Who is best suited to this destination?
Rio Palena Lodge is best suited for families, small groups, or couples in search of the ultimate Patagonian outdoor experience. Rio Palena Lodge is far more than a fishing lodge, it is part of the Eleven Experience suite of international luxury lodges and their program is designed around a variety of outdoor activities, making it ideal for families and couples. While fly fishing is one of their signature activities, it is simply one of many options.
Where is the lodge?
The lodge is on the banks of the Rio Palena in Chilean Patagonia, a few hours’ drive from the coastal fishing village of Chaiten, Chile.
How do I get there?
To get to Rio Palena Lodge, guests will fly into Santiago, Chile international airport (SCL), get their luggage, clear customs, and transfer to a domestic flight south to the city of Puerto Montt (PMC). Upon arrival in Puerto Montt guests will transfer 30 minutes by vehicle to the scenic tourism-driven town of Puerto Varas, located on the shore of Lago Llanquihue – Chile’s largest lake.
In Puerto Varas guests will check into their elected accommodations and have free time to wander the town. The next day you will make your way to the smaller La Paloma airport and board a charter plane (the outfitters can assist with booking this flight) for a scenic 30-minute flight to Chaiten, a small fishing village in the heart of Patagonia.
From Chaiten, guests will hop into a sprinter passenger van for a scenic 2 hours and 30 minutes drive to the lodge. Alternatively, guests can book a one-hour charter flight from Chaiten to a small airway in Palena, Chile and take a 20-minute drive to the lodge for additional expense.
When should I go?
The heart of the fishing season is December, January, and February. March can have great fishing, although the weather tends to be more unpredictable. January is peak summer, and can be hot, with horseflies being an annoyance. March can be better for targeting the larger brown trout on their spawning run from the lakes.
How will I fish?
Guests will fish a variety of Western trout techniques in rivers and lakes depending on angler’s preference and goals for the trip. These include fishing small dry flies, larger attractors such as beetles, and dragonflies during mid-December through early January. At times streamers and nymphs will also be used.
Is there wade fishing?
Fishing is done primarily from aluminum drift boats and 14-foot NRS self-bailing whitewater rafts with fishing frames. Hyde Power Drifters with outboard motors are used to access Lago Yelcho and the lower reaches of the Futaleufu River.
At least once during the stay, guests can access remote lakes and streams from a B3 single engine helicopter, which provides more walk and wade fishing opportunities.
Where will I fish?
Rio Palena is the lodge’s homewaters and guests will fish the river from the lodge upstream to the confluence of the Rio Frio as well as the waters downstream of the lodge. Throughout the week, guests will rotate through different beats in Rio Palena, Lago Yelcho, Rio Futaleufu, and can access several remote lakes accessed by helicopter.
How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds?
Depending on the day, guests can expect to travel between 1 minute out the back door of the lodge to a 1 hour drive, with more than a dozen options to access via helicopter within a 10 - 30 minute radius of the lodge.
What type(s) of fish will I catch?
Guests will target resident rainbow, brown trout, and brook trout.
How many fish will I catch?
Guests will have the opportunity to customize their fishing plan to meet their goals. Some fishing locations provide opportunities for numerous rainbow trout in the 12” - 16” range, while others focus on opportunities for rainbow and brown trout in the 14” - 18”+ range. There are also options for trophy brown and rainbow trout if anglers want to focus on targeting those fish during their stay, with expectations of 2-3 opportunities per day.
Will I see other anglers?
Guests might see other anglers on Lago Yelcho, as there are a couple other lodges in the area. However, the lake is very large and there is a lot of opportunity to spread out. There are also a few other lodges on the lower Futaleufu and Palena rivers, with a couple other guides and outfitters who travel to the area to fish.
On the days where guests utilize the helicopter, it is highly unlikely that you will see other anglers.
What are the guides like?
The guides are all experienced, professional, and are mostly US-based guides that come down for the summer to guide. They all speak English, are very approachable, friendly, and genuinely want to create memorable experiences for their guests.
What are the physical demands?
None really, but stable footing and proficiency casting from a boat will increase chances at fish. The other activities can be tailored to your interest level and physical difficulty.
Are there any special skills required?
Being able to cast into the wind is beneficial.
Does the lodge provide equipment?
Yes, the lodge provides premium waders, boots, rods, reels, lines, tackle, and flies all at no additional charge, as well as all of the other equipment needed for the different activities.
What is your favorite setup for the trip?
A fast action 9’0” 6-weight rod with a floating line and a reel with a quality drag will be the workhorse of the trip, but anglers can also fish a 5-weight for smaller dries and a 7-weight for streamers if desired. Ideally, anglers will be prepared with two set ups: one rod with a floating line and a second rod with a full sinking line.
What are the top flies?
Classic Western trout patterns and large attractors like beetles are staples, but dragonfly patterns in mid-late December on Lago Yelcho produce exciting takes, and large articulated black, brown, and olive streamers are productive for trophy browns.
What are the options if water conditions become challenging?
The region's lakes and rivers are very stable, but if weather or conditions were really bad there will be other activities to choose from.
What is a typical day like?
Early on in your stay the Experience Manager will check in with guests and help them plan and achieve their goals for the week. They will discuss the different fishing and adventure options, and each day get guests set for the next day’s activities. Breakfast is served in a common area, and then you will head to the wader room where your personal locker is set with the gear you need to get prepared for your day’s activity. Lunch is served on the water, and after the day’s fishing you’ll head back to the lodge to de-wader, have a drink and appetizers, and get ready for dinner at the main dining room table, followed by desert.
What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge?
The lodge is casual and like hanging out at a friend’s cozy vacation home. The staff is very service-oriented and friendly, and the attention paid to every detail of the property is evident.
Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge?
Yes, there is always an Experience Manager on site to serve as a point of contact for anything that you may need, or to handle any issues that may arise during your stay.
Where do we eat, and what are the meals like?
Guests eat breakfast and dinner in a central dining area on the main floor of the lodge. Meals are a first-class assortment of chef-inspired, freshly prepared foods and desserts. Special dietary restrictions can be accommodated upon request. On “Gaucho Night”, the chef prepares a traditional open-pit BBQ, called asado, with an assortment of meats and vegetables, and there is a selection of traditional gaucho clothing with berets, ponchos, and hats to dress for the occasion along with the other guests and guides.
What is the alcohol policy?
Wine and beer are included in your package.
Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like?
Rio Palena Lodge has 7 bedrooms with various configurations, including single, double occupancy and suites. The accommodations are first-class and well appointed.
Is there internet and/or cell service?
There is no cell service, but there is high speed internet throughout the lodge.
Are there other activities?
Yes, Rio Palena Lodge is an excellent choice for guests who want to experience a range of activities outside of fishing, including mountain biking, yoga, stand-up paddle boarding, inflatable kayaking, whitewater rafting, glacier hiking, and heli-assisted hiking to remote areas.
Are there any other expenses?
Two helicopter assisted activities are included in the standard package. Additional helicopter time and massage services are available but not included. Half day whitewater rafting included, full-day charged separately.
Do I need a visa?
No visa is required, only a current passport that does not expire within 6 months of the trip.
Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances?
The lodge is in a remote part of Chilean Patagonia so access to medical services is not very close. In January, horseflies can be an annoyance, but there is nothing particularly dangerous.
