El Saltamontes

The home river, Rio Ñireguao, has proven to be one of the finest hopper-fishing brown trout streams we've ever experienced, with amazing numbers of surface-oriented fish. Testimony to its excellence is the large numbers of clients who return annually.

Jose and Erica Gorroño open their ranch to angling guests in early December, welcoming guests over the Christmas Holiday, and fish straight through the end of March. Fewer than a hundred anglers fish the ranch each year, and every week of the short season is a good one. El Saltamontes is exclusively brown trout angling. Most fishing is done in the Ñireguao River and its oxbow lagoons. Some of the best water in the valley is only a few yards from the door of the deluxe lodge. Browns actively feed on grasshoppers and other terrestrials and the grass bordering the stream is loaded with them in January, February, and March. Even the lodge's name, "El Saltamontes" means grasshopper.

The superb lodge is nestled in a beautiful river valley and is luxurious, by any angling standards. Each of the nine guest rooms has private baths, and magnificent views. A small

We've organized, arranged, guided and hosted anglers on trips to Chile, Patagonia for better than two decades. That knowledge and field experience has been invaluable in helping our clients choose the best dates, and has added a more custom-tailored finish to each of our reservations. Our travel staff communicates regularly with all of our Chilean Outfitters. El Saltamontes is a

Package Cost:
The cost of the week-long El Saltamontes package is $3,950 per person (double occupancy)

Inclusions:
Your angling package at El Saltamontes includes meet and greet at the Balmaceda Airport, round trip auto transfers to the lodge, all meals, accommodations (double occupancy), liquor (wine, beer, spirits) fishing permits/ license, and daily guided fishing (two anglers per guide).

When to make plans for Chile:
The lodges and outfitters that we work with in Chile are small, owner/operated and many of them are family run businesses. Their guest capacity is purposely small in order to deliver exceptional personal service. Our lodge's limited capacity, as small as six and no larger than ten, results in space becoming tight, especially during high-demand months of January, February and March. Therefore, if you are serious about booking a trip to Chile it is important to secure dates at the conclusion of the current season; best in April, May or June. That is not to say that prime space isn't available later in the year, but if you are set

Trout and salmon are not native to South America. They were first introduced into Chile and Argentina's regional rivers beginning in the early 20th Century primarily by European owners of large estancias in the south who imported the eggs and smolt by ship from hatcheries in both the U.S. and Europe. The first brown trout were introduced to Chile's rivers in 1906, and three decades later the world famous strain of McCloud River rainbows (salmo Shasta) were added to the cold clear rivers and streams of that part of Patagonia. Subsequent government sponsored introductions into the pristine lakes and rivers of the Lakes Region of Chile were very successful and this area blossomed into a sports fishing mecca in the 1950's and 1960's.

It was made famous by writers such as Rodrick Haig-Brown, Ernest Schweibert and Joe Brooks. Additionally, introductions into Patagonian waters have been highly successful and the Aysen Region of Chile (Coyhaique) is now considered the sports fishing center of Chile. Rainbow and brown trout are the most abundant species and trophy size brook trout can be found in a few remote areas.

With a coastline stretching 6,435 kilometers (about 4,000 miles), Chile is a world leader in the global aquaculture industry; the number one producer of farm-raised trout and second only to Norway in salmonid production. Millions of rainbow trout, silver salmon and king salmon escape those farms and their offspring can be found cruising the rich saltwater shoreline. The physical condition of these saltwater raised trout and salmon is awesome and they are some of the hottest fish we have ever tied into.

Over the last decade we have seen an increase in the number of Pacific salmon making their way upstream, and resident trout have started to key-in on the salmon spawn as a food source. Although a few fly fishing outfitters are targeting the migrating salmon, we don't think this trend is going to take over the trout fishing in Chilean Patagonia. However, it does warrant attention and it will be interesting to see how it all plays out.

Spring in Chile begins in December. Trees have dropped their blossoms and warm summer weather lands in Patagonia before Christmas presents have been opened.

Trout season in Chilean Patagonia swings into high gear by the New Year, and continues until leaves turn crimson and drop with the arrival of winter in late April. The summers of Patagonia are abbreviated, much like those of Montana and Wyoming. Warm days often begin with cool mornings and can be punctuated by sudden thunderstorms. But for the most part, the best time to visit this fantastic part of the world is from mid-November through mid-April.

In the mid-60's, it took pioneer fly fishers, like Joe Brooks 22 hours to fly from Miami to Santiago and another twenty hours in the air with numerous stops along way to reach the trout infested waters in and around Puerto Montt - now that's dedication!

Getting there is easy with a wide choice of convenient, daily flights from Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, and New York. Most flights are direct, departing the States in the afternoon or early evening and arriving early the next morning in Santiago, the Capitol of Chile. Airlines that service Chile include LAN, Delta, United and American.

