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There is little argument among experienced fly fishermen familiar with Chilean angling, that the fish-rich rivers and streams that surround Coyhaique are among the finest in South America.

There are both rainbows and browns, from modest to trophy proportions in this incredibly diverse area.

Fishing

One of the benefits of Patagonia Drifters is its strategic location affording quick and easy access to a variety of trout waters within a very short drive of the lodge. In some cases, you will start your fishing day right from the lodge on the Rio Manihuales.

The fishing day with Patagonia Drifters is a full one during the Patagonia summer and the exact schedule is only determined by your stamina and daylight. Lunch is usually taken in the field to maximize your time on the water and you are normally back at the lodge between 8pm and 9pm in time for a hot shower, cocktail hour and another wonderful meal.

Patagonia Drifters use 4x4 vehicles, McKenzie-style drift-boats, state-of-the-art inflatable, self-bailing rafts and outboard-powered jet-boats. Guests have a large choice of nearby rivers and streams and spring creeks and are within easy striking distance of 13 different float-trip locations. There are many opportunities to wade dozens of small streams, spring creeks, lagoons, lakes, and rivers which are all too small to be navigated.

Some of the trout in the area have yet to see their first fly and may die of old age without battling a fisherman. The fish, though decidedly wild, are not notoriously selective and an accurate and gentle presentation usually assures success. There is a broad range of fishing options, from classic dry fly fishing, to streamer fishing towards structure (big brown trout territory) or floating gaudy, hamster-sized terrestrials off grassy banks.

Food and Lodging

Patagonia Drifter’s guests stay at Granite Canyon Lodge, appropriately named since it is perched on a granite precipice overlooking a fabulous pool on the Rio Manihuales.
You can sit on the deck and watch wild trout take mayflies off the surface. Or, if you have enough energy after a full day of fishing you can go down to the home pool and fish for these resident, wild trout.

The lodge caters for just six guests at a time and consists of three separate double-occupancy guest rooms. Room one is located just off the main lodge and is spacious with two queen-sized beds and an ensuite bathroom. The room has spectacular views downstream of the Rio Manihuales. The two other guest rooms are situated in a two-storey building about 150 feet from the main lodge. These rooms offer a very private setting along with elevated views of the rocky canyon that the river squeezes through. Each one of these rooms offers plenty of space to unpack and organise your kit with two queen-sized beds and its own bathroom.

The main lodge building is a rustic, timber-framed building. The main gathering room offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and Rio Manihuales. Dinner and breakfast are served in the main dining room. Meals are a combination of country Chilean cuisine mixed with modern fusion South American gastronomy using locally grown, fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs with beef, lamb and chicken as well as fresh seafood from the nearby coastal village of Aisen.

Lunches are served on the river, complete with table, chairs, tablecloth and even cloth napkins. Often a fire is built and your guide will roast tasty dishes over an open fire. Lunch main courses are accompanied by fresh salads, fruit, locally made cheeses and sausages. Great Chilean and Argentine wines are served with lunch and dinner together with Chile’s version of the Margarita the Pisco-Sour.

Why we rate it

One of few lodges that offer packages for less than a full week, plus there is dramatic scenery and excellent fishing.

Price

Land packages are from $2,300 for a 4-night stay. $1,235 for a non-fisher.