One thing that I really like about fly fishing in Patagonian Chile, is that when I reel up for the season on the South Fork of the Snake River, the Teton River or the Henry’s Fork River, I only have a couple months to wait, and then I grab the same rod, reel, line and fly and strip out line in Chile.
Rainbows and browns, streamers, chubbies, and dry droppers. Drift boats, rafts and jet boats. Great guides and beers. The Tetons and the Andes. Is this a great way to live, or what? January at home, 90 minutes from West Yellowstone, can be -10 or colder, so the many options in the Southern Hemisphere sure sound good.
These photos come from the Lakes Region in Chile, with large scenic lakes and connecting rivers flowing west to the Pacific Ocean. My employer, Eleven Angling, requested that I visit two of their lodges, Martín Pescador Lodge and Rio Plena Lodge. I know, a tough assignment, but I managed! From the lodges, morning departures were from jet boats, prop boats, rafts and helicopters. Plus, by truck, towing a cat-a-raft or powerboat, for access to several dirt road accessible rivers nearby.
I spent most of my time at Martín Pescador, and it is a two-lodge operation, strategically located on outstanding rivers and close to many others. Guests fish half their week at one lodge, then instead of going back to the lodge of origin, you drive to a new area and finish the week on new water. Even though there is virtually no pressure on these fisheries, it is still nice to rest water anyway.
An added bonus in January is the dry dragonfly fishing in and around Lago Yelcho. Almost more like bass bug fishing, chugging a dragonfly imitation next to reeds, it is a really fun top water experience. One day that week, our boat probably had more than 40 eats, from browns and rainbows, 15 to 22 inches. That’s really good fishing, but the scenery is just as spectacular, followed by appetizers and pisco sours on the wrap around decks and chef prepared dinners.
Contributed By
Brian O’Keefe
Anglers fly to Santiago, and then to Puerto Montt, and overnight in Puerto Varas (the coolest lakefront town in Chile). The next day, there is a short flight to Chaiten and a truck ride to the lodge. Let the fishing and wining and dining begin! Big thanks to the great guides and staff at Rio Palena Lodge and the Martín Pescador Lodges. I would be more than happy to talk about these destinations, hit me up at [email protected]. And, more pretty photos and important information at www.elevenangling.com.
