Chile

Chile offers an incredible wealth of cold, clear ultra-productive trout rivers suitable for anglers of all skill levels. Photo: valatkinson.com

Chilean Patagonia

Patagonian Basecamp Deep within the seldom-visited Aysén Province of Chilean Patagonia, there is a special lodge perfectly suited to anglers looking for remote, off-the-beaten-path fishing. Marcel and Carolina Sijnesael built their dream lodge on the banks of the Rio Palena with a vision to show anglers the secluded beauty and bounty of Patagonia. Here, anglers will fish a wide range of systems from rafts and jet boats targeting wild rainbows and browns. Most of the fish will range from 14 to 20 inches, with 20-plus-inch fish caught daily, 24-plus-inch fish caught weekly, and a few fish over 30 inches netted each season. In addition to a great lodge experience, Marcel’s guests get to overnight at established and well-appointed riverside out-camps, making for a most memorable Chilean adventure. Rate: $6,995 per person for a 7 night/6 day package

La Posada de los Farios Rex Bryngelson is one of the early pioneers who came to Chile in search of whitewater and adventure. He discovered incomparable rivers with remarkable fly fishing, a sense of place, true love, and his life’s work. The end result is La Posada de Los Farios (The Inn of the Brown Trout), located on the banks of the Rio Cisnes.

Here in the heart of Chile’s greatest trout-fishing region, the options are nearly endless: productive floats on nearby rivers, small technical spring creeks, seldom-fished high-country lakes, and excursions into remote coastal systems.

La Posada de Los Farios is the perfect blend of homestyle Chilean hospitality and high-quality fly fishing. Rate: $4,350 per person for a 7 night/6 day package

Remota Lodge Located near Puerto Natales on the edge of Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park, this unique resort is a deluxe base for a wide range of activities and adventures. Its modern architecture compliments the stark beauty of the surrounding natural environment. It features 72 well-appointed rooms, a beautiful restaurant overlooking the water, a heated infinity pool, sauna, outdoor Jacuzzi, and a full-time masseuse.

With the remarkable Torres del Paine National Park serving as the main attraction, the resort offers over 30 different excursions to the surrounding mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers, forests, and prairies. Activities include day hikes, mountain biking, horseback riding, cultural visits and, of course, fly fishing.

For adventurous couples looking to explore this remote corner of Patagonia in luxury, Remota Lodge is the place. Rate: $5,620 per person for a 7 night/6 day package

Futaleufú Multi-Sport Adventure The Futaleufú Multi-Sport Adventure is based out of a deluxe riverside camp overlooking the turquoise waters of the famed Futaleufú River. With whitewater rafting, inflatable kayaking, fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and yoga, this southern Chile trip has something for just about everyone.

Each day involves a new and customized mix of activities

guided by accomplished and talented international outdoor guides. River-based adventures include whitewater rafting the worldrenowned Futaleufú River, inflatable kayaking the aptly named Rio Azul, fly fishing for rainbow trout, and whitewater-kayaking lessons. Land-based activities include horseback riding, hiking pristine valleys, and mountain biking a mix of established trails and single track. This river paradise, ringed by snow-capped mountains, showcases the best of what Chile has to offer. Rate: $3,800 per person for an 8 night/7 day package

Austral Kings Camp When it comes to swinging flies for chrome-bright trophy king salmon right off the tides, no place in Chile or South America compares to the Trochine’s Austral Kings Camp. It was a major undertaking, but eventually they found the river that had it all. Guests stay in a comfortable four-person tent camp that offers easy access to the upper beats of this incredible, free-flowing river. The majority of fishing is done with two handed rods, both from the boat and while wading. While there are years with lots of fish, these brutes aren’t easy. Catch rates average roughly one fish per person per day with the majority of the fish weighing in at the 25- to 50-pound class. For skilled anglers wanting the challenge of big gorgeous fish in an awe-inspiring setting, Austral Kings Camp is the place. Rate: $5,525 per person for an 7 night/6 day package