Note: Itineraries can be customized to meet your budget and desires. Depending on which lodging facility or combination of lodges is chosen and how many guided days you sign up for, the total trip cost will vary.
The following itinerary is based on double occupancy and is for the months of December - April which is high season for Chile.
Trip Cost is $4375 and includes:
-7 Nights lodging & Fishing License
-6 Days for Guided Fishing via Drift Boat or on foot.
-All Meals including beer & wine at dinner.
-Transfers to & from the lodge.
Not included in this rate is airfare and tips for the guides & staff.
Day 1(Sat) Evening hatch on the Simpson
Today is a travel day. After landing in Santiago, clearing customs, and transferring to the domestic airport, you will arrive in Balmaceda in the early afternoon. We are picked up at the airport and transferred to our lodge which is located right on the banks of the Rio Simpson. That afternoon and early evening you will have the chance to fish the evening hatch just upstream from your balcony which overlooks the river. Browns and rainbows rise freely to Pale Evening Duns and Caddis and without a doubt you should hook a few.
Dinner will be served at the lodge at any hour you request and possible entrees include succulent lamb, pampa fed beef, farm raised salmon, local organic chicken and the freshest local fruits and vegetables you've ever tasted. You'll fall asleep to the sounds of the river in a comfortable bed wondering what the next day will bring.
Day 2 (Sun) Float the middle section of the Simpson
After a sound sleep and a hot shower, you wake up refreshed and ready to go. You have a basic breakfast with tea, coffee, cereal and fruit and then meet your guide in front of the lodge. Today you will be floating down the spectacular Rio Simpson, casting dries to rising browns and rainbows in some of the larger pools. You'll also cast large streamers or attractor dries to the banks in hopes of landing a trophy trout in the 4 or 5 pound range. There are productive riffles everywhere and nymphs are deadly. The scenery is magnificent and so is the stream-side lunch that is served by your guide, complete with table, chairs, and if you would like, a fine bottle of Chilean wine.
After lunch you continue your float, and in some cases, fish till 9 or 10 in the evening. Satiated with all the trout you've caught, you head back to the lodge to share your stories with your friends over another fine, home-cooked meal at the lodge.
Day 3 (Mon) Walk & Wade the Nireguao
Today you'll fish what just might be the best hopper fishing in the world. It is just over an hour drive to the Nirequao (NeeTeeWow) which flows through lowland pampas. The river is about 70 feet across, easily waded and can be crossed in many places. It is known to have the largest population of brown trout in Chile and rumor has it that some are in excess of 10 pounds, although I have never seen any that large. Casting buoyant hoppers and Chernobyl style flies draws aggressive strikes from browns that range in size from 12-18 inches. It can be windy here so bring your 6 wt rod and mabye even a 7 wt.
Day 4 (Tues) Float the Manny
Yesterday on the Nirequao you hooked and landed several browns and so today it is time to float the mighty Manihuales (Manny) to try and catch a
trophy brown or rainbow
. The Manny is a big river with big fish. The banks are lined with fallen trees and well placed casts into the timber with big flies like Chernobyl ants, buggers and bunnies produce vicious takes that will make your heart stop. The river is lined with lush, tropical-like vegetation that is in stark contrast to the landscape of the Nireguao. You are beginning to see the diversity of the fishing and are overwhelmed at the angling potential that the area possesses. Once again you return to the lodge with a smile on your face and some more tales to tell your angling friends.
Day 5 (Weds) Float the lower section of the Simpson
Today you choose to go back to the Simpson because it not only has large fish but the hatches are the most reliable of any river in Chile. Your guide puts his boat in on the lower river this time and the scenery that unfolds is very different from your first day on the Simpson. The river is larger here but there are still lots of opportunities to get out of the boat and wade productive riffles and runs. The trout aren't pushovers but are very willing to take if the cast is good and the fly is right. Rainbows, perhaps because they are transplants from California, rise freely to midges, small stones, mayflies and caddis flies right in the middle of the afternoon in the bright sunshine. Towards the end of your float the river changes again and begins to look more like the Manny with huge trees lining the banks. You switch over to large streamers and catch the biggest fish of the week…a beautiful, wild 6-pound brown. You take out at the confluence of the Manny and Simpson and head back to the lodge.
Day 6 (Thurs) Walk & Wade nearby Spring Creeks

