CHIMALFE PATAGONIA LODGE
Destination Overview
Imagine . . . luxury accommodation, fine cuisine, amazing landscapes and one of the most fantastic fishing experiences you can have in South America. Imagine . . . fishing in an inland fjord for huge Rainbows and Browns among the glaciers and the towering peaks of the Andies.
The Chimalfe Patagonia Lodge sits on a hill overlooking the Yelcho River where each day you will have the option of fishing the areas amazing creeks and rivers or in its productive lakes. Regardless of your preference, the lodge’s head guide will tailor each days itinerary to whatever type of water and fish species that you prefer.
Very few areas offer such a wide variety of trophy trout waters. Each evening you will come back to the lodge and be able to sit on the deck enjoying a drink and gaze upon the spectacular view of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
The Chimalfe Patagonia Lodge is new, and though the trout fishing program has been well developed, fishing opportunities in the surrounding area are still being discovered. Recently the guide staff has begun to explore saltwater fishing opportunities in the close by fjords that open up to the Pacific Ocean, which is close by. Hopefully by time you visit, a saltwater program will be in place. No other lodge in Patagonia offers a saltwater fly fishing program in addition to a freshwater fishing program, so stay tuned.
At a Glance
Target Fish: Brown, Rainbow and Brook trout
Location: Patagonia, Chile
Seasons: October through April
Lodge Capacity: 14 guests
Nearest Airport: Chaiten, Chile
Electricity: 220 volts
Documents needed: Passport
Fishing Program
The area available to lodge guests is quite large and consists of lakes rivers and streams. Several of those available waters are as follows:
Yelcho Lake
Yelcho Lake is located in the Los Lagos Region of southern Chile in the Palena Provence. The lake is fed by the Futaleufu River and is one of the deepest lakes in Chile. It is a popular location for fly fishing enthusiasts who are rewarded with catches of Brook, Brown and Rainbow Trout..
Yelcho Lake offers a large variety of fishing depending on the time of the year and the particular weather conditions during your visit. Some days the lake is like a big spring creek with a lot of sight fishing with dry flys or nymphs under an indicator or a dry with a nymph dropper. The Dragon Fly hatch is something to look forward to. On other days you will be streamer fishing.
Yelcho River
Fishing the Yelcho River is very similar to fishing the lake. It is a 50 km river that flows out of the lake and offers great streamer fishing and in some sections, particularly in the eddies, sight fishing with dries.
Yelcho river; very similar than the lake. A few creeks who empty into the Yelcho are also a lot of fun to fish.
Palena and Futaleufu Rivers
Great dry fly fishing.
To fish the Yecho properly you will need to carry a few rods rigged with specific flies and be ready to switch at a moment’s notice. If you get the opportunity to smack your foam dragonfly into the rings left by a feeding monster you will see a take that will send shivers down your spine. These fish are extremely fat with unparalleled strength. The quality of the fishing is beyond the imagination.
In general, the guides try to show you a variety of fishing. Most of the fishing is from boats because the size of the rivers. The guides are very experienced, with the head guide having previously been head guide at the Estancia de Los Rios Lodge for 14 years. Several guides have more than 10 years under their belts and most speak English or at the very least have a rudimentary understanding. Communication is no problem.
A normal day commences with a top flight breakfast at 8:30 am. When the fishermen are ready they are taken to the dock which is 200 meters from the lodge. You will be chasing trout until 1:30 pm or until you are hungry for a hefty Chilean lunch on the river banks. A charcoal grilled barbecue or a fire disc is the norm accompanied by salads and some carbs.
Best Fly Fishing Seasons
October -March
Accommodations
Chimalfe’s newly constructed lodge was built for anglers. The bedrooms are comfortable and all uniquely appointed to accommodate couples, or double occupancy “fishing buddies”. The lodge can accommodate 14 guests in 6 bedrooms which all include a private bathroom.
Fine linen sheets, top-quality duvets and hand crafted furniture all add to the ambience of the spectacular views from each room. All rooms are equipped with luggage storage, heated towel rails, and bath robes and closet space. A large deck with comfortable outdoor couches and wood fire hot tubs are also available to guests.
Wi-Fi is available at the lodge and there is spotty cell phone service. While in the field, each guide will have a satellite phone for emergency use only and all staff carry short distance radios.
On Site Amenities and Activities Include
Wi-Fi/internet access
Fly Shop
Bar: wine and beer only. Guests are welcome to bring any liquor they desire.
Gourmet Food
Non fly fishing activities
Getting There
Typically, guests fly into Santiago Chile and then connect to Puerto Montt (Tepual Airport) then to La Paloma Airfield (only takes about a 20 minute drive) and then connect to Chaiten Airport. Staff members from the lodge will meet you at the Chaiten Airport and transport you to the lodge which takes about 45 minutes.
Rates
Rates are based on double occupancy.
Included: Accommodations and meals at the lodge, guided fishing, flies, transfers between Chaitén airport and the lodge, beer, wine and soft drinks, and Wi-Fi.
Not included: Airfare Santiago-Puerto Montt- Chaitén, accommodations, meals, and transfers in Santiago and Puerto Montt, personal equipment, hard liquor, fishing licenses, gratuities, and laundry.
6 days fishing/7 nights: $4,800. Per person
Exploratory hosted trip - Join Us!
We are thrilled to offer an exploratory trip to Chile’s Chimalfe Patagonia Lodge. Our trip will be March 17-24, 2018. We will be fishing in an inland fjord for huge Rainbows and Browns among the glaciers and the towering peaks of the Andies.
In addition we will take a short hop over to a beautiful saltwater inlet and fish for Skip-Jack Tuna and giant Sierra Mackrel on the fly.
This is our first time to this wonderful area. We hope you can join us. Space is limited to just 8 anglers on a first come first served basis. A small $200 deposit holds your spot.
