South America as a Destination:

In my opinion there is no finer trout fishing destination in the world than Chile and Argentina. This statement is perhaps a bit bold but I feel this way for the following reasons:

*Winter in The United States means it is summertime in South America: The months of January, February and March are equivalent to the months of July, August and September in Montana. The main difference is that there are no crowds and the fishing is, by in large, more productive. Unless you can take more than one fishing trip per year, why go out West when you can go to South America during the wintertime?

* Variety & Diversity:  South America has wide diversity of water types in close proximity to each other. There are large rivers where one can drift and cast streamers, and spring creeks that will challenge the skilled angler. There are small rivers which are fun to fish and good confidence builders for beginners. It is possible to fish a different river everyday and not see another angler the whole week.

*Great Dry Fly Fishing: The dry fly fishing is superb and, more often than not, there are trout rising to mayflies, caddis flies, stoneflies and midges. In addition, the terrestrial fishing can be outrageous and big trout will inhale large hopper, beetle and Chernobyl style patterns.

* Some areas offer huge trout: Some places, particularly around lakes where rivers flow in and out (bocas), there are chances of catching the biggest trout of your life. For skilled anglers that enjoy streamer fishing it is very possible to catch a trout over 10 pounds, especially in the early (Nov) and late (April) seasons.

*Flying to there is Simple: South America is easy to get to, especially from the east coast. Flights depart in the early evening and arrive the next day in Buenos Aires or Santiago, and there is only a two-hour time difference. Depending on where you are fishing, you then take a two hour flight into Balmaceda, Puerto Mont, San Martin or Bariloche. In most cases, you will arrive in time to fish the evening hatch.  Very little fishing time is lost since you will be traveling during the evening hours. In simple terms, it is a 24 hour trip from New York or Boston to the lodge, with most of the travel during the evening hours. An extra day in Santiago and Buenos Aires makes the trip a little easier and certainly more cultural. We will help you with all the arrangements and consult you on what itinerary makes the most sense for your particular trip.

*Spectacular Scenery: The scenery is outrageously beautiful and the snow capped Andes are always making their presence known. There are gorgeous vistas around every corner and an angler realizes that it is not just the fishing that brought him here, but the complete angling experience. You will be immersed in a pure, unspoiled, wild setting that, simply put, is magnificent!

*Argentina and Chile are Relaxed, Cultural & Fun: In both countries people are kind, fun and have an easy going way about them. They are hard working, humble and extremely gracious. Life moves a little slower and everything is pushed back an hour or two. There are pisco sours, asados, pampas, gaucho's, condors, and a host of other things we don't hear of in North America. Put this all together and you have an unforgettable fishing vacation that will make a lasting impression.

Hosted Trips for 2017:

Group size will be 4-6 anglers per week. Each rate is based on double occupancy & two anglers sharing a guide. Included are 7 nights lodging, 6 full days of guided fishing, all meals, beer/ wine, and transfers from the local airport. Airfare, gratuities, and fishing license not included. Contact Rob @ 860-672-4457.

Jan 14th- 21st Esquel Outfitters (Esquel, Argentina)
$4375 per person

This is one of the top outfitters in Patagonia. I first fished with them in 1998 and they continue to exceed all expectations. The great fishing will begin in Los Alerces National Park where we will float one of 3 great rivers. After a great meal and comfortable night’s sleep at El Trebol Lodge we will float the productive and remote Chubut for 3 days fishing and 2 nights of comfortable camping. The dry fly action to browns and rainbows from 12-19 inches is non-stop and the food prepared by the camp staff amazing. After our expedition we go to a 60,000 acre private estancia that gives us over 20 miles of exclusive access to the Rio Guiljaina where again browns and rainbows in the 16-22 inch class love to explode on dry flies. www.esqueloutfitters.com

Jan 21st-28th Chucao Lodges, Lago Yelcho & Lago Rosselot, Chile
$5675 per person (includes charter flight)

Gonzalo Cortes is the author of, “Fly Fishing in Chilean Patagonia,” and he knows more than most when it comes to fishing in Chile. He has built two strategically located, first class lodges: one at the mouth of the Rio Yelcho and the other on Lago Rosselot with quick access to several world class rivers such as the Yelcho, Futalafu, Palena, Rosselot, and Figueroa. Sight fishing to large rainbows and streamer fishing to trophy browns makes this area special. Fishing the lakes can produce amazing strikes from large trout that take dragonfly patterns and huge beetles. Because we have access to two lodges, the fishing diversity is excellent, your fishing days longer, and time in the car minimal. www.chucaolodge.com

Jan 28th-Feb 4th Cinco Rios & Estancia del Zorro, Coyhaique, Chile
$4375 per person

Most likely we will start our week fishing around the beautiful Paloma area with both river and lake fishing to some of the best sight fishing to brown trout in the world! These fish range in size from 16-22 inches and it is exciting to watch a 20 inch brown slowly slide up to enhale your fat albert beetle. After 3 days of fishing this magnificent watershed we will move over to Estancia del Zorro for some wade fishing where we have exclusive access to 3 private rivers, all of which provide us with excellent hopper and beetle fishing. A couple of these spring creeks support healthy populations of 4-6 pound trout. www.cincorios.com

Go to www.anglingintheandes.com for videos of these locations & more info

Please note: All trips must have a minimum of 3 anglers, plus myself, in order to constitute a full group. If this minimum is not met then Angling in the Andes, Inc. has the right to cancel the trip and refund all deposits or apply them to another trip of your choosing. Hopefully we will know whether a group is "real" no later than September 1st. Please check out these locations online, do some research, and give me a call if you are interested.