You have had a great deal of success on all the rivers that you have fished and your skill level has improved, so today you decide to challenge yourself. Your guide leads you along a gentle spring creek with gin clear water which holds large, wary trout that hide along the undercut banks. Pin-point casting and stealth are required but when it all comes together the rewards are great. You rejoice with your guide, who is now one of your best buddies, after finally hooking a 4-pound brown on a hopper pattern. It's nice to be on foot after all the float fishing you have done and you like the peacefulness that these creeks bring with them. Another fine day in Chile!
Day 7 (Fri) Lake Fishing for Big Browns
This is your last day of guided fishing and you're not sure exactly where you want to fish because there is so much to choose from. The only thing you do know is that you are in love with Chile and that you plan to return, so you decide to sample new water. All week you have been hearing about the big fish that inhabit the nearby lakes and so you decide to give it a try. Your guide takes you around the lake in a small rowboat and you cast large, foam attractor flies (balloon animals) to huge cruising browns near the margins along the shore. The trout are huge and 4-5 pound browns are common, but you'll see fish much bigger than that. Your guide provides you with a delicious grilled lunch on your last day and you sip your wine realizing that life as a fly fisher doesn't get any better. Tonight there is something special for dinner; a traditional Chilean asado (barbeque).
Day 8 (Sat) Morning fishing on the Rio Simpson before departure

Today you pack your bags and the ending is bittersweet. You may want to fish the Simpson for a few hours in the morning, go shopping, or just take it easy before departing. After being transferred to Balmaceda (about 45 minutes) you head for home. Your flight from Santiago is in the evening and you land in the States on Sunday morning with some of the best memories of your fly fishing life.
Sample Itinerary for Paloma River Lodge
$3250 per person with special rates available
The above price is based on single occupancy and two anglers sharing a guide during the prime months of Jan, Feb & March. This is for 7 nights lodging (Sat to Sat), 6 ½ days of guided fishing, all meals, beer/wine, license, and transfers to/from the lodge. Not included is airfare, tips for guides / staff and phone calls.
Day 1 (Sat)

After clearing customs in Santiago early Sat. morning you will walk over to the domestic airport and catch your flight to Balmaceda. You will be picked up in Balmaceda, most likely in the early afternoon, transferred to the lodge (about 40 min.) and have enough time to do some fishing in front of the lodge. During a fine meal, accompanied by superb wine and exquisite deserts you will make plans with head guide Felipe for fishing the next day.
Day 2 (Sun)

You decide to fish the upper Paloma, primarily with dry flies, for browns and rainbows in the 12-16 inch range with shots at larger fish. You might also motor up to the outlets of Lago Desierto and Azul where the trout will increase in size. For lunch you might enjoy a grilled lunch while taking in the spectacular scenery that this area beholds.
Day 3 (Mon)

Today you will drive a short distance and then horseback ride up to a remote stretch of the Mogote River. This stream is chock-full of browns and rainbows in the 10-14 inch range. The dry fly action is incredible and there are always chances of larger fish.
Day 4 (Tues)

A 5 min. drive has you at the put in for your first float down the beautiful Rio Paloma which has gin clear water and trout up to 24 inches. These fish love big, foam beetle patterns, but watch carefully for the take, because sometimes it is very subtle. Casting large streamers into the log jams can be very exciting as browns appear out of no where to devour your offering.
Day 5 (Weds.)
Yesterday was fantastic so you decide to continue your float. This time you will be floating the lower Paloma with many chances at wading the smaller braids and channels. This is fun fishing and anglers easily get carried away working up these inviting runs and undercut banks. Every now and then you look around and you take note of the beauty around you; virgin forests, glacier caped peaks, grasses over 12 tall and the unfamiliar sounds of beautiful birds such as the Chucao.
Day 6 (Thurs.)

Lago Paloma and Lago Elizalde are home to some nice sized trout so you work the shore line with large attractor dries in hopes of landing the largest trout of the trip. You might motor across the lake to fish the mouths (bocas) of streams that flow into or out of the lake.
Day 7 (Fri.)

