction. There are 4 spacious client bedrooms, each with a queen size bed and private bathroom. A maximum of 4 rods per week will be sold, so each client will have his or her own private room. Couples may share. The kitchen is open to view from the dining room and the large common room, where fishing stories will be shared over a large selection of Chilean wine.
The lodge has two Aire Super Puma 14′ self bailing rafts, with rowing frames employed for most float trips. For exploratory fishing access to the lower stretches of the Paloma River, a modern 17′ jet sled is used. Paloma River Lodge also keeps 2 additional boats permanently at key lake fishing access points.
Lan Chile, American and United provide daily flights from New York – Miami – Santiago or Los Angeles – Santiago, which connect with domestic flights to and from Balmaceda (2 1/2 hours). From Balmaceda, a Paloma River Lodge a representative will drive you to the lodge (1 1/2 hours).
POSSIBLE EXAMPLE OF THE WEEKLY FISHING PROGRAM
This is an example of where you will be fishing during your stay at Paloma River Lodge. Itineraries can always be changed to suit individual preferences.
Day 1 – Saturday
Reception at the airport and drive to Paloma River Lodge for lunch and accommodations. Many possibilities are available for a half day wade fishing or rest after your long flight.
Day 2 – Sunday
After a short 20-minute drive to the Mogote River, wade fish along the upper Paloma River, making your way to a motor boat. Motor up to fish the outlets of Lake Desierto and Azul. Browns here average 14-16 inches with a good number above that size.
Day 3 – Monday
A 30-minute drive puts you on the Mogote River. Wade fish here for many browns in the 10″ – 14″ range. The Mogote River has the largest population of fish in our area, which means lots of action on dry flies. Some fish up to 18″.
Day 4 – Tuesday
Take a 5-minute drive to the drift boat used on the Paloma River. The browns here love Paloma’s own “Big Ugly” dry fly in size 4. The average brown trout on the Paloma River will range from 16 to 20″ with a good chance at a 22″ or bigger fish.
Day 5 – Wednesday
Jump back into the drift boat and fish the middle stretch of the Paloma River. On this stretch you have many channels to wade fish, notably the famous “El Gringo” and Sleeping Fish channels.
Day 6 – Thursday
You will be run down river to the lower Paloma River to fish its most isolated stretch. After lunch you will wade fish up to the Lake Elizalde outlet. This water often presents true match-the-hatch opportunities for some of the largest fish of the week.
Day 7 – Friday
Ride in the jet boat down to the lowest reaches of the Paloma River and Lake Caro. These fish can be truly called “untouched”. 1998 is the first year that this part of the river was fished by our flies and the only road to Lake Caro is a horse trail. Lake Caro has another river that enters it; the Paloma guides are waiting for an adventurous soul to check it out.
Day 8 – Saturday
A farewell breakfast and the return drive to the airport for your departing flight.
Our Services are Free!
Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
Please contact Angler Adventures for current rates
Included: pick-up from the Balmaceda Airport; daily guided fishing by vehicle/foot and by Aire Super Puma drift boats or jet boat; accommodations at Paloma Lodge as described, all meals with house wine and beer; soft drinks, tax.
Not included: International airfare; flies; use of fishing tackle; departure taxes; laundry, tips to guides and staff, hard liquor (a limited selection is available at the lodge though you may want to bring your own); fishing license. Tips and gratuities range from 10 to 15 percent of the lodging rate and are also not included. Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, baggage handling and overweight charges are the responsibility of the client.
Tecka Lodge is a unique fishing property, holding more than 90-miles of fishable private water inside of 435,000 acres. It’s hard to imagine a scenario better than sharing 45-miles of the Corcovado, 35-miles of the Tecka Spring Creek, various tributaries and smaller spring creeks with fewer than 20 guests.
The Rio Corcovado is the larger river. It originates in Lago General Vinter and holds Rainbows, Browns and Brookies, some up to 10 pounds. The Corcovado (the Palena when it enters Chile) runs through the Western side of the estancia in the shadow of the Andes. A deep pooled and bolder strewn river, the Corcovado is best fished from a drift boat (15 individual day long floats), with some places where anglers can wade safely. The average fish is between 15 – 18 inches, with 20 – 22 inch caught daily.
The Rio Tecka is a traditional spring creek running through the Eastern side of the Estancia Tecka. The average fish in the Tecka are 12 – 15 inch strong, well-conditioned, hard-fighting trout. The deeper pools hold fish up to 15 pounds. The fishing is exclusively wading or casting from the banks. Rio Tecka provides consistent quality dry fly fishing, which can be spectacular during grasshopper season.
In addition to having 2 quality trout rivers on the Tecka Estancia, there are also 2 well-appointed fishing lodges: Caridad (Corcovado) and Headquarters (Tecka). The lodges are 45-minues apart, close enough that anglers can fish both rivers.
Caridad has 6 bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. While the lodge can accommodate up to 10 anglers, they prefer to have a maximum of 8 per week. From Caridad, anglers can walk to the Corcovado or drive up to an hour to the upper river.
Headquarters was the original house on the Estancia built in 1920’s and has 4 bedrooms with private baths with a more traditional Patagonian décor. Headquarters allows anglers to access the Tecka Spring Creek in as little as 5 minutes or as much as 30 minutes. Headquarters also has a fantastic indoor Asado.
Tecka Lodge is located 2 hours south of Esquel, in Argentina’s Chubut Province. Guests normally travel through Buenos Aires and will need to fly to Esquel on Saturday, returning the following Saturday.
Single occupancy rooms and fishing with your own guides are available at an additional cost, based on availability. Non-fishing guests pay 50% of the fishing rate. Customize shorter or extended packages are available upon request. Please call Angler Adventures for availability and details.
Included: All meals and accommodations, 6-days of guided fishing on the Rio Corcovado and the Rio Tecka (2 anglers per guide), fishing licenses, transportation throughout the ranch, transfer to/from Esquel, all alcoholic beverages, laundry service.
Not Included: Air fare and special transfers, fishing gear, guide & staff gratuities.
The South American Golden Dorado (Salminus brasiliensis) is considered by many well traveled anglers to be the world’s greatest fighting game fish. This extraordinary jumper combines the running and leaping abilities of a salmon with the ferocity and predatory instincts of a tiger shark. It violently hammers flies and lures, then immediately explodes out of the water in a series of outrageous leaps and line stripping runs.
For many years, one of Latin America’s most exciting game fish was kept a secret in its heartland. In the last few years, the Dorado, or “River Tiger” as it is affectionately called in Argentina, has rocketed to the top of the “hot fish list”!
Throughout much of its equatorial range, the Dorado is caught in heavy rivers in fairly deep, murky waters and generally with heavy spinning or plug casting tackle. However, for anglers preferring to fish relatively light fly tackle or light spinning tackle, in more intimate, relatively clear waters, with even some sight casting opportunities from the deck of a flats skiff, Pirá Lodge offers the perfect alternative.
Pirá Lodge is located in the northeastern corner of Argentina in Corrientes Province on the immense Iberá Marsh. One of the most unique and fascinating ecosystems in the world, the Iberá Wetlands is comprised of 3,500,000 (three million five hundred thousand) acres of unexplored and uninhabited marshland will be the setting for some of the most exciting fishing you will ever do. The marsh is a vast system of pristine creeks, rivers, shallows, and lakes roughly 2.5 times bigger than the Florida Everglades and is home to more than 350 species of birds, 85 mammals and almost 70 reptiles, along with this electrifying game fish!
Pirá Lodge guests fish from state of the art 18 foot Hell’s Bay flats skiffs with poling platforms. Primary fishing areas include the Corrientes River, the Headwaters and the Marsh proper.
The River is more traditional fishing usually with an 8 or 9 weight with a sink tip line. Large saltwater type streamer patterns are swung and stripped. One of the most effective patterns is the Andino, a hybrid muddler/deceiver pattern
The headwaters offers more floating line fishing and even surface patterns like mice (tied on heavy saltwater hooks) or sliders. Sometimes dorado will take poppers but seem to prefer sliders. The popular “Titanic” steelhead waking fly, has been adapted (tied on heavier hooks) and has been very successful in recent years.
The Marsh fishing is slightly more technical. This is generally clearer water and a stealthy approach is required. Again, the Marsh offers more opportunities for floating line fishing, and Pirá guides have even discovered these fish will eat buggy, rubber legged terrestrial dry flies!
While fish over 25 pounds have been taken at Pirá, most fish will average in the 3 – 6 pound range, with fish in the 10 + pound class taken each month of the season. The average day usually produces around 5 – 10 fish per rod per day. But this can vary widely. Dorado can be moody, but can also just go “on the grab”, and you might release 20 in a morning session.
Daily fishing hours may vary depending on month and weather. A typical spring fishing day will start in the morning from 8:00 to 12:30, lunch at the lodge, and then afternoon fishing from 3:30 to 7:30. The season comprises the Argentine spring and summer, from mid-October through April.
Fly rods carrying 7, 8 & 9 weight lines are the weapons of choice. It’s best to carry two rods; an 8 or 9 rigged with a sinking line (like a T-200) and a 7 or 8 rigged with a floater. Traditional saltwater streamers and deceivers in black, purple chartreuse and white, some slider and mice patterns, and wire leaders (these are toothy critters) complete the required gear.
Pirá Lodge is designed to provide its guests not only with a remarkable fishing experience, but also with maximum comfort. The lodge has only five bedrooms, each one of them fully air-conditioned, with two double beds and large bathrooms with double windows, which provide a peaceful space to unwind in a warm bath. The rooms feature French windows, which open out to the shaded verandah with easy access to the 20 meter pool and a beautiful view of the surrounding wilderness. In addition to the comfort of a spacious sitting room, with unique furniture crafted by local artisans, anglers will appreciate the convenience of a fly tying table, and an on-site fly shop, fully equipped with flies, rods, reels and clothing.
Gourmet dining with Argentina’s famed beef and fine wines, traditional “asados” (BBQ´s), delicious regional as well as international cuisine desserts, and the fully stocked bar contribute to create the setting for perfect moments at the end of a perfect day.
Other activities available are Kayaking, Bird watching, Horseback riding and snorkeling. Pirá is a strictly CATCH AND RELEASE fishery.
