FLY FISHING PATAGONIA - ESTANCIA DE LOS RIOS LODGE - RIVER FLY FISHING - DRY FLY - BROWN TROUT - MILES OF SOLITUDE - GREAT SERVICE
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Sample
fly fishing Itinerary Activity levels: Easy to difficult,
see each activity for more details. Novice to expert fishing expertise,
catch-and-release fishing. Fly fishing Sunday: An early breakfast at the
lodge then to the river. We usually fish our way upstream since we use
mostly dries and nymphs. The river has a healthy population of Brown
trout and excellent hatches. A good fish weighs from 2 to 5 pounds.
They take the fly eagerly but delicately. Your guide will show you what
to look for in order to locate fish. Once you've mastered your eye,
you will be amazed at how many fish you will be casting to. The challenge
here is to spot the largest fish within range. After a good morning's
fishing and depending on weather or your preference, we
can return to the lodge or have a stream-side lunch. The afternoon program will include a nearby spring
creek then, a short walk to the river to hit the main hatch. Spring
creeks require more patience and delicate work but they can be extremely
rewarding. There is nothing like hooking a large trout in a gentle and
peaceful setting. The hatch on the main river is always exciting, suddenly
coming alive with fish feeding on the surface; when this happens, you
want to be close to the largest fish and with the right fly. Last summer
during the hatch, our good friend Claudio hooked and landed four beautiful
Brown trout between 3 and 5 pounds, all on dries, in a little more than
an hour. After the hatch, we head back, joining the rest of the group
for cocktails, dinner, and fresh fishing stories. Monday: After an early breakfast we'll
go to fish down the valley to the West where the river runs much larger
in size due to a large tributary coming in from the north. We will fish
from the junction down. Here the river goes through a narrow path between
some rock banks, pools are very deep and slow, good holding spots for
large trout. We will start using streamers or wets until we see some
action on top, then our suggestion is change to dries. We fish each pool very carefully with our streamer
or nymph, waiting for the big one to take our fly. As soon as these
fish grab the fly, they head for a big log or rock, they know the area
very well so you have to react fast in order to stop them, if you can. As we fish up the river opens into beautiful runs with
gravel beds here the rest of the group will join us for a stream-side
lunch. This section of river has no access but by wading along this
wild but gentle river. We continue fishing, trying some dries and nymphs
as we approach the evening hatch. Far in the distance we hear a vehicle approaching.
Telling us that the day is coming to an end. It is time for the last
cast. Tuesday: In the morning, we go fishing
toward the head waters. Here the river is smaller and has an interesting
structure. We will master our nymphing technique fishing the pocket
water and a few deeper holes. We usually cover a couple of hundred yards
to no more than a mile of river during a morning's fishing. We'll start
fishing with a nymph and as the water temperature rises and the insects
start hatching, we'll switch to a dry fly. This section of the river
has a good population of Brown trout. Using a smaller rod, you should
be able to land between 10 to 15 fish in a morning. In general, wading
is easy and safe. The rivers have gravel bottoms and are not slippery.
On larger streams, if you avoid wading deep in pools or in faster currents,
you will be in good shape. The water is very clear so it's easy to avoid
large underwater logs or boulders. After the morning's fishing, we'll join the group for
a barbecue or "Asado” that will be done in typical Patagonia
style. The lamb or beef is fixed open on a double iron cross. The structure
has a sharp point at one end which is buried into the ground next to
the fire. The meat is rotated so it's evenly cooked on both sides. In
the meantime, we are sampling a good Chilean red wine. Later, after
the Asado and some rest, we get ready for more fishing. Today our goal is to catch a large trout on a dry fly
during the hatch. We'll go to a pool or run where you or your guide
have spotted larger trout over the last few days. Once there, we will
wait until the fish start rising for the hatch. After a while, we should
have a good idea of where our trophy is feeding. Then, you develop your
strategy: The approach, the leader, and the fly. Now you are in front of a large feeding Brown trout.
In the heart of Patagonia, no other angler for miles. You wait for the
fish to rise once more. Finally. The perfect cast. As the fly approaches
the fish, you are alert with all your senses. You know the fish will
take. Then, a big shiny head and huge tail, your fly is gone, you have
it! The large trout feels the hook, moving it's head side to side. As
you reel in, you wonder if your arched rod and fine leader will resist.