Today you will put your skills to the test and go sight fishing in a beautiful spring creek that gets very little fishing pressure. This type of fishing is more technical but fun because you can see your targets clearly. Tonight you will be treated to an authentic Chilean asado of lamb. The food, wine and new friendships make this the perfect end to a phenomenal week of fly fishing.
Day 8 (Sat.)

Today you enjoy a big breakfast, pack your things and head back to the airport. Depending on your departure time you most likely will have time to fish out in front of the lodge before you are transferred back to Balmaceda. Your flight will leave Santiago in the evening and you will be back in the states on Sunday morning with lots of stories to share with your family and friends.
Sample Itinerary for fishing the Yelcho area
$4200 per person with group rates available
The above price is based on double occupancy and two anglers sharing a guide. This is for 7 nights lodging and 6 1/2 days of guided fishing, all meals, beer/wine, license and transfers to/from the lodge. Not included is airfare, tips for guides/staff, and phone calls.
Day 1 (Sat)
Fly into Puerto Mont via Santiago in the morning (an overnight on Friday in Santiago is recommended). We then take a short, scenic flight from Puerto Mont to Chaiten (about 40 minutes) where you are picked up by the lodge staff and transferred to Puma Lodge (about 30 minutes). We park our vehicle at the end of a dirt road, our gear is taken to the lodge via an ox cart and we walk through scenic farm land to the lodge. You quickly realize this is a very remote location. That evening we will float the Rio Yelcho targeting rising rainbows in the back eddies or casting streamers for truly exceptional browns up to 15 pounds.
Day 2 (Sun)
Today we will motor up the huge Rio Yelcho to Lago Yelcho where we will cast large attractor dry flies to feeding browns and rainbows near shore. After an afternoon of fishing and lake you have the option of staying or floating the river back to the lodge while you sight fish to rainbows in the 16-22 inch class with small dries. Again, if you want to target a huge brown there are few places on earth better than the Rio Yelcho. To catch one you will want a 7 or 8 weight rod, sinking line, streamers as long as 7 inches and tippets from ox to 20lb. After fishing perhaps a wood fired hot tub with Pico Sour in hand and a gourmet dinner accompanied by a fine bottle of Chilean Cabernet.
Day 3 (Mon)
The Futalafu is a famous trout stream in both Argentina and Chile and worth the trip. We will drive along the beautiful Lago Yelcho for nearly two hours to fish this clear, large river. The river is loaded with browns and rainbows and the action pretty consistent. We will have lunch at the boca (mouth) of the river where it enters Lago Yelcho. Here we see huge foam lines in the lake where pods of rainbows rise freely to an assortment of smaller dries. Fish come completely out of the water chasing dragon flies and its great fun to fish for them. Sometimes they take the fly so hard it seems it as if it is their last meal. A cold cervaza and back to the lodge for another great meal.
Day 4 (Tues)
We are off to fish the beautiful Lago Negro today. Located in a Pumalin National Park this place is breathtaking and full of wild rainbows that love to take large attractor dry flies. You’ll be casting towards or into the tall resilient grasses that grow near shore for rainbows in the 14-22 inch range. The fish here have beautiful colors and are very strong fighters. This is a great place to see condors because of the steep, snow caped mountains that loom above the lake.
Day 5 (Weds)

