A Patagonia Adventure: Big Dreams and Big Rainbows

A couple of years ago, I decided to take the leap into a new adventure—documenting the fly fishing lifestyle through my camera lens. Little did I know this would become a journey that would take me to some of the most remote, untouched rivers and lakes on Earth, and lead to lifelong friendships along the way. Today, what started as a personal project has evolved into Stream Spirit, a collaborative effort with my good friend and talented photographer, Antti Lammi from Finland.

By SERGIO CALERO // Photos by SERGIO CALERO and ANTTI LAMMI

One of the most unforgettable chapters of our adventure was in March 2022, when we traveled to Patagonia, Chile, to film and fish with our close friends and expert guides, Ronald and Daniel. It was an incredible month, filled with stunning landscapes, challenging fishing conditions, and the kind of camaraderie that only long days on the water can create. We returned home with a wealth of photos and footage, but little did we know the best was yet to come.

A New Lead

About a month after we returned, we received an email from Daniel that would change everything. He spoke of a secret, remote river nestled deep in Chilean Patagonia - an untouched paradise for rainbow trout. We were intrigued.

And by October of the same year, we found ourselves back on a plane to Balmaceda, ready for another epic adventure. The journey to this hidden gem began as soon as we touched down in Chile. From Balmaceda Airport, we embarked on a seven-hour drive across the rugged Patagonian terrain. The final leg of our trip was by boat, crossing a massive lake before finally reaching our destination. The boat ride was, in a word, adventurous. The fierce Patagonian winds whipped up the water into towering waves, making for a thrilling - and at times, nerve-wracking - journey. A large gust of wind even sent one of the boat’s windows crashing into the lake. Yet, we arrived safely at a sheltered bay, our spirits high as we neared the mouth of the river.

Daniel, as excited as we were, shouted out the name of the river just as we caught our first glimpse of it from the boat. That was when the anticipation truly set in. What kind of rainbow trout would we find in this river?

The River of Dreams

In southern Chile, fishing season begins in mid-October, just as spring breaks across the Patagonian landscape. The temperatures are still cold at nightoften dipping below freezing - but the days are crisp and clear. In this part of the world, the river we were about to fish is a seasonal paradise. Every year, migratory rainbow trout make their way upstream from the lake to spawn. For a short window of time, this river becomes a goldmine for fly fishers.

“What kind of rainbow trout would we find in this river?”

The fishery is fleeting, with only a few weeks each year offering the kind of fishing experience we had been dreaming of.

As Daniel explained, the rhythm of the river is a story told by nature itself. Once the trout have finished spawning in the colder months, they begin their migration back to the lake. This exodus begins as snow in the highlands melts, feeding the river with fresh, rushing waters.

“We were able to spot the rainbows and pick out the fish we wanted to target”

By summer, the fish are gone, their seasonal journey complete, and the river grows quiet again - waiting for the cycle to return next winter.

The timing of our trip was perfect. The snowmelt hadn’t yet started, and the water was clear, offering ideal conditions for sight fishing. We were able to spot the rainbows and pick out the fish we wanted to target. This level of precision and focus elevated the experience, making every cast feel like a true test of skill and patience.

A Week in Paradise

The seven days we spent on the river were nothing short of magical. It wasn’t just the beauty of the fish or the scenery that made this trip so unforgettable - it was the entire experience. From the campfire stories shared under starry Patagonian skies, to the quiet moments spent soaking in the serenity of the wild, this trip became a celebration of everything we love about fly fishing: the challenge, the connection to nature, and the friendships that grow out of shared adventures.

One of the most memorable parts of the trip was the sense of community. Our guide, Daniel, made sure everyone felt like part of the team. Whether we were fishing, exploring the surrounding wilderness, or simply relaxing by the fire, there was a sense of camaraderie that made everything feel special.

Chilean hospitality truly lives up to its reputation, and Daniel’s generosity and enthusiasm made this experience feel like a personal journey rather than just another fishing trip.

Fishing Beyond the Norm

Throughout our time on the river, we had the chance to experiment with new fishing methods - one of which was fishing with “surf flies” that Antti had brought from Finland. This was a completely new approach for me, and the thrill of casting and watching the trout rise to the surface to take the surf fly was an unforgettable experience. The sheer beauty of the rainbow trout - vibrant, powerful, and stunning - was a sight to behold. Some of the fish we landed were the largest I’ve ever caught, and it was a true privilege to film and photograph these majestic creatures.

A Calmer Return

The trip ended as quietly as it had begun. On our way back to the city, the winds had calmed, and the lake was as smooth as glass. It was a perfect ending to an unforgettable adventure - a moment of tranquility that allowed us to reflect on the wild, untamed beauty of the place we had just visited.

As we left Patagonia behind, I couldn’t help but hope that places like this will remain wild - that future generations can experience the same sense of wonder, connection, and humility that we felt in those pristine waters. There’s something about the untouched beauty of Patagonia - its vast, open skies and its silence - that reminds us how small we are in the grand scheme of things. Yet, in the presence of such majestic wilderness, we also feel an overwhelming sense of belonging.

Our journey to this secret Patagonian river was more than just a fishing trip. It was an experience that reaffirmed the reasons we do what we do: to connect with nature, to challenge ourselves, and to share the beauty of this world with others. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned on this adventure, it’s that these wild places are not just for us to explore - they’re for us to protect, to respect, and to ensure they continue to endure for the generations that follow.

The dream of chasing big rainbows in wild, untouched places is a pursuit worth following, no matter how far the journey may take us.

About Stream Spirit

Stream Spirit is a collaboration between two passionate fly anglers and photographers, Antti Lammi and Sergio Calero. Together, we document the beauty and challenges of the fly fishing lifestyle, sharing stories from the water, tips, and inspiring others to pursue their own adventures.