Arriving in Chile is simple, hassle free and safe. The flights are almost always on time, the new ulta-modern airport is clean, and the entire experience, from clearing immigrations and customs to connecting with domestic flights, is very smooth. Airfares from the U.S. to Santiago vary widely, with tickets from New York, Miami and Los Angeles ranging from $900 to $1,200 round trip. Usually the best fares can be had by flying LAN, the national airline of Chile. LAN is one of the largest air carriers servicing South America. Their modern, new air fleet has a superb record for reliability, safety and on time departures and arrivals.

Immigration Requirements for entry into Chile: U. S. Citizens: When traveling to Chile, a valid passport is required with an expiration date occurring at least 6 months later than the day of arrival. Chilean Tourist Card: A Chilean Tourist Card Application will be handed out by your carrier during your flight to Chile. Please fill out the application and present it and your passport to Chilean

Specific flight details for El Saltamontes

Arrival in Santiago, Chile (Saturday) International travelers usually arrive in Santiago, Chile in the morning. Most of our guests transfer to the Ritz Carlton or Plaza San Francisco Hotel to relax for a day and acclimate. The hotels are authentically Chilean. The accommodations, restaurant and bar are excellent. They are conveniently located near Santiago's best shopping, restaurants, cultural center, and nightlife. Anglers traveling with The Fly Shop® qualify for preferential rates at both hotels. However, there are other wonderful hotel options.

After a comfortable night in Santiago, guests fly [via jet] to the Balmaceda Air Terminal (Coyhaique). There, they are met by hosts Jose & Erica Gorroño, who escort the guests to El Saltamontes. The drive to the lodge is about a 2 1/2 hour van trip. The drive is accented by beautiful roadside streams, waterfalls and miles upon miles of open country... Upon arrival at El Saltamontes, you'll be introduced to the staff and accommodations.

The Gorroño's impressive, single story lodge and ranch house sits in the shadow of the beautiful snow-capped Andes. Each of the lovely guest rooms is well-appointed, with a view and private bath. El Saltamontes Lodge amenities are in stark contrast to the remote Patagonian location. After a brief orientation and a chance to settle in and organize tackle, anglers are free to fish with their guides for the remainder of the day. El Saltamontes angling is exclusively for Brown Trout. A portion of the fishing is done in the Ñireguao River. The river's oxbow lagoons and excellent water is just a stone's throw from the door of the lodge. The Browns actively feed on grasshoppers, and the grass bordering the stream is normally infested with them in January, February and March. Anglers often release large numbers of Browns during the week. Other terrestrials and dry flies are very effective throughout the short Patagonian summer and anglers seldom

It is the creative mixture of rustic building materials and fine furnishings that lends El Saltamontes Lodge its unique charm. Electricity is produced 24 hours a day, on the ranch by an eco-friendly and sustainable, private hydro-electric turbine. 220 volt outlets are available throughout the lodge and cabins but adapters must be used for North American 120 volt appliances and chargers. The water supply is sourced from a pure mountain spring, gravity supplied to the lodge.

The main Lodge, accessed over a sweeping, curved timber deck, is an impressive building with high ceilings and two immense fire places. The communal living room is furnished with magnificent antiques, cozy leather sofas and rich rugs. The adjoining bar, with a cheery wood stove, offers another option for socializing. It is always open but the focus is more often on fly-tying and card games, rather than the comprehensive array of beverages.

The dining room seats a maximum of 15 people intimately around a heavy, antique table, and a warm fireplace. Set with gleaming candelabra, silverware and crystal, it is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Huge picture windows provide a back drop of dramatic Andean peaks. The kitchen beyond, is always a hive of activity into which guests are welcome. Through the door, waft inviting aromas and friendly laughter and banter from the domestic staff. Although the chef has an array of modern appliances, the big wood stove takes pride of place. If the kitchen is the heart of the lodge, the old wood stove is its soul. A stones throw away, is a 100% organic vegetable garden, providing the kitchen with fresh greens, salads and vegetables throughout the season.

The Ranch:
El Saltamontes Lodge is situated within the Gorroño family ranch "Estancia Adelaida". The River Ñirehuao meanders through this 5,000 acre property, nestled in an Andean valley, surrounded by dramatic mountains.

Initially, the ranch was dedicated to the production of BEEF CATTLE. Jose Gorroño was an innovative grazier and the first in the region to successfully undertake embryo transplants. By introducing fine pedigree Hereford embryos into rustic, local cows, he was able to effectively fast track the improvement of the quality of his herd.

During travels to Australia, Jose and Erica were amazed at the popularity and value of the South American ALPACAS, both "down under" and in the USA. These docile and intelligent "Camelids", produce a luxuriously soft, warm fibre, which is highly valued. The animals themselves have a special charm and there is a high demand for breeding stock.