Today we will travel by car and then by horseback to reach a seldom fished river that is loaded with steelhead. During your ride you will see volcanoes, and perhaps seals, penguins and dolphins playing in the surf. Full sinking lines and long casts with streamers are in order to hook these sometimes huge fresh fish. The rainbows and steelhead will range in size from 4 pounds to 16 pounds, making it all worth the effort.
Day 6 (Thurs)
Today you will be floating the lower portion of the Rio Yelcho. You’ll be casting large streamers into the fallen trees along the banks in hopes of hooking a trophy brown. In between the streamer fishing you have the chance to get out of the boat and walk and wade smaller tributaries, using traditional methods with dries and nymphs.
Day 7 (Fri)
Today you may want to do a repeat performance of one of your other days or perhaps hike up to a remote river of lake that rarely gets fished. It is up to you! In most cases, once you see, hook or land one of the trophy browns in the Rio Yelcho you are going to want to spend some more time there…..I know I do! Our last dinner at the lodge will be something memorable. Roast duck, lamb, fish stew, chicken, salmon, pork or a tender cut of lomo (filet mignon).
Day 8 (Sat)
Today, after a hot shower, you look out your bedroom window at the Rio Yelcho flowing past and the mountains towering above and you are already planning your return next year. Perhaps then you will try touring the lake on the Puma, a house boat owned by the lodge, which gives you access to very remote places on Lago Yelcho. A quick drive into Chaiten has you back at the airport for your return home to your family. You will depart that evening from Santiago and you will be back in the states on Sunday in the late morning.
Rates & Sample Itinerary for Junin De Los Andes Area
$3600 per person with Group Rates Available
The following itinerary is for 7 nights lodging, 6 ½ days of guided fishing, lodging, all meals with beer/ wine included, and transfers to/from the lodge The rate is based on double occupancy and two anglers sharing a guide. You will be introduced to several of Argentina’s best trout streams: the Malleo, Chimehuin, Alumine, Collon Cura, and others. You will be in the very capable hands of Andes Outfitters, natives of Argentina and long-time fishing outfitters. Please note this is just a sample and subject to change depending on conditions, the guides discretion and your preferences.
Day 1
Arrival at San Martin de los Andes Airport (2 pm). Then about a 40 minute drive to the lodge. After a quick lunch we will float the Chimehuin River from Town to Curva del Manzano “Apple tree bend” which is clearly visible from the road coming from the Airport. We also call this stretch of water “the miracle mile” as it produces a lot of fish, constantly. Sometimes you can fish both banks, usually at the end of the season. We’ll have plenty of time to have a great late afternoon fishing for rainbow and brown trout. We’ll drive back to the Lodge around 9.30 pm. Then dinner.
Recommended rods: 5/6 wt with floating lines and 9’ to 12’ leaders, or a sink tip with a streamer at night.
Day 2
After Breakfast we’ll drive to the Lower Malleo River. This section of the river is located in the Mapuche Reservation Amutuy Quime. It is wading only. There are hundreds of pools to fish all day long and then some. We’ll move around with the trucks to find the most productive pools. A lot of sight fishing is done picking the best and bigger fish. Sometimes in January and February there is an incredible green inch worm hatch. If there is a little wind (and there always is in Patagonia) hundreds of tiny chartreuse worms fall in the water below the willows. A well placed fly in the right spot often produces really nice rainbows and browns. Caddis and mayflies are ever present in the Malleo. Late afternoon we may switch to a weighted streamer or Pancora crab imitation to try to catch a trophy fish. Then back to the lodge for dinner.
Recommended rods: 4/5 wt with floating lines and 7’ to 12’ leaders
Day 3
Breakfast
Today we’ll float the Chimehuin river, from Herradura pool to the Military Bridge. It is an all day float with a lunch brake around 1 pm. We’ll fish the pools that made Junin de los Andes a world class destination for fly anglers (Piedras Blancas, Currhue, Parrot pools, to name a few). A lot of fishing is done from the rafts but we’ll stop at the best spots and wade fish
Back to Lodge for dinner
Recommended rods: 5/6 wt with floating lines and 9’ to 12’ leaders, or sink tips for the streamers
Day 4

Breakfast
Today we’ll drive to Tromen Lake, below the shadows of Lanin Volcano and 3 miles from the Chilean border. We will fish the Lake for trophy brown, rainbow and brook trout. This is the place where we change our customers perspective of fishing a Lake. We’ll fish from our rafts casting to submerged logs where big trout live. There is a tiny spring creek that can be fished while we cook you an Argentinean Asado (barbeque) for small brookies or you may fish the outlet of this creek for trophy size brook trout up to 7 lbs. If you are in the mood of walking, there is a 40 minute walk to the mouth of the Malleo river. Fishing with dry flies sometimes produces non stop action for rainbow trout.
Back to Lodge for dinner
Recommended rods: 5/6/7 wt with floating lines and 9’ to 12’ leaders, sink tips type 130 to 200 grain or shooting heads with 4’ leaders.
Day 6
Breakfast
Today we’ll drive to the Curruhe Chico Lake through a very scenic road. Curruhe Lakes (both Chico and Grande) have lots of trout. The main attraction of these lakes is the Atlantic Landlocked Salmon and big brook trout. Fishing is done from Rafts casting to the reeds or logs, either with a floating line and dry flies or sink tips and wooly buggers or Pancora imitations. There is also the possibility of fishing for Landlocked Salmon at the mouth of Curruhe River. There is also river Verde interconnecting the Currhue Lakes that has some really nice sized trout. Most rainbows at the Lake are an average 18” with some fish up to 28”. Brookies are 14” to 5-6 lbs.
Late afternoon fishing Curruhe Lake for big brookies
Back to Lodge
Recommended rods: 5/6/7/8 wt with floating lines and 9’ to 12’ leaders, sink tips type 130 to 200 grain or shooting heads with 4’ leaders.
Day 7
Breakfast
Fish the middle section of the Malleo River and for lunch a streamside barbeque. This is pretty much the same (unforgettable) fishing as the lower Malleo River. You’ll love to be back in this jewel River.
Dinner
Recommended rods: 4/5 wt with floating lines and 7’ to 12’ leaders
Day 8
Transfer to San Martin de los Andes for some shopping or early morning fishing the Chimehuin River from the Lodge
Transfer to Airport
NOTE: This itinerary may vary according river conditions and fishing preferences.
Sample Itinerary for Junin de los Andes
San Huberto Lodge & Collon Cura Lodge
$4,550 per person
Note: This rate is based on 3 nights at Collon Cura Lodge, 2 nights at San Huberto Lodge, 1 nights lodging at a hosteria in Junin, and 1 night of camping. 6 Full days of guided fishing, all meals with beer/wine, all transfers & fishing license. Please keep in mind that this is just a sample and can be adjusted in many different ways.
Not included is airfare and tips for the guides and staff.
Day 1 (Sat) Collon Cura Lodge
Arrive in Bariloche where you will be met by one of the guides who will transfer you to Collon Cura Lodge. Enjoy fishing the Collon Cura that afternoon/evening and have a great welcome meal at this beautiful lodge on the river.
Day 2 (Sun)Collon Cura Lodge
Float the Collon Cura via private access from the lodge. This river is a fish factory and is loaded with rainbows from 14-20 inches that are often found rising to caddis or mayflies. The streamer fishing is also excellent and will give you more chances at hooking the bigger browns. This is a big river with big fish! On top of the great fishing you will be served a wonderful streamside lunch with excellent wines.
Day 3 (Mon) Collon Cura Lodge
Today we will either float a different section of the Collon Cura or float the Limay Medio. The Medio is an even bigger river with even bigger fish possibilities. This is a massive tail water with rainbows that average 18” just like the Collon Cura but it also has a good population of browns from 6-12 pounds. The best time to target the browns that come up out of the lakes is in March or April using streamers and heavy sink tips, but keep in mind you have chances at these trophy’s at any time of year.
Day 4 (Tues) Camping on the Chimehuin
We are off on a two day float down the famous Chimehuin with a first class camp out in the middle.
Floating for two days allows us to access some of the less pressured, more remote sections of the river. This river is often gin clear and has lots of willows along its banks. There is every kind of water type including long pools, pocket water, and riffles. Pin point casting and good line control will have you hooking and landing lots of good sized browns and rainbows on this section of the river. The camping accommodations are top shelf with tents, cots, sleeping pads, pillows, and even a large tent for a dinning room. On top of that, you will find the food that is cooked over an open fire even better tasting when consumed outside under the star filled Patagonian sky.
Day 5 (Weds) Hosteria in Junin
After a yummy breakfast of coffee, tea, eggs, and toast we will continue our float down the fabulous Chimehuin. At the end of the day, we will stay at a cozy hosteria in the town of Junin and have dinner.
Day 6 (Thurs) San Huberto Lodge
Today you will be wade fishing somewhere along a 20 mile, completely private stretch along the Malleo. The river here is beautiful and diverse. There are sections of pocket water, superb flats for dry fly fishing, a canyon section, and willow lined banks where more often than not you will see trout rising to a smorgasbord of insects. The Lanin Volcano seems to loom over the river and provides stunning scenery for this trout filled paradise which has been strictly enforcing catch and release for over a decade. The San Huberto Lodge is elegant, comfortable, and has a fantastic chief that will delight you with authentic and creative Argentine cuisine. For many that visit this area of Patagonia, the Malleo is their favorite river, and some call it the “Crown Jewel of Junin.”
Day 7 (Fri) San Huberto Lodge
Again you will be fishing on the Malleo. I promise that you will not tire of this river because the fishing, hospitality and meals can be that good! Tonight you will be treated to a farewell asado of lamb with delicious wines. Most likely, over a fine Malbec, you will be planning with your new friends and colleagues when to return next year.
Day 8 (Sat) Depart for Home
After a good breakfast at the lodge, and perhaps some shopping in Bariloche, you will be transferred to the airport for the flight back to Buenos Aires and home.
Sample Itinerary for Esquel & Choila
$4025 per person with group rates available
$4625 after August 1, 2014
This rate is based on double occupancy, two anglers sharing a guide and is for the high season months of Jan, Feb and March. It includes 6 days of guided fishing either on foot or boat, 7 nights lodging, and all meals with beer/wine, transfers, and fishing license. Not included is necessary airfare to Bariloche or Esquel, tips for the guides / staff, laundry and phone calls.
Day 1 (Sat)

