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.

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. 

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.