Soon, you will be on your way to Patagonia, Chile and the Chucao Fishing Lodge. You will be leaving your home in winter and changing your season to summer in South America. In Patagonia, you will fish some of the world’s best trout streams and lakes. You will be in the very capable hands of the personnel at Chucao. Your host, Gonzalo Cortes, as well as our experienced lodge staff with our local Chilean fishing guides will see to your every comfort and safety on your trip to Patagonia.
The lodge is named for a small bird called a Chucao – though small in size it has a grand voice and is lovely to hear and see. The lodge is located on the shore of Lake Yelcho near the mouth of the Yelcho River. Gonzalo carefully selected this location to maximize your fishing time and also the ease of getting you to your fishing waters each day. You will be fishing a variety of waters, drifting rivers, stopping to wade if you desire it, and also some spectacular opportunities for lake fishing. You can expect to enjoy catching and releasing beautiful rainbow, brown, and even some brook trout. There are salmon waiting to be fished during your stay at Chucao.
Once your arrive, the ever-present and spectacular natural beauty, including the rivers, the lagoons, the sky, the forests, the wild flowers, and the mountain peaks will overwhelm your senses. An abundant range of wildlife lives there, many birds and even some deer. You will be hospitably wined and dined in true Chilean style, enjoying some of the famous seafood, fresh meats and some flavorful fruits and vegetables. Complement these delicious offerings with a range of the fine Chilean wines and other drinks of your choice during your stay.
You may find, however, that the best part of your trip will be the new friends you will make in Patagonia, Chile. In Patagonia, people live their lives at a slower pace than North Americans do, which takes some getting used to, but once you make the adjustment you will like it. The day starts a little later and also ends later. You generally won’t begin fishing until 8:30 or 9:00 am. There’s no need to rush to the rivers as you should have them pretty much to yourself, and the action frequently accelerates as the sun warms our cold water fisheries. You will fish until the evening most days, giving you 8 or more hours on the water daily.
Once your arrive, the ever-present and spectacular natural beauty, including the rivers, the lagoons, the sky, the forests, the wild flowers, and the mountain peaks will overwhelm your senses. An abundant range of wildlife lives there, many birds and even some deer. You will be hospitably wined and dined in true Chilean style, enjoying some of the famous seafood, fresh meats and some flavorful fruits and vegetables. Complement these delicious offerings with a range of the fine Chilean wines and other drinks of your choice during your stay.
You may find, however, that the best part of your trip will be the new friends you will make in Patagonia, Chile. In Patagonia, people live their lives at a slower pace than North Americans do, which takes some getting used to, but once you make the adjustment you will like it. The day starts a little later and also ends later. You generally won’t begin fishing until 8:30 or 9:00 am. There’s no need to rush to the rivers as you should have them pretty much to yourself, and the action frequently accelerates as the sun warms our cold water fisheries. You will fish until the evening most days, giving you 8 or more hours on the water daily.
Arrival in Santiago, Chile from the United States
Your international flight typically will arrive in Santiago between 6 and 10 am. All international flights arrive in Santiago, Chile at the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, code SCL, which is about 20 minutes driving time from downtown. Upon landing in Santiago on your initial arrival into Chile, you will go through immigration. The process is easy - just have your passport and immigration document (which you will fill out on the airplane before you land) ready for the official as you approach the counter. Because several flights from the United States can arrive at the same time, there may be some delay going through immigration.
The next step is to retrieve your luggage from the carousels. There will be carts normally provided at no charge nearby. Once you have your bags you will go through customs. We've never been stopped or had our bags searched but it's possible that this could happen to you. Chances are that they will just wave you through. As you exit customs you will be on the first or ground floor of the airport and it will be necessary for you to go upstairs to the third level to check your bags for your next flight to Puerto Montt, PMC. If you are planning to arrive early and stay in Santiago, please allow us to make some recommendations for your stay there. Normally, our clients take the first available flight from Santiago to Puerto Montt where we will have your transfer from the airport there and your evening accommodations pre arranged. The following morning, Saturday your short transfer to the airport will be arranged for your trip to the lodges.
Speaking the language
Chile is a Spanish speaking country, but you need not worry if you don’t speak the language. Most of the people you come into contact with will speak some to very good English.
Currency and Paying for Things
The currency in Chile is the Peso Chileno and the exchange rate with the U.S. dollar is currently about 800 pesos to 1 Us Dollar. We recommend you take as much U.S. currency with you as you are comfortable carrying. You will find that smaller denomination bills are easier to spend; take $5, $10, and $20 bills as well as $50 and $100 bills.
