Fly-Fishing: Chilean Patagonia

For all fly-fishing enthusiasts, we bring you important information about the south of Chile.

The geographical and meteorological conditions of the Aysen Region offer the perfect habitat for the reproduction and survival of salmonid species. This is what makes the Chilean Patagonia the ideal destination for avid fly-fishers.

Just the word Patagonia awakens great hope among fly-fishers, and that is not to mention the enormity of its lakes and incredible beauty of its rivers, which meet the expectations of all different types of fishermen.

The most common species are rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and Chinook salmon. This sporting activity is regulated by Sernapesca – the National Fishing and Aquaculture Service – therefore, fishermen are required to comply with the regulations established to preserve the environment where they practice. During the entire process, fishermen must obtain a fishing permit and comply with the corresponding authorized areas and methods.

According to Sernapesca rules, the fishing season generally begins in October and ends in early May:

In the Aysen Region rivers, the catch and release period goes from October 12th to November 30th. Between December 1st and February 28th, fishermen are allowed to extract a maximum of 3 fish or the equivalent of 15 kg. From March 1st to May 6th, all fish caught must be released back into the water, followed by closed season until the following October.

In the case of lakes, the dates vary a little. The fishing season begins on October 12th and is catch and release until November 9th. From November 10th to April 1st, fishermen are allowed to extract a maximum of 3 fish or 15 kg. Then from April 2nd to May 6th, all fish caught must be released back into the water, followed by closed season until the following October.

In the case of Chinook Salmon, the fishing season goes from October 12th to January 15th, with a maximum extraction of 2 fish.

There are three key aspects to keep in mind for luring trout: the location of the trout, proper fly selection and fly presentation.

In catch and release areas, seasons and required-release species, barbless hooks must be used, or the hook must be de-barbed, and all fish caught must be immediately released into the water, alive and with the least possible damage.

If we want to keep fishing for many years to come, we must learn to respect the catch and release regulations, as that is the only way we will be able to continue enjoying fly-fishing in the future.

Reference
Sernapesca (2020) Calendario de Pesca. Taken from the website: normarecreativa.sernapesca.cl

Pedro F

2020-02-05

Inolvidable Experiencia Como todos los años, con mi grupo de amigos (fly fishing) elegimos un lugar para relajarnos y practicar nuestro pasatiempo favorito. En 2019 seleccionamos Melimoyu Lodge a orillas del Río Palena, cerca de la localidad de La Junta. Era primera vez que nos aventurábamos en ese sector, norte de la Carretera Austral. Nuestra experiencia fue “simplemente extraordinaria” no solamente por la buena pesca (río Palena, lago Rosellot, río Figueroa, lago Yelcho) sino también y sobretodo por la excelente atención y cuidada organización del Lodge. Extraordinario recibir atención 5 estrellas en un lugar tan apartado e inmerso en la naturaleza como Melimoyu Lodge y eso fue exactamente nuestra experiencia . Este año cuando debamos reunirnos nuevamente nuestro grupo de pesca consideraremos volver a Melimoyu Lodge para vivir nuevamente la experiencia. Felicitaciones a los que hicieron realidad ese maravilloso lugar y a Chile por disponer de tan buena infraestructura.

Karl and Robyn

2019-04-18

A great lodge: Fabulous surroundings and hosts We spent the last three days of our three week Patagonia vacation at Melimoyu lodge. It was one of our most memorable experiences of the trip. The lodge is remote, located in a lush rain-forest, but despite its remoteness the lodge was beautiful and comfortable. In addition to world-class fishing and guides the lodge offers other activities to occupy those not interested in fishing. The food was superb and most importantly the hosts and staff were exceptionally engaging. Outstanding.

Piszah

2018-06-12

This place inspires books, movies and stories! After a couple of months deciding when we were going to visit this place (that we've heard off from some american and european friends), we packed our bags and took a flight that got us to the incredible Hotel & Patagonia Alto Melimoyu in "La Junta" late at night. We departed the next day taking a one hour trip that took us from la Junta to the Lodge, and that it was like going somewhere you've never heard of before. Bulky and leafy roads through a bushy forest made us feel like we were in the middle of a Jurassic Park. Once we got there we were astonished by this lodge, its architecture and decoration, are only overcomed by the coziness of the rooms, attention and landscape that you can appreciate when you look outside the window. Then, we had a lamb bbq (cordero al palo) with other tourists in a separated area from the lodge, and right next to the river. Those were some of the details that make the difference. The next day we went fly fishing (best spots i've seen) in company of the instructor, but right before that, we went up the river where we encountered some hot springs that made us relax and get ready for action. We eve took a buggy ride and we visited Lago Verde, to see some other landscapes that are unique and fascinating. We had such an amazing time and we would come back every time we could. We recommend this place like no other we've visited before. A totally incredible and complete experience that exceeded our high expectations.