Chimalfe Lodge
7 Nights / 6 Fishing Days (Double Occupancy)
US $5,300 per person
Rates per person based on double room. Programs include accommodations in lodge, snacks, food, domestic transfers, one professional fishing guide for every two fishermen, and access to private and protected fishing areas. All transfers are coordinated by C&A. Rate does not include flights, fishing license, or fishing equipment.
Hidden in a corner of the world, on the banks of Yelcho Lake, one of the biggest lakes in Chile, lies a place that is worth knowing and discovering. Surrounded by ice-covered mountains, dense forests, and open water, travelers will find a fly-fishing paradise and plenty of adventure. Come and enjoy the warm, authentic hospitality, far from the commotion of any civilization. Yelcho and its surroundings are an excellent option for those looking to escape the winter in the Northern Hemisphere and have the good fortune of practicing sport fishing in one of the last untouched corners of this planet, where visitors can still feel the living force of nature.
Yelcho Lake is located in Chile’s Fourteenth Region, Los Lagos, in the province of Palena. The lake is fed by the Futaleufú River, one of the deepest in Chile, and is known as one of the best fly-fishing circuits in the world. It’s a sacred place for fly fishing enthusiasts, whom the water rewards with beautiful brown trout and rainbow trout.
While the biggest trout in the Chilean Patagonia are abundant in the lake, in the river can be found a large quantity medium-sized trout, which are concentrated in the bends and pools in order to feed on small insects.
To fish in Yelcho you must bring various rods rigged with specific flies, and be ready to switch in the perfect moment. If you find the opportune moment to use your foam dragonfly, you will see a take that leaves you stunned. These fish are extremely fat and incredibly strong.
The quality of fish is beyond your imagination…
Although the majority of the fishing doesn’t take place on the main channel, it presents countless lucky breaks, in whirlpools, ebbs, bays, and overflows, which provide possibilities of diverse fishing options.
Great fishing exists in other areas like the Futaleufú River, which is famous worldwide for its rapids and rafting, but grows calmer in some sections, resulting in fantastic places to fish.
In the Michimahuida River at the beginning of the season, when the ice hasn’t started to melt yet, wading fishing can be practiced.
Lodging
Chimalfe Patagonia Lodge is located on the banks of Yelcho Lake.
The lodge consists of 6 cozy, comfortable rooms, each with a gorgeous view of the lake and capacity for 14 guests. Every room includes its own private bathroom, heating, high-quality bedding, handmade wooden furniture, and decorations inspired by the surrounding wilderness.
Equipment
Recommended:
- 2 rods, one medium-action for dry fly fishing and one fast-action for wet fly fishing, 4WT y 6WT, 9 ft.
- A floating line and a sinking line, 150 and 200 grains, respectively.
- Good quality reels with more than 100 yards of backing and good brake.
- Leaders 0X to 3X
- For visible fish, dry flies and dragonflies. Streamers in opaque colors such as olive, greens, or grays.
Expedition specifics
To arrive at Yelcho Lake you must fly from the capital, Santiago, to the city of Puerto Montt, and from there take a smaller plane to Chaitén, 37 miles from Yelcho. It takes approximately one hour to get from Chaitén to the lodge by truck. You can also fly to Esquel, in Argentina, which is located 3 hours away from the lodge by truck.
The fishing season starts in November and ends the first Sunday in May. You can expect to find brown and rainbow trout, and, at the end of the season, Chinook salmon, from the middle of February until the end of April. Some of these incredible Chinook salmon have weighed in at more than 55 pounds!
Yelcho tourist activities
- Rafting in the rapids of the Futaleufú River
- Horseback riding
- Biking tours
- Hiking
Extra activities are coordinated on site
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