| Fishing Guide / Author |
Fishing Reports for Local Area - Location |
    
carl zarelli (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, November 14, 2004 - 11:07 am: | |
I will be traveling again to Patagoina ( 2nd time) and I am in search of a truely good Pancora crab pattern to tie. I have seen some of the streamer patterns but I think there is a good crayfish ( pancora crab) pattern out there .
Is there anyone willing to share this with me ?
Thanks Carl Zarelli Puget Sound Fly Fishers
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Alex Prior (Alexfish)
New member
Username: Alexfish
Post Number: 1
Registered: 9-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 5:18 pm: | |
Chile Fly Fishing Report
Period: April/May 2004
Area: Coyhaique
By Alex Prior – Southern Exposure
I’m a full season guide and outfitter in Southern Chile and this has been my first experience fishing during April and May in these magical waters.
I’m sure most of you are thinking…Why the first? Well, because the fishing season has been extended from the first Sunday of April to the first Sunday of May, so now we can legally fish during this period, and it was wonderful.
The Fall is already here. Days are shorter and mornings cooler. Lenga trees are turning red while the mountain peaks turn white. It’s the most beautiful time of the year and the rivers are very small.
Rio Simpson
During the first 2 weeks of April I dedicated my time to fishing our home river “Rio Simpson”, with my very good friend Rhonda. We found, (to our surprise) that the mayfly hatches were even better than during February and March. There were consistently very long hatches (from 10 AM to 6 PM), with large numbers of flies drifting down the current like tiny sail boats, and fish rising all over.
Due to the incredible amount of flies (there were at least 3 different sizes of mayflies like Blue Wing Olives and March Browns,) it was not easy to make these fish take our imitations. Finally we found that some emerger patterns worked better than the usual dries and after that, we had a great time catching rainbows and browns ranging from 15 to 22 inches. I personally put down a ‘bow that I believed was at least a 24”, but that’s fishing… the elusive big one usually gives us a lesson. Don’t they?
Misterious Lakes
The third week I went with my best friend Fidel (aka “The Lawyer”) to fish some lakes in an area north of Coyhaique, the whereabouts I’d rather keep as a secret. We took our camping gear, float tubes and my boat, and we spent four days fishing a different lake everyday.
The fishing was outstanding on all 4 of them, and the average fish caught was around 6 pounds. We started fishing sinking lines and streamers, but as soon as we found that these fish where not so deep, we switched to floating lines and Chernobyle Ants and that was something worth seeing. Even though you are waiting for it to happen, when a fish like that suddenly breaks the still water’s surface to take your fly, , your heart just about jumps out your chest from the big commotion it makes.
Off course I didn’t catch the biggest one, “The Lawyer” did. We were fishing, for the first time, the smallest lake, more like a pond I should say. We had already fished the other 3 before with great success. We decided to use the float tubes instead of the boat and I went ahead of him. I thought he made the wrong decision by following me but… he spotted a gap in the reeds that I had ignored. It was so shallow walking through the reeds, that he had to hold the float tube up until he reached a little interior pond. It was around 60 by 20 feet, and pretty deep.
It took him just one cast to connect with the monster, and about 30 minutes lo land it. It was so big that he was afraid of releasing it. I saw it from 50 yards away and I can say that it was as long as the float tube’s width, somewhere between 15 and 20 pounds. I caught some 8 to 10 pounders and I also had a fantastic time, but “The Lawyer” took the first prize away from me in this fishing tale.
Bahia and Rio Ibanez
The first week of May, Tolin (one of the best guides in the area), “The Lawyer” and I, headed south toward the Lago General Carrera which is the second biggest lake in South America. More specifically we went to Bahia Ibanez, where the big browns from all around the lake gather before starting the short journey up the Ibanez River to reproduce.
We fished the lake first, not so far from the river mouth and it was fun. We landed some nice fish in the 5 to 8 pound range, but we were looking for more, so on the next day we decided to give the river a try.
The Rio Ibanez was affected by a volcanic eruption that happened in 1991 and even though time has passed, it still brings a fair amount of ash with its flow. But it’s getting in shape and this was the first time we were able to catch fish in it since 1991 and in fact some of them were pretty nice and up to 24”. This is really encouraging, so we are now looking forward for an even better fishing experience in the Rio Ibanez.
As you can see, I had a great time fly fishing during last fall and now I feel ready to share this experience with you. Contact us and make your bookings now.
Alex Prior
Southern Exposure
P.O.Box 573
Coyhaique - Chile
Phone 56 67 234737
Fax 56 67 232500
http://www.flyfishingcoyhaique.com/
info@flyfishingcoyhaique.com
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Robert Parker (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 - 12:30 pm: | |
January 2004 Chile Fly Fishing Report and Newsletter
by Robert Parker
Rios Austral Fly Fishing Outfitters
Saludos to everyone from the Lakes District of Chile! From what I’ve been hearing from a few persons who travel vicariously through these reports, this one has been a long time in coming. Still, not even being completely unpacked from Alaska (having returned almost 4 months ago!) and a very busy fishing calendar this season should allow me a little slack. Even so, I’ve missed sharing reports of our fishing here with all of you. So now with a brief respite until February there’s a little time to relax, reflect, and write.
The Lakes District
Floating the Rio Petrohue last weekend it really struck me what an incredible place the Lakes District, and especially our home water on the Petrohue, is. We were two guides and one boat floating through one of the most beautiful river valleys in the world – verdant forest, crystal clear water, very little human impact – and not another soul to be seen all day. I felt so remote, so removed from civilization; as if we could be in the farthest reaches of South America. Yet we were only an hour away from Puerto Varas. The day had begun windy and rainy, finally a welcome break from the recent heat wave of mid-summer January. “It’s going to be a brown trout day”, said Reinaldo.
We had planned the trip expecting excellent rainbow trout fishing. Based on the experiences of our guests during the past couple weeks there would be good chances for lots of hook-ups with big ‘bows over 20 inches. But the weather had turned, and the skies over the Petrohue were now filled with drifting clouds, and an almost cold, winter-like feel had taken over the valley. A brown trout day it would be indeed! Bad weather doesn’t necessarily make for bad fishing, not here in the Lakes District at least. We thrive on these days; we wait for them. Because when the weather turns and the skies darken the big browns come out. In fact, we have consistently caught our largest brown trout on some of the worst weather days ever.
With Reinaldo at the oars, we drifted into a side channel of the river, about midway down the section. Reinaldo’s great back ferry technique held us stationary in the current near the tail out of the channel’s run, where a large deep pool formed. On the third swing through the pool the line went tight, very tight. I’ll let those that have fished with us here before take a guess at what fly it was on. There was almost no need to pick up line onto my reel as the slack was rapidly being taken up by the fish, the line burning my fingers as it ran out. Big fish on! No, scary big fish on! It’s amazing how you can sometimes get scared by a trout, and this one fit that category. As the drag screamed the big brown, a huge buck, came flying a meter out of the water, twisting and flipping. It was an incredible fish, easily the largest brown I’ve ever hooked up - at least 30 inches with a girth of about 16. My heart raced, my line went slack. Still, I was content to have hooked and gotten a good look at him. Content with knowing what is possible…
There were several repeats of this scene that day, some with success, others without, but all with smaller fish (although not a one under 20 inches). It was by and far one of my best personal days ever on the Pet. Many of our guests have been having similar success lately, now that flows here have dropped and the incessant rains of this past November and December (when we experienced very slow fishing in the Lakes District) have stopped. One of last week's rainbows comes immediately to mind to illustrate this. This rainbow is easily one of the largest we have ever seen on the Petrohue, at 28 inches rivaling almost anything that Alaska has to offer. Judging by its great condition it was undoubtedly a wild or naturalized fish, and not a recent fish farm escapee. There were several ‘bows of similar size landed on this day. At the request of several clients we have begun to offer dawn starts on the rivers. Not only does this mean that we beat anyone else fishing on that day to the best water, but during the Tabano fly season of January, we can now offer any of our rivers and fish early to avoid the flies which arrive with the mid-day heat. From the looks of it no other guides have been willing to wake up so early, and it’s really paid off for our guests.
Despite one place or another being hyped as having “the best” fishing in Chile, in my opinion the Petrohue has been a great river ever since Roderick Haig-Brown’s first reports of it in the 1950’s, and it will continue to be a great river into the future. Much of this is due to privately held access into the steep, road-less and trail-less valley. There are only a couple entry points, and these require a walk longer than most are willing to make (or a key to the gate). Being close to the centers of Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas actually has its advantages as well. There is no other good fishing area in Chile that has so much to offer in respect to non-fishing amenities. There are very good, reasonably priced hotels and cabins for those on a budget who choose to not stay at our lodge, and many great restaurants to sample the local cuisine. For anglers traveling with families or non-fishing companions, this area can’t be beat – there is rafting, excellent horseback trips (some leaving right form the lodge’s own stables, bird watching, hiking, the casino in Puerto Varas (of course), and a wealth of other excursions available on a daily basis. This is not to mention the other rivers we fish in this region – from small dry fly streams to other large streamer waters. The possibilities are almost countless.
The Southern Fjords
To sum things up in one sentence, the Fjords have been on fire. We were fortunate to host in November a group producing a program for a north American cable television network. Our feelings, based on past trips that the fishing here is best during the early season, were confirmed. While the rivers in the Coyhaique area were still high and very off-color our group was treated to great weather on most days and clear, normal flows. The fishing was nothing less than superb! On one afternoon, we saw more coastal rainbows over 24 inches caught in three hours of fishing than we would usually expect over the course of a day or two.
Subsequent trips brought more of the same and many new surprises as well. As always, there can be strike-outs in the Southern Fjords, and the waters here are best for experienced anglers with refined technique. With the pleasure of fishing with a guest who liked to hike and explore, in early January we were able to make several trips to (my favorite river in Chile) the Rio Sueño. Here we fished higher in the system than ever before, finding what I now call the Half-mile Bar. This section is a gravel bar almost a half-mile long, completely free of obstacles to interfere with back casts on one side, and a beautiful cut bank an easy cast away on the other. Flowing through pools, riffles, runs and with great structure on the far bank and mid-stream, the section was loaded with great numbers of average size browns (14 – 16’, some larger) and a few beautiful, big rainbows between 18 and 20”. Choose your technique – attractor dry flies, nymphs, streamers – it all worked, sometimes for a hit on every cast with a good presentation. Due to the general remoteness of this river and the somewhat long hike involved to the bar I sincerely believe that we were truly fishing to trout that had never seen a fly. I can’t wait to return to the Rio Sueño. Looking upstream from the top of Half-mile Bar there were even more possibilities…
Possibilities
I often think that what keeps up going as anglers aren’t the fish that we currently have on the line. It’s what waits on the next cast, or what water lies just around the next bend. It’s the next fish that’s important. Just like the big brown that came off during the jump – the next time I head out on the Petrohue I’ll know he’s there, and there are probably more like him. Possibilities are what keep us psyched to keep fishing. This is what motivates us, and as a guide and outfitter I guess that I’m in the business of offering possibilities.
We at Rios Austral Fly Fishing Outfitters have set up what I think is a great program here in Chile. There’s something for almost everyone – from our guide service in the Lakes District or our new lodge, Quinta del Lago, to fishing remote coastal rivers in the comfort of Termas de Puyuhuapi Hotel and Spa in the Southern Fjords. Even if you’ve fished with us before you probably haven’t seen everything we have to offer. For those still planning a trip, you probably won’t see it all either. Not in one trip at least. Give us a call, and let’s discuss the possibilities. The fishing is excellent right now, and we are expecting at great late season through May.
Until the next cast…
Best regards,
Robert Parker
What Some of Our Recent Guests Have Said
“The best day of rainbow trout fishing in my life.” – DP, Ontario, Canada
“Fly fishing with you was the highlight of my cruise. Your hospitality, personality, coaching ability, and patience were all appreciated. The only problem was from my end, the time was too short.” – JB, Bishopville, South Carolina
"Thank you for the trip of a lifetime! Both you and the staff of Quinta del Lago were wonderful, and we hope to return someday with the rest of the family.” – DL, Greenwood Village, CO
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rios Austral Fly Fishing Outfitters
Specializing In Exceptional Fly Fishing Adventures In Chile
In Chile:
Viajes Rios Austral Fly Fishing, Ltda.
Caupolican 01520
Puerto Varas, X Region
Chile
Fono: (56) (65) 312548
Fax: (56) (65) 312548
Celular: (56) (09) 9199807
In the United States:
Rios Austral Fly Fishing USA
North American Operations Office
PO Box 2906
McKinleyville, CA 95519
Toll Free Phone: 1-866-GO-CHILE
Phone/Fax: 707-839-2928
Email: info@riosaustral.com
Web Site: www.riosaustral.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Nicolo Cantarutti
Unregistered guest
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 4:19 pm: | |
Subject: Fishing Estancia de los Rios
Hello Friends. Here at Estancia de los Rios we work hard to give our clients the best service possible. The weather is bad right now when this happen we don't catch many fish but we always try. Some guys this year catched many fish, some guys don't catch many - this is the problem with the weather here. But if you come you will know you will have the best guides and the best service, don't worry. |
Robert Parker
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, December 10, 2002 - 12:49 pm: | |
Subject: December Chile Fly Fishing Report
December Chile Fly Fishing Report
December 10, 2002
by Rios Austral Fly Fishing Outfitters
Lakes District
Weather: There is currently a stationary high pressure system located off the coast bringing high temperatures and sunny, clear days. Temperatures this week in the low 80's. This pattern should continue through mid-month. The overall weather pattern has stabilized.
River: Rio Petrohue - All Sections
Flow: Moderately high spring flow, with side channels well formed. The snow melt has peaked and the water is dropping to a good, fishable level.
Clarity: Very clear. Visibility to 20 feet down.
General Conditions: The river has changed dramatically after the high water events of mid and late November. This has led to dispersed concentrations of fish at the present as new lies are established. With the high air temperatures and sun, fishing is best during the early morning and evening hours. During mid-day fish are generally sluggish and not too aggressive - following flies but not taking. Mostly rainbows in the 14" range, with good shots at larger browns very early and late. No significant hatches.
This Weeks Record: 24" x 14", 5-pound wild rainbow caught by Rodrigo Moll on guides day off.
Tactics: Streamers on 200 - 250 grain express sink-tip lines, or Type VI full sinking lines, and short 4' leaders. Opportunities for nymphing in the side channels are developing as the fish begin to establish feeding lies after the high water events of November.
Flies: Butt Monkey, Brown Gold Bead Rubberlegs, Crystal Buggers in olive and brown, Olive Gold Bead Rubberlegs, Petrohue Pancora.
River: Rio Maullin - Llanquihue to Nuevo Braunau Bridge
Flow: Moderately high spring flow. The snow melt has peaked and the water has dropped to a perfect level.
Clarity: Gin clear in upper stretches. Visibility to 20 feet down.
General Conditions: Fishing is currently excellent on cloudy and/or overcast days with 30 - 40 fish to the boat. When the sun is out, fishing is best during the early morning and evening hours as during the mid-day heat fish are generally sluggish and not too aggressive - following flies but not taking. Average size of rainbows has increased this year with many fish in the 16" range. Great shots at large browns in the late evening. Heavy evening mayfly hatch.
This Weeks Record: 28" x 18", 10-pound resident brown caught by guest Francisco Guerrero; 24" x 12", 4-pound wild rainbow caught by Robert Parker on guides day off.
Tactics: Streamers on 200 grain express sink-tip lines, or Type VI 10' tip sink-tip lines, and short 4' leaders. Dry flies and floating lines in the evening.
Flies: Butt Monkey, Bead Head Zoo Cougar, Bouface - Olive, Light Cahill in size 14 - 16, Olive Gold Bead Rubberlegs.
River: Rio Maullin - Lower Sections
General Conditions: Flow dropping but still too high for good fishing.
Best regards,
Robert Parker
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rios Austral Fly Fishing Outfitters
Specializing In Exceptional Fly Fishing Adventures In Chile
In Chile:
Viajes Rios Austral Fly Fishing, Ltda.
Casilla 1229
Puerto Montt, X Region
Chile
Fono: (56) (65) 258663
Fax: (56) (65) 258696
Celular: (56) (09) 9199807
In the United States:
Rios Austral Fly Fishing USA
North American Operations Office
PO Box 2906
McKinleyville, CA 95519
Toll Free Phone: 1-866-GO-CHILE
Phone/Fax: 707-839-9885
Email: info@riosaustral.com
Web Site: www.riosaustral.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
Robert Parker
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 11, 2002 - 12:29 pm: | |
Subject: Chile 2002/2003 Season Opener Report – Lakes Distr
By Robert Parker
In Chile, it is often said that if you don’t like the weather then just wait 15 minutes, in reference to the rapidly changing conditions. In the case of this past winter however, we waited several months. It has been a very long, cold and wet passage of time spent in anticipation of our return to the rivers of our home waters in the Lakes District. But as always, the seasons turn, spring arrives and we find ourselves once again rigging the drift boat and pushing off in search of Chile’s incredible trout.
As if on cue the first high-pressure system established itself off the coast of the Lakes District a week before opening day, bringing an end to the dismal rain that so characterized the winter. With the summits of volcanoes Osorno and Calbuco in clear view and the sun finally present, myself and guide Reinaldo Ovando, along with fishing buddy Francisco Guererro, repeated the spring ritual that we as fly fishermen dream of during the dark months of winter – the careful rigging of rod, line and leader; the selection of the first fly, tied in the company of friends during long nights; the first pull on the oars; and the long awaited first cast of the season, full of hope and anticipation. In a perfect world that first cast would have brought the hard strike of a big brown, all full of fight and defiance after his own long, dark winter, but this would be too perfect, too easy. We would need to search for that fish, to work hard for that strike, but with certainty it was coming.
Those first strikes came within only a few minutes of put-in, small but strong coastal brown trout, silvery from their time in the saltwater. Not exactly doubling over our rods, but a good start to the season and a release of the nervous anticipation. The Río Petrohue was flowing higher than anyone could remember during November, but completely clear, with the bottom visible in even over ten feet of water. As during each November we found that we had a new river to learn, new channels to explore, and while old favorite spots and structures didn’t exist anymore there were others that appeared, beckoning for a presentation. Because the Petrohue flows through a wide, mostly gravel flood plain the river changes, often drastically in places, over the winter. The result for the angler is that, except for the fact that every day brings a chance for a new personal record; it’s never really the same year to year. Each season there are new opportunities to explore and learn the river’s intricacies, making the fishing fun and challenging.
Because of the high flows we decided on the tested favorite combination of heavy 200 – 250 grain express sink tip lines and six to seven-weight rods, rigged with our favorite streamers. Floating along in our Hyde Drift Boat with a strong back ferry we probed the banks, mid-channel structure, and drop-offs and were not disappointed. Today would be a day for brown trout, seemingly in far better concentrations in the Petrohue than in past years, but this is November and the coastal and sea-run browns tend to come up into the river in good concentrations through the end of the year during any given season. The sea-run browns here are beautiful silver blue in color, loosing much of their brownish hue during their time in the salt. They fight much like rainbows – often making long, hard runs and getting aerial throughout the battle – and seem to be a species apart from those that we’re familiar with in North America for this reason. It wasn’t long before Francisco’s rod was doubled over and keeping time to the beat of the thrashing brown below. With the fish suddenly breaking the surface we were greeted by the sight of a now flying sea-run a good three feet out of the water, and somersaulting wildly to break free. A few minutes of nervous tug-of-war later the 20” trout was in the net and quickly released.
Stopping at one of our favorite bars (not the nocturnal type) I’d soon have my own turn. Setting up to wade at the head of a promising run I began a series of down and across, hard stripping presentations with the seemingly never fail Cone Head Zoo Cougar and was into fish almost immediately, landing a number of rainbows and browns in the 14” to 16” range. Not trophies by anyone’s standards, but still these average Petrohue fish are some of the strongest in their size class that you will ever catch, and more tend to shake the hook than do come to the net. Anglers can expect god numbers of fish in this range during this time of year, and everyone will probably be humbled by loosing a few after hooking up. These fish literally do everything in their power to break off and can make impressive upstream runs. Once you’ve caught, and maybe lost a few you can appreciate what a special occasion it is to be here with something substantially larger on the other end of your line and then actually land it. For me, that would be coming, but I’d be spending some time getting humbled first.
As we worked the banks and stopped numerous times to wade both Farncisco and Reinaldo caught, occasionally lost, and landed good numbers of trout over 16”, with a couple running near 20”. By days end we were exhausted and stopped to try one last bar within sight of takeout. I waded down to a current seam at the end of the bar that I had never stopped at before to fish on foot, in the past only drifting through but always with good success. I was pleasantly surprised. Swinging the streamer deep from both sides of the seam into the line of confluence of the two currents I was rewarded with at least five fish, one of which was a beautiful brown topping 20” that made an incredible upstream dash before rolling hard on the surface within 10 feet of me and cutting the 12-pound test leader with his teeth. In my book that counts – better a big fish that kicks my butt than one that runs right to the net – and made for a great end to an awesome day on the Petrohue.
The next morning found us starting off where we had finished the previous evening, Reinaldo and I now joined by guide Rodrigo Moll. This season we are running the Petrohue a little differently, taking advantage of new access agreements where we can float in a manner that allows starting off on sections that the others won’t be fishing until afternoon, and taking advantage of great locations that are typically passed up during the end of the day by our competitors in their rush to take-out. This also means that we can spend more time fishing in each productive spot and not be pressured by the clock, often having a particular section of the river to ourselves.
Contrary to what many will tell you, the Petrohue fishes quite well during the early morning hours, especially on clear days when the fish are more active during the period from dawn to sunrise. A quick ferry brought us to our first wading spot, and spreading out we began systematically covering the most promising locations. My attention was soon caught by Reinaldo’s hoots and looking across the bar I saw his rod well bent in fight with a brown that he later said ran just under 20”. This same scene was repeated many times throughout the day on what I’d consider a trip that was nothing less than spectacular. Finishing up on the bar we headed downstream in the boat, drifting along the gravel bank drop-offs, making casts within inches of shore and working fast to begin an aggressive, hard strip. Easily following my fly in the clear water I saw the telltale flash of a big fish and soon things got hectic. There’s nothing like the sound of line being stripped off the reel by a big rainbow on a run, and the ensuing give and take fight repeated twice before the fish decided to head for the sky. I not sure who tired first but bringing the trout along the side of the boat brought into view one of the better rainbows I have caught on this river at about 22” and a fat 4 + pounds. The action continued throughout the morning, having picked up quite nicely from the day before, and using streamer tactics we were rewarded with a good number, albeit smaller in size, of rainbows and browns.
The next big fish of the day came just after our sandwich buffet lunch. Managing to lazily drag ourselves out of our chairs (why eat on the ground if you don’t have to?) and continuing to float we soon passed a spot that has always yielded good surprises in the past, including a guest’s now famous two fish hook-up on a double fly rig. Making a comment, more or less to myself, that we were passing a favorite location I witnessed an impressively sized rainbow go for my fly but miss. Ever ready to take advantage of another’s mistakes and to blatantly poach water Rodrigo cast to the same spot before I could recover and the fish reappeared, this time hitting the target and rewarding him with a beautiful catch. Goes to show that the position in back of the boat can have its advantages. I not sure what it is but Rodrigo consistently has the ability to out fish anyone in the boat, time after time. He can be using last years leaders, forget to cut the tag ends off his knots, and have what amounts to a bare hook tied on and still catch more fish than anyone else. I chalk it up to good presentation, but still suspect that he’s not divulging his secrets.
These last two fish exemplify one of the great things about fly fishing on the Petrohue – the fact that from the boat, in the clear waters, an angler gets to witness many of the chases and strikes. This can work to ones disadvantage of course, since many (myself included) can have a tendency to freeze upon seeing a big trout charging the fly, but when it happens and a hook-up follows it is a beautiful thing, and brings all the excitement of dry fly fishing to the more effective streamer tactics that we often use.
With the afternoon wearing on and finally feeling a bit tired after a long day I decided to set the rod aside, shed my waders and take a break while Rodrigo and Reinaldo headed off along our last wading location we would cover. Taking in the welcomed sun in a cloudless sky, and with a beautiful view of the summit of Osorno in the distance upstream, it began to sink in that winter had passed, spring was here, and the new trout season in Chile was now in full swing. I watched to Petrohue flowing by, the water the product of all that past rain, and thought about how there is so much more to fly fishing here in Chile than just fish. It is the friendships, the culture, and just the place itself that makes it so wonderful. It’s important to sometimes just sit back and take it all in. In the end, that first cast was indeed a special one, but now putting the rod down was even more so, satisfied to be back again and feeling fished out.
We are looking at a great season ahead with the weather now stabilizing and the water high but clear. The flows should sustain a great fishery throughout the season, without the low, warm water experienced by January during the last year. This means strong, healthy trout well into 2003. We have many prime dates available for the season, so please get in touch to discuss your options if you’re considering a trip to Chile. We would love to share the experience with you.
Best regards,
Robert Parker
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rios Austral Fly Fishing Outfitters
Specializing In Exceptional Fly Fishing Adventures In Chile
In Chile:
Viajes Rios Austral Fly Fishing, Ltda.
Casilla 1229
Puerto Montt, X Region
Chile
Fono: (56) (65) 258663
Fax: (56) (65) 258696
Celular: (56) (09) 9199807
In the United States:
Rios Austral Fly Fishing USA
North American Operations Office
PO Box 2906
McKinleyville, CA 95519
Toll Free Phone: 1-866-GO-CHILE
Phone/Fax: 707-839-9885
Email: info@riosaustral.com
Web Site: www.riosaustral.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
Robert Parker
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 04, 2002 - 6:44 pm: | |
Subject: Chile 2002 - 2003 Season
Dear Fly Fishing Friends,
I hope that this message finds you all well and enjoying the fishing in your home waters. All of us at Ríos Austral Fly Fishing Outfitters are gearing up for the upcoming Chilean season and are looking forward to a great year. I want to let all of you know that we have completely revised and updated our
web site www.riosaustral.com with a new look and a full 46 pages of information including:
- Many new photos.
- Information on our updated and improved programs both in the Lakes District and Southern Fjords.
- New lodging options.
- Chilean trout tactics, including an excerpt from "Modern Streamers for Trophy Trout" by Bob Linsenman and Kelly Galloup.
- Flies and patterns.
- New guide profiles (this year we are glad to have top Chilean guide Reinaldo Ovando with us full-time, who has come to Ríos Austral from Yan Kee Way Lodge).
There is a lot currently in the works for Ríos Austral. One development that I'd like to share is that we have implemented many changes in our Lakes District program and have drastically reduced the price for fishing here - under US$300 per day for each of two anglers, all things considered. We are certain that no one in Chile can beat this price while still offering the same high level of service and professionalism as we do. Please take a look at the site for updated information.
Also, again this year as a special service for readers of Fishreports.net we will be offering a 10% discount on our remaining available dates throughout the whole season. Contact us toll free at 1-866-GO-CHILE or via email at info@riosaustral.com and mention Fishreports.net to receive your discount.
To all of you whom we have had the pleasure of fishing with, thank you very much, and may we meet again soon. To those who are still considering a trip with us, we look forward to the opportunity to fish together. Take care, and tight lines.
Best regards,
Robert Parker
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ríos Austral Fly Fishing Outfitters
Specializing In Exceptional Fly Fishing
Adventures In Chile
In Chile:
Viajes Rios Austral Fly Fishing, Ltda.
Casilla 1229
Puerto Montt, X Region
Chile
Fono: (56) (65) 258663
Fax: (56) (65) 258696
Celular: (56) (09) 9199807
In the United States:
Rios Austral Fly Fishing USA
North American Operations Office
PO Box 2906
McKinleyville, CA 95519
Toll Free Phone: 1-866-GO-CHILE
Phone/Fax: 707-839-9885
Email: info@riosaustral.com
Web Site: www.riosaustral.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rios Austral Fly Fishing Outfitters is legally established under Chilean law to operate fly fishing excursions within Chile, and uses professional Chilean and North American guides who are residents in the country. |
Robert Parker
Unregistered guest
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 05, 2002 - 2:14 pm: | |
Subject: 10% Discount On Chilean Fjords Fly Fishing
Special 10% Discount on Rios Austral Fly Fishing Outfitter's Chilean Fjords Program at Termas de Puyuhuapi for Readers of Fishreports.net
If you're considering an 'exploratory' fly fishing package in Chile, you should ask if the area that you'll be fishing is really unexplored. Although remote and seldom visited, there's truthfully not much water in the Chilean Fjords that hasn't already been covered by someone at sometime. Our fly fishing program in this region, based at Termas de Puyuhuapi Hotel and Spa, is built on a foundation of over a decade of combined experience fishing the waters of the Puyuhuapi Channel and Puerto Cisnes region. We've been there, we know the prime waters, and when we do seek out 'new' rivers with our guests we do our preliminary exploration BEFORE they arrive. This means more time for our guests to concentrate on fishing the most productive waters during their valuable time, instead of us using that time to get things worked out.
If you've ever dreamed of fishing in an area so isolated that many of the fish literally have never seen a fly, then we can take you there in style and comfort. Accessible only by motor launch from the mainland, Termas de Puyuhuapi is beautifully set amongst vast temperate rainforest, blending in with its elegant native-wood construction. Service and accommodations are no less than 5-star. From arrival at the dock until departure the friendly staff spares no effort in making guests comfortable. All of our guests stay in deluxe waterfront rooms with decks. Each night we are treated to delicious dinners prepared by the lodge's professional chefs, such as Chilean specialties with an added international flair or a sumptuous, locally harvested seafood buffet, and we may select from a list including many of Chile's finest wines. Following dinner, guests can unwind in front of the fireplace in the lounge or enjoy a relaxing soak in one of the numerous, naturally heated outdoor hot pools.
Each morning, after a hearty breakfast buffet, we'll embark to the coastal rivers and streams of the region, SAFELY and COMFORTABLY via our custom built 24 foot, enclosed cabin motor launch, equipped with powerful Volvo diesel engines. Our launch is piloted by a professional captain, born and raised in the area, whose family for generations have traveled these waters. Upon arrival at the mouths of our favorite rivers, we then travel upstream in inflatable Zodiacs powered by 25 HP outboards, and gain further access by hiking and wading. As a payoff for our efforts, here we find incredibly beautiful rivers lined by pristine native forest, and gin clear waters flowing through a variety of riffles, runs and deep pools which hold some of the strongest trout on the planet.
As a special service to readers of Fishreports.net we will be offering a 10% discount on our remaining available dates during February and March 2002 for this program. This translates to a great price of $2600 for a five day package!
Packages are available from 3 to 6 fishing days. Each day includes full-day fly fishing with one guide per one or two anglers (arrival and departure travel days are non-fishing), one night lodging in deluxe, waterfront room with deck, use of indoor spa and outdoor hot pools, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, beverages, fine Chilean wines, open bar, fishing licenses, ground transportation, and airport transfers to and from Balmaceda via both the lodge's high speed catamaran and/or the scenic Carretera Austral road.
Thinking about fly fishing in Chile, but with an outfitter that specializes in fishing over 6000 miles away in North America? Why not consider going with those of us who live here, and have already done our homework for your benefit.
Contact us toll free at 1-866-GO-CHILE or via email at info@riosaustral.com and mention Fishreports.net to receive your discount.
Our Guarantee: While we can’t guarantee the size or number of fish that you’ll catch, we promise that you will be competently and professionally guided, comfortably accommodated, and very well fed, from the minute you step off the plane until the time you depart. If you are not completely satisfied with your Ríos Austral Fly Fishing Outfitters adventure, call us and we’ll make it right.
Best regards,
Robert Parker, Owner/operator
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rios Austral Fly Fishing Outfitters
Specializing In Exceptional Fly Fishing Travel To Chile
In Chile:
Viajes Rios Austral Fly Fishing, Ltda.
Casilla 1229
Puerto Montt, X Region
Chile
Fono: (56) (65) 258663
Fax: (56) (65) 258696
Celular: (56) (09) 9199807
In the United States:
Rios Austral Fly Fishing USA
North American Operations Office
PO Box 2906
McKinleyville, CA 95519
Toll Free Phone: 1-866-GO-CHILE
Phone/Fax: 707-839-9885
Email: info@riosaustral.com
Web Site: www.riosaustral.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rios Austral Fly Fishing Outfitters is legally established under Chilean law to operate fly fishing excursions within Chile, and uses professional Chilean and North American guides who are residents in the country.
|
Jack Mitchell
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 29, 2001 - 11:08 am: | |
Subject: Exploratory Special in Patagonia
Exploratory Special in Patagonia For the Discriminating Angler with a taste for Adventure
Through our contacts and guiding in Chile over the last 8 years The Evening Hatch and Fishing Pursuits are extending an extraordinary special to a select few for the 2002 season. We ask you to come join us for an adventure of a lifetime.
Where: The Rio Cisnes, Puyuhuapi Sound, rivers and lakes in the region.
Travel : From the United States to Santiago, Chile and then connecting to Balmaceda Chile, via commercial jet. Once in Balmaceda we will receive you and ground transfer into fishing heaven.
Fishing: Fishing predominantly streams and rivers via drifting and light wading, some jet sled possibilities. We will also take advantage of natural lakes and lagunas!
The Fish: 10-30 inch Rainbow, Brown, Brook trout, Steelhead and possibly Salmon.
Basic Itinerary:
Fly on Friday, arrive Saturday and transfer to Base Camp
Transfer Vehicle: 4 door, four wheel drive Toyota Pickup
Lodging: Cozy two story cabanas in Puerto Cisnes, private baths.
Food: Chilean/European Dishes
Fish Sunday through Thursday-5 Days
Fishing Equipment: 14' Raft with Frame, 16' Zodiac with outboard, 18 foot Jet Boat.
Transfer Friday and fly out the same day to arrive back home on Saturday.
Dates Available:
Feb 9-15, 16-22
Feb 23-March 1
March 2-8, 9-15, 16-22, 23-29
March 30-April 5
Cost: This adventure trip is a great value. Priced incredibly @ $2,000 per person. We have the boats, vehicles, lodging, food and the fish!
Included in this package: Guiding, food, lodging, ground transfers.
Excluded: Air travel to Balmaceda, liquor, phone, fly fishing equipment and flies.
We will be happy to assist you in any of your commercial airline bookings.
Contact:
Fishing Pursuits The Evening Hatch Guide Service
Toll Free 1.800.819.0750 1.866.482.4480
e-mail info@fishingpursuits.com jack@theeveninghatch.com
fax 425.222.3943 509.962.6794 |
Robert Parker
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 15, 2001 - 5:40 pm: | |
Subject: December Southern Chilean Fjords Report
December Southern Chilean Fjords Report
by Robert Parker, Rios Austral Fly Fishing Outfitters
It felt as if we had made a wrong turn and ended up in paradise, once again expectations being surpassed even before making a single cast. Places like this just don't exist anymore I had thought, but sometimes the mythology of Chile is indeed reality. Arriving at the end of the fjord a vista spread before us that triggered a feeling as if we had stepped back into the past - a broad river valley surrounded by high, snow-capped peaks, occupied by a sole pioneer family struggling to make a life in the this remote wilderness. This was not the past however, but present day Patagonia, in our Southern Territory of the fjords of Aisén, in all its marvel and wonder.
The river, which we'll call the Rio Sueño (Dream River), met the saltwater of the remote fjord in two arms on either side of the valley. A gift of supplies to the family gained us their best wishes and and access by Zodiac up the chosen right branch to the first system of riffles, pools, and runs above tidewater. Choosing this season's favorite pattern - the Muddler Minnow - and the ubiquitous Black Wooly Bugger we were into our first brown within minutes - a beautiful resident of about 2 pounds. As I continued to work with one guest through the upper riffle and bank structure a yell came from the pool below. Looking downstream I was awed at the incredible sight of my other guest's 7-weight literally bent to the water. Our group converged at the pool and 15 minutes later a beautiful sea-run brown of over 8-pounds was brought to the net. Great, I thought. A big fish at the beginning of the day usually means a tough afternoon trying to top the experience. Today would be different, however.
We continued to work the run and next riffle below the pool with good success, catching more (albeit smaller) sea-runs and a few wild rainbows, covering the water thoroughly until lunchtime. Fishing only a quarter-mile of water in a morning says something. I'm not referring to lazy fishermen, but to the need to not have to move on. Still, with a world of opportunities ahead of us and a river valley all to ourselves we decided to hike upstream to the next pool.
What we saw upon arrival at the head of the pool literally left me literally shaking as I tried to change spools for my guests. Resident brown trout were slashing at the surface with a force that I've only seen during the hopper season on the the mainland's rivers and spring creeks in the pampas near Coyhaique. The scene really goes beyond words, but try to imagine a 4-pound brown nailing three insects during one rise, all mouth and back breaking the surface. You can understand my nervousness when you know that up until then neither myself, my guides, nor my guests have ever landed a fish on a dry fly in the fjords. The first cast with a Yellow Rubberlegs Stimulator was nailed by a 3-pounder and the action continued until we had put the fish down many hook-ups later. I'd venture say that aside from the big sea-run, the highlight of the day was fishing to a true monster brown that must have run (in all honesty) over 12-pounds. This fish was cruising the water and would violently break the surface in various sections of the pool every 10 minutes or so. We could only cast to where we knew the fish had been and hope for a strike. It never happened, but we did get a good look at that fish numerous times (if it was indeed only one fish) and we'll never forget his massive size. He's still there...
Venturing farther upstream with only an hour left to fish before we needed to return to the launch and beat the setting sun home we arrived at a huge gravel bar that allowed access to over a mile of crystal clear water flowing through riffle, run, and pool habitat as well as a smaller side stream. I urged my guests to take a look around and then focus on the water they liked the best for the remainder of the day. They decided on the largest pool where more browns were hammering insects on the surface on the far bank (it always seems to be the far bank). As they fished I headed upstream to explore and found more good water than could ever be fished in a day.
Think about this, I said to myself. You are here alone right now in the southernmost reaches of the planet, in Patagonia, on a river as good as they get. Alone! Think about how many boats would be passing, how many fly fishers would be crowding the bank, how the experience could never be the same in north America, even on a tough day here. Think about how lucky you are to be here - in a place you thought didn't even exist anymore.
My guest handed me the rod during the final minutes - she was satisfied and ready to call it a day. Ignoring the rises and wanting to push beyond the sure thing, I switched spools to load up a heavy sink tip to see what was waiting below. Three strips into my first cast and the rod tip hit the water with a heavy thump, thump that could only be the trademark hit of a huge brown. The line went tighter than I had remembered in some time and in my excitment I choked. The line was suddenly slack and I was left only with a taste of what could exist. That one is still there, too...
The Rio Sueño is located via motor launch from Termas de Puyuhuapi, and is literally over three hours from any other nearby port, meaning very little pressure on the fishery and a very good chance at exclusivity. We have never covered all the water in this system - one main branch, two lower arms, and a smaller stream - but estimate that a good 4 days of fishing exists here alone. We will certainly be heading here with our guests during the now initiated southern fjords season, and those that enjoy hiking will have the opportunity to be some of the first to experience the waters that we have yet to explore.
As the Colihuachos have arrived early in the Tenth Region due to the dry weather, we're ready to look south. The Petrohué and other Tenth Region rivers have been fishing incredibly well, with one guest in early December bringing over 30 fish to the boat in one day, including 5 resident and sea-run browns over 4-pounds each. The rainbows in the Pet are still as eager as during the early season and there has also been great dry fly and nymphing action in the area's smaller streams. Still, despite the great conditions in the north the arrival of the flies signals a time for migration and discovery, and so that is what we intend to do. We have the names and addresses of a couple of monster browns and would love to invite you search for them with us once again.
Dry fly fishing in the Chilean fjords? I know they'll say I'm crazy and am wasting my time. They'll say they heard (from who?) there are no wild fish there, and that it's better to keep to the beaten path, to stay with what's familiar, or that the fishing in the fjords has gone downhill. That's fine with me. Let them keep thinking it doesn't exist anymore.
WHAT OUR RECENT GUESTS HAVE SAID
"Great knowledge of the entire area... I asked for diversity and I got it! Robert made the trip very enjoyable!" - D.P., Kingston, Ontario, Canada
"Your attention to all the details for our trip made it a very pleasant and unforgettable experience... You more than fulfilled what you promised, even had really good dry fly fishing and converted us to streamers... I also would like to thank you in particular for arranging activities for my parents. They did have a great time and expressed, upon our departure from Chile, that this was one of the most fun trips they had taken... Thanks again for a wonderful vacation!" - R.B., Del Mar, California
"The streamer fishing on the Petrohué was some of the most exciting fishing I have ever done, period. It has all the all the excitment of dry fly fishing and more - the opportunity to fully observe the drama of the chase and see the take in the clear waters of the river." - S.B., Evanston, Wyoming
Best regards and tight lines,
Robert Parker
Owner/operator
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rios Austral Fly Fishing Outfitters
Specializing In Exceptional Fly Fishing Travel To Chile
In Chile:
Viajes Rios Austral Fly Fishing, Ltda.
Casilla 1229
Puerto Montt, X Region
Chile
Fono: (56) (65) 258663
Fax: (56) (65) 258696
Celular: (56) (09) 7622144
In the United States:
Rios Austral Fly Fishing USA
North American Operations Office
PO Box 2906
McKinleyville, CA 95519
Toll Free Phone: 1-866-GO-CHILE
Phone/Fax: 707-839-9885
Email: info@riosaustral.com
Web Site: www.riosaustral.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|
Robert Parker
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 13, 2001 - 3:06 pm: | |
Subject: 2001/2002 Chilean Season Opener Report
2001/2002 Chilean Season Opener Report
by Robert Parker
Sometimes it’s better to expect less and get more. I’ve never liked to hype the fly fishing here too much, there are enough rumors about trout in Chile being stacked up like cordwood in the rivers. Sometimes the fishing can be downright challenging and is never easy, but if this past season opener weekend is any indication of things to come we’re in for a great year.
Ríos Austral Fly Fishing Outfitters kicked off the start of the 2001/2002 Chilean fly fishing season on November 9th with a three day staff trip to some of our favorite rivers in our Northern Territory of the Tenth Region. Myself, along with guide John Joy and guide trainee Rodrigo Moll set out to get back into the rhythm of the chase and to see in advance what our guests could expect to encounter – what flies would be working best for the early season, what changes had occurred in the rivers – and not in the least, to have fun and catch some fish. We didn’t expect much, just a good time with friends and fellow guides in Chile. We got more than we ever imagined.
Friday found us on the Río Maullin, a spring creek-like river that drains Lago Llanquihue into the Pacific Ocean. We wrapped up last season on the Maullin with a great day and thought it would be a good warm-up run for this year. We were into our first brown trout of the season within the first 15 minutes of fishing, and our first rainbow came shortly thereafter. The Atlantic salmon were running as well. Spotting schools of 20 or more of these 1 to 2-pounders running along the bottom of the river, we broke out the Mickey Finns and set up in our favorite run for Atlantics. Everyone was soon getting his share of these hard fighting fish. Even though the dry fly fishing remained slow, the fast sub-surface action would continue throughout the day as a friend who accompanied us on the trip proceeded to land more fish than we had had ever seen anyone catch on the Maullin.
Day two of the journey and we were finally where we’d been waiting to be all winter long – on the banks of the private access section of the Río Petrohué - getting rigged up to search for the Pet’s famous rainbows and browns as the first fishing party to be on the river this season. The action started before we even launched the boat, getting hook-ups right off of the beach at put-in. Unfortunately, the infamous Patagonia weather took a turn for the worse on this day. Overnight, ominous clouds and often pouring rain had replaced the sunny spring conditions that we’d been experiencing for weeks. The Petrohué fishes well when it rains however, and so we headed downriver to the awaiting hungry trout.
The Petrohué is a big river, offering a great selection of side channels, gravel bars, pools and riffles, and woody structure where the fish are typically found. Primary production in the river is low, but the abundance of baitfish and Pancora crabs ensure a healthy population of large rainbow and brown trout that eagerly take well-presented sub-surface patterns. Choosing Olive Rabbit Leeches, Black and Flesh Rainbow Bunnies, and our own Olive Glass Bead Crystal Buggers it wasn’t long before we were hooking up with trout that were incredibly strong and hungry (and easily fooled?) after the long winter. The buzzing of line being stripped away by these rocket ship trout continued at a consistent pace throughout the day, with each angler hooking up with very respectable numbers of 1 to 3 pound fish. We even saw an unprecedented three doubles (both fishermen hooked up at the same time) from the boat. Despite the rain, this would go down as one of our best days ever on the Pet.
Our expectations were definitely being raised at this point. A dangerous mind-set when considering the unknowns of early season fishing. How could it get any better? Cayutúe was the answer. We’re really not still water fishermen, preferring to stalk our trout on rivers and streams, and the Cayutúe area although having four streams, is primarily a still water fishery. We couldn’t turn down however, an invitation from Cayutúe Lodge owner Rodolfo Reichert to explore the area and go after the fat brown trout that inhabit Laguna Cayutúe.
Rodolfo is a gracious host and after shuttling us across Lago Todos los Santos in his motor launch we arrived at his beautiful and secluded lakefront lodge. A tour of the lodge itself left us wanting to just sit and relax, enjoying the view of Cayutúe Fjord and Volcán Puntiagudo out of the front window, but there were fish waiting and time to rest would come later. Mounting our sturdy and well-mannered Chilean horses, a beautiful 45-minute ride through the native Valdivian Rainforest brought us to small laguna from which we would access the area’s complex of streams, and shoreline flats and pools of the lake. Embarking in skiffs we exited the laguna and turned upstream into the Río Cayutúe, getting our first view of the abundant trout in the crystal clear waters of the river. Entering Laguna Cayutúe itself was like entering a paradise. Completely uninhabited along it’s shoreline, the lake is surrounded by high Andean peaks and virgin forest that includes 2000-year old Alerce trees similar to California’s redwoods.
The fishing? Our first destination was one of the numerous reed bed flats lining the shore of the lake. My first cast with a Black Poxyegg Leech brought with it a violent strike and stripping line as the big brown headed for the bottom. After a few minutes of fighting I was rewarded with the sight of one of Cayutúes brilliantly colorful brown trout along the side of the skiff. The next cast brought the same. The next cast… you get the picture. While exploring the complex’s feeder streams, small bays, and of course more reed beds the action literally never stopped, with everyone catching dozens of deep-bodied browns and a few rainbows. As we sadly needed to leave a bit early to safely navigate back across Lago Todos los Santos I was forced to practically drag the protesting guides, who were still getting hook ups, away. I hear they’re still smiling two days later.
Cayutúe is a special place, and we have secured access and will be working with the lodge to offer both day trips and overnight packages to our guests this year and in seasons to come. Rodolfo tells me that for those staying the night that the dry fly action during the evening can be spectacular. We hope we can share the experience with a few lucky guests.
Three incredible days of fishing later we’re now ready to host our first guests who have, I imagine, expectations as high as ours are now, and who will be arriving throughout the upcoming weeks. I’m sure we’ll be in for some tougher days, but we’re certainly off to a good start and hope that the precedent set will only be exceeded. I really try to not expect much – just good companionship, the beautiful Chilean scenery and warm hospitality, and the chance at a few good fish, maybe a lifetime record - I know it’s possible. Still, Chile just keeps on raising the bar. We’ll have to wait and see how things go, but for now, here’s to an incredible start.
Best regards,
Robert Parker
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rios Austral Fly Fishing Outfitters
Specializing In Exceptional Fly Fishing Travel To Chile
In Chile:
Viajes Rios Austral Fly Fishing, Ltda.
Casilla 1229
Puerto Montt, X Region
Chile
Fono: (56) (65) 258663
Fax: (56) (65) 258696
Celular: (56) (09) 7622144
In the United States:
Rios Austral Fly Fishing USA
North American Operations Office
PO Box 2906
McKinleyville, CA 95519
Toll Free Phone: 1-866-GO-CHILE
Phone/Fax: 707-839-9885
Email: info@riosaustral.com
Web Site: www.riosaustral.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|
Jack Mitchell
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 31, 2001 - 9:56 pm: | |
Subject: Patagonia Special for the 2001-2002 Season
Patagonia Special for the 2001-2002 Season
Both of our Flagship Chilean Lodge Locations, Yan Kee Way and El Patagon will be offering an incredible special this season..... A full 20% discount on limited spaces. To reserve space for this special contact us at...