There are a number of options for travel to Pira Lodge. Most convenient but also most expensive is using a private charter to fly directly to the lodge’s grass airstrip (dependent on water levels) or to nearby Mercedes or Goya Airports. This works well for groups of 4 or more. Alternately, you can fly commercial air to either Resistencia or Corrientes. From there it is a 4 ½ hour ground transfer.
Many will travel through, arriving in Buenos Aires early morning, taking a mid-morning flight to Corrientes where they overnight at the charming Hotel La Alondra, and make the ground transfer to the lodge the next morning.
The most novel travel method is using the overnight Luxury Sleeper bus to Mercedes. This features fully (flat) reclining seats with privacy curtains, much like you’d find on First Class transoceanic flights. This departs Buenos Aires at about 9:30 pm. Dinner and beverages are served and you’ll arrive in Mercedes at about 7:00 am. From there it’s a 1 ½ hour car transfer to the lodge.
Pirá is a strictly CATCH AND RELEASE fishery and strongly encourages the use of barb-less hooks.
Our Services are Free!
Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
Pirá Lodge 2018 – 2019 Rates
(Effective October 2018 – April 2019)
Package Length
Double Occupancy
7-nights / 6-days Fishing
$5,950 per person
6-nights / 5-days fishing
$5,100 per person
5-nights / 4-days fishing
$4,475 per person
4-nights / 3-days fishing
$3,800 per person
Included in the rate: Roundtrip transfers Mercedes Airport or bus terminal to lodge (if you fly private charter); 7-nights deluxe lodge accommodations (double occupancy); all meals; all wines, beer; soft drinks and local spirits at the lodge; daily guided fishing, 2 anglers per boat/guide; fishing license.
Not included are: International airfare; transfers, hotels, meals and personal expenditures in Buenos Aires; commercial flights into either Corrientes or Resistencia (or private charter costs if you fly into Mercedes); transfers from Corrientes, Resistencia or Goya airports to lodge; tackle; imported liquors; laundry service; overweight luggage charges; gratuities.
Single occupancy 60% more; Non-fisher $450 per night/person.
The Limay River Lodge is the first and only lodge on the incomparable Middle Limay River. The lodge opened in November 2014 and created easy access to a virtually untapped fishery. The Middle Limay River is one of the richest fishing resources in Northern Patagonia (the areas North of Bariloche). The Limay has a reputation for consistently producing large resident brown trout, strong rainbows, and enormous migratory browns. The Middle Limay River is a large river, with numerous channels, that offers a variety of fishing opportunities: Dry Fly fishing with large attractor patterns or matching the hatch to rising fish, nymphing fishy runs, or stripping streamers to imitate minnows or pancoras. Angler’s searching for the “ultimate” Patagonian fly-fishing experience will find a trip to the Middle Limay unforgettable.
There are two structures that create the defining characteristics to the Middle Limay that make it so productive: The Pichi Picun Leufu Dam and El Chocon Reservoir. The Pichi Picun Leufu Dam turns the Middle Limay into a tail-water with consistent flows, clean / clear water, and prime water temperatures for trout and insect life. El Chocon Reservoir is an expansive lake (315 sq. miles of surface area with a max depth of 200 ft) that produces the Brown Trout which are measured in pounds, not inches, that migrate out of the reservoir and up the Limay to spawn. This creates a unique combination of predictable, consistent fishing for large fish, with the ever present possibility of taking massive browns on a dry fly.
The fishing on the Limay is virtually the same throughout the season, which runs from early-November until the end of May, because it’s a tail water. The majority of fishing (up to 90%) can be done with large attractor dries, which are surprisingly effective on Limay River rainbows and browns. Match the Hatch fishing, Attractor / dropper, and Streamer fishing are also effective all season long. The resident fish are typically between 17″ – 22″, with larger fish being common. It’s almost common place for anglers to a have a day only catching fish 20″, all on dries! The highest concentration of “migratory” fish in the Limay River is early and late in the season, but there are huge browns in the Limay year round. The fishing is a truly unique combination of action and excitement.
Limay River Lodge is located at approximately the mid-point of the Middle Limay River. With drive times to the 12 access points as little as 5 minutes to just under an hour, depending on which beat you prefer to fish any given day. Anglers can also choose to wade the waters around the lodge for full or half day fishing. The variety of access points allow for full day floats, half day floats, short floats, long floats, strictly wading, and wading/floating combos.
The Limay River Lodge is a U-shaped structure with an open courtyard, conveniently close the river. The lodge can accommodate 14 anglers in 7 double occupancy guest rooms, each with large open closets and private baths, and individual rod racks and wader hangers outside each room under a covered walkway. The dining room / living room are both located in a large open space at the East end of the lodge. There’s a fire pit in the courtyard, surrounded by a seating area, which is an ideal evening gathering spot. Anglers will find the Limay River Lodge comparable to a 5-star hotel in atmosphere, service, and appointments. There is reliable WiFi internet access, but no cell service.
Limay River Lodge has a fleet of Hyde Drift boats, which are ideal for floating the Limay River and new 4×4 trucks with trailers. Limay River Lodge also offers guests use of their Sage / Redington Rods paired with Sage / Redington reels and Rio Lines, as well as Redington Waders and Boots. The Limay River Lodge also has it’s own staff of professional fishing guides that are exclusively fishing the Limay River.
Our Services are Free!
Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
Limay River Lodge 2018 – 2019 Rates
(subject to change)
The cost for a 7-night / 6-day package is $6,860 per person based on double occupancy accommodations and a shared boat / guide daily. Shorter packages are available.
Included: Accommodations at Limay River Lodge; Daily Guided Fishing; All Meals & Beverages, included local beer, excellent wine and open bar at the lodge; ground transfers from Limay River Lodge to the fishing areas; fishing license.
Not Included: Airfare; Reception & Assistance in Buenos Aires; Non-Fishing activities; IN/OUT Private ground transfer from Bariloche, Neuquén or San Martin de los Andes (Chapelco) Airports to Limay River Lodge; Trip Insurance; Guide and Staff Gratuities; Additional travel services in Buenos Aires such as transfers, hotels, or tours.
Jurassic Lake, locally known as Lago Strobel, has garnered a reputation as the most prolific Rainbow Trout fishery in the world. Located in the rugged Steppe or “messita” region of southern Argentina’s Santa Cruz province, Jurassic Lake is the place for trophy Rainbow Trout on a fly. Lago Strobel is a 40 square mile lake and the average Rainbow landed from Jurassic Lake is close to 10 pounds, with fish breaking the 20 pound mark caught almost weekly.
Jurassic Lake is popular among anglers looking for their personal best Rainbow, but it’s not a destination for everyone. It’s located in one of the world’s most desolate, windswept landscapes, 5 hours from the closest airport, El Calafate City. Anglers who make the long journey stay at Estancia Laguna Verde Lodge.
Estancia Laguna Verde offers more than 6 miles of Jurassic Lake coastline accessible from the lodge and a few more remote areas only accessible by boat (when the weather allows). Guests at Estancia Laguna Verde have access to “Monsters Bay”, which was named after the consistent numbers and size of the trout landed in the bay and considered to be the best fishing area on Jurassic Lake. Anglers will also fish the productive Camelot Bay, Moro Bay, Horse Shoe Bay, Finger Bay, Sea Bay, Tazmania Bay, Dry Fly Bay, Puesto Bay, and The Aquarium. Fishing in the Bays offers some protection from the ever present wind. On calmer days, the sight fishing with small nymphs or large dry flies can be spectacular in all of the bays.
Estancia Laguna Verde is a 37,000 acre ranch on the southern shore of Jurassic Lake. The estancia encompasses 12 chain lakes connected by Moro Creek, and 5-miles of the Barrancoso River, which is the sole tributary to Jurassic Lake. The smaller chain lakes each have their own stock of big Rainbows. The Estancia and Lodge’s namesake, Laguna Verde, is full of 4 – 8 pound Rainbows, with fish over 10 pounds caught regularly, and is a short walk from the lodge. Many anglers catch their personal best Rainbow while “warming up” on Laguna Verde, before making a single cast into Jurassic Lake. Estancia Laguna Verde has made substantial improvements to the exiting roads inside the estancia and added new roads, allowing anglers easier access to the best fishing areas. The new infrastructure has improved the efficiency of travel, resulting in more time on the water for clients. Also added was a “lake cabin” on the shore of Jurassic Lake, where anglers can enjoy lunch, a siesta, or just take a coffee / matte break out of the wind. Estancia Laguna Verde now has access to 4 beats on Moro Creek, which are accessible by 4-Wheel Drive ATV’s or by truck.
Unlike the short sea-run trout fishing season on the nearby Gallegos or in Tierra del Fuego, Jurassic Lake has excellent fishing for almost 6 full months, from November – April. The higher water levels in November & December offer sight fishing on the Moro Creek and there are lots of large Rainbows still in the Barrancoso River, as well as in Jurassic Lake. Lower water in January – mid-March focuses fishing for big rainbows in the lakes, with mostly smaller trout in the Barrancoso River. As water levels start to rise in late-March – April, there are more big rainbows running back into the Barrancoso River, preparing to spawn.
The lodge on Estancia Laguna Verde is a traditional “Estancia House” with 7 guest rooms, accommodating a maximum of 12 anglers, each with a private bathroom. Estancia Laguna Verde Lodge is not luxurious, but given its remoteness, it is quite comfortable. Guests enjoy amenities like 24-hour electricity, 24-hour hot water, satellite TV on a 42″ LCD TV, wireless internet, and twice weekly laundry service. There’s also a changing room/drying facility, located by the entrance to the lodge for anglers to change before and after the fishing day, as well as to store / dry fishing gear, such as waders, wading boots, rods, reels, vests, etc.
Fishing Jurassic Lake requires rods capable of handling strong winds and fish that could go over 20 pounds. Fast action 9 / 10 foot rods in the 7 – 9 weight range are excellent choices, with a high quality, large abor reel. Almost all of the fishing is done with floating lines, but having a variety of lines like floating, sink tip, sinking lines with a medium sink rate and a shooting head type fly lines is recommend so you can adapt to conditions. Jurassic Lake trout aren’t leader shy, so heavy tippets are recommended to keep the enormous fish from braking off. For the Barrancoso River, 8 / 9 foot rods in 5 – 6 weight are adequate. When fishing the beautiful Barrancoso River, 9 ft. leaders in lighter tippet sizes (8-10 lbs) are recommended, as the water is clear and the fish can be spooky and challenging at times.
