FLY FISHING CHILE

Chile, on the west side of the Andes Mountains and with a population of around 16 million is known as the "economic miracle" of Latin America. Besides having a thriving economy, thanks to rich mineral deposits and the exportation of fruit and farm-raised salmon, it has a stable democratic government with privatized social security. It is the world's longest nation (4630km/2,880 miles) and only 430km/ 235 miles at its widest point with the Pacific Ocean on the west and the frontier with Argentina on the east. It has the driest desert in the world (Atacama). The southern region, Patagonia, has a surfeit of mountains, valleys, rainforests and fjords. Countless pristine rivers abound, filled with brown and rainbow trout and multiple species of salmon. Fantastic fly fishing is one of Chile's best kept secrets. In the past 10 years several lodges have opened providing the discerning angler with the opportunity to catch some of the largest trout found in the Americas. The entire country is in one time zone, the equivalent to the U.S. east coast. Anglers can depart North American in the evening and in most cases be on the water for the evening rise the following day.

Santiago, located mid-country, was founded in 1541 and is now home to almost 5 million inhabitants. It is a modern city of glass skyscrapers mixed with tree shaded neighborhoods and colonial architecture. While it does not have the romantic, European ambiance of Buenos Aires, modern hotels, fine restaurants and easy access to Pacific Coast beaches (Vina del Mar or Zapallar) or the vineyards of Maipu and Colchagua valleys in wine country, make a brief stay here compelling.

Chilean Patagonia is a region that incorporates the southern portion of the Lake District from Puerto Montt south to the fiords region of Puerto Aysen. Access to the area is by daily commercial flights 1.5-3 hours in duration from Santiago to Puerto Montt or to Balmaceda. Some lodges require an additional commuter or charter flight of less than 1 hour to get to more remote destinations. Chile is on the wet side of the Andes so rain or daily showers are a distinct possibility, though extended periods of sunny days are also possible. While pesky insects are rare in most of Patagonia, the Lake District region experiences the emergence of a horsefly-type bug (tabano) late December-mid-January. Light-colored clothing, sun gloves and a head net minimize the distraction.

Chile has so much natural beauty along with significant historical and cultural richness you owe it to yourself to visit the Atacama Desert, the vineyards of the Central Valley or the granite spires of Torres del Paine National Park. Let Patagonia Sporting Resources in conjunction with Valle del Sur, SA customize an itinerary to some of these remarkable places. After all, you have come so far and these other destinations are now so close-by.

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