Chilean Patagonia is a legendary destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. In this wild and unspoiled landscape, where crystal-clear rivers meet glacial lakes and vast open spaces shaped by the southern winds, brown trout and rainbow trout thrive in a pristine environment, offering an authentic and intense fishing experience.
Throughout the stay, these powerful and hard-fighting fish provide a technical and rewarding challenge. With average sizes ranging from 40 to 50 cm, encounters are frequent and exciting, yet the true thrill comes when an exceptional specimen emerges from the current. These rare moments, when the line tightens abruptly and the battle becomes unforgettable, are what make fishing in Patagonia truly magical.
Here, no stocking is carried out. All trout are wild, either native or fully acclimatised, and are subject only to very limited fishing pressure. This responsible management ensures outstanding fishing quality, while preserving the ecosystem and the spectacular landscapes surrounding each fishing spot.
Whether you are an experienced angler or a passionate amateur, every outing becomes a unique adventure, combining technical skill, contemplation and full immersion in a raw, breathtaking and deeply exotic natural environment.
To fully enjoy your stay in Patagonia, having the right equipment will allow you to adapt to all the conditions you may encounter on the water.
A 9 or 10-foot fly rod with a #4-5 or #6 line provides an ideal setup for most situations. This can be complemented with a selection of small dry flies such as mayflies, as well as larger patterns like big sedges or terrestrial flies (grasshoppers, Chernobyl ants…).
It is also recommended to bring a range of nymphs with different weights, from lightly weighted to heavily weighted, to adjust to varying depths and currents. Finally, a more powerful setup with a #8 line, including sinking tips and streamers, will complete your gear for situations requiring extra strength or for targeting larger fish.
This balanced selection will ensure versatility, efficiency and comfort throughout your fly fishing experience in Patagonia.
A lightweight set with a variety of lures of different densities (spoons, plugs, soft lures) equipped with a 10 lbs line will be the ideal equipment for casters.
A range of jerk minnows of different densities between 5 and 10 cm, spoons, micro-spinners and small soft lures should be preferred.
To ensure you're well-equipped, Christophe Pousthomis, a specialist in trout fishing lures, can advise you on the models he's personally tested with us.
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Weather conditions in Patagonia can change quickly, so it is important to bring suitable and comfortable clothing for your fishing days.
Waders are essential for wade fishing, along with a windproof jacket and a fleece layer. It is also recommended to pack spare clothing and a waterproof bag to keep your belongings dry.
To complete your equipment, bring sunglasses (preferably polarized), a cap, sunscreen and insect repellent.
