Chile - Patagonia

Estancia de los Rios

Fly Fishing Trip or Lodge Details:

Trout were introduced to the streams of Patagonia early in the 20th century. Brown trout were brought from Scotland across the Atlantic Ocean to the new continent. Today after years of exploration, Cristian and Marcelo Dufflocq and their partner Claudio Pumarino, discovered the fly fisherman’s paradise within the shadows of the southern Andes of Chile, with the best dry fly and nymph fishing they have ever experienced.

Even if it rains in most of southern Chile, the sun will shine in Patagonia. Moisture coming from the South Pacific is trapped by the high Andes. The streams are cool due to springs percolating from the high Andean snows. Its waters are rich in underwater life, nymphs, crayfish, scuds, and minnows. Wild, strong, fighting trout populate these waters in great numbers. The beautiful fish seem to have been painted with vivid colors by the hand of an artist.

Today, within this valley, on a 360,000 acre ranch lies Estancia de los Rios Lodge. The spacious riverside lodge, opened in 1996, has seven double bedrooms, all with private bathrooms. Capacity is limited to 8 guests (10 in a group). One hundred miles north of Coyhaique, the lodge has access to more than 60 miles of streams and spring creeks within the property. The main river is only 100 yards away from the lodge.

This is an experience with no parallel. And then is added the best guides, fine Chilean and international cuisine and hospitality and a super selection of local wines.

With numerous airlines serving Argentina and Chile, the air fare to arrive in one country and depart from another is reasonable. Fares are very competitive and service is outstanding.

Due to our experience in Patagonia, we have the full capability to transfer you from one lodge to another. We utilize unpublished scheduled air service, border hand offs, and special charters, so that you can fish multiple areas.

For a more leisurely pace, we can arrange a one or two day ferry crossing the beautiful Lago Todos los Santos and Lago Nahuel Huapi that joins Bariloche (Argentina) and Puerto Montt (Chile). The two day crossing includes a night in the hamlet of Peulla in a Swiss style hotel by a magnificent falls. Plane service is also available that takes only 45 minutes, but virtually "rims" the Osorno volcano.

THE FISHING: Dries, streamers and nymphs. Mostly wading. More than 60 miles of streams, rivers and spring creeks, all within the ranch.

Season Information

Early December to mid-April

Rate Information

RATES: 2010-2011 Season

ACCOMMODATIONS AND CAPACITY: The streamside lodge can host up to 12 guests in extraordinary style and comfort. 6 double-bedded rooms, all with private bath.

INCLUSIONS: Six nights lodging in double room with private bathroom, guided fishing. All meals, lunch and dinner accompanied by our selection of Chilean wines, beer and non-alcoholic beverages. All transfers to and from fishing places, one professional guide for every two anglers, one guide for every four non-fishing guests, use of boats and horses as required, fishing license.

EXCLUSIONS: Air travel, air taxi or land transfers between Balmaceda Airport and lodge, hotel and transfers prior to and after those included within Estancia de Los Rios itinerary, use of fishing gear, flies (available for sale at the lodge), gratuities, and items of a personal nature such as laundry and telephone calls and other items not specifically mentioned as included. Transfers to/from Argentina border for clients arriving or departing via Argentina.

General Information

LOCATION: Rio Cicnes, Chile

HOW TO GET THERE: International flight to Santiago (SCL) followed by domestic flight to Balmaceda (BBA). Then air taxi or land transfer to the Lodge.

OWNERS: Cristian and Marcello Dufflocq and Claudio Pumarino