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El Saltamontes is luxurious by any fishing standard. The lodge has only eight to ten fishermen and four non-fishers each week. The lodge is constructed completely from local timber and stones from the river.

The home river is the Rio Nireguao which has proven to be an amazing fishery for brown trout with the fish feeding almost exclusively on hoppers. Even the lodge's name means grasshopper.

Fishing

Most of the fishing is close to the lodge and fishing conditions range from easy to moderately demanding at El Saltamontes. The vast majority of the fishing is done with a floating line with rods in the 4 to 6-weight range. Occasionally, a heavy rain may briefly cloud the water, making streamers as effective as dries, but most of the fishing is done with surface flies, particularly large terrestrials.

The Rio Nireguao
Much of this river flows through high desert grasslands. In addition to the many miles of 4-wheel drive accessible river that flows through the ranch itself, El Saltamontes also has the fishing rights to lots of other water. For example there is a beautiful canyon stretch that is only accessible by raft. The Nireguao is wonderfully forgiving with open banks for easy casting and gravel bottoms that make wading a pleasure. Average fish are 12-18 inches with specimens over 20 inches possible.

Creek Fishing
Outside the ranch, El Saltamontes has a number of outstanding small streams for the adventurous fly fisher. One little waterway flows into a small lake and another small river has miles of miniature riffles, runs and crystalline pools, full of aggressive 10-18 inch trout that love to take hoppers. There is also the upper Nireguao itself, a smallish spring creek with miniature meadow banks and riffles which are home to gorgeously-marked brown trout averaging 12 inches.

Lagunas
Falling under this broad category of lagoons are a large number of what can best be described as ponds, ranging in size from pools, not much more than a couple of rod lengths in width, up to small lakes of an acre or two in size. Some of these are ancient oxbow lakes while others are spring fed. They are fascinating fisheries, and consistently hold larger browns than the main river. Trout are usually in the 18-20-inch range, with fish over 30 inches occasionally hooked.

Lakes
There are a number of stillwaters available including Lago El Saltamontes. Using the lodge's pontoon boats most of the shoreline can be covered. Including cliffs, logjams and weedbeds, this lake has a lot of good structure. Large browns are often found hugging the shoreline in very shallow water. The fish enjoy dragonflies, damselflies, grasshoppers, beetles, caddis, mayflies and midges on their daily menu. Many river fishermen have reconsidered their view of fishing stillwaters!

Food and Lodging

The infrastructure of El Saltamontes consists of four buildings, all constructed from local river-worn stone and rough hewn logs. It is the creative mixture of rustic building materials and fine furnishings that lends El Saltamontes Lodge its unique charm.

The main lodge is an impressive building with high ceilings and two immense fireplaces. The living room is furnished with antiques, cosy leather sofas and rich rugs and there is an adjoining bar.

The dining room seats a maximum of 15 people intimately around a heavy, antique table, and fireplace. Huge picture windows provide a back drop of dramatic Andean peaks.

The four guest cabins are all within a short walk from the main lodge and have river views. Built of stone, they are solid, roomy and comfortable. Each of the cabins has two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. The bedrooms are accessed from opposite sides of a cozy living room.

Amongst the cabins and woods is a spa. There is an open air, wood-fired hot tub, and a hot sauna and a massage room complete the little spa area.

The cuisine at El Saltamontes is nothing short of gourmet. Talented chefs deliver meal after meal of mouth-watering regional specialties and the cellar is stocked with a good selection of local Chilean wines.

Just beyond the main Lodge is the quincho, a three-sided building with a huge fireplace. A traditional structure on all ranches, the quincho allows outdoor dining in sheltered comfort.

Why we rate it

Unique hopper fishing and excellent for non-fishing activities.

Price

Land packages are from $3,950 for a 6-night stay and $4,600 for a 7-night stay.