How large is the fish? You just saw that big head and tail. We invite
you to experience the rest of the story. Wednesday: Today we'll fish a small
stream located in a valley South from the lodge. Not more than 20 miles
away, it will take us and our four wheel drives almost an hour to get
there. The road is a cattle trail and we have to go slow. As we journey
across low hills, we see the enchanted valley trapped against the snow
capped Andes Mountains. At a distance, the river meanders like a blue
and silver snake. We start the day fishing upstream with nymphs. We fish
slowly, covering at the most a half mile during the morning. The stream
is narrow with grass and bushes that touch the water from deep cut banks.
The river has Brown trout in great numbers which have never before seen
a fly and are very strong. After a morning's fishing in the dream-like setting,
we join the group for a streamside lunch under the shade of a big "Lenga”
tree. Later we'll fish further downstream where the river is larger.
Here we will use Grass Hoppers, a pattern that works very well in most
of the rivers that have cut banks, and certainly this one is no exception.
The fish hit strong soon after the fly touches the water. This valley is, without a doubt, one of the most pretty
and wild corners of Patagonia. Once you fish here, you feel like you've
fished the stream in your dreams. All you can think of is when
you'll be back. After this truly unique fishing adventure, we head back
to the lodge. During dinner the head guide will tell us about tomorrow's
plans. Since it's the last day, we will try to arrange it so you spend
it on your favorite stretch of water. Thursday: An early breakfast
and then to the river for a good day's fishing , by now your guide should
have told you all of the secrets of this great river. Today like all
previous days , you will be fishing a section of the river you have
not fished before so we suggest you try to remember the fishing
situations you encountered during the week and device by
yourself the best approach to what you will encounter on this
beautiful section of the river. Again , we will stop for lunch and continue
fishing until the days end. After you've enjoyed the evening hatch, we head back
to the lodge. Here we will join everyone in a farewell dinner and share
our last stories or at least until next time. Friday: Departure Today is your last
day in Patagonia. After breakfast, you will have the chance to go after
the one that got away or perhaps try the fly you didn't have last time.
What ever your choice, go for it! But don't forget to go back to the
lodge for lunch ! After lunch, the lodge's vehicles will take you to
the estancia's airstrip to meet the plane that will fly you to Balmaceda
to catch your connection to Santiago. Have a safe trip and we hope to
have you back again soon to fish The Blue Rivers of Patagonia. Horse Rides The Horses American Criollo horses
with roots on the Spanish races, its breed is Anglo-Spanish, particularly
Argentinean horse, taller than the Chilean, equally strong but quite
spirited. They vary in size but the majority being between 14,2 and
16 hands . They are well schooled strong, fit, willing and sure footed.
Horses are allocated to suit your level of riding experience. Each day
before departure the horses are thoroughly checked for any signs of
fatigue or injuries, when necessary the horses will be changed. Saddling
up and the horses general welfare during the rides is the responsibility
of the guide unless the guest wants to saddle its own. You will not
be asked to help or look after your horse unless is something you specifically
request. The Riding Customs The tack is Chilean
and comprises of metal-framed saddles. Its origin is Spanish and they
have been designed specially for long trips. Layered with “chiporro”
(sheepskin) and protected with leather. The other clothing beneath the
saddle are called: batan, pellon and matra (felt) and are normally laid
on ground by gauchos and baqueanos to provide a soft and warm bed. Rope,
rawhide and leather form the bridles, girths, straps etc. The stirrups
consist of a leather cup through which the foot cannot pass. Most of
the horses are ridden in simple snaffles. Halters are worn throughout
the ride with rope tied around the horse's neck to tie up at lunch stops/rest
stops, etc. We Hill dismount for 30 minutes to hydrate relax and
to enjoy the different vistas. For the more adventuresome, a short hike
to take pictures or to swim under the waterfall is a possibility. We
will then start our return to the lodge, riding along a slightly different
route. Our guide will show us the potential of our horses to ride in
a safe and calm way along traditional routes used by local “gauchos”
on their daily work. Along the way we will observe the Cisnes river
valley to the East as it transforms into a vast steppe or “pampa”
with soft rolling hills covered by tussock grass as far as your eyes
can see. The ride is coming into an end when, in the distance and we
see the trees surrounding the lodge where the chef is waiting for us
with refreshments and ours douvres. Walks
and hikes:There are several
hikes of different lengths and difficulty levels to beautiful corners
of the ranch such as; water falls, forests and mountain lakes with a
plethora of birdlife including flamingos and black necked swans, several
species of ducks and other interesting water fowl. Winchester lookout. We follow the
Winchester creek up stream on its right shore. As you go up the hills
you can appreciate great vistas of the main valley behind. Finally
we get to the lookout and you can also appreciate the snow capped Andes.
