Ever wonder what fly fishing in the western United States, and the southern Canadian Rockies was like in the 1950s or 1960s? At Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures we do, and we're excited to feature several of our favorite destinations where walking and wading in pursuit of trout are still the norms, not the exception. We know one size doesn’t fit all, so we’ve put together a list of the wade fishing destinations in Patagonia for anglers who enjoy getting out of the boat and pursuing trout on foot.
Working with Yellow Dog means that we take the time to learn what you want and we will always put you in a lodge and book you on a fishing experience that best fits your needs and preferences. If you enjoy float fishing, please visit our post on the 6 Unique Float Fishing Destinations.
Chile Wade Fishing Destinations
Pablo Neruda penned Chile was created by a poet, but we think Chile was also created for the angler. If you’ve never traveled to Chile and enjoy fishing on foot, then now is time to make your first trip or plan a return visit. Running the length of South America’s western coast for over 2,880 miles, Chile is a country of beautiful diversity that holds some of the top freshwater fisheries on Earth.
For any angler excited about wading, the country provides a seemingly endless number of possibilities. Here are some perfect Chilean wade fishing destinations.
Estancia del Zorro
This beautiful 15,000-acre Estancia offers guests the chance to fish and explore private, productive waters in both Chile and Argentina. You’ll fish for brown trout on the Estancia’s two private rivers and on a 15-mile spring creek that holds brown trout up to an astonishing 10 pounds. If you love small-water, spring creek fishing, then you’ll love the Estancia’s fishing program. The typical fishing program hosts guests in both Chile and Argentina to experience the terrific waters of the region.
Estancia de los Rios
Estancia de Los Rios is located north of Coyhaique tucked away on a massive 360,000-acre working ranch in the heart of central Chilean Patagonia with vast uninhabited valleys surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Andes mountains. With access to more than 60 miles of rivers, spring creeks, and numerous lakes on this private ranch, Estancia de los Rios offers world-class dry fly fishing for wild brown trout with unparalleled seclusion. With so much private water available, guests are assured to fish well-rested water each day without fishing the same water twice or seeing another soul.
Argentina Wade Fishing Opportunities
Argentina is a country full of friendly people, juicy fire-roasted steaks, delicious wines, and some of the best trout waters found on planet earth- it’s a fly angler’s seventh heaven. The country is home to world-class fisheries that are still largely unpressured by modern-day standards and numerous opportunities for wading. Here are some ideal spots to pursue trout while on foot.
Las Pampas Lodge
Las Pampas Lodge boasts many untouched world-class trout fisheries on various waters, from small to mid-sized freestone rivers to intimate spring creeks. Trout found here usually ranges from 16 to 22 inches and, most of the time eager to take a dry fly. The caliber of available fisheries combined with an incredible staff makes Las Pampas Lodge a destination with a broad range of appeal to adventuresome fly anglers.
Patagonia River Guides - South
One of the greatest things about the PRG fishing program is that every fishing day features a different river or spring creek. PRG utilizes both private and public waters and they have miles of streams and access points under lease for the exclusive enjoyment of their guests. Each trip is 100% custom designed and structured around your desires and expectations.
Jurassic Lake Lodge
The Lago Strobel region in the southern portion of Patagonian Argentina offers the most consistent fishing for large rainbows found anywhere in the world. This fishery holds so many large rainbows that it must be experienced to be believed. Fish often average 8 to 10 lbs and fish over 20 lbs are caught every week. The lodge sits near the inlet of the only significant tributary of the Strobel Lake: The Barrancoso River. Undoubtedly, this is the best location in the world for trophy rainbow trout fishing.
Whether you enjoy your trout fishing while on foot, from the boat, or a little of both, Yellow Dog has a destination to meet your expectations and preferences. Patagonia offers some terrific destinations for anglers who enjoy walking and wading. Depending on your preferences Yellow Dog can cater to each trip to your needs. Feel free to contact us with any questions or expectations you’d like in your fly fishing trip.
Listen to our WAYPOINTS podcasts with Patagonia River Guides owners Travis Smith and Rance Rathie about the “inside information” on fly fishing in Patagonia. Click here for Episode 1 and Episode 2 of this two-part series.
Related Articles:
- Patagonia by the Seasons: When Should You Go?
- 7 of the Best Couples Fly Fishing Destinations in Patagonia
- 4 World Class International Family Freshwater Fly Fishing Trips
- The Large Brown Trout of Patagonia and Where to Find Them
- The Ultimate Guide to Argentina Fly Fishing
- The Ultimate Guide to Chile Fly Fishing
- Patagonia Gear Guide: Everything You Need
