Patagonia Salmon

In recent years the Salmon farming industry has flourished and provided economic diversity to a region otherwise dependent on mineral and timber extraction. As with Salmon farms all over the world, many fish escaped their jail like confines and struck out on an instinctive search to find suitable rivers in which to spawn and propagate. They didn't have to go far and now there are Salmon in almost every river that is connected to the ocean. Initially captive fish, they have had success in their spawning efforts and currently there are self-sustaining populations of Chinook, Coho and Salar (Atlantics) in many rivers. In front of the Valle Bonito Lodge 35 pound Chinook salmon have been caught which are identical in every way to their cousins in Alaska. Generally about 50-100 fish make the trip to the Lodge each year where they reside for 2-3 months before spawning. They are very difficult to catch on a fly and seem to take when you least expect it. I watched a friend fight a 35 pound plus Chinook for over an hour on his 5 weight trout rod before the inevitable parting of the ways occurred.

Also, across the border in Argentina lies the largest population of Landlocked Salmon in the Southern hemisphere. These fish were introduced years ago and have been spawning freely since the 50's. Ranging in size from 1-8 pounds these fish can be aggressive, strong fighting and selective enough to merit good angling tactics to be successful. Generally the fishing is best for the Landlockeds early in the season and late as most head for the deeper lakes during mid summer.