You will have access to ATMs in the airport or better in Puerto Varas that dispense pesos and you'll be able to charge things to your credit card when shopping or eating at a restaurant.
Water
Although water is treated in the hotels and restaurants, it is probably better not to drink the tap water. It is customary in restaurants to order bottled mineral water. Most Chileans drink it “con gas” or sparkling water, but you can order it without carbonation: “sin gas” is the phrase to use. You can buy bottled water in kiosks on the street or from grocery stores to take with you while sightseeing.
Shots
You do not need to get any shots prior to traveling in Chile.
Electricity
Chile uses 220 volts instead of 110 volts as in the U.S. If you plan to use a small appliance like an electric razor, you will need to purchase a converter before leaving home to convert the electricity from 220 to 110 voltages. Otherwise, you will quickly overheat the appliance. You can normally charge your cell phones, cameras, notebook computers etc with no problem since their adaptors are normally good from 110 to 220 volts anyway. You will need a small adaptor to plug your units into, and we supply those for our guests at the lodge.
For more information and specific questions please feel free and welcome to contact either
Gonzalo Cortes, Chucao Fishing Lodges owner - (+56) 222018571 gcortes@flyshop.cl
Equipment Checklist
Clothing:
Dress at the lodge is very informal and you should plan to be comfortable. We do suggest that you change from your fishing clothes to informal attire before dinner. The weather in Patagonia, Chile is variable and similar to weather in the mountains of Oregon and Idaho. November and December are equivalent to May and June and daytime temperatures will range between 35 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer months of January and February, the days are generally bright and temperatures can go as high as 85 degrees. In March and April, the autumn weather and rains begin and temperatures are cooler. Always plan on being prepared for different kinds of weather since conditions can and do change quickly in Patagonia.
Nights are generally cool but comfortable and you should have a jacket or warm sweater. Rain and wind can and will occur at any time and we cannot overemphasize the importance of having quality breathable raingear, jacket and pants at all times. We suggest layering of your clothes while fishing. Fleece is an excellent way to keep warm underneath your raingear. We suggest you be ready for changes in weather as they can occur rather quickly. Breathable waders and quality non spiked fishing boots are preferred by most clients.
Hat: bring two hats, one for sun protection with a protecting brim and one fleece stocking cap for warmth. Hats that are darker under the brim help to reduce glare from the water.
Sunglasses: are essential and a must. Polarized so that you can see your flies and the fish as they take.
Shoes: Comfortable hiking boots or tennis shoes are great for wearing around the lodge or while traveling. If you are comfortable in sandals they can be excellent in the warmer months.
Gloves: a pair of fingerless fleece fishing gloves will keep your hands warm in the wind and the cold.
Rain Jacket: This may be your most important piece of clothing! Plan on experiencing some rain. A breathable jacket with a hood is mandatory. Your jacket should be large enough to fit over insulating clothing, your waders and not prevent your free movement while wading. Avoid dark colored outerwear, and subdued colors are preferred and will not spook the trout.
Long Underwear: capilene underwear are excellent for a base underneath your clothing and if you usually fish wearing them, we recommend you have some. Simms has some excellent clothing to wear under your waders.
Socks: Have plenty of socks so that you can alternate on a daily basis. Heavier socks for wading days and lighter socks for travel days.
Shorts and pants: many of us enjoy the convertible nylon cotton blended short pants that can convert form long pants to shorts. These are lightweight and are great to wear underneath your waders.
Shirts: long sleeves shirts made of cotton/nylon are preferred and recommended for sun protection and warmth.
Pajamas or sleeping shorts: for your own comfort and other guests as well. You will likely be sharing a room with another fisherman. Bathrooms are private, but sometimes not attached to the bedrooms.
Fishing gear and Tackle list
5 or 6 weight 9 foot rods with floating lines for dry fly fishing. 6 or 7 weight rods with fast sink tip lines for streamer fishing. We fish with dry flies about 50% streamers about 40% and nymphs about 10%.
Waders: lightweight breathable chest waders are recommended. When weather is warm and permits, we wet wade and wading sandals are excellent to enjoy this experience. You will spend much of your fishing day in your waders, make sure they are comfortable and in good repair. We recommend boots with excellent ankle support and also good felt or non skid bottoms. Please do not bring studded boots as they can damage boats and other equipment.
Flies and lures: The Lodge can provide you with many flies, but if you want to bring some of your own that’s also fine. We will alert you to specific patterns that are most effective for your fishing itinerary. You can expect that most of your favorite flies from home will also work and catch fish.
