Chilean

PatagoniaPart 2

The Fishing

Coyhaique

Region XI

Fly Fishing Capitalof

Chilean Patagonia

(koy – high’ – kee)

Coyhaique from: Idaho – 7,500 mi.

Santiago – 1,025 mi.

Puerto Montt - 383 mi.

Cochrane - 214 mi.

Punta Arenas – 406 mi.

Travel Time from Idaho – Approx. 24 hours;

Local Time – Eastern Standard Time;

Weather – Located on 45th Parallel South; Very similar to Portland, Ore. – 45th Parallel North.

(6 months later)

Coyhaique Information

Elevation – 900 ft;

Population – 55,000;

Airport – Coyhaique/Balmaceda (BBA);

– 35 miles south of Coyhaique;

Health Care – Coyhaique Regional Hospital;

Restaurants - A Few Very Good Ones;

Shopping - Many retail shops and markets;

Internet Access - Yes.

Coyhaique is a Very Safe and Clean City.

Coyhaique Information

IDAHO 12,325 kms

The Fish

First trout were introduced in 1904;Brook trout, lake trout, landlocked salmon

Roe came from United States

Serious plantings were made in 1905;Browns and Rainbows

Roe came from Germany

Many farmed salmon entered the river systems during floods in 1994 - 5;

Experimental steelhead programs are now underway in some areas.

Trout in Patagonia

Very few trout have

been planted in Chile

since 1933.

75 Years Ago!

Browns - 75 % of Chile’s Trout(Trucha Farios)

Rainbows - 25 % of Chile’s Trout(Trucha Arcoiris)

The

Fishermen

The

Fishing Day(6 Steps)

Step 1, Talk to your outfitter each day

about your fishing preferences for the

next day…..

Quantity or Quality (Numbers of fish or Size

of fish – or Both)

Lakes and Lagunas, or Moving Waters?

Streams, Rivers, or Spring Creeks?

Walk and wade, or Drift?

Dry flies, Nymphs, or Streamers?

You will be given several options…

Pick One (or two).

Some Optional RiversRios……

Simpson Nireguao

Manihaules Norte

Aisen Schein

Huemules Kitra

Blanco Emperador Guillermo

Coyhaique Cochrane

Riesco Norte

…and many more.

PLUS – many lake outflows and connectors.

Rio Manihuales

Rio Huemules

Rio Nireguao

Rio Baker

Rio Baker

Rio Baker – Rio Nef

Upper Rio Simpson

Upper Rio Simpson

Upper Rio Simpson

Rio NoTellum

Rio NoTellum

Middle Rio Simpson - Canyon

Middle Rio Simpson

Lower Rio Simpson

Lower Rio Simpson

Lower Rio Simpson

Rio Coyhaique

Upper Rio Emperador Guillermo

The Falls at Rio Emperador Guillermo

Upper Rio Riesco

Lower Rio Riesco

Outlet - Lago Elizalde

Rio Blanco

Rio Schein

Rio Cisnes

Rio Aisen

Rio Aisen

Rio Cochrane

Rio Cochrane

Rio Cochrane

Some Optional Lakes

Lagos……Atravesado Tamango

Pollux Tamangito

Castor Ardillas

Frio Alto

Paloma Bertrand

Azul Misterioso

Elizalde Los Juncos

and many more……

PLUS - many ‘no name’ Lagunas

Lago Ardillas

Lago Azul

Dos Lagunas – Estancia

Lago Los Juncos

Lago Misterioso

Lago Elizalde

Lago Paloma

Lago Alto

Lago Pollux

Lago Frio

Lago Tamango (Lago Central)

Step 2, discuss with your guide….….

Clothing

• Layered clothing; Be ready for anything – especially wind;

(weather can vary 30 - 40 degrees in the same day)

• Breathable waders or wet wading are both options, depending on weather.

Rods and Lines

• 6wt. rods work for everything; 4 or 5wt. OK for some smaller waters;

• Have floating and sink tip lines for all rods.

Leaders: 7 and 9 ft – 3X and 4X;

Tippet: Fresh 3X, 4X, and 5X;

Flies:• Attractors – Chernobyl Ants (Black &

Anything Sandwiches!) - Tan, Red, Green, Yellow, Blue etc.), Stimulators, Sallys, Turks, Hoppers, etc.

(Big is Good - Rubber Legs are Good)

• Other Dry Flies - Caddis, Parachute Adams, Mayflies, Damsels, Madam X, Midges, PMDs, etc.

• Nymphs – Prince, Pheasant tail,

Copper Johns, Stone Flies, etc.

• Streamers – Wooly Buggers – Black,

Olive, Brown, White (with and without

beads), Bunnys, Zonkers, etc.

In general, the fish are not too picky.

Idaho/Montana patterns work well.

NOTE: Take good supply of flies, leaders, tippet, and

floatant as they are quite expensive if purchased locally.

Cantarilla (Chilean Beetle)

Other Naturals

DAMSEL

PANCORA

Common Fly Patterns of Patagonia

Trout Chow

Step 3,

FISHING

FISHING

FISHING

FISHING

Step 4,

Riverside Lunch(NOT a Sandwich, Chips, and Cookie deal!)

Step 5,

More FISHING

More FISHING

More FISHING

More FISHING

Step 6,

Social Hour(s)

Review Fishing Stories

Trade Lies with Others

Plan for Tomorrow’s Fishing

Great Dinner

Much Needed Sleep

Stress Management!

For almost 60 years, I have been a serious flyfishing devotee, with considerable experience fishingwaters in the western United States.

Through our many trips to Chile, my family and I have become enchanted with Chilean Patagonia and have made many friends there. We are currently undertaking the task of building a vacation home in Coyhaique.

All questions, suggestions, and comments are welcomed and appreciated.

Dean Pierose(208) 345-9185(208) 867-5226

dpierose @ gmail.com

Also go to:CHILEAN PATAGONIA - Part 1 – The Country

Chile

Patagonia

Regions X, XI, and XII

CHILEAN PATAGONIA - Part 3 – The TripScenes of the Area

When to Go

Lodging and Outfitters

Flight Options from U.S.

Cost of Trip