Fly Fishing in Chile Info

[TomG]

Does anyone have any experience or info about fly fishing the Lakes District of Chile?  My Wife is going to Santiago in early April on business and I am thinking of tagging along and hopefully getting away for 3 days or so to do some fly fishing for trout.  From what little I know the Lake District is the closest area (relatively speaking) from Santiago to find quality water for trout.  Any info would be appreciated.

[Brendan]

haven't been to chile, but went all across argentina last year, and right up next to the border.  going to start getting cold in mountains around then. one important note, do not trust google maps in your research of potential spots. several 'big rivers' were merely a trickle, even far down from their source. also, their concept of roads down there is significantly different than even the poorest of maintained states in the US, such as PA... a 100 mile trip on what they consider a highway might end up taking several hours and involve several cattle crossings, swerving to avoid stray dogs, gravel (if not 4x4) sections and use of low water bridges. if you have a rental, make sure if you have a spare and a jack.  

Despite TSA's allowance of fly rods as carry on items on the trip down... have had several issues getting fly rods on the plane heading back home.  

would recommend picking up a book or two and also consider getting a guide at least for the first day. not sure if you speak spanish, but the number of english speakers dissipates pretty quick once you leave the cities so having a set destination and/or guide would be pretty helpful.  

beautiful part of the world. awesome and cheap wine/food, and generally very friendly people. have fun!

b 

[Jim Greene]

Used to fish Chile annually but haven't been back for past six years,so situation may have changed somewhat. General observation is that fishing improves as you get closer to Patagonia. Area between Villarica and Puerto Montt has much to do and see but fishing is best at souithern end of lake district.  In and around Puerto Varas are good places to stay and eat, better than Puerto Montt, and the Petrohue - a first-class trout and salmon (in season) river - is just a stone's throw away, as is Lago Todos los Santos, another fish factory.  Best suggestion I have is for you to get in touch with John Joy, owner of Tres Rios Lodge. (www.tresrioslodge.com), just out of Puerto Montt.  John is a great guy and will give you useful information about self-guided fishing without pushing you to stay with him which, by the way, is one of the best values going.  Good accommodation, great food and wine, access to superb water, and excellent guiding. Unless things hve changed dramatically, he offers the best lodge fishing experience in the area.

Jim

On Wednesday, February 20, 2013 10:56:00 AM UTC-5, TomG wrote: