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El Saltamontes
Trout season in Patagonia swings into high gear by the New Year and continues until the short South American summer ends in April. It’s a perfect time for dry fly addicts to head for the Nireguao River.
WHEN THE GATES TO El Saltamontes first opened to anglers in 1987, it became the gold standard by which all the other Chilean fly fishing lodges have since been measured. And, in the nearly three decades that have passed since the Gorroño family began entertaining fly fishing guests
on their “farm”, El Saltamontes has not rested on its laurels but continues to raise the bar each season. The lodge’s old- world furnishings, superb meals, and personal touches reflect the Gorroño family’s dedication to comfort, privacy, and their commitment to remaining Chile’s finest fly fishing lodge.
Home water on this breath-
taking ranch is the Nireguao,
one of the top fly fishing rivers
in Chile, and rated among the most consistent trout fisheries in all of South America. El Saltamontes also boasts a number of private spring creeks, several oxbow lagunas packed with thick-bodied browns and easy access to several private lakes. Fishing is close to the lodge and there’s little wasted motion or much time spent travelling. Fly rodders often begin or end their fishing day near the door to the lodge, though there’s plenty of other great fly fishing water nearby and anglers seldom have to repeat a stream or river experience during their visit.
There are no other fishing lodges in the “Valley of the Moon” and it’s nearly an hour to the near- est street light. The isolation helps insure privacy and there’s no need to rise early to get to the stream before a crowd. Four-wheel drive vehicles, horses, and specialty float equipment provide the necessary tools to access the canyon stretch of the Rio Nireguao and other regional fisheries that are practically off-limits to casual anglers and put El Saltamontes guests on water that only a handful of lodge guests visit each season.
The ranch’s grasslands are thick with hoppers by New Year’s day, almost doubling in size as the abbreviated Patagonia summer progresses.
As the surrounding meadows begin to dry up, hordes of terrestrials move closer to the moist river’s edge. In a stiff breeze they’ll often carpet the water and trigger a trout feeding frenzy. Fish simply lie in wait below miles of river lined with grassy cutbanks sheltering a staggering
population of trout.
THE NIREGUAO is the home river. It begins in distant desert meadows, and flows clear and undisturbed through a few other neighboring cattle ranches before arriving at the fenceline. Renowned for tro- phy browns, the river also har- bors rainbows.
The riverside lodge at El Saltamontes is sur- rounded by a guest complex of well- appointed duplex cabañas, each with a spectacular view of the river valley and the nearby Andes. The sun comes up early and sets late in the Patagonia summer, and from the comfort of their guest suite, anglers often find after-hours in the trout-filled lagunas or the sound of trout rising in the nearby Nireguao
River an irresistible temptation.
This is a terrific place for the whole family! El
Saltamontes invites single occupancy options and is a perfect place for non-fishing companions interested in activities not normally available at fly fishing lodges. The ranch is a first-class, out- door experience with fine mounts, superb riding for every skill level, few fences, stunning scenery, and equestrian lessons.
el saltamontes guests are met at the regional Balmaceda airport and delivered back after a memorable visit which includes everything but tackle. There are no extras or surprises. Transfers, licenses, meals, guides, excellent accommodations, and every soda, beer, mixed drink, and glass of fine wine are in the package. January and lasts through the end of March.
 6 night/5 day package $3,950
 7 night/6 day packages $4,350
 Full equestrian packages are available
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