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Until recently, the fish of the Rio Palena and its tributaries
were untroubled by any human activity. Today, in this remote
corner of Northern Patagonia, the Rio Palena Lodge offers the
select few a chance to seek out trophy-sized wild trout amid
breathtaking scenery. Shadowed by snow-capped peaks and mountain
slopes draped in lush forest, the timber-framed lodge affords
visitors a luxurious base from which to fish, explore or simply
marvel at this pristine wilderness.
The lodge, designed and built from local hardwoods by its
American owner-proprietor, Spencer Moore, has eight double
bedrooms and nine baths. The first-class cuisine is prepared by a
professional chef and is served with the finest Chilean wines. For
luxurious comfort amid wild, remote surroundings, Spencer drew on
the inspiration of his brother, Randall Jay Moore, who pioneered
Elephant Back Safaris at Abu's Camp in Botswana's Okavango Delta.
What makes fly-fishing at Rio Palena Lodge so exciting is that
you can be sure of finding stretches of virgin water where trout
have never before been presented with an artificial fly. The
chilly waters are fed by Andean glaciers and yet the sub-tropical
summer temperatures in the valleys ensure an abundance of natural
food for the fish. Whether wade-fishing by the lodge, float tubing
on the lakes or enjoying a three or four day drift boat
expedition, camping out and exploring this lyrical river with wet
and dry fly, wild trout of up to 15lbs are always a possibility.
Personable, professional guides with wide experience of
fishing, fly-tying, boat-handling, first aid and river craft
ensure that everyone, from the beginner to the old hands, enjoys
the wonders of the Palena Valley. The river abounds in
mouth-watering prime trout lies with large browns and rainbows
haunting every bend and sweep and the numerous riffles, current
breaks and deep pools which are accessible only to our
expertly-handled drift boats.
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 We utilize unpublished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: Big browns and rainbows. Wading and drift boat
fishing. Dries, streamers and nymphs. The Palena is one of the
most spectacular river valleys you'll ever see. At one point you
can count 5 glacial peaks within view. There is very little access
to this river, so it is highly unlikely you will see another
person, never mind another angler. The Palena has some of the best
bank structure imaginable, making every pocket perfect habitat for
large trout.
"Heaven", "The Last Frontier", "A Dream".
"Outstanding fishing, lodging , food, wine, and guides. You've
really done it right.”
"A privileged place which has spectacular scenery day and night,
rain or shine. It invites you to come, explore, and be part of
it."
"A cultural experience one will never forget."
"Five pound
browns and rainbows do not raise eyebrows on this river. I hooked
and lost the largest wild river brown I have ever encountered on
this river." ~~ John Randolph, Fly Fisherman Magazine, September
1998. |
