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In both the rivers and the lakes, there are what the locals call
Pancoras or Crayfish. Crayfish patterns fished deep and slow can be
very effective and can fool some monsters. These trout are opportunists
and will react to a variety of fly patterns. Large attractor dry flies,
ants, beetles, wooly buggers and trout fry imitations are all excellent
choices.
From the Valle Bonito, we have access to many outstanding waters. The Rio Espolón, which flows by the lodge, has Brown and Rainbow trout
averaging 14-18 inches but attaining much bigger sizes. Great fishing can be had within walking distance of the Valle Bonito. In January, large King Salmon start to show up and provide a challenging angling opportunity throughout the rest of the season.
The Futaleufú River lies about 4 miles downstream from the lodge.
Beginning in Argentina and flowing into Lago Yelcho, the Futaleufú
offers many fishing opportunities for all the trout and salmon species.
The upper waters are as pretty as any we've seen and a day spent on the
Futa is successful regardless of how many fish are caught and
released. Hatches here can be epic and both Midge and small Caddis bring up large selective trout in every back eddy of this huge river. There are 2 sections that we float and a walk in stretch, with each
offering distinctly different water types and opportunities for the
angler.
Directly above the lodge lies one of the jewels of Chile, Lago
Espolón. Eight miles long and one mile wide, huge glacial capped peaks
surround this road less lake, which rise steeply from its timber
covered shorelines. Waterfalls cascade down through the dark forests
and several pour directly into the lake. While the salmon are not able
to make the final push up to the Lake, the trout fishing here can be
superb and 30-50 fish days are common. These are not huge trout but the rainbows average 16 inches and we have caught several in the 20 inch range.
Three kilometers from the Valle Bonito are Lakes Seno Muerto and Lancanoa. These moody Lakes can offer exceptional fishing under the right conditions and contain both Rainbow and Brown trout. The Damsel Hatch in December brings large trout to the surface and last year we landed several fish up to 25 inches on dries. As the water warms during summer, the fish go deep and sinking lines become the best choice.
Downstream about 25 miles, the Futaleufú is the main inlet of Lago
Yelcho. This huge lake is one of the best fishing lakes in Chile and
casting into the numerous tall grasses in the bays can produce heavy
trout. Surrounded by spectacular peaks and less than ten miles from the
ocean it is a giant holding tank for numerous species of fish. While
containing Browns and all of the Salmon species it is particularly
known for its Rainbows that can grow large and are notoriously hard
fighters. The Dragonfly hatch here can be epic and there is nothing like watching a 6 pound Rainbow eat a full
size artificial Dragonfly. How they can fit it into their mouths is
always a wonder.
On some of our trips, we will float the Rio Yelcho which is the exit of Lago Yelcho. Running for over 30 roadless miles to the Pacific, it is considered to be one of the best fishing rivers in Chile and our experiences have proved it to be so. Big, selective trout can be taken on very small midges in the back eddies and in the main runs large streamers and sink tips prove the most effective.
Of course we also have our secret stashes which range from small tidal rivers where we fish sea run browns to misty rain forest lakes and hidden lagunas that hold powerful and pristine rainbows.
As good as the fishing can be, fishermen coming to Chile should prepare for challenging conditions. The rivers are big and powerful, the wind can blow sideways and it can rain hard. While we always try to locate the best dry fly fishing, often times anglers must use a sink tip and big flies to be successful. Long casts can help to cover more water and a proficiency in casting can greatly increase your angling pleasure. There are far less fish per mile than in most Western U.S. rivers and even for the seasoned angler it can take a lot of work to get results.
That being said, every cast that you make in this enchanted land of forests, rivers, lakes and mountains may lead you to the biggest trout of your life and memories that will last a lifetime.
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