Fly
casting in Patagonia
:
Imagine casting to a
ten-pound Rainbow while the sun crests the magnificent Andes of South
America. The trout snatches your fly and you begin a battle with the mystic
" Trucha " of Patagonia.
We offer you special fly casting, fishing trips:
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Licensed fishing guides will take care of every detail.
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Boat and float trips to areas inaccessible by land.
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Cosy lodge's rooms with private baths.
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Landing a ten-pound rainbow.
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Fresh lamb over an open fire.
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Trips at a considerably lower price.
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Customised packages to suit your every need.
Fishing trips to the Central West
of Patagonia
The best settlements of interest to fishermen in the province of Chubut are:
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1- Esquel,
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2-
Los Alerces National Park,
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3- Rio Pico area.
We also offer fishing trips to Chile.
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1- Esquel.

The
gateway to this area with a population of 30.000 inhabitants is a small
town nested in a lush alpine valley. It sits at the "Precordillera" on
the transitional zone of the arid "Estepa Patagonica" and the densley
wooded subantartic clime contrasting the curios landscapes of the arid
flatlands and snow-capped peaks. This area has at least three main
fishers worthy of any anglers' attention; these are Rio Grande, Arroyo
Pescado and Nant y Falls.
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Rio Grande or Futaleufu:
In the province of Chubut, lies 25 miles south-east from Esquel. The Rio
Grande flows across the border into Chile and then to the Pacific Ocean. It
average's 2o feet in width and like most tail water fisheries it runs
cold and clear with an abundance of quality trout. This river must be
floated to insure reaching the best possible fishing areas.
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Arroyo Pescado:
Is one of Patagonia's spring creeks that offers some of the best trout
fishing available. Fly-fishing is the only method allowed in this
pristine aquatic environment. There are numerous spots that are very good
for fast action and many trophy fish. This creek holds mainly "Rainbows"
and some "Browns"; quality and quantity are the special characteristics
of this fishery.
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Nant y Falls:
This spectacular trout stream is dry fly angler's dream come true.
Located on a private ranch, forty-five minutes from Esquel, Nant y Falls is
unmatched in the unique quality of fishing experiences. Trout range from
1 up to 6 lb.
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2- Los Alerces National Park.
Is located 29 miles south-west from Esquel. Its 650.000 acres hold
some of the finest fishing waters in Patagonia. The park was created
in 1937 to preserve a unique ecosystem with rare botanical species such as
the ancient tree " Alerce " (Fitzroya cupressoides). Some of these
magnificent species can be over 3.000 years old and reach a height of 150
feet. These larger trees will have trunk diameter of 19 feet or more. These
trees are located in remote areas but are still accessible by boat
excursions.
The " Los Alerces " National Park is a world of crystal clear lakes
and rivers, surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers. This
beautiful harsh environment offers excellent hiking, trekking, rafting
and fishing. The region boasts a watershed of 10 large lakes and
hundreds of rivers. These bodies of water carry the melting snow and rain
east to the Pacific Ocean.
Some of the most notable lakes are Lago Rivadavia, Lago Verde, Lago
Menendez, Lago Futalaufquen and Lago Krugger. The most prominent rivers
are Rivadavia, Arrayanes, Menedez, Frey, Desaguadero and Carreleufu. The Rio
Carreleufu drains from Lago Cholila and flows into the northern tip of Lago
Rivadavia. This Lake then is drained by the Rio Rivadavia into tiny Lago
Verde. The outlet of this lake is the Rio Arrayanes that flows into Lago
Futalaufquen.
A short water way called " Estrecho de los Monstruos " connects it to Lago
Krugger. Finally Rio Frey connects Lago Krugger with a hydroelectric
reservoir called " Amutui Quimei ". All rivers are characterised by
natural forested banks and cold clean water, each a shaded corridor
through breathtaking alpine scenery. Waders are essential to fish in these
mountain rivers. Dry fly, steamer and nymph fishing are possible for
" Rainbow ", " Brown Brooks " and " Landlocked Salmon ". Regulations
in the National Park permit only fly fishing and " catch and release "
in most rivers. .