Top dry flies are: Mice, Chernobyl Ant, Tarantula, Madam X, Gypsy King, Stimulator (yellow and green), and Stimulator Rubber legs in sizes 6 – 10. Estancia Laguna Verde suggests a variety of weighted and unweighted Woolly Buggers, scuds, zonkers, and matukas in sizes 4 – 10. Don’t forget a selection of nymph’s and typical western flies for some of the more technical fishing. There is also a small fly shop at the lodge with a limited supply of waders, jackets, leaders, flies, tying materials, lines, rods, reels, and other fishing equipment. Also, in the event that something gets broken or lost, the lodge has some loaner tackle (Echo Rods and Islander Reels) that anglers can borrow. Don’t forget the “Flexi Stripper” stripping baskets, helpful when making long casts in the lake as well as protecting lines from the rocky coastline.
Estancia Laguna Verde strives to offer the best cuisine Argentina has to offer. The chef combines what Argentina is famous for: Great “asados” (barbeques) and Patagonian lamb, with tasty international dishes, all served with great wines from Mendoza, San Juan, Salta and Neuquén.
Our Services are Free!
Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
Estancia Laguna Verde 2022 Rates
(subject to change)
The cost for a 7-night / 6-day fishing package is $6,200 per person based on double occupancy accommodations and a shared guide daily.
Included: pick-up and return to Calafate Airport; daily guided fishing with 2 anglers per guide; accommodations; all meals; beverages (including water, wines, beer, sodas, cocktails, liquors); 24-hour electricity; satellite television; WiFi; laundry service twice per week.
Not included: airfare; departure and reciprocity taxes; transfers between airports or hotel to airports; hotels in Buenos Aires or El Calafate City where applicable; tips to guides or at hotels; tackle; flies, Argentina fishing license ($70 US per week, subject to change); possible meals or sightseeing during layovers in Buenos Aires (sport coat optional); Satellite Telephone use; other items of a personal nature.
Dave and Christine Decker’s Complete Fly Fisher is one of Montana’s finest fishing lodges and is ideally situated directly on the legendary Big Hole River.
CFF specializes in dry fly fishing, which is best when the water levels drop sometime after the fourth of July.
The record fish at the Complete Fly Fisher is a 30-inch, 8-pound brown trout taken on a dry fly. That fish was the exception, but fish over three pounds are landed every year.
The Big Hole, Wise and Beaverhead Rivers were traditionally the Complete Fly Fishers main area of expertise. However, in recent years the lodge has expanded its repertorie of waters to include Rock Creek, the Ruby, Red Rock, Bitterroot, Clarks Fork, Jefferson, Madison, Missouri and Yellowsone Rivers, as well as Spring Creek Fishing. The Big Hole remains a main staple of the lodge’s angling diet.
CFF has selectively guided anglers down Rock Creek for many seasons. Several years ago, through new partnerships with the U.S. and Lolo Forests Services, CFF has obtained the necessary permits to make this special creek available to all of its clients. For steady action and scenery, many anglers feel that Rock Creek is unequaled.
CFF has also obtained permission from the U.S. Forest Serivice to maintain a seasonal camp along the banks of Rock Creek, allowing guests to overnight in this wild and beautiful river corridor. Guests will enjoy comfortable accommodations and fresh cuisine
excellently prepared by Complete Fly Fisher staff. This wilderness adventure should be booked well in advance of your trip.
Throughout Montana and the American west, the Jefferson River is known for its trout of immense size and unyielding character. The harsh environmental conditions of the Jefferson and natural selection have left only the strongest and most aggressive survivors. These fish are opportunistic feeders, attacking high-protien whitefish, sculpins and crayfish. Complete Fly Fisher’s biggest and strongest trout are routinely pulled from the Jefferson.
The Big Hole has over 100 miles of fishable water. While there is very good fishing near the lodge, most guests choose to float the river, stopping to wade the productive pools. The scenery is magnificent as you drift through cattle ranches and canyons. It is one of the very few western rivers that, in addition to brown, rainbow, and brook trout, holds cutthroat trout and grayling.
In addition to the Big Hole and it’s tributary, the Wise River (pictured below), is also a freestone river. Big boulders and willowed banks make for great pocket water fishing.
The Complete Fly Fisher is an ideal place for couples, families, or groups composed of expert and novice fly fishermen. Experts will be challenged by the Big Hole’s browns. Novices will return from a week’s outing with a feeling of accomplishment, having been taught casting skills by competent instructors. The CFF staff teaches people to fish while they’re fishing.
There is a tackle shop that carries Sage, Loomis, and Winston rods and accessories. Even if you arrive without a rod or reel, the CFF will outfit you with their brand name equipment, a service, which is included in the cost. To help you decide on when to schedule your angling adventure, a month-by-month description follows:
JUNE: From around June 10th, the giant Salmon flies begin to emerge in the Lower Big Hole River. This emergence steadily moves upstream until early July. Huge dry flies and nymphs that imitate the naturals will bring the big boys out. As large trout protect prime feeding stations, streamer patterns can bring thrilling strikes. High, fast water makes this a truly exciting time to be on the Big Hole River.
JULY: Golden stone and tremendous Caddis fly hatches replace the Salmon flies. As water drops and clears, comfortable wading is now possible and trout will spread out making for more diversified angling. July offers steady fishing from about dawn til dusk; and we do fish until dark! Weather can be particularly nice during July, with dry flies and sunshine the daily fare.
AUGUST: The hoppers are out! Caddis and small Mayflies are hatching early and late in the day. Excellent streamer fishing can be yours, along with the fish of a lifetime. Terrestrials are abundant and trout are looking for them. Flat-water angling is available for the spring creek devotee; small flies, picky fish, great challenge and usually superb weather!
SEPTEMBER: Fall is beautiful on the Big Hole and can generate some spectacular angling. Brown trout moving to spawn are very aggressive and smash big streamers. Steady dry-fly fishing and the season’s lowest water bring anglers from all over the world to fish the Big Hole. While floating is still effective, wading can be tremendous sport and is recommended. Weather can range from hot and dry, to cool and wet, so come prepared for everything.
At the Complete Fly Fisher a maximum of 14 guests are accommodated in six spacious cottages and a master suite located in the main lodge.
The Complete Fly Fisher has traditionally been known for its excellence in the dining room as well. They take great pride in finding the most creative and enthusiastic chefs to prepare culinary adventures to accompany the world class fishing. Typically each week’s menu is tailored to meet guests’ preferences and pallet.
EQUIPMENT & ACCESSORIES TO BRING
Rods: DRY FLY and NYMPH: 8’ to 9’ for #4 to #6 lines.
STREAMERS: 8½ to 9½ for #6 to #8 lines.
Lines: All dry lines, weight-forward or double-taper.
Clothing: Fly fishing garb such as vests, waders, boots and the like are quite handy, but not absolutely necessary. We have at our disposal many items that you may need in this regard. Please inquire ahead. A good set of rainwear is essential because weather can range from hot and dry, to cold and wet. We highly recommend a hat with sun visor, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent.
In case you forget something, any or all of these items are available from Complete Fly Fisher’s well-stocked Fly Shop at fair prices. If you have any equipment questions, please contact us.
NOTE: For those of you who do not have rods or reels, etc., Complete Fly Fisher has top quality equipment available for guests use at no additional charge.
Our Services are Free!
Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
The 2020 rate for 6 nights, 5 days fishing at the CFF is $4,800 per person.
This rate includes: transfers to and from the Butte Airport and the lodge; expert casting instruction (as good or better than any fly fishing school); double occupancy accommodations in a cabin; all meals, including daily packed lunch and beverages; flies; unlimited use of brand name equipment from the Complete Fly Fisher’s well stocked tackle shop; fishing license; expertly guided float trips; bed tax.
This rate does not include: Gratuities for guide and staff; participation in other lodge activities such as horseback riding, guided hiking or nature tours. These activities will be billed a la carte for payment at the end of your stay.
Depending upon availability, anglers may extend a stay beyond 6 nights/5 days. Trips can be extended at a cost of $960 per day (subject to change). This rate also applies for stays of less than 6 nights.
A 50% deposit per person is necessary to secure a reservation. The balance is payable upon departure from the Complete Fly Fisher in cash, travelers checks or by personal check.
We also represent guides throughout Montana and can design individual itineraries should you want to extend your trip. The Complete Fly Fisher is in great demand, so it is a good idea to plan well ahead.
(From L to R) Jefferson River, Bitteroot River and Beaverhead River
Poronui’s tradition is to keep the best things very quiet, and so the lodge has only seven exclusive guest cabins. Designed with luxury, comfort and angler’s needs in mind, the modern wooden cabins sit only a stone’s throw from the water’s edge and offer guests comfort and relaxation in a magnificent landscape setting.
Poronui has evolved from what was once only a very basic, remote fishing camp. Today it is one of the world’s finest fishing holiday destinations and host to the most discerning international anglers and visitors.
From the main lodge itself, you can watch the Taharua flow through the valley and have a great view of the evening hatch. A huge log fire, the finest books and company to inspire you, and the comfort of a big chair and glass of New Zealand’s finest wine is a typically relaxing Poronui evening. The lodge is equipped with a modern drying room and laundry facilities. A well equipped fly tying bench and library of books and journals will fill your mind with possibilities and keep you entertained. There are also excellent storage facilities for rods and all other equipment.
The lodge is famed for its hearty gourmet food and wonderful cellar of fine New Zealand wines. It is here that you will find a roast dinner like no other. You may also discover that a picnic lunch, on the river’s edge, in the middle of nowhere, is the best meal you’ve ever had.
The Taupo region provides lamb, venison and wild duck while its proximity to the ocean also provides an abundance of fresh deep sea fish, salmon and mussels.
As Poronui is close to New Zealand’s largest grape growing region, the wine cellar features an extensive selection of local vintages.
Fishing at Poronui
Avid Fly Fisherman from all corners of the globe come to Poronui to test their skills against New Zealand’s notoriously large, and wily, brown and rainbow trout. They do it in an isolated and beautiful wilderness.
Every angler with a story to tell has an opinion as to where to find the best trout on the planet. Today, many of these stories refer to the trout of New Zealand. Poronui has a reputation for offering the country’s best wilderness fly fishing. Guests will discover secluded streams, home to incredibly large resident browns and rainbows, with angling opportunities to suit every preference or ability. Expect to fish new water everyday, no matter how long you stay at Poronui.