Leaders and tippets: We recommend 9 foot, 0 1 2 and 3 x tippet sizes. Our trout will generally not hold with tippets smaller than size 3 or 4 and are also not shy of heavier leaders, for some of the whirlpools, you may want tippet in 4 and 5 x sizes.
Fishing vest or chest pack that can accommodate your personal tackle and everything you may need if you are walk wading or boat fishing.
Sunscreen is essential please remember to bring this and wear it for your own protection.
Other Items: Insect repellant, flash light, camera, personal hygiene toiletries and medications. clic aquí para editar.
Clothing:
Dress at the lodge is very informal and you should plan to be comfortable. We do suggest that you change from your fishing clothes to informal attire before dinner. The weather in Patagonia, Chile is variable and similar to weather in the mountains of Oregon and Idaho. November and December are equivalent to May and June and daytime temperatures will range between 35 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer months of January and February, the days are generally bright and temperatures can go as high as 85 degrees. In March and April, the autumn weather and rains begin and temperatures are cooler. Always plan on being prepared for different kinds of weather since conditions can and do change quickly in Patagonia.
Nights are generally cool but comfortable and you should have a jacket or warm sweater. Rain and wind can and will occur at any time and we cannot overemphasize the importance of having quality breathable raingear, jacket and pants at all times. We suggest layering of your clothes while fishing. Fleece is an excellent way to keep warm underneath your raingear. We suggest you be ready for changes in weather as they can occur rather quickly. Breathable waders and quality non spiked fishing boots are preferred by most clients.
Hat: bring two hats, one for sun protection with a protecting brim and one fleece stocking cap for warmth. Hats that are darker under the brim help to reduce glare from the water.
Sunglasses: are essential and a must. Polarized so that you can see your flies and the fish as they take.
Shoes: Comfortable hiking boots or tennis shoes are great for wearing around the lodge or while traveling. If you are comfortable in sandals they can be excellent in the warmer months.
Gloves: a pair of fingerless fleece fishing gloves will keep your hands warm in the wind and the cold.
Rain Jacket: This may be your most important piece of clothing! Plan on experiencing some rain. A breathable jacket with a hood is mandatory. Your jacket should be large enough to fit over insulating clothing, your waders and not prevent your free movement while wading. Avoid dark colored outerwear, and subdued colors are preferred and will not spook the trout.
Long Underwear: capilene underwear are excellent for a base underneath your clothing and if you usually fish wearing them, we recommend you have some. Simms has some excellent clothing to wear under your waders.
Socks: Have plenty of socks so that you can alternate on a daily basis. Heavier socks for wading days and lighter socks for travel days.
Shorts and pants: many of us enjoy the convertible nylon cotton blended short pants that can convert form long pants to shorts. These are lightweight and are great to wear underneath your waders.
Shirts: long sleeves shirts made of cotton/nylon are preferred and recommended for sun protection and warmth.
Pajamas or sleeping shorts: for your own comfort and other guests as well. You will likely be sharing a room with another fisherman. Bathrooms are private, but sometimes not attached to the bedrooms.
Fishing gear and Tackle list
5 or 6 weight 9 foot rods with floating lines for dry fly fishing. 6 or 7 weight rods with fast sink tip lines for streamer fishing. We fish with dry flies about 50% streamers about 40% and nymphs about 10%.
Waders: lightweight breathable chest waders are recommended. When weather is warm and permits, we wet wade and wading sandals are excellent to enjoy this experience. You will spend much of your fishing day in your waders, make sure they are comfortable and in good repair. We recommend boots with excellent ankle support and also good felt or non skid bottoms. Please do not bring studded boots as they can damage boats and other equipment.
Flies and lures: The Lodge can provide you with many flies, but if you want to bring some of your own that’s also fine. We will alert you to specific patterns that are most effective for your fishing itinerary. You can expect that most of your favorite flies from home will also work and catch fish.
Leaders and tippets: We recommend 9 foot, 0 1 2 and 3 x tippet sizes. Our trout will generally not hold with tippets smaller than size 3 or 4 and are also not shy of heavier leaders, for some of the whirlpools, you may want tippet in 4 and 5 x sizes.
Fishing vest or chest pack that can accommodate your personal tackle and everything you may need if you are walk wading or boat fishing.
Sunscreen is essential please remember to bring this and wear it for your own protection.
Other Items: Insect repellant, flash light, camera, personal hygiene toiletries and medications. clic aquí para editar.
CHUCAO FISHING LODGES | YELCHO | PATAGONIA | CHILE