The gradient of the hike is intermediate and takes from. Sarta Lake ( the source of the Cisnes river
) We start from the lodge by car and drive to a Gaucho
post, here we will appreciate the local way of life of a sheep
herder in Patagonia. From this point we start our hike ascending towards
the North leaving the steppe and entering beautiful Ñirre
and later Lenga forests. We continue ascending until we reach
the tree line. We reach the beautiful Sarta lake which is the source
of the Cisnes river on our way back we will enjoy beautiful views of
the Andes and the Cisnes valley below and the tips of the Magdalena
mountains further South. The variety of environments will enable us
to appreciate several species of local flora and fauna. Sawmill lookout. We drive to the ruins
of an old sawmill. We walk towards the South following an old
logging road until we get to a cross road, we take the left road and
begin slowly walking up the hills. Having advanced up the hills we can
see the beautiful Cisne Valley and the snow capped Andes mountains towards
the West. Carlota lake descent to lodge. We
drive from the lodge to the Carlota lake passing first through the floor
of the main valley and then through thick Lenga forest. We continue
climbing until we reach the lake almost at the top of the mountains.
Once we reach the lake, we continue climbing by foot to get to the top
of the Carlota hill which is above timberline. On our way we will
walk by a smaller lake which hosts a variety of birds. As we climb we
will appreciate the change in size of the Lenga forest due to the increased
height and stronger winds. Once on the top of the Carlota hill we will
be able to enjoy magnificent vistas of both the Cisnes and the Magdalena
valleys. On our way down we will enjoy walking through the Lenga forest
and walk by several small lagoons and bogs this will give us the chance
to see a variety of birds and animals. Buitrera falls We start our
hike following the Cisnes river downstream all the way to the confluence
of the Buitrera creek and the Cisnes. We follow the creek upstream
walking through a beautiful and small valley as we continue up the valley
as it gets narrower and the rivers runs through a small canyon
with rock walls which get steeper and narrower as we continue up ending
on a great waterfall that flows through interesting rock formations.
From this point we can continue wading the river upstream or walking
along, we will find beautiful pools here we can swim in its crystal
clear waters. After we have followed the creek upstream for almost
a quarter of a mile, we turn East and walk through the barren hills
appreciating the beautiful Cisnes valley below. Mountain Biking: The
ranchoffers the opportunity to travel along a variety of trails and
ridges on a mountain bike. Using the equipment we provide to assure
comfort and safety, biking allows our guests to fully enjoy the geography
of Patagonia. The use of helmets, gloves, sunglasses and adequate footwear
are an important element for each of these outings. Half-day bicycle
explorations will be combined with trekking and horseback riding explorations.
Birdwatching: The extent of the property
and the variety of environments provides several different eco systems
for birding. The guides have identified and catalogued close to a hundred
species of birds at the ranch. . If we venture into the rain forest,
we can observe several more unique species such as most of the Tapa
Culos, the Des Mur’s wire tail or the Megellanic wood pecker.
Further east on drier and open environments there is a very good chance
to see several species of birds of prey such as; falcons, owls,
eagles and carrion eaters like the Crested Cara Cara, Chimango and the
majestic Andean Condor. The river and several lakes offer the opportunity
to observe: The flamingo, the black necked swan, rails, grebes, geese,
ducks and stilts. Photographic and Cultural Safaris:
Visit the local village to learn about the unique way of life
of its inhabitants and go shopping to the local store where you will
see a reflection of the local way of life by looking at several
interesting items such as; hand tools, saddles, horseshoes, hats,
shoes, boots, essential food items such as the “Mate”
a herbal infusion, and common items to us but there considered a luxury
such as Chocolate, a soda can or a bottle of wine. Drive across the Andes from the dry pampas and hike
into the rainforest. On the way you will see an interesting transition
of landscape as we get deeper into the mountains populated by several unique
species of tall trees and plants such as the wild fuchsia, tall
Beech Notofagus trees, ferns and elephant ears.
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