The property has almost 25 miles of private water. The Taharua, a spring creek meanders down the valley, while the Mohaka River, a tumbling freestone stream wraps itself around one boundary. The mountains adjacent to Poronui are vast estates of Maori owned land. Poronui is privileged to have access to much of this wonderful wilderness reserve. Without a doubt, the exclusivity and remoteness of these rivers and streams make them some of the most prized fly fishing waters in the world.
Poronui has a team of permanent full-time guides who are considered the consummate professionals in their field. They share an extraordinary knowledge of the country and collectively have more than a hundred years of fishing experience on New Zealand waters. Poronui guides know every stream intimately and work to ensure angling pressure is constantly monitored and controlled to maintain the health and confidence of the trout.
Poronui accesses it’s world class trout fishing available within walking distance of the lodge, with short drives in a 4WD vehicle, and with helicopters to all access the remote rivers and mountain streams. There’s a good deal of fishing at Poronui with easy access, good shallow wading, gentle riffles and pristine pools and there are some more challenging rivers within a short drive from the main lodge. There also some remote rivers that require floating to access the best fishing and can be combined with an overnight camp-out for adventures guests. Poronui’s 2 helicopters add nearby rivers (like the Legendary Ngaruroro and Rangitikei River in the next valley) and countless remote mountain streams to the menu of world-class trout fishing for anglers to choose from and adds options when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Not to mention that the helicopter flights are some the best way to enjoy the New Zealand countryside.
There are fishing opportunities for anglers looking for the classic fly fishing experience of stalking and sight casting to trophy browns and rainbows in shallow, clear water or reaching remote fishing areas with some of the most legendary and challenging fly fishing in the country. There are also easier fishing rivers where beginner anglers can cast to resident wild fish that have rarely seen a dry fly or floating a big dry fly through riffles, inducing dramatic takes.
Non-Fishing Activities
There are a number of activities available for non-anglers at Poronui. There a variety of hose back riding options and more than 100 miles of private road and trails for hiking, sightseeing/cultural tours and food / wilderness experiences are some of the most popular. As is relaxing at the lodge, enjoying a book, a glass of local wine, and the view. An example of the tours would be visiting the neighboring Tuwharetoa tribal land. Master teachers are on hand to give a first hand look of the ways of the wilderness or enjoy the experience of hangi feast, prepared using traditional Maori gathering techniques and cooking for you to enjoy, while sharing in knowledge and stories told by your passionate guide.
There’s also hunting at Poronui on 16,000 acres of wilderness that offers for a premier quality hunting experience. The lodge, Safari Camp down by the Mohaka River or the Blake House, (the owners home) are perfect for hunting groups who appreciate fine dining, wines, and beauty that sets Poronui apart from other hunting and fishing experiences.
Fishing Seasons at Poronui
Spring (October)
The opening of the fishing season in most districts means the local trout have been undisturbed for months. Temperatures are still cool, but with longer days, the brown trout become very active and there is excellent fishing with weighted nymphs and dry flies along soft seams in most mountain streams. Some good evening hatches offering very good dry fly fishing later in the day.
Early Summer (November, December)
Undoubtedly the best time to fly fish in mountain streams. Long, warm days and the water is still cool. There are good mayfly hatches and the trout feed recklessly on the surface throughout the day. The fish are not wary and generally very aggressive to the dry fly. This is the least crowded time to fly fish in New Zealand and the weather is very settled around Christmas.
Mid Summer (January, February)
Traditionally the most popular time for fly fishermen to visit New Zealand. Most good lodges are pre booked. Streams are often low and wading is easy. Trout are highly visible but selective. On small streams these conditions demand careful stalking and delicate presentations with small nymphs and dries. On larger freestone rivers in the mountains (accessed by helicopter and float trips) there are some excellent terrestrial activities on the surface.
Late Summer (March, April) & Fall (May)
The weather is still warm and settled. April has the lowest rainfall of any month. The cooler evenings induce good hatches and mountain streams are fishing well for browns on dries. Trout are in peak condition, so this is a good time for trophy fish. This is the ideal time for salmon fishing. Outdoor activities season in New Zealand. There is excellent fly fishing with nymphs in the tributary streams of Lake Taupo for the first runs of spawning rainbows.
Our Services are Free!
Poronui, New Zealand
Rates for the 2020 – 2021 Season
(All rates are subject to change)
Poronui Daily Guiding Fishing Rates
Two anglers sharing a guide
NZ$462.50 per person, per day
Single angler
NZ$925 per day
Included: all equipment, full day of guided fishing including the evening rise; steam-side lunch.
Not Included: Fishing licenses; alcoholic beverages; transfers.
Poronui Overnight Accommodations
Season
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
March 22, 2018 – December 6, 2018
NZ$ 675 per day, per person
NZ$ 895 per day
December 7, 2018 – March 21, 2019
NZ$ 995 per day, per person
NZ$1,310 per day
March 22, 2019 – December 6, 2019
NZ$ 690 per day, per person
NZ$ 915 per day
Overnight accommodations rate includes laundry facilities, all meals, non-alcoholic beverages and house beer & wine.
Package Specials – March 22, 2019 – December 6, 2020
Package
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
3 Days / 4 Nights
NZ$3,818 per person
NZ$5,997 per person
6 Days / 7 Nights
NZ$6,555 per person
NZ$10,574 per person
Package Specials – December 7, 2020 – March 21, 2021
Package
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
3 Days / 4 Nights
NZ$5,368 per person
NZ$9,740 per person
6 Days / 7 Nights
NZ$8,015 per person
NZ$14,720 per person
Package Specials – March 22, 2021 – December 6, 2021
Package
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
3 Days / 4 Nights
NZ$3,872 per person
NZ$6,069 per person
6 Days / 7 Nights
NZ$6,639 per person
NZ$10,314 per person
Included: all equipment, full day of guided fishing including the evening rise, accommodations,all meals, pre-dinner drinks, house beer & wine and same day personal laundry service.
Not Included: Fishing licenses; alcoholic beverages; transfers.
Please call or email Angler Adventures if you have any questions or would like to book Poronui, New Zealand.
This is the lodge for anglers looking to catch large Brown and Rainbow Trout on some of the most remote water in Chile. El Patagon is located on the banks of the Rio Figueroa and the Lago Rosselot, hundreds of miles from the nearest city. The setting is the lushest portion of a temperate rain forest, reminiscent of virgin old growth forests of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. First settled in the early 1950’s, roads didn’t reach the area until 1988. This part of Chile is still un-traveled, except for a handful of Fly-Fisherman “in the know”.
El Patagon’s home river, Rio Figueroa, empties into Lago Rosselot. The Rio Rosselot flows from the lake, heading west, and joins the Rio Palena at the town of La Junta. The Lago Verde, and a host of other river systems, cross the Andes from Argentina to the east and feed the Rio Figueroa. El Patagon has a mile of frontage on Lago Rosselot, miles of frontage on the Figueroa, as well as their own spring creek and other small streams and lakes surround the lodge. Each of these rivers, streams and lakes are home to rainbow, brown and brook trout. There are also seasonal runs of sea run browns, coho, king and Atlantic salmon that frequent these waters.
In the early 1990’s there were persistent rumors about fantastic fishing in the most remote areas of Southern Chile. Eventually, reliable sources led to a floatplane pilot and fly fishing enthusiast who created numerous maps with his “secret” fishing locations. In 1995, explorations of the area and the fishery began and the stories regarding the fishery proved to be true. The ideal property for El Patagon was purchased from a local homesteader and work on the lodge began. As a testament to El Patagon’s remote setting, all the materials for the lodge were brought to the property by teams of Oxen and Oxen carts.
The resident brown and rainbow trout in this area range in size with the largest fish reaching 30 inches. An average
fish would run 15 – 18 inches, with good numbers of 20 – 25 inch fish. El Patagon’s home river, the Figueroa, is big water and consistently produces the biggest fish (over 25 inches). These large trout are usually caught on very large dry flies, like Chernobyl ants, that imitate the 4 – 5 inch Cantaria beetle, which is common in this region. Mice patterns skitterd along the surface also bring up big trout, as do Wooly Buggers on sinking lines.
The rivers and lakes that surround El Patagon do have some good hatches of mayflies, caddis and some stoneflies. Particularly, when the weather is warm and dry, each body of water can produce consistent dry fly action.
The fishing season at El Patagon begins in the month of December and continues through the middle of April. El Patagon Lodge opens its season at the end of the spring salmon, silvers, kings, steelhead and sea-run brown trout runs that began in October. Salmon and Sea Run Trout enter the river system from the lower Rio Palena, through Rio Rosselot and Lago Rosselot and the Rio Figueroa while on their way to their distant spawning grounds in Argentina. Some anglers come to El Patagon to specifically target these big anadramous fish, however it is more common for early season anglers to hook one incidentally while fishing for large, native browns that call these rivers home. Either way, hooking one of these sea-fresh fish will change the tempo of your entire day.
El Patagon has partnered with Mission Lodge and Alaska West, two of the top Alaska lodges, to employ North American guides in the winter months. This has provided El Patagon with an outstanding “guide pool”. In addition, El Patagon has invested heavily in the quality and variety of its boats and equipment, including rafts, jet boats and boats specially designed to access hard to reach locations.
The beauty, serenity and remoteness of the area is truly unique. It is a wilderness area with very little infrastructure. It is highly unlikely you will see another angler on any of the
waters fished by El Patagon. The 4,000-acre property is an excellent base of operations, with both lake and river front areas for anglers to explore and only a few paces from each of the guest cabins is El Patagon’s home river, the Rio Figueroa.
El Patagon was designed to comfortably accommodate eight guests. There are four separate guest cabins set to accommodate two guests. Each cabin has a full bath with shower, built-in closets and a wood-burning stove. For guests who would like a more rustic atmosphere there are kerosene lanterns available, which may be used in lieu of electricity.
In the middle of the compound is the common area and a fogon. A fogon is an eight-sided structure and fireplace, typical in Chile. El Patagon uses it some evenings when lamb al parilla or some other grilled meat is the main course and many guest gather here to swap fishing stories as well. The dining room and lounge at El Patagon is located in a 30-foot diameter yurt, a traditional structure to Mongolia. The compound is constructed in a rustic, local style and reflects the character of the remote region and the temperate rainforest, which surrounds the lodge. The visual juxtaposition of the traditional central Asian Yurt, with the classical Chilean fogon creates an interesting view into two separate worlds.
