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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 bevery 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 7 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 always 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 two walk in stretches, with each offering distinctly different water types and a variety of 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 rainbow 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 21 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 26 inches on dries. Much bigger fish lurk in both of these lakes and Browns up to 16 pounds have been caught. As the water warms during summer, the fish go deep and sinking lines become the best choice. Downstream about 25 miles, the mighty Futaleufú River enters 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, Yelcho is a giant holding tank for numerous species of fish.While containing Browns, Atlantics, Coho and King Salmon it is particularly known for its Rainbows that can grow large and are notoriously hardfighters. The Dragonfly hatch here can be epic and there is nothing like watching a 6 pound Rainbow jump over 4 feet off the water and eat a Dragonfly on the way down. On these magic days you can hear fish crashing the water all around the boat and a glance across the lake may reveal several trophy size trout airborne at the same time relishing these tasty bugs. The river inlet oftentimes has a huge foam line that can hold many dozen large trout. Opportunities exist here for the dry fly fisherman and Ant and Beetle patterns can bring up some monsters. On windless days in certain bays it is possible to sight fish large trout cruising the shallows. This can be some of the most fun and nerve wracking fishing there is.
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. For the adventurous angler, we offer a fantastic 3 day/ 2 night camping trip that will take us to three different Lakes containing a large supply of unpressured fish. We use horses to carry the gear and fishing will be in float tubes. Camping is in tents. Anglers have the option to either ride horseback or walk the 3, two to five hour hikes necessary to complete the loop. The fishing can truly be amazing, particularly in the late evenings and early mornings.
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. Many rivers are big and powerful, the wind can blow sideways at times 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 streamers to be successful. Long casts can help to cover more water and a proficiency in casting can greatly increase your results. Our guides, as well as being good fishermen, are also excellent instructors and can help you improve your casting during your stay. 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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Chile Fly Fishing