Below is the information for the 2012 trip. We will be assembling the 2013 trip and if you have interest in joining us, please e-mail mark@BestGear.com
Chilean Patagonia Fly Fishing Trip 2012
February 18th-25th (1 space) February 25th-March 3rd (booked)
March 3rd-10th (3 spaces) March 10th-17th (date just added)
We will be visiting the Aysen Region of Chilean Patagonia. This part of South America is blessed with a variety of landscapes ranging from Patagonia pampas (grasslands) to western rainforests, all of which provide stunning scenery and exciting fishing opportunities. The Aysen Region is known as the “brown trout capital” of South America. This area is what the American West was 100 years ago.
ITINERARY
Friday/Saturday: travel to Balmaceda, Chile (approx. 24 hours of travel time with layovers); picked up by guides and drive to Cinco Rios or Estancia del Zorro lodge (35 minutes and 1 hour, respectively); get settled in, discuss conditions and what type of fishing you would like to do the next day; refreshments and dinner; get a good night sleep
Sunday-Friday: Breakfast, 6 days of guided fly fishing, lunch on the stream; drinks and dinner
Saturday: breakfast; travel to the town of Coyhaique; shop and do lunch, guided will take you to airport in afternoon; leave Chile
FISHING
2012 is the year of the giant Chilean Stag Beetle. At a whopping 3-4” in length (complete with pincher-like “horns”), these beetles are harmless to the angler and serve as a hearty meal for the largest of trout. Tied on #2 streamer hooks and fished on 10 lb. tippet, they provide mouth-watering entertainment to anglers looking to take a large brown or rainbow on the surface. In addition, streamers, dry flies, and nymphs are fished on a variety of waters ranging from; small meandering spring creeks, mountain freestone streams, large roaring rivers, and gin clear lakes. Anglers can expect to wade fish, float rivers in rafts, and jet boat in and out of lakes/lake outlets. Each stream presents its own style and anglers of all experience levels will find waterways of their liking.
Catch and Release: D&H strongly encourages catch and release of all trout.
Note To Novices: We are happy to accommodate the beginner fly angler. The guides are extremely patient and willing to share their knowledge. It is best, however, to arrive with a bit of knowledge about the sport. We recommend that you enroll in one of D&H’s fly fishing schools with Brian or at the very least take a private casting lesson with Mark. Practice casting in your yard or at a local park. A very good and easy to read book is Essential Fly Fishing. Scientific Anglers has produced some very good DVDs.
LODGING
Estancia del Zorro Lodge (2/18-2/25) (3/3-3/10) (3/10-3/17)
At “Zorro” anglers will fish a variety of streams, rivers, and spring creeks, all located within the boundaries of the 15,000 –acre Estancia or a short drive from the lodge. Many of the waters in the area seldom fished and some have only been recently discovered. Some waters provide exciting dry-fly fishing with large numbers of eager fish, while others require challenging sight fishing in crystal clear spring creeks where the fish can grow as large as 32 inches. Anglers will have the opportunity to explore waters in Argentina and Chile, two countries in one trip reached by 30- to 90- minute rides by four-wheel-drive vehicles from the lodge.
Cinco Rios Lodge (2/25-3/3)
Cinco Rios Lodge is located 15 minutes outside the town of Coyhaique, the Capital City of the Aysen Region, right on the banks of the famous Simpson River. Cinco Rios is unique because of its diversity; it combines the best of Chilean fisheries; from the meandering spring creeks of the Patagonia Pampas, to the crystal clear waters of the western rainforest. All surrounded with spectacular mountains and peaks, heavily encased in glaciers, creating a very unique and picturesque ambient that allow visitors to experience the trip of a life time.
DINING
Gourmet food, local cuisine and a large selection of Chilean wines and other beverages are available at both lodges. Cinco Rios offers all of the luxuries of home, complete with WI-FI and television, while Estancia del Zorro lodge offers a unique opportunity to stay in a rustic, pristine setting free of many distractions caused by today’s technology.
WEATHER
Weather ranges greatly in Chilean Patagonia so it is best to be prepared for a variety of conditions. Daytime high temperatures are usually in the 60s to mid 70s with lows in the 30s. Make sure to bring a rain coat.
GEAR LIST
Please see the Gear List for our specific recommendations to make sure you are prepared for your adventure in Patagonia.
PRICING
The price is $3995. The price includes 6 days fully guided fly fishing, meals, drinks, and 7 nights lodging at Cinco Rios Lodge or Estancia del Zorro Lodge.
The pricing excludes air transportation, fishing licenses, telephone calls, personal items and gratuities for guides and lodging staff. Please note that there is a one-time admittance fee into Chile of $100 (US cash), good for the life of your passport.
Fishing license for non-resident:
PAYMENT
Please make checks payable to D&H Travel. No credit cards. Please send payment to: D&H Travel, 2708 Erie Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208.
CANCELLATION POLICY
The trip is non-refundable after January. 1st, 2012. No exceptions.
If you cancel in writing before January 1st, 2011, your payment, less $200 per person processing fee, will be refunded to you. No refund is made for any unused land arrangements. We strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance. Receipt of deposit by D&H Travel is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts cancellation/refund and responsibility clauses.
Note To Group Leaders: It is important that as group leader you share this pre-trip information with all members of your party so that everyone is adequately prepared, understands the cancellation/refund policy pertaining to the trip and has the opportunity to purchase the travel protection. D&H Travel cannot assume any financial responsibility for consequences incurred if this information is not provided by you to all members of your group.
TRANSPORTATION
You are responsible for your own air transportation to Chile. Transportation is included to and from the lodge if you are flying in and out of Balmaceda with the group. If not, a shuttle can be arranged or you may rent a vehicle.
QUESTIONS?
Your host on this adventure will be Lance Wilt, our head guide in Montana and Pennsylvania. Fishing and learning from Lance is always a pleasure. If you have any questions, you may contact Lance at fish.central.pa@gmail.com or Mark Walters at 513-871-3474 or mark@BestGear.com.
