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Next trip planned for February 2010 -
contact me for full details.
Fly fishing in Chile, or to be more precise fly fishing in
Chilean Patagonia, is up there with New Zealand and Alaska when it
comes to destination fly fishing. Everyone has their own ultimate
trout fishing destination and Patagonia, at the southern tip of Chile,
will be many fly
 fisher's
dream. Having been there I can honestly say that it is the best place
I have ever been; fishing or otherwise. Every single aspect of a trip
to Patagonia is awesome; the flight over the Andes, the stunning
mountainous scenery, glaciers, turquoise lakes and rivers,
big rainbow trout, even bigger brown trout, huge steaks, fantastic
wine...
I have
teamed up with Alex Prior of
Southern Exposure to offer guided fly fishing trips to this unique
destination. Alex is the longest serving guide in the area with over
20 years experience. He is not only a great guide, but also a good
fisherman and fly caster. He has a real love for what he does, which
is so obvious when you spend time with him. His knowledge, enthusiasm,
professionalism and sense of humour are second to none. He speaks
perfect English and does a mean lunchtime barbecue.
THE FISH AND FLY FISHING
 Chile offers some of the most diverse fly fishing
imaginable: small creeks, glacial rivers and lakes, rain fed rivers,
rain forests and drift boat fishing, to list just some of what the area
offers. Any trip to Chilean Patagonia can be as varied as you want it.
I can't go any further without mentioning the fish. I have fished in
many places, and never have I found so many fish, of such a high average
size. I have caught brown trout up to 6lb and rainbows to 5lb, with
lots of fish near this weight a regular occurrence. This is
one of the many reasons for a fly fishing holiday to Chile - I am sure
there are places with bigger fish and there are definitely places with
more fish, but I doubt if there is anywhere in the world that can
match Patagonian rivers and lakes for trout of such a high size in
such abundance.
The fishing on offer in this area of Chile is not
to be confused with the famous sea trout fishing on the Rio Grande in
Tierra del Fuego. We are fishing for brown trout and rainbow trout in
the many varied rivers and lakes of Chilean Patagonia, specifically in
a 50 mile radius of Coyhaique. Brown trout and rainbow trout were
introduced to the area in the 19th century and early 20th century,
from when they have thrived in the rivers and lakes, feeding on the
plentiful supply of insects and bait fish. So although introduced, we
are fishing for truly wild fish in an awesome setting.
Because Chile is in the southern hemisphere we fish
there during the British winter. This is one of the real bonuses of
fishing in Chile - we get to escape the long British winter. A new
year trip will also get you warmed up for the forth coming spring and
trout season at home.
THE LODGE
Mincho's Lodge is our home during our stay in
Patagonia. Mincho's is located just outside Coyhaique, the main town
in southern Chile and right in the heart of Chilean Patagonian fly
fishing. We are well catered for throughout our stay. Mincho's Lodge
has big comfy beds, wood burning heaters in rooms (which are lit for
your return if the temperature drops), stunning views, large
breakfasts, good wine (and lots of it), tremendous food (including the
biggest steaks imaginable, often served flaming) and English speaking
owners.
GETTING TO PATAGONIA
Our final destination is Balmaceda, at the southern tip of Chile in
Patagonia, from where we are met and taken to the lodge. We fly to
Balmaceda from Santiago, the capital city of Chile, about 3 hours
away. How we get to Santiago from the UK depends on which airline we
use, but there are no direct flights at present. We can fly via a
choice of airports, including Paris (Air France), Madrid (Iberia) and
Zurich (Swiss Airlines). This gives us the advantage of finding the
cheapest option and best flight times. Return flights generally cost
between £800 and £1000.
HOW MUCH AND WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Fly fishing in Chile with Yorkshire Dales
Flyfishing is not as expensive as you might think, certainly much
cheaper than with other companies. Admittedly there is an expensive
flight to pay for and the current exchange rate does not help, but for
fishing of the quality described above, fully guided, in a quality
lodge, with everything included, I think you will agree that it is
quite reasonable. For simplicity the price is given per night in the
lodge. That way you can decide how many nights/days you want to stay
and work out the price accordingly.
Price per night sharing a room/fishing - £370*
Price per night single basis - £460*
*Actual price will depend on exchange rate at time
of booking but this will give a good guide.
I would advise having a stopover in Santiago, at least one
way, probably both, not just to break up the trip, but to sample a bit
of the South American way of life. This will obviously be extra but
hopefully much cheaper than extra days fishing.
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Included:
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Guided fly fishing throughout your stay
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Transport from and to Balmaceda Airport
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Daily transport to and from fishing
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Accommodation in Mincho's Lodge
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All food and drinks with meals
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Not included:
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If you are interested in joining me on a trip to
Patagonia, Chile please get in touch. I
would love to introduce you to this magical place, but be warned, you
will want to return!
CHILE IMAGE GALLERY
    
    
    
    
    
  
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