Futa Lodge Patagonia

Rainbow Trout – Brown Trout

SEASON: November – May
DURATION: 3-7 NIGHTS OPTIONS
GUESTS: 8 (6 anglers & 2 non-anglers)

Futa Lodge Patagonia is across the border from Esquel, Argentina, and deep into the Coyhue Forest of the Tenth Region of Chile, where the majestic Futaleufú River flows. The name translated literally means “Big River,” & this remarkable stretch of water rolls amid some of the most unspoiled mountain scenery on the planet. South of the Chilean Lake District, Futaleufú is a standalone fishery and home to some incredible Rainbow and Brown Trout. This fishery produces sizeable fish due to abundant hatches of Mayfly, Caddis, and Stoneflies. Futa Lodge will be right up your alley if you are a match the hatch kind of fly fisherman.

Fishing at Futa Lodge Patagonia

The high-gradient, trout-rich Futaleufú River flows right past the front door of Futa Lodge. Brown and Rainbow Trout are wild and healthy, and guests regularly set into fish of five pounds or more. These wild fish will eat well-presented streamers, dries, and nymphs depending on the season, and the terrestrial fishing is a summertime mainstay. The most fun is big fish on ultra-buoyant foam flies. Most of your fishing is done from a raft on the drift but should you wish, Futa Lodge guides will take guests on exploratory missions to remote streams and trophy lakes.

Rods: We recommend 9-foot, 5- and 6-weight rods. We pack both & use the 5-weight to drift dries and the 6-wt to turn over larger streamers.

Reels: The average size of fish on the Futaleufú River is in the 15 to 20-inch range, with larger fish in the system. We recommend a reel with a capable drag system and at least 100 yards of backing. You wouldn’t want a fish of a lifetime swimming away due to a faulty drag.

Lines: Weight-forward floating fly lines are the norm on this river. Whatever you fish in Montana or the Rockies will also work great on the Futa. If you want to target the still waters, pack a full-sinking or clear intermediate line for streamers in deeper water.

Accommodation at Futa Lodge Patagonia

Futa Lodge Patagonia is a riverfront home in the Valle de las Escalas region of Chilean Patagonia. The lodge sleeps up to 8 guests (6 anglers and 2 non-anglers). There are three bright and comfortable cottages—one next to the main lodge and the others bordering the river’s edge. The main lodge comprises a cozy living room with a fireplace and two additional double rooms.

Regional products and produce are used for meals at Futa lodge. Mealtime includes delicacies including smoked lamb and goat meat, handpicked berries from the sprawling gardens, and delicate, flavorful mushrooms plucked from local forests.

Getting to Futa Lodge Patagonia

We will arrange a Futa Lodge Patagonia representative to collect you from Esquel Airport (EQS). The transfer to the lodge is roughly 1-1hr30, considering passing through customs. Guests flying into Santiago, on the other hand, will need to fly to the Chaiten airport. From Chaiten, guests will be met by a Futa Lodge representative for the four-hour transfer.

Itinerary

Daily fishing itineraries vary according to the season. Usually, breakfast is at around 7 a.m., with lunch taken onshore or back at the lodge, depending on your daily schedule (you can arrange this with your guide based on exactly how you feel).

Anglers generally leave the lodge at around 8 a.m to avoid the midday heat. You’ll then return to the lodge for lunch and drinks at around midday. After a superb lunch and a short siesta, anglers typically leave for the afternoon drift at around 4:30 p.m. The fishing day ends at dusk. Fishing hours will change slightly depending on the time of year. If you are a keen fisherman, it is nothing more than a request to fish through the day.

Non-fishing activities such as horseback riding or canoeing are available to allow our guests to enjoy the fantastic wildlife and scenery of the area. These trips can be organized with the head guide.

Rates

7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing POA
6 Nights / 5 Days Fishing POA
5 Nights / 4 Days Fishing POA
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing POA
3 Nights / 2 Days Fishing POA

* Single room and boat: 60% surcharge.

* Non-fisher rate: $ 650 per night subject to availability.

Rates are per person based on a shared room and a shared guide.

Rates include

Lodging, Meals, all wines, beer, and local spirits at the Lodge, Professional guide services, and fishing equipment (Rods, lines, and reels).

Rates exclude

Transfer from Esquel or Bariloche, airfares, laundry services, Gratuities for guides, and house staff.

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