While excellent fishing is focal point, El Patagon also makes sure that guests have everything they require when they are off the river and not fishing. Guests really love some time in the wood fired sauna or hot tub overlooking the Figuroa River after a day of fishing. Just below the hot tub is a cold stream to compliment the sauna and hot tub.
El Patagon also provides guests with their own gear storage locker. Anglers may change into and out of their fishing clothes here and avoid keeping their fishing gear and clothes in their cabin. This room also serves as a drying room for your boots and waders at day’s end. To ensure guests comfort, El Patagon has included convenient restroom facilities in this building.
The beauty of this location is equal to the excellent fishing. El Patagon guides will escort and guide anglers on variety of water, with the possibility of targeting many different types of fish. Guests can literally choose a different type of water and a different style of fishing each and everyday. The possibilities are only limited by the amount of time you have to spend at El Patagon.
Our Services are Free!
El Patagon Rates
Call or email Angler Adventures for more information on El Patagon Lodge.
Flying 2 1/2 hours south of Santiago, along the incredible Chilean Andes, brings you to Coyhaique, located in Chile’s Region XI, between parallels 44.30 and 46. The Aysen District, a narrow strip of land within an entanglement of islands, fjords, bocas and channels, appears to drop into the Pacific Ocean. Thousands of glaciers and waterfalls pool to form deep lakes and then flow through reed lined channels, wild rivers, and dark canyons. These peaceful depths of Chilean Patagonia are home to an abundance of healthy, resident brown trout and rainbows.
The lodge is located on the outskirts of Coyhaique and overlooks the picturesque Rio Simpson valley. Cinco Rios was a converted hosteria until 2007, when a brand new lodge was built right on the bank of the Rio Simpson. The new lodge can accommodate 12 anglers in 6 spacious guest rooms, each with their own private baths and 2 Kingsized beds. Cinco Rios Chile is owned by Montana lodge owners Jay Burgin and Mary Jacques and their Chilean partner Sebastian Galilea.
The variety of rivers and lakes accessible from Cinco Rios is astounding and includes Rios Simpson, Manihuales, Aysen, Paloma, Blanco, Deseques, Pica Flora, Nireguao, Emporer Guillermo, Humeles, Azul and Megote, lakes Pollux, Frio and Castor and many small rivers and spring creeks, which see little to no fishing pressure.
This fishing is as varied as the selection of waters. The Coyhaique area is home to numerous grasshoppers and 11 beetle species. Casting big terrestials will bring up big fish almost anywhere. Summer evenings on the Simpson offer match the hatch fishing similar to the US. Floating faster sections of the remote rivers requires pounding the banks with dries and wets. The smaller streams can be waded or walked upstream, casting small dries and nymphs, which can produce 6 – 12 trout out of a single run or pool. In the clearest rivers and lakes you will find sight fishing opportunities as challenging as New Zealand. The trout come in all sizes according to the waters you fish, from foot long chunky fish to deep bellied 30 inchers.
Cinco Rios has been in operation since 2004, but Jay Burgin’s experience running fishing lodges and working with the Chilean people goes back to 1996, when he opened Paloma Lodge. Cinco Rios has continued it’s relationship with the guide staff from Paloma Lodge, insuring that Cinco Rios guests fish
with some of the best guides in Chile. Each of the full time guides at Cinco Rios several years of guiding experience in Chile and many more years in overall total guiding expertise.
Each two clients (or single angler paying the single rate) are assigned a guide, who comes equipped with a 4 wheel drive vehicle, trailer and an inflatable raft. Cinco Rios guides use Zodiak inflatable rafts with high back seats to ensure clients confort on the river and owns several new Jet boats which are strategically placed on specific rivers to help maximize fishing time.
The Rio Simpson directly in front of the lodge and the furthest river, the Paloma, is a 45 minute drive. The fishing options available are close to an even split between “walk and wade” streams and larger rivers that require float trips or jet boats to cover the water.
Cinco Rios operates a 7-night/6-day fishing package, which begins and ends on a Saturday. During your 6 days of fishing a typical fishing itinerary would be as follows (All the waters listed below are within an hour drive from the lodge and most are less than a half hour):
2 days of jet boat access; one day to the lower Paloma river and the boca of the Claro and one day to the Rio Azul, and the Elizalde Outlet.
2 days of floating, which could include any of 4 separate floats on the Simpson, two on the Manihaules, one on the Paloma and one on the Aysen.
2 walk in trips to rivers such as the Simpson, Nireguao, Emperor Guillermo, Humeles and Pica Flora as well as numerious smaller rivers, which receive virtually zero fishing pressure.
Other options include fishing lakes such as Lago Pollux and Lago Frio for large browns and rainbows up to 30+ inches and remote laguanas, which can also hold big fish.
On your way to the nearby rivers and lakes, you may encounter localhuasos or ranchers driving their cattle or sheep along the road or into the hills. You might think you are lost in the wild west of days gone by until you realize a huaso may shuttle your boat with his oxen. You can also encounter glaciers, tropical flowers pollinated by bees and temperate rain forests without the dangers of poisonous snakes, spiders and other creepy crawlies.
There are numerious topical wild plants abound; bamboo, fuchsia, lilies, honeysuckle, nasturtium, lupine and mammoth rhubarb only begin the list. The Rio Simpson area is peaceful, secluded, and a paradise for bird watchers A variety of birds like Andean condors, Chilean Southern – ringed kingfishers, eagles, ibis, torrent ducks and parakeets can been viewed around the Rio Simpson. There is an amazing amount and variety of natural beauty to be taken in by fly fishers, photographers and hikers.
How to get there: From the United States you will fly into Santiago. An impressive, scenic flight on a 737 jet from Santiago, with a stop in Puerto Montt takes you to Balmecada. Upon arrival in Balmaceda, you will be met by your Cinco Rios Chile representative and transferred by vehicle to Cinco Rios. This trip takes approximately 45-55 minutes.
Our Services are Free!
Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
Cinco Rios 2020 – 2021 Rates
(subject to change)
6-days guided fishing / 7 nights (in on Saturday, out on Saturday) is $5,495 US per person for a, double occupancy, two anglers per guide.
Rates include: Pick and return to Balmaceda Airport; daily guided fishing by vehicle / foot and by drift boats or jet boat; accommodations at Cinco Rios Chile, all meals with house wine and beer; soft drinks, flies, leaders and tippet material (provided by your guide) and tax.
Not included: Airfare; fishing license (approximately $15 US to be paid at Cinco Rios Chile); entrance taxes ($100 US cash to be paid upon arrival in Santiago); laundry; tips to guides and staff; hard liquor (a limited selection is available at the lodge, you may want to bring your own); tackle, possible meals or sightseeing during layovers in Santiago.
Documents: US Citizens visiting Chile are required to carry a passport. Please be sure your passport will be valid 6 months after your departure from Chile. When using a passport for proof of citizenship, we recommend carrying a photocopy of your passport picture page and two spare passport photos in a separate piece of luggage. This will greatly expedite matters should you lose your passport during your travels. Once again, remember the $100 US dollars, cash Chilean entrance tax which you need to pay upon arrival in Santiago.
Fly Fishing Andes offers miles upon miles of private access water on multi-thousand acre estancias (ranches), where you might never see another angler during your fishing day. Large Rainbows and Browns (and landlocked salmon on certain rivers) are actively feeding… and present the wonderful challenge we all love. Every trip is a custom designed itinerary that allows clients to select from 5-6 lodges and a variety of rivers in the San Martin and Junin del los Andes area, such as Arroyo Verde, on the incredibly beautiful Rio Traful, Tipiliuke, on the majestic and world-renowned Rio Chimehuin, San Huberto, on the Malleo, perhaps the most amazing and perfect trout stream in the world. Collon Cura Lodge on the productive Rio Collon Cura and the smallest river we fish with some of the largest trout, the Filo Hua Hum, staying at Filo Lodge. You’ll lodge and dine in very comfortable accommodations with private bath and enjoy professional, English-speaking fly fishing guides, the finest Argentine wines and exceptional meals with uniformed service personnel to cater to your every need. This is very civilized fishing!
Hola! My name is Alberto Cordero-Biedma. I am the owner and principal guide for Fly Fishing Andes. I invite you to come to Argentina to experience the romance, the beauty, the warmth and hospitality of native Argentines as they welcome you to their private estancias…and most of all the wonderful fly fishing on private access waters which rivals that of any Rainbow and Brown trout fishery in the world. We’re very excited to share our incredible fishing with you! Especially the dry fly action!
We offer you complete flexibility in choosing how you wish to enjoy Northern Patagonia. We do not offer standard packages; instead you may design your own trip or tell us what you prefer and we’ll design one for you to consider.
Stay as few or as many days as you wish. Stay at one, two, three or four lodges. We will plan and execute your trip so thoroughly that all you will have to do is relax, pick up your rod, fish…and enjoy! We promise! We have a passion for our natural Patagonia and for our wild trout…we take pleasure in sharing these resources with our guests.
Compared to the rest of Patagonia, the Northern Zone gives you kinder weather and gentler winds. Normally we experience delightfully warm weather with lighter winds from late December to early April. The exceptional, wild McCloud-strain rainbows, German browns, Sebago landlocked salmon and Eastern brookies that fill the pristine lakes, streams and rivers in Patagonia were transplanted to the cold, gin clear Andean waters over 95 years ago.
Depending on your preference for fly fishing, be it dry fly, wet fly, streamers or all of these, we can offer a variety of waters that will cater to your pleasure. Most of our guests over the years have elected to visit two or three different estancias in a fishing vacation lasting ten days to two weeks. If you can only stay a week, we suggest you visit at least two different waters. We’ll work hard to exceed your expectations and make your visit to Argentina your best fishing experience ever. We have been fortunate over the years to fill our vacancies early. To avoid disappointment, we suggest you begin your booking process a year or so in advance. We give priority bookings to returning guests. Please know that fishing conditions vary from year to year depending on our weather. Gracias, Alberto
Tipiliuke is one of Argentina’s finest lodges. The lovely stone lodge is in the middle of the 50,000-acre, deer, cattle and sheep “estancia”. The lodge shares its magnificent architecture with the rest of the buildings and also has a beautifully crafted interior. Tipiliuke is situated just North of San Martin de los Andes, in the heart of the most famous trout waters in Argentina.