This prompted the couple to embark on a new venture. They spent weeks on end, scouring the "Altiplano", in the extreme north of Chile, bordering with Peru and Bolivia, at over 4,500 metres altitude (13,500 feet), purchasing export quality alpacas from the Aymara Indians.

These were vetted and trucked south the entire length of the country, to form the base of what is now the largest, single herd in Chile. After building their own quarantine station, the Gorroño's chartered a DC8 and exported 300 live alpacas to New York. There, they were exhibited, bred and sold all over the country, over a period of four years.

Back at El Saltamontes, guests are charmed by the numerous alpacas and their babies that graze freely around the cabins. Along the River Ñirehuao, large herds of these gentle

Equestrian Program:
El Saltamontes is nestled in a valley in the Andes mountains. As well as being the home of our flyfishing Lodge, It is a fully working cattle, horse and alpaca ranch. Our guests are always welcome to join in the farm's activities and many have ended up learning how to shear alpacas, work cattle and work horses using rational horsemanship techniques.

We have a herd of around 60 horses; Chileans, Arabians, Holsteins, Thoroughbred's and mixes of these breeds. Our main riding herd of 12 horses is made up of sturdy Arab-Chilean crosses and local mountain ponies. These horses are bred in the wild and are well suited to rigorous mountain riding.

Our family has been very involved in show jumping and eventing in Chile and Australia at both national and international levels. However, here we offer "adventure riding." Our guests enjoy riding through landscapes rarely (if ever) visited by other humans. We can take leisurely scenic rides through valleys or, if you are up for a challenge, tackle the steep Andes mountains and be rewarded with wild riding and breathtaking scenery.

El Saltamontes can tailor riding activities to suit every level of riding competence, from the novice to the experienced rider. Depending on current weather conditions (it is Patagonia after all!) and how long riders are willing to

John Randolph, editor and publisher or Fly Fisherman magazine, states that the ranch's home river, the Rio Ñireguao, is, "arguably the best wild, resident brown-trout river in South America and perhaps the world."

High praise, indeed, from people who have experienced the finest flyfishing on the planet!

The Chilean government has designated the Ñireguao as the first study-catch-and-release river in the country. It has been estimated that approximately 9,000 brown trout swim in each mile of the river, a mid-sized stream that is easily waded and very user-friendly. Expert casters often hook large numbers of trout each day, and when the "hopper grab" is on, even novice flyfishers can expect lots of strikes, with a monster fish an everyday possibility. The lodge record, set during the 2003 season is in excess of 14 pounds!

Anglers who have visited El Saltamontes in the past will attest to this remarkable fishing, but recently the program has improved even further. Spearheaded by innovative professional guides like Argentinean Leandro Troncoso and his intrepid crew of local and imported guides, the angling opportunities at El Saltamontes have blossomed.

In addition to the home water, fly fishers now have the opportunity to ply pristine off-property waters, fisheries that, for the most part, get absolutely no outside pressure. Our own Pat Pendergast describes a day exploring

The Ñireguao River:
The Home Water
Much of this river flows through high desert grasslands, reminiscent of Wyoming's portion of Yellowstone National Park. In addition to the many miles of 4-wheel drive accessible river that flows through the ranch, El Saltamontes also has the fishing rights to nearly all of the best off-property water, including some beautiful canyon stretches accessible only via raft. The Ñireguao is a wonderfully fisherman-friendly stream, with

Creek Fishing:
Outside The Ranch
In addition to the main river, El Saltamontes has a number of outstanding small streams for the adventurous flyfisher - many of which offer nearly virgin fishing. One little waterway flows into a small lake - when the stillwater warms up, the big browns move into the moving water to cool off a little. The water is very clear, so the fish are edgy, but are suckers for a well-placed beetle. This is visual fishing at its best. Another little freestoner has miles of miniature riffles, runs and crystalline pools, full of aggressive 10-18 inch trout that absolutely annihilate hoppers.

Yet another stream pours out of a lake and winds through a spectacular Andean setting.

Lagunas:
Lagoons
A large number of what can best be described as ponds, ranging in size from pools the dimension of a small automobile, up to small lakes of 1-2 acres. Some of these are actually ancient river oxbows, while others are spring fed. They are fascinating fisheries, and

Lakes:
Local Stillwater
These stillwater additions to the program have been met with great enthusiasm from recent clients. One of the most unusual lakes is largely surrounded by what can best be described as "floating tundra", essentially undercut banks of gargantuan proportions. Getting close enough to the water to fish involves hiking across areas of spongy terrain - safe, but quite bizarre! There are many other small lagunas in the immediate area, most of which are connected subterraneanly to the main lake, and are also loaded with fish. Another favorite, Lago El Saltamontes, is best described by guide Leandro Troncoso: "Lago Saltamontes is quite simply awesome. Any angler harboring a prejudice against stillwater fishing will change their point of