This is a travel day. You will arrive in either Bariloche or Esquel airports, depending on flight times, and be transferred to La Chacra, our lodge in Esquel. Time permitting, we may go fish the Arroyo Pescado which is an amazing spring creek in the open pampas of Patagonia. You will see eager rainbows attack your dry fly offerings with reckless abandon and they will average from 12-20 inches. It can be windy here but it is well worth the effort and not difficult if you get your back to the wind.
Day 2 (Sun)

Today you will fish the Arroyo Pescado, or perhaps float the Chubut or Rio Grande (Futalafu) depending on conditions and what you did the day before. The Chubut is a beautiful freestone river with a tremendous number of trout per mile ranging in size from 12-18 inches and the dry fly fishing can be phenomenal. The Rio Grande is similar a huge spring creek which harbors good sized browns in the 3-6 pound class and they are best caught on streamers with a sink tip line. However, during hopper season the dry fly fishing can be fantastic. In the early evening you will travel to Cholila and check into El Trebol where a fine dinner always awaits.
Day 3 (Mon)

After a healthy breakfast of fresh fruit, juice and eggs you depart with your guide to the Carrileufu where you will be fishing a variety of methods. There are some exceptional land locked salmon that reach 15 pounds and you might want to have your 7wt along for this kind of fishing. In between spotting salmon, you will be fishing dries for the many browns and rainbows that inhabit the river. Back to El Trebol for another great meal.
Day 4 (Tues)

You are filled with excitement because today you will floating the now famous Rivadavia. This river is special and like no other that I know of in the world. It flows about five miles between two lakes, is in the middle of Los Alerces National Park and has gin clear water where sight fishing is very possible. There are long runs, riffles, and streamside structure that can be fished with dries, nymphs and streamers. It is great fun to cast to cruising trout in the back eddies and watch them speed up to inhale your Royal Wulff.
Day 5 (Weds)

Another special day awaits you on the Rio Segilo. Here you will be accessing the river from a private estancia where there is 55 miles of private access water. Tonight you will be camping under the stars Argentine style. You will be in large comfortable tents that are equipped with sleeping bags and cots. For dinner you will be served a tender steak grilled over on open fire which, as usual in Argentina, is accompanied by an excellent bottle of wine.
Day 6 (Thurs)

There is so much water to see and fish on the Segilo that you decide to fish it a second day. Hopper, dropper combinations work well and you hook and land so many trout you lose count. Most of the fish average around 14 inches but you catch several much larger than that. After a long day of great fishing you head back to El Trebol for another fabulous meal and good night sleep.
Day 7 (Friday)
Today you will be on
Lago Verde fishing around the reeds in the late morning for cruising browns and rainbows with dry flies and then heading down the Rio Arranyanes. On your last day the guides put together an amazing lunch with grilled salmon, home made cheese, salami, and bread. You drink your wine, take a siesta and imagine what the folks back home are doing. You return back to the lodge at El Trebol where a traditional asado of baby lamb awaits you and your fishing friends. It’s a great end to a great week.
Day 8 (Sat)

You have another great breakfast, say goodbye to your new friends, pack you bags and are transferred back to the airport. You will arrive back in the states on Sunday morning with some of the fondest memories of your fishing life.
I look forward to speaking with you about fly fishing in South America.
Sincerely,
Rob Nicholas