Anglers staying at Tipiliuke have access to seven miles of private water on the world-renowned Chimehuin as it runs through the ranch. The Chimehuin has an amazing variety of waters, allowing fly fishermen to float, wade, sight-fish or hunt for trophy trout with streamers or big attractor style dries. The wild rainbows and browns can be caught up to 30″, with the average fish running 16″ to 20″. Both rainbow and brown trout are frequently caught in the 21″ to 24″ range. There’s also access to seven miles of the smaller Rio Quilquihue – a delightful dry-fly stream.
Hosteria San Huberto is one of the most traditional lodges in Patagonia and has capacity for twelve guests. It is on a 25,000-acre ranch with access to 20 miles of the Malleo, one of the world’s great dry-fly streams.
The Malleo, which is small in comparison to most Patagonia rivers, is the one in Argentina with the densest, most frequent and most predictable hatches. It is an almost perfect trout stream, combining easy wading, diversity of water types and just the right amount of riparian vegetation The trout quality is second to none, and you’ll appreciate the spectacular views such the majestic Lanin volcano. This is the one lodge in Patagonia that regularly gets fully-booked by early July for the months of January, February and March. If you decide to experience this great lodge andstream, do yourself a favor by not waiting too long to book. Click here for more information on the Malleo River and Hosteria San Huberto.
Collon Cura Lodge
To fish the remote private water, the best water on the Collon Cura, clients stay at Collon Cura Lodge. From mid-January to mid-March, small bait fish migrate into the Collon Cura and the trout feed on them voraciously. Mixed with inch worms and evening caddis hatches, the Collon Cura can produce some incredible fishing. The lodge is not as charming and picturesque as some, but what you are buying here is location, location, location.
Tres Rios Lodge is located just south of the junction where the Chimehuin and the Aluminé Rivers join to form the Collon Cura River. Tres Rios Lodge offers access to 9-miles of the lower Chimehuin, 4-miles on the lower Aluminé, and 4-miles on the upper Collon Cura. Anglers can choose to float, float to wade, or exclusively wade these rivers. The lodge is comprised of 3 guest rooms with private bathrooms, kitchen, living and dinning rooms. As a small lodge, Tres Rios is committed to accommodating one group at a time, so guests will experience exclusive use. Click here for more information on Tres Rios Lodge and fishing the Aluminé, Chimehuin, and Collon Cura Rivers.
Arroyo Verde
Arroyo Verde is an elegant lodge located on the Traful, the premier landlocked Atlantic salmon river in Patagonia. The river runs 10 miles through the valley, and it has some of the most spectacular views of any Patagonian river!
Record fish are an 18-lb. salmon, a 16-lb. brown and a 23-lb. rainbow! The lodge, which is a traditional estancia in a magnificent Andean valley, was called by Forbes Magazine: “the finest fishing lodge in the world, period!” Three or four days at this unique lodge, wading this marvelous river, will challenge your fly-fishing skills, and invite you to contemplate the extraordinary scenery. The food and wine served at Arroyo Verde rival any great restaurant in the world!
Filo Lodge
Filo Lodge, located on the Filo Hua Hum River, takes just 8 clients at a time. This elegant lodge is located in a spectacular remote setting, which ensures privacy and little angling pressure.
The Filo Hua Hum, a tributary of the Caleufu River, runs for approximately 7 miles between two lakes and offers fantastic dry fly fishing, beginning with dragonflies in January. This river holds fish that average 16-20″, up to 10 pounds!
Much of the fishing is sight fishing. This is not a place to catch great numbers of trout, it’s a place to stalk and catch several good sized fish a day, that are used to looking up and taking dry flies.
Our Services are Free!
2023 – 2024 Fly Fishing Andes Rates
Per Night
7-nights/6 days
Tipiliuke
$1,285 per person
$8,995 per person
Arroyo Verde
$1,285 per person
$8,995 per person
San Huberto
$1,285 per person
$8,995 per person
Tres Rios
$1,285 per person
$8,995 per person
Limay River
$1,285 per person
$8,995 per person
Collon Cura
$1,285 per person
$8,995 per person
Filo Hua Hum
$1,285 per person
$8,995 per person
All rates are based on double occupancy accommodations and two anglers sharing a room and guide. Rates are subject to change.
Jorge Graziosi has been guiding in Patagonia Argentina since 1968, first under the name Safaris Acuaticos and more recently as Arroyo Claro Lodge, which he opened 1999. In 2006, Jorge constructed the new Arroyo Claro Lodge, built on a nearby hillside with dramatic views of the beautiful Carrileufu River, 3-hours south of Bariloche. Lodge guests fish the Carrileufu, the Rivadavia, Arrayanes and Chubut rivers, as well as Arroyo Pescado, and the Palena and Futaleufu Rivers of Chile.
Arroyo Claro Lodge
Arroyo Claro Lodge is located ten miles south of the small village of Cholila, in the heart of this wonderful trout fishing country. The Carrileufu River is within walking distance of the lodge. The Rio Rivadavia and El Canal spring creek are a short drive. The Andes Mountains make the perfect backdrop to this idyllic setting. Your host at Arroyo Claro Lodge is Jorge Graziosi.
Jorge designs each fishing itinerary to suit the season, angler preference, and the size of each group. On extended stays, Jorge may dedicate a portion of each guest’s trip to fishing the Palena and Futaleufu Rivers in Chile, a three-hour drive south of Cholila, stopping to fish Arroyo Pescado on the way. Another option is a 3-night / 4-day float trip on the Chubut River, known to deliver non-stop dry fly action for Browns and Rainbows up to 4 pounds.
Jorge is an expert fly fisherman and an accomplished horseman and the lodge is furnished with his riding paraphernalia, including some exquisite saddles and bridles. He owns several horses that are available for guests’ enjoyment; you will see them grazing in front of the lodge. A small garden provides fresh flowers for the dining tables.
Arroyo Claro Lodge has a main lodge with four spacious double guest rooms on the first floor, each with a private, full bathroom and two smaller bedrooms with private baths on the second floor.
Arroyo Claro’s main lodge and cabin sit on top of a stone bluff, overlooking the Carrileufu Valley and facing the mountains. The view of the bend in the Carrileufu River under the mountain’s jagged peaks is breath taking.
The food is wonderful. Breakfast and dinners will be served at the lodge, preceded by a cocktail hour either on the patio or by the fireplace, depending on the weather. At least one of the dinners will be at the lodge’s parrilla, or barbeque.
Here guests enjoy “asado,” which is a traditional and very popular meal in Argentina, consisting of beef, lamb and sausage, all cooked together on a grill over hot coals. There will also be home baked bread, salad, dessert and plenty of vino tinto.
Part of the fun is relaxing and taking in the scenery while your hosts tend an oversized, smoking grill. Most other meals are taken in the dining room of the main lodge or on the stream. The lodge specializes in local produce and creative national dishes, paired with a selection from an extensive wine list.
Days, of course, are typically spent exploring the expansive trout waters in the surrounding country under the expert direction of Jorge and his team of guides.
The beautiful Carrileufu flows within sight of Arroyo Claro. The best way to access to the Carrileufu is by floating the river and getting out to wade fishy looking water. However, some stretches are best fished from the raft, casting to the riverbank. Half-day trips on the Carrileufu are easily arranged, which leaves time for other activities such as horseback riding, hiking and visiting the “Patagonia Express” railway and Estancia Leleque Museum. The driving time to and from the river is quite short, which is not the norm for many South American fishing lodges. The Rivadavia is a little further from the lodge; about twenty minutes by car. The Rio Chubut is also close by, where adventurous guests can enjoy a 3-day float trip.
Catch and release regulations imposed on the Carrileufu several years ago have greatly enhanced the size and population of trout in this river. Rainbows and browns up to 27 inches have been taken by Arroyo Claro guests on dry flies. These incredibly strong trout run and jump like steelhead and have been described by clients as “trout on steroids”. The Carrileufu is also one of the best rivers in Argentina for landlocked Atlantic salmon, particularly in November and March.
The Rio Rivadavia is one of the prettiest rivers in Argentina with good average sized trout that can be caught on dry flies, nymphs and streamers all in the same day. There is so much fishable water it generally takes two full days to cover the best five miles of this river. Not to be missed is the more technical spring creek tributary of the Rivadavia with rainbows and browns that can exceed five pounds.
Also nearby are the Rio Arrayanes, Menendez and the Canal Spring Creeks.
Chubut Float Trip
The 3-night / 4-day float trip on the Rio Chubut is spectacular. Why 4 days? That’s how long it takes to get to the next road. Much of the Chubut is so remote (most of the float is inside a 250,000 acre Estancia), its trout have never seen a fly and the catch results show it. You will loose count. Most guests fish exclusively with dry flies. The fish range from 12-22 inches, with a few larger fish to be had. The Chubut River is 30 – 50 yards wide, which is filled with fishy looking riffles, runs, deep pools.
The Chubut is the longest of five small rivers that are born in the mountains a few miles south from the Bariloche airport: Two of the River’s go to the Pacific and three to the Atlantic. The Chubut flows for almost six hundred miles to reach the coast. First, flowing south for one hundred miles where the river takes a turn 90 degrees about ten miles south of El Maiten and heads east for the Atlantic. This is known as “Vuelta del Rio” (turn of the river) and where 65 miles Chubut float trip begins. The Chubut float takes anglers through a variety of fishing situations and Argentine landscapes. At the beginning of the float, the banks are lined
with tall willows, some reaching 40 to 50 feet tall that provide cover for the trout, protect the anglers in windy conditions, and keep the water cool. Then, the banks begin to open, cut banks begin to form, and there is great terrestrial and hopper fishing. The float ends on a winding section of the Chubut, framed by the Andes, with less willows, more cut banks, and fabulous riffles where some heavy brown trout take Chernobyls and big stone flies.
All of the camping equipment is provided (wall tents with two cots each, good sleeping, tables, camping chairs, electricity provided by a small generator, portable toilette, and shower facilities) and is set up each night by camp staff, who will float ahead of the anglers, set up camp and prepare dinner. The facilities are simple, however Jorge has perfected the scheduled and equipment, so anglers want for nothing, except for more time on the Chubut.
Client Views of the Chubut Float
“Three things can sum up an Arroyo Claro float down the Chubut River. Great fishing, knowledgeable guides and personalized service.
