Rio Azul Lodge, Chile


The Rio Azul Lodge is located in the Futaleufu region of Patagonia, in southern Chile. The surrounding mountains and river valleys which run through hardwood forests, provide the backdrop for stay. In 1983, the first and only dirt road providing access to this area was completed and has hardly changed since. The locals still cut hay with scythes, shear sheep by hand and haul wood with oxen. The superb fishing aside, the pristine environment and the unparalled beauty of the rivers and lakes are reason enough to visit this part of the world.

The lodge is a two story log cabin built for us by local farmers and is situated on a 1000 acre working ranch. Built with traditional techniques using hardwoods from the surrounding forests, the three bedroom lodge will serve as your home during your week of fishing adventures. Each of the three rooms has two beds and provides comfortable accommodations with two anglers per room. The lodge also has a large open deck overlooking the mountains and valleys beyond, complete with a wood fired hot tub to end each day.

Dinners are served in the lodge and consist of local cuisine such as an asado, slow cooked lamb over open flame and of course complimented by rich, full wines of the region. Each morning, breakfasts are served to order and lunches are taken along to the river each day.

Some of the more well known rivers in the region are the Rio Yelcho, Rio Futaleufu, Rio Molito and Rio Espolon of which all are freestone rivers and are as beautiful as any rivers in the world. Also available to anglers to compliment fishing the rivers are literally endless amounts of lake, lagoon and creek fishing.

The overwhelming majority of the fish in our rivers are rainbow and brown trout though the occasional sea-run brown, salmon or brook trout are hooked as well. Average size of the rainbows is around 14-16 inches while the brown trout range anywhere from 18 inches to well, let's just say, a LOT larger!

The first brown trout were stocked in Argentina in the late 1800's. The first rainbows were stocked around 1910 and were brought from the McCloud River in Northern California. These fish migrated from Argentina into the Patagonian Chile and have flourished in almost every creek and river in the region since. Because of the we consider all our fishing to be for wild, naturally reproducing trout.

The primary mode of transportation and fishing is by raft, although much time is spent wade fishing many of the creeks around the region. The rafts are self bailing and are equiped with casting frames and platforms for your comfort while fishing.

All of these different fishing options only require anglers to really bring a somewhat varied selection of flies as well as a well rounded rod and reel system. Recommended 9 to 9 1/2 foot 5-6 weight rods. Because the wind does tend to move through the area at times, a faster action rod is also recommended to more easily handle the breezes as well as the various flies you will be using.

Some of the favorite flies of the guides are the Chernobyl Ant, Turks Tarantula, Dry Muddlers and Gauchos. The Rio Yelcho often has hatches of small tan colored caddis in which case, X-Caddis, Lawson's EZ Caddis world well on the surface. Prince Nymphs and caddis emergers can prove effective when these fish are feeding in the surface film.

When visiting Rio Azul Lodge expect one thing slightly different from other lodges in South America, your guides are your hosts and entertainment while staying with them. Their primary concern is your comfort and enjoyment during your stay and that the time spent fishing is time you will always remember.

Clothing and equipment checklist -- Summer

Do you travel to the 4 corners of the world frequently?

We highly recommend an emergency evacuation membership for this trip. It costs well over $100,000 to be air lifted to a safe US hospital from many parts of the world. These services will not be covered by general travel insurance or medical insurance. We use GLOBAL RESCUE.

Pricing:

$3900.00

Rio Azul Lodge Includes: Round trip flight from Puerto Montt to Chaiten, Chile, 7 nights/6 1/2 days guided wade and float fly-fishing, all ground transportation while at Rio Azul, all food and beverages during trip, fishing license, rafting or horseback riding if chosen over day of fishing.