Jack Mitchell
The Evening Hatch
PO Box 1295
Ellensburg, WA 98926
1-866-482-4480 Toll Free
509-962-5959 Phone
509-962-6794 Fax
www.theeveninghatch.com
jack@theeveninghatch.com |
Kent Schoenauer
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 10, 2001 - 10:27 pm: | |
Subject: Fishing the Yelcho in Chile
At the Yelcho the largest fish taken on a dry was 24 inches and it was a heavy fish. More in that size were landed. Lots of 18 to 22 inch fish were taken in the whirlpools with size 20 and 22 dries. We spent one day at lion's bay watching large rainbows jumping four feet taking adult dragon flies, but we had no success in taking a single fish with our imitation. I think these fish were taking the day off or they have nowfigured out the difference from the real fly and the presented one. Those days make you scratch your head. All our guests enjoyed our hosts, Ramon and Liliana. Who presented us with wonderful meals.
For more information on fishing in Chile visit our site at www.argentinachileflyfishing.com
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Robert Parker
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 08, 2001 - 11:50 am: | |
Subject: Southern Chile 2000/2001 Season Report
If any one phrase could adequately describe this past fly fishing season in southern Chile it would be 'expect the unexpected.' From record rainbow trout in the fjords to previously unseen numbers of Chinook salmon in the Río Petrohué, the 2000/2001 season brought with it many great surprises. In looking back upon these days we are definitely satisfied with the outcome and, despite the forces of the weather often conspiring against us, would call the season a great success. I'd like to extend a hearty 'thank you' to all of our guests, who made these memories possible.
The overall mild weather of November and December opened the season with great early fishing on the Tenth Region rivers, including the Río Petrohué, which had solid numbers of resident rainbows and both sea-run and resident browns throughout the system. Using the proven tactics of deep streamer fishing amongst the in-stream structure and 'bashing the banks' we experienced a number of excellent days on the Petrohué and other local rivers. By early January the Colihuachos (biting flies which arrive in the area during this month and remain for a couple weeks, making life miserable and fishing impossible) had started to appear and we began to look south.
Unseasonable summer rains and major storm systems (one in March which meteorologists would rate as at least a 100-year storm event, that wiped out roads and caused widespread damage and flooding throughout southern Chile) began to arrive in January as well, lasting through mid-March. These storms brought a general increase in water levels and put a damper on the fishing throughout the country.
In the fast-clearing coastal streams of the Eleventh Region's southern fjords near Puyuhuapi however, incredible fishing days were experienced. While we found that the decline in the fishing quality in the tidewater and 'boca' areas of these rivers had continued, upstream exploration brought us to what was sometimes unbelievable fishing. Here, in rivers which for good reason will remain un-named, we found pools and runs that would consistently each yield a half-dozen or more native and escapee, line-stripping rainbows averaging over 2 pounds. A number of resident and sea-run brown trout, and coho salmon were thrown into this mix as well - all this without ever having another person in sight. Fishing in these small, shallow rivers was intense - methodically working the pools and structure, with accurate casts and quick strips timed to keep the fly in 'the zone', until a brilliant flash in the water would bring with it a tight line and a rainbow leaping for the sky. Three of our guests caught lifetime record rainbows on these rivers, all of which ran over 5 pounds! I joined this lucky group myself, during my last day in the fjords, after a 20-minute fight landing a huge sea-run rainbow that we agreed ran 8 to 10 pounds! This 'chancho' leapt from my hands moments before the photo was taken and will forever remain only a fond memory to me (and my witnesses).
During this period many of the Tenth Region's rivers, along with most others throughout Chile, continued to run high. The fishing remained slow with an average day on the Río Petrohué seeing only about 10 fish per guest, and the maximum ever landed being around two dozen, although what lacked in quantity was certainly made up for in quality. However in March, very unprecedented numbers of wild Chinook salmon began to arrive in the system and by April the Petrohué was 'salmon soup'. This was an unusual occurrence for this area, both in timing and in numbers. Although nowhere near the level of salmon runs on a typical, good Alaskan stream it was amazing for this area. While primarily fishing for trout guests averaged incidental hook-ups with one salmon per day during this period, some of which ran over 20 pounds. It will be interesting to see if this pattern repeats itself next year, should the wild salmon population begin to thrive.
The presence of these Kings in the Petrohué seemed to have adverse effects on the trout fishing unfortunately, with most rainbows being chased out of their usual lies by the territorial salmon, and very few of the Pet's famous monster browns to be found at all during the latter part of the season. Many area guides and outfitters were generally stumped. With the sunny, summer-like weather in April and May (in retrospect this would have been the best time to travel to this particular area during the past season) the lower flows revealed the tributaries full of spawning Kings, and even the bottom of the main channel of the river covered in redds. It soon became apparent that a change of tactics was in order. Egg and flesh patterns (especially a Pettis' Unreal Egg tied into a variation of the Alaskan Omelette) proved very effective during this period, as did small Glass Bead Crystal Buggers and mayfly nymphs. As the needed adaptations were discovered, the Petrohué turned on, producing some excellent fishing days in the final weeks of the season. Any crowding (a relative term here) was past, and we had the river to ourselves on most days.
The Río Maullin also fished quite well during this period, as it typically did throughout the season. Essentially being a large spring creek, with Lago Llanquihue being the spring, the Maullin usually remains unaffected by storm runoff and stays clear. Dense mayfly hatches gave us great surface action using attractor patterns for the small but impressively strong Maullin rainbows, and larger rainbows and browns in the 18-inch range were often enticed from their deep cover with both well tested and new, innovative leech patterns. Looking ahead, this late season period would be an excellent time for anglers to plan to visit this area.
Ríos Austral Fly Fishing Outfitters is moving toward the upcoming season with a good outlook regarding the prospects for an exceptional year with both our new and returning guests. We are currently implementing plans for many improvements in our program and are looking forward to opening day on November 15, 2001.
|
Jack Garchar
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, November 23, 2000 - 9:25 pm: | |
Subject: Chile Fishing
Rio Yelcho
The Yelcho Area of Chile with its huge lake and river flowing into the Pacific was another great fishing experience this year 2000. All the water coming out of the Alerces in Argentina flow west to the Yelcho and so basically you have the same kind of trout, hearty rainbows and browns. However, due to the more abundant food supply, the trout in Lake Yelcho are by far much larger and stronger than their brothers up river in Argentina were there are only insects to eat. Using the dry pattern we would drift over the same run of water time and time again and take trout that would peel off line faster you can blink an eye.
It was not one after the other as in the river, but on the lake edge along the weed beds the waiting was a nervous event. You would have your eyes glued to the fly, and if you you blinked, bang, you just lost that big one. These fish have muscle and it is important on how you are going to handle them. We took fish that weighed 12 pounds and it took time, patience and skill to land a trout that size. These big fish are attracted to the adult dragon flies and any pattern that will cast a shadow that looks like a dragon fly. These flies can be very effective. The river was its usual self with a lot of fish of all sizes. Hitting the fly hard is their nature and they like wooley buggers and clouser minnows. The Yelcho is a producer of trophy fish and is a place for those who want to try their skill against a monster.
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