We experienced great dry fly fishing to feisty rainbow trout averaging 18″. Chernobyl patterns, Dave’s hoppers, caddis patterns brought fish to the surface all day long. Whenever there was a slight lull to the dry fly action, I would put on a few nymphs, especially a prince nymph, and the fish were right back on it. But the dry fly fishing was just too spectacular to think of fishing below the surface.
Jorge and his crew were extremely professional and organized. Campsites were set up well in advance every night. It was a pleasure to roll into camp every night and see dinner being prepared, tents placed along the river and the bar open. Meatloaf, steaks, grilled chicken, bacon and eggs, and freshly squeezed orange juice are some samples of the type of meals we ate. Jorge even brought some pies for dessert! I noticed that everyday Jorge or any of his crew would go out of their way to make sure we were comfortable. Expresso anyone?
The Chubut River trip is a treat for a lifetime. Great scenery, great fishing, experienced and knowledgable guides, tasty argentine food and wine but make sure you bring a jacket to keep you warm when the winds of Patagonia start to blow. The only reason I might hesitate from going again is that I do not think it could be any better than the last time.” – Bob M.
“When the guides take machetes out to chop through the willows, you know you aren’t going to be fishing ‘the same old, same old’. The first 1/2 of the trip is filled with bright, shiny, acrobatic rainbows, running 14-18 inches long, jumping, pulling and bouncing around the river with abundant energy.
Southern kingfishers, wild parakeets, cara caras, and Andean condors fly over and around the river, giving bird-oriented folks lots of bucket-list Audubon check-offs. Cool nights make for great sleeping, that and tasty bottles of Argentine Malbec wine and cold Aracauna, Anteres and Quilmes beers speed you off to trout-filled dreams on your cot in your own tent after a routine day of 20-40 wild fish to the net/angler.
Jorge’s team of guides and wranglers are skilled at preparing evening meal like rich bolognese sauces and pasta al dente, steaks, or a piquant chili with fresh baked bread, perfecto! You will not lack for breakfast options, which are served with matte tea served and shared with the guides, as is the custom, or fresh brewed coffee in your own mug. Lunches are often cuts of salami and ham, hard cheeses, fruits, bread for sandwiches, bottles of beer (or more Malbec). Desserts are pies and torts filled with the rich local berries.
The end of the Chubut float finds the river gradient slowing and more opportunities to tangle with big browns and you may linger at the deeper holes for a bit to see if you can coax a big boy to come out and play. There are also rainbows to keep your rod bent between the viscous, green stretches, but this is your chance to tangle with 25+ inch Argentine brownies, not mention their ho-hum “smaller” 16-18 inch brothers and sisters.
There is no fine china, no crystal wine goblets, no maitre d’s to tip, but you will be well-spoiled by the end of your float because the scenery is gorgeous, the fish cooperative and frisky (but well placed casts reap great rewards). The air is fresh, the water cool, the sky is big and the experience most special. This is a great trip to reconnect with friends, enjoy precious moments with family, or simply enjoy a few days under canvas in the Argentine pampas, chasing trout and enjoying life with folks who appreciate really love being out on a trout river with no other agenda than relaxing and savoring the simple pleasures of life well-lived. Did I mention they have lots of good Malbec?” – Rick B.
Chile Road Trip
The Chile Road Trip normally beings with a stop at Arroyo Pescado to break up the 3-hour drive. Aftera full day of fishing Arroyo Pescado, it’s a 90-minute drive to either the Rio Palina or the Futaleufu. Each itinerary is custom designed to meet each clients’ individual preferences. Guests stay at lodges in Chile selected by Jorge Graziosi. The pricing for the Chile Road Trip is the same as a standard stay at Arroyo Claro, except that liquor and wine are not included in Chile.
Arroyo Pescado is a small spring creek, typical of spring creeks throughout the western U.S., having a high density of trout and some very large trout. Arroyo Pescado is closed to fishing until January 1st each year, but has excellent fishing right from the opening bell and offers some outstanding hopper fishing.
The Rio Palena originates from Lago Vintter and flows through Argentina as the Rio Corcovado. Once the river enters Chile and until it empties in the Pacific, it’s known as the Rio Palena. The Palena fishes well with dries, nymphs and streamers for brown and rainbow trout. This river also has the most important run of Pacific King salmon in South America – The Kings spawning in the Palena not only add another species to target, but the browns and rainbows grow big and strong feeding on salmon eggs. The Palena flows through one of the most spectacular mountainous valleys in Chile, with snow-capped peaks hovering over every riffle and run.
The Futaleufu in Chile, or “Big River”; (for this is how Futaleufu translates from the Tehuelche tongue) begins on the Eastern side of the Andes in Argentina, where it’s called the “Rio Grande”. Once over the Chilean border, the Futaleufu creates the Yago Yelcho, which in turn becomes the Rio Yelcho that empties into the Pacific. This fast flowing freestone river has healthy populations of large brown trout and rainbow trout, as well as excellent insect hatches.
When To Visit Arroyo Claro
Weather and fishing conditions in Argentina are similar to those in the Western U.S. – Montana, Idaho and Wyoming – during the corresponding seasons, (Argentina’s seasons are opposite ours in North America), as described below.
The trout-fishing season opens on the second Saturday in November. During November & December, the rivers are at the highest levels of the season, but the flow is moderated by the fact that most rivers flow out of lakes. High water and spring temperatures cause the fish to feed aggressively, making this one of the most productive times of the year.
Bring your sinking lines, but expect good dry fly fishing on the Chubut, with the right conditions. December offers some super nymph fishing on the Rivadavia. Good landlocked salmon fishing on the Carrileufu. The period corresponds with the months of May and June in the western U.S. Expect springtime temperatures; with potentially cool to cold mornings and nights. Temp range: 32°-75°.
If you’d rather fish in shirtsleeves on bright, sunny days, you should focus on January and February when water levels stabilize. Good dry fly fishing and generally the most dependable weather of the season. The months of January and February, corresponding with July and August in the Western U.S., usually offer the best hopper fishing of the season. The well-known spring creek Arroyo Pescado opens January 1st. The Futaleufu River, because it is a tail water fishery, fishes well even during the hottest weather. The weather can range from hot and dry in the daytime to cool mornings and nights. Temperatures can range into the 80’s and during midsummer daylight can last until 10:30 at night. At high elevations the weather will be cooler and more subject to change. High winds are possible anytime. Cholila is apt to be warmer and less windy than other parts of Patagonia due to its lower elevation (1500 feet). Temperature range: 50°-90°.
During March and April (the season closes April 15th) the days begin to shorten, the trees turn bright colors, the salmon and big browns move from the lakes into the rivers to spawn and water temperatures begin to reactivate the trout. Good wet and dry fly fishing, particularly landlocked salmon on the Carrileufu. Water levels reach their lowest point, making sight fishing very productive. These months correspond to September and October in the Western U.S. Expect autumn temperatures and potentially cool to cold mornings and nights. Temperature range: 32°-75°.
Non-Fishing Activities:
Horseback riding on the 5,000 acre ranch
Visit to the los Alerces National Park – the lodge is 3 miles from the park’s north entrance.
Big boat ride on Lago Menendez to the Glaciers (very scenic) of “Cerro Torecillas.”
Hiking – just behind the lodge are many private trails.
Butch Cassidy cabin (20 miles away)
Patagonia history museum, “LeLeque Estancia”
Ride to the Museum on the Patagonia Express.
Visits to El Bolson artisans fair (about 1 hour away)
Bird watching for Condors/Flamingos.
Visits to the Welsh Tea House (about a 12 mile drive)
Our Services are Free!
Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
2020 – 2021 Rates For Arroyo Claro Lodge Patagonia, Argentina
The 2020 – 2021 rates are: $650 (US) per person, per day, based on two people sharing a room and a guide; $850 (US) a day for a single fisherman; $400 (US) a day for non-fishing companion; $450 (US) per person/double and $600 (US) single for an arrival day; and $200 (US) per person/ double; $200 (US) single for a departure day. These rates are quoted in US dollars and are subject to change. Transfers in Buenos Aires, if required, are additional.
Example: 7 nights in the Cholila/Esquel area with 6 days fishing would cost $4,550 (US) per person, based on two people sharing a room and guide.
Included in the rate are: pick-up and return to Bariloche or Esquel airport, daily guided fishing by vehicle/foot and by inflatable rafts; accommodations, which in addition to Arroyo Claro Lodge can include hotels and country lodges (or tent camps for optional overnights on rivers); all meals with house wine, beer or soft drinks.
Not Included in the rate are: airfare to Bariloche or Esquel; departure taxes; laundry; fishing license; access fees to private waters (US$100 per person at Arroyo Pescado); Chubut Float (US$100 per person); tackle; flies; tips to guide or at hotels; bar expenses; hotels and transfers in Buenos Aires and possible meals or sightseeing during layover in Buenos Aires.
The Limay River has been a hidden gem in Argentina Trout fishing for decades. Some say it offers the best fishing in Patagonia. Difficult access (up to 3 hours drive each way from San Martin or Bariloche) has limited the number of anglers fishing the Limay and they were happy to keep it to themselves, until now. The Limay River Lodge, located on the banks of the Middle Limay River, opened for business this year. The Limay River Lodge is a true luxury lodge in the Patagonian wilderness.
Limay River Lodge was opened by veteran Argentine guide and businessman Jorge Trucco, who visited New York this September. We had a wonderful conversation with Jorge about what makes Limay River Lodge a special place.
Consistent opportunities to catch large Browns. Fish over 20″ are common, 6 -10 lb fish are caught on a regular basis, and fish over 20 lbs are possible.
Incredible dry fly action for large, healthy Rainbows and Browns every day.
12 access points all for maximum flexibility for full or half day floats, or shorter floats if anglers desire.
The middle Limay is a 60 mile tail water fishery so the water and fishing is consistent year round.
The lodge is brand new and offers first class accommodations, service and personnel in a prime location.
The Limay features regular hatches, Pancoras and two types of minnows creating opportunities for all anglers and conditions.
Limay River Lodge uses Hyde drift boats, Sage & Rio tackle, Reddington Waders and Boots.
A well trained team of professional guides and lodge staff prove superior service on and off the water.
Angler Adventures is pleased to introduce this exciting new property to US anglers. Contact Evan Peterson for more information or to include Limay River Lodge as part of your next trout fishing adventure!
After seeing Bob Cosgriff’s massive Permit, we got to thinking about other big fish Angler Adventures clients have landed recently. Most of the time, these anglers don’t stumble into huge fish, they’re hunting them. For us that means, helping them choose the right destination and making sure they’re prepared.