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3-
Rio Pico area.

Travelling 250 kilometres you will find yourself amongst some of the most
remote fishing in Patagonia. The are holds a plethora of lakes and
crystal clear rivers filled with large Rainbows and Brown trout ranging
from 3 to 12 lb.
Lago Tres and Lago Cinco
- these two lakes are terming with rich habitat and offer superior
angling possibilities. While staying in rustic cabins and camping
at the base of the Andes, one truly feels the adventure of Patagonia.
Sitting from a belly boat even the most novice angler will have the
opportunity to catch several trout in the range of 4 to 12 lb. These world
class fisheries are a must for the sportsman that is after the mystic "
Trucha " of Patagonia.
Rio Pico and Rio Nelson
- are accessible by vehicle or horseback, these areas are only a
short distance from base camp. The pristine water will mesmerise the most
experience anglers as they stalk 2 to 8 lb. trout.
Rio Corcovado, Lago Guacho and Lago Engaño
- The most accessible leg of this journey will provide the angler with
not only Rainbows and Browns, but also, Brook trout.
All of which will give the angler a real taste of what Argentina has to
offer. This excursion is sure to bring many unforgettable moments.
Enjoying fresh lamb over an open fire as the sun sets on the looming
Andes, to landing a 10-pound trout in the morning mist.
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Fishing conditions through out the season:
Esquel , " Los Alerces " National Park and Rio Pico area are situated at
latitude of 42 south, at an altitude of 2.000 feet. Clients should be
prepared for cold and warm weather conditions. Fishing season opens
early November and closes end of April.
Spring - early summer
From the second week in November to the end of December, river conditions
are generally high due to the winter run-off. The most productive fishing
technique is the use of sinking lines, larger rods and streamer patterns.
The fish feed aggressively and fight hard in the strong current.
Temperature range from 30F to 70F and weather vary according to the
temperature.
High summer
January and February bring beautiful extended summer days. The
weather levels stabilise and wets as well as dry flies become more
productive. Full floating lines and 5 to 7 weight rods are preferred for
these conditions. Temperatures range from 45F to 85F.
Late summer
Early fall From March to middle April allows great fishing and
spectacular views as the fall colours paint the landscape. Water levels
tend to reach their lowest point that set the stage for many dry fly
opportunities. Thick Caddis, Stonefly and Mayfly hatches create
excellent dry fly action through out the day. Temperatures range from 30F to
70F.
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Recommended equipment:
Fishing gear
1 -
Rods: 9 foot, 4 to 7 weight rods are the best all around choice
2 - Lines at the beginning of the season: sinking lines or wet tip
lines are the best choice. As the season progresses floating lines are tops.
Both sinking and floating lines can be productive all season.
3 - Leaders 6 to 12 feet long in the range of 2X to 6X depending on
the fishing conditions. Extra tippet material is always a good idea.
4 - Chest high waders are a basic necessity
5 - Fishing accessories include: Polarised glasses are essential,
Fishing hat, Rain-Windbreaker jacket, Insect repellent, Sunscreen.
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Suitable Flies:
Dry fly patterns - Black Gnat, Caddis, Mayfly, White - Grey and Royal
Wulff, Adams Parachute, Hopper's, Black Ant and Humpy's.
Sizes: 10 to 20
Nymph patterns - Dragon fly, Stone fly, Corixa, Shrimp, Zug Bug,
Bitch Creek, Prince, Hares Ears, Montana, Pheasant Tail.
Sizes: 4 to 12, some weighted
Wet fly and streamer patterns - Woolly Worm, Matuka, Black Spider,
Muddler Minnow, Peter Ross, Alexandra, Black and Orange Marabou, Fuzzy
Wuzzy, Woolly Bugger.
Sizes: 2 to 12, some weighted
Please feel free to write for any questions you might have about any
equipment or favourite fly patterns. |