Who is best suited to this destination? Coyhaique River Lodge has something for everyone and is a great choice for dedicated anglers, multi-sport fans or folks who simply want to relax at the lodge and take in the rich Patagonian culture and scenery.
Where is the lodge? The lodge is located on 40 acres along the banks of the Coyhaique River, five miles outside of the town of Coyhaique, Chile.
How do I get there? Most international anglers take an evening flight from the US that arrives at the international airport in Santiago, Chile (SCL) in the morning, and then catch a midday flight south to the town of Balmaceda (BBA). From there guests are greeted by a lodge representative, then transferred 45 minutes to the property.
When should I go? The lodge is open from November to April.
How will I fish? The two primary tactics that are most productive throughout most of the season are dry-dropper rigs and large, foam dry flies. Although the season is dominated by top water action, there are times – typically early- and late-season – that require sinking lines and streamers.
Is there wade fishing? Yes, there is plenty of wade fishing available. In a typical fishing week, anglers fish a variety of water both while wading and from boats. However, guides can customize fishing schedules to suit preferences, allowing guests to wade some or all their fishing days.
Where will I fish? The focus of the fishing program is centered around the area’s famed rivers which include the Simpson, Nirehuao, Paloma, Manihuales, Emperador Guillermo, and several private spring creeks. Small streams and trophy lakes round out the lodge’s fisheries. Each night, one of the owners works with guests to determine the next day’s fishing activity based on their interests, goals, and the weather forecast for the day.
How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? Most fishing areas are reached within a 30- to 60-minute drive from the lodge. There are a few trophy fisheries that require longer drives up to 2 hours one-way, but they are well worth the drive.
What type(s) of fish will I catch? Rainbow and brown trout in the 14- to 20-inch class are common, with legitimate shots at 30-inch rainbows in some of the private lakes.
How many fish will I catch? Catch rates vary greatly throughout the season and from fishery to fishery. Anglers can experience days of catching plenty of 10- to 16-inch browns and rainbows, while other days they work hard for a handful of larger trophy fish.
Will I see other anglers? Coyhaique River Lodge has both public and private fishing accesses. Guests might cross paths with other anglers on some of the area’s popular public rivers. However, when fishing the lodge’s vast collection of private waters, guests will not see other anglers.
What are the guides like? The lodge employs a team of hard-working and seasoned professional fly fishing guides. The guides are friendly, interesting conversationalists, patient instructors and in general, good folks to spend time with on the water or back at the lodge. All the guides speak good conversational and fishing English.
What are the physical demands? There are not any notable physical demands. Gaston, co-owner, and manager, does an incredible job placing anglers in the best water to suit their fishing and physical abilities.
Are there any special skills required? Not in particular. One skill to brush up on prior to the trip is to practice casting in the wind with accuracy.
Does the lodge provide equipment? Yes. The lodge has a good selection of high quality tackle, waders, and boots available for rent. It is best to notify the lodge prior to arrival if loaner gear is needed. The lodge has a small tackle shop with a good selection of productive flies, fly lines, and terminal tackle for sale. We recommend anglers come prepared with a small selection of 7.5- foot 3X tapered leaders and an assortment of tippet in sizes 2X, 3X, and 4X tippet, as these items are not readily available in Patagonia.
What is your favorite setup for the trip? A high quality, fast action 6-weight with a floating line will cover most fishing situations throughout the season. It is also a good idea to have a 5-weight rod for smaller creeks, and a 7-weight rod with a sinking line for throwing streamers or when the wind is heavy, if needed.
Sage Perfect Set Up:
- 9’0” 6-weight SAGE X
- RIO Grand 6-weight line
- SAGE Spectrum LT 5-6 reel
What are the top flies? A modest selection of classic western trout flies is essential to any fly box, and should include parachute Adams, caddis, and a few foam patterns and small woolly buggers in olive, black, or brown.
What are the options if water conditions become challenging? Wind in Patagonia is a constant and should be expected as a normal experience during your trip. Given the abundance of fishing options in the area, the guides will work with guests to select options that have the best conditions for the day. If fishing is not an option or interest for the day, Coyhaique River Lodge is well-suited to accommodate a range of other activities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, sightseeing, and touring the nearby city of Coyhaique.
What is a typical day like? Each morning guests will gather for breakfast and then get ready for the day’s fishing activity that was planned the night before. Guests will depart the lodge between 8:00 and 9:00AM depending on the fishing location. On the water, the guides will prepare a streamside lunch, such as stir-fry, empanadas, or sandwiches with an option for a quick riverside siesta. Anglers typically get off the water between 6:00 and 8:00PM, returning in time to take a shower before dinner. There will be beverages and appetizers before dinner, and as in all of Patagonia, guests can expect to eat a late dinner between 8:30 and 10:00PM.
What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the lodge? The lodge is modern with an upscale yet casual vibe. It is set atop a hillside overlooking the Coyhaique River valley. The program is small enough that guests and staff get to know each other by name but just big enough where guests can be independent if they choose.
Is there an on-site owner, manager, or other point-person at the lodge? Owners Gaston and Claudio Urrejola both live on the property with their families and one of them is always available to guests. Gaston serves as the primary lodge manager and host and he greets guests each day when they return to the lodge from fishing to check-in and discuss the next day’s fishing plans. Overall, the owners and their staff are extremely attentive and work hard to ensure each of the guests have a memorable experience.
Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Guests eat in a main dining area in the lodge, and the meals include both Chilean specialties and international dishes featuring a variety of fresh, locally sourced meats, fish, and produce. On Fridays, the lodge prepares a traditional asado, a special Patagonian tradition of open fire barbeque of local meats.
What is the alcohol policy? Beer, wine, and alcohol at the lodge are included in the package price.
Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? The main lodge features eight, double-occupancy suites, dining room, wine cave, spacious lounge/bar area and a wood-fired hot tub and sauna. Single accommodations are available for an additional expense.
Is there internet and/or cell service? The lodge has good internet service. Cell service is available, but guests should check with their carrier to set up an international service plan.
Are there other activities? Yes, the lodge offers an adventure package with a wide range of activities to choose from including kayaking, horseback riding, trekking, cultural tours, sightseeing, and mountain biking.
Are there any other expenses? Laundry service is available for an additional charge. Guests are also able to rent rods, reels, waders, and boots, and purchase other tackle and flies at the lodge.
Do I need a visa? U.S. citizens traveling to Chile for recreation and tourism do not need to obtain a visa prior to their arrival to Chile. A tourist card (just a slip of paper) for a stay of up to 90 days will be issued upon entry. Do not lose this card! This card must be presented upon departure so make sure to check that you have it before departure. Failure to do so may result in delays. If lost or stolen, the tourist card can be replaced by the International Police at their nearest headquarters.
Are there any health concerns, dangers, or annoyances? Traveling in Chile is generally safe and easy, although it is necessary to take normal travel precautions when visiting the nation’s capital, Santiago. We still recommend visiting the Center for Disease Control and Prevention site before traveling to make sure that the situation has not changed.