Coming up next: Angler Adventures Clients and Double Digit Bonefish from North Riding Point Club. It’s no coincidence our clients are joining the 10 lb Club!
Steve Renehan landed the 26″, 8 lb Brown pictured above on a dry fly in late-February, fishing an unnamed river with Fly Fishing Andes, based in San Martin de los Andes, Argentina. Equally impressive was the incredible dry fly fishing Seve Renehan & Tom Gahan experienced one evening on the Collon Cura River, while staying at Ted Turner’s, Collon Cura Lodge. The pair landed 20 fish over 20″ from the same pool! The minnow migration was in full swing and the browns & rainbows were feeding with near reckless abandon.
The minnow migration is a yearly phenomenon that takes place on the Collon Cura from late-January into March. Swarms of minnows leave the nearby reservoir and swim up the Collon Cura. During the migration, big fish flood into the river. While streamer fishing can be deadly, excellent dry fly fishing can be had, skating big attractor patterns. Philip Giffin landed a tackle busting 23″ rainbow, but all agreed, even the 13 – 22″ rainbows on the Collon Cura are among the hardest fighting trout anywhere!
Jim & Joan Hunter also enjoyed this phenomenal fishing on their third January trip to Fly Fishing Andes. One of the highlights was floating the “secret” river, where every fish caught was 22 – 24 inches. Joan had the touch, landing at least one fish 21″ or more each of their 14 fishing days.
Space is already filling up for the 2014 – 2015 Season in Argentina. If you’ve been thinking about a trip to Argentina, give Angler Adventures a call (800-628-1447) or drop us email (info@angleradventures.com) and we’ll help you pick the right lodge, rivers and dates.
Not listed above are our other fine Argentine Trout Fishing Destinations: Arroyo Claro, Rio Manso, San Huberto, Tecka Lodge, and Tipiliuke. Also, be on the look out for a future newsletter announcing a web page (and video) for Jurassic Lake and its trophy Rainbow Trout fishing.
It’s common knowledge among traveling anglers that January and February are the most popular time to visit New Zealand. Mostly to escape the winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Judy Hall is our expert on New Zealand and she loves traveling to New Zealand in “the spring”.
Personally, I love New Zealand in the late spring, which in the Southern Hemisphere is mid- November and early-December. Here are the top five reasons I love to visit New Zealand in the spring.
The fishing for both Brown and Rainbow Trout can be outstanding. The trout are hungry and unpressured and more than willing to take a well presented fly.
The weather is mild, average temperatures are in the 70’s, making stalking trout along New Zealand’s clear rivers very comfortable.
Sight nymphing with Stoneflies and the beginning of New Zealand mayfly hatches.
It’s not out of your price range! Spring fishing rates and great airfares in Air New Zealand’s new luxurious cabins (http://insidestory.airnztravelagent.com//) make a fishing trip to New Zealand an affordable option.
The culture: Trips to New Zealand are about more than just trout fishing. Late spring offers the highest density of non-fishing activities and events around the cities that really showcase New Zealand.
Getting excited? You should call (800-628-1447) or email (Judy@angleradventures.com) Judy Hall to discuss the possibility of your trip to New Zealand.
One of Judy's many Spring time New Zealand Brown Trout
We have seats left at our luncheon at Serafina’s Restaurant in New York City on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 12:30 PM. If you’re in the NY area on Tuesday, please join Eve Reilly, manager at Poronui Luxury Sporting Lodge in New Zealand and Judy Hall, travel manager at Angler Adventures. For friends of Poronui and Angler Adventures, this is a great opportunity to catch up, talk fishing, and maybe win a raffle prize (several bottles of New Zealand wine will be raffled off).
Anyone attending the luncheon and books a minimum 4-night/3-day fishing package in package November 1st – December 15th, 2011 at Poronui will get a FREE helicopter fly out during their stay!
Angler Adventures and Poronui Lodge are picking up the tab – Lunch is on us! Seating is limited and on a first come, first served basis. Please contact Judy Hall at 800-628-1447; 860-434-9624; judy@angleradventures.com to confirm your participation.
Serafina Fabulous Grill
29 East 61st Street
btw Madison & Park
New York, NY 10222
212-702-9898
Fly Fishing in Chile is known for big brown trout taking big surface flies. This is especially true in the Coyhaique area of Southern Patagonia. Typically anglers thinking about Chile imagine the splashy rises of trout taking 2” – 3” imitations of Cantaria Beetle, the largest beetle in Chile. This season offers something new, potentially a once in a lifetime opportunity. The Quila Bamboo in the Paloma River Valley is seeding – an event that happens about every 15 years (estimated to take 60 years for the bloom to return to the same area). This “bloom” creates an explosion in the mouse population due to the abundance of food (Quila Seeds). This acute rise in rodent populations is a well-known phenomenon in South America, which has been scientifically documented since 1552.
Cinco Rios Chile is already exploiting the situation and catching large browns on mouse imitations, however owner Sebastian Galilea expects the fishing to peak in late February / early March when the rodent population is at its peak and the supply of Quila seeds has declined. Anyone who has fished the Arolik for Rainbows or Labrador for Brookies can testify to the voracious strikes on mice when skated over fish from an opposing bank or overhanging branch. The Paloma River, the Magote, the Rio Simpson, the Boca de Leon, and the Elizadle all have visible increases in the rodent populations and are proving productive when fished with a mouse imitation.
Cinco Rios – $3,675 US per person based on double occupancy & two anglers per guide
January 1 – 15 – 4 anglers
January 15 – 22 – 2 anglers
January 22 – 29 – 6 anglers
January 29 – February 19 – 2 anglers
February 26 – March 5 – 6 anglers
Paloma River Lodge – $3,250.00 US per person based on double occupancy & two anglers per guide
January 1 – February 12 – 8 anglers
February 12 – March 12 – 4 anglers
Cantaria Beetle of Southern Chile
Estancia del Zorro – $3,675 US per person based on double occupancy & two anglers per guide
While Cinco Rios’ sister lodge may not get to experience the boom in mice, the estancia is home to the famously productive Zorro spring creek. These are the last spots available for the 2010 – 2011 season:
For those among us who love swinging flies in rivers for big salmonids, it can be a long winter! But you can swing to your heart’s content all winter long on the world’s greatest sea trout river! The Rio Grande in southern Argentina produces sea run brownies that average 12 pounds and frequently top the 20-pound mark!
The original – the classic: Kau Tapen, the first lodge built on the Rio Grande, fishes 12 rods on 10 miles of the Rio Grande and an additional 15 miles on Rio Menendez.
The normal rate at Kau Tapen is $7,250 p.p. from your arrival in Rio Grande City. International airfare to Buenos Aries, city transfer, hotels and in-country airfare to Rio Grande can cost another $2,200 – $2,500. However, Kau Tapen is offering a great “Hassle Free” inclusive package during selected weeks amounting to a savings of nearly $2,000 per person: 2011 Dates: Jan 8 – 15, Mar 19 -26 or Mar 26 – Apr 2.
Inclusive Package Includes: Round trip Airfare Miami to Buenos Aires; Transfer from International airport to Hotel; 1 night at the Loi Suites Recoleta (sgl room); Transfer from Hotel to Domestic Airport; Flight Buenos Aires – Rio Grande – Buenos Aires; 7 nights + 6.5 days fishing at Kau Tapen Lodge; Transfer from domestic to International airport
Rate: USD $8,105 per person (or just $6,796 not including international airfare).
Kau Tapen’s sister lodge, Villa Maria is situated just downstream from Kau Tapen, near the tide head, and is the choice location to intercept the freshest, brightest sea trout. Normally weeks are $6,750 per person from Rio Grande City, but Villa Maria is also offering a domestic air-inclusive package for the week of March 25 – April 1, 2011, $6,550 per person; a savings about $1,000. This would include all of the above except international airfare to Buenos Aires.
Aurelia is the next estancia upstream from Kau Tapen’s water and offers 6 miles of double bank fishing on the Rio Grande, and 15 miles on the Rio Menedez, Aurelia’s upstream location makes it most desirable during the second half of the season when their pools are literally stuffed with fish! Good space is still available for late February and March weeks. Rates from arrival in Rio Grande range from $3,580 – $4,680 per person until March 6th. The rate is $5,890 per person from March 6th – April 17th.
Hope that you are all doing great there in Connecticut. A small report on what is going on at the Estancia, to wet your appetite.
Last week the fishing at the ranch was outstanding to say the least. Our guests caught very nice trout on the Pedregoso Creek, the Coyhaique River and of Course on the Zorro Spring Creek.
The Pedregoso was particularly productive there we have been averaging 50 trout per guest a day (between 12 and 19 inches).
At the Zorro Creek they caught an overage of 15 trout per day, they were from 16 to 24 inches. (all in dry flies, since they did not want to use nymphs).
We are starting to see some pretty good hatches in the afternoon (may flies and caddis); we expect that the fishing in the next weeks will keep getting better and better.
Now we have a group from New York and Pennsylvania, they are here for the second time and were having a blast in the Pedregoso today.
For more information, call (800-628-1447 / 860-434-9624) or email Chip Bates (chip@angleradventures.com) at Angler Adventures.
Jorge Graziosi was the guest speaker at a luncheon held September 9th, 2009 at the Anglers’ Club of New York, 101 Broad Street. Other invited guests included three representatives of Angler Adventures; owner Chip Bates, Travel Manager Judy Hall, and Webmaster Evan Peterson.
Jorge Graziosi has been guiding in Patagonia, Argentina since 1968. In 1999 he built and opened Arroyo Claro Lodge, located in the beautiful Carrileufu River Valley, a 3-hour drive south of Bariloche and 3-hours from the Chilean border. Jorge may be the only outfitter offering guests the opportunity to fish both Argentina and Chile. Arroyo Claro Lodge will host an Anglers’ Club outing January 23-30, 2010. Arrangements for the Anglers’ Club Argentina trip are being handled by Angler Adventures. Click here for more information on Arroyo Claro Lodge or contact Chip Bates at Angler Adventures: (800) 628-1447 or Chip@angleradventures.com.
We hope you enjoy Jorge Graziosi’s slide show presentation to the Anglers’ Club, below. If you would like the slide show to auto-play, please click on the menu in the lower left hand corner and select auto-play. Click here to read Angler Adventures September 2009 Newsletter.