GPS Coordinates: 45°33’16.24″S 72°3’46.67″W
Trip Questionnaire: Please click on the link below. This will take you an electronic questionnaire form that we ask you to complete and submit to The Fly Shop®. Please be sure to click the “Submit” button at the end of the form. The information provided will help us — and the outfitter best coordinate your trip.
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General Travel Information
Guests staying with Nico and his wife Ilsie at Trouters will be accommodating guests in their new family-run lodge, La Reserva Lodge. La Reserva is just outside the town of Coyhaique, close to the Reserva Nacional Coihaique (National Park) and features panoramic views of the Rio Simpson valley. Its strategic location affords quick and easy access to many of the trout waters Nico and his team fish each day. The lodge can accommodate up to 8 guests in double occupancy rooms with ensuite bathrooms and is the perfect retreat after a long day of fishing, allowing you to relax on the outside deck with a cold drink and hors d’oeuvres.
A trip to Trouters Patagonia can easily be combined with other Patagonia trout lodges, estancias, and outfitters in the Coyhaique Region, as well as other areas in Chile and/or Argentina. The sea-run fishing in Tierra del Fuego perfectly complements Trouters Patagonia resident trout fishery. With close to 30 years of experience in planning excursions to South America, you can rely on The Fly Shop to customize the ultimate fly-fishing holiday for you.
Preparing for Your Trip:
To take the best advantage of your fishing excursion to South America, and for that matter any fishing holiday you are embarking on, we highly recommend some pre-trip brushing up on your angling techniques and casting. You don’t need water to practice your fly casting (except when roll-casting), any lawn will do. It is a good idea to spend several hours in the back yard, local schoolyard, or elsewhere practicing your fly-casting. If you feel your skills are lacking or need some refreshing, you should consider some professional instruction to help you hone your techniques. Having a solid grasp of the “double-haul” casting technique can be invaluable when encountering windy conditions that are not uncommon in Patagonia. Trouters Patagonia guides are excellent instructors and can also assist, but having a solid foundation of casting knowledge, skills, techniques as well as fly presentation, can go a long way towards making your fishing experience truly successful and more enjoyable.
Nico Gonzalez is a native of the Aysen Region and cut his fly-fishing teeth fishing and exploring the local waters in and around Coyhaique; he has been a professional fly fishing guide for over two decades. Before branching out and starting his own guiding gig, he worked for the Gorronos at El Saltamontes and is one of the first local native fly-fishing guides in the region. Having grown up in the region, Nico has an amazing understanding and knowledge base of his home-waters. He is a licensed guide (by the regional guides association), certified in First Aid, and speaks perfect English! Flip Pallot, who fished with Nico for the filming of two “Walker’s Cay Chronicles”, declared Nico to be one of the best guides he had ever fished with! Nico also works with some of the best guides in the region when larger groups require.
Contact Numbers
The Fly Shop®
4140 Churn Creek Road
Redding, CA 96002
(800) 669-3474 | (530) 222-3555 | travel@theflyshop.com
Trouters Patagonia
Ilsie Gonzalez (wife of Nico)
cell phone: 011 56 9 74346958 | E-mail: ilsie.wolf@gmail.com
Nico Gonzalez’s home phone: 011 56 67 2211193
La Reserva Lodge
(+56) 992 517 342 | contacto@lareservalodge.cl
South America Travel Agent
Holdy Tours
Alicia Regueiro
(800) 446-1111 | (925) 927-6617 | Alicia@holdytours.com
- Can book your air and any additional hotel rooms you may request.
Embassy of the USA in Chile
Avenue Andrés Bello 2800, Las Condes Santiago, Chile
PH: (56-2) 330-3000 | FAX: (56-2) 330-3710, 330-3160 | https://cl.usembassy.gov/
- Embassy hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For U.S. citizens solely inquiring about passport, citizenship and other consular services not related to visa matters, please E-mail at SantiagoAmCit@state.gov
Recommended Equipment
This tackle and equipment planner is a guideline to help anglers assemble a reasonable collection of flies and necessary equipment. You are by no means required to purchase all of this equipment, but do make sure you have a good cross-section. It is generally true that properly outfitted and prepared anglers have the best chance of having a trip of a lifetime.
Although selling fly fishing tackle and flies is part of what The Fly Shop® does, it is not our main concern. Our biggest priority is that people have a great trip. That being said, we feel there is no-one better suited to outfit you for your trip. It is a trip we’ve taken dozens of times. We know what works, but more importantly, we know what works best. We’d love to have your business if you need to purchase new equipment.
One thing we’ve all learned from years of fishing in Patagonia, and the word that we as anglers must always keep in the back of our minds, is “ADAPT.” It is almost impossible to tell what kind of lines and flies are going to be most successful on the river at a given time. Conditions can change without warning and we must be able to adapt to the conditions at hand. Thus, you’ll want to bring a wide selection of fly tackle and enough different types of flies to meet conditions.
Guides will normally have a fly on hand in case you don’t have the right one in your box for the situation, but we cannot guarantee this, as equipment is not included in your trip, nor is it available for purchase at the lodge. Therefore, you’ll want to come prepared with everything you’ll need.
If you have any questions concerning tackle and equipment recommendations, please feel free to call us, toll-free at (800) 669-3474.
Rental Gear:
For the convenience of their clients who prefer not to carry their tackle and waders in their luggage as they travel south, Trouters offers the option for rental gear. Specifically, they have rate of $40/person/day for a complete rod/reel/line set-up; if guests also need waders and wading boots, the outfitter can also provide these, for an additional $40/person/day. We request you let us know in advance if you’ll need either or both services, and we’ll let the outfitter know, so they’re prepared.
Fly Rods:
Multi-piece, 5 or 6 weight fly rods will cover most of the fishing situations you’ll encounter in Chile. A 7-weight rod is an important rod choice if you are wanting to do some streamer fishing, though it is more rod than you’ll need for everything else. We strongly recommend a multi-piece travel rod (3, 4 or 5 piece). Top-quality rods you might consider are: Winston, Sage, or Scott. For great value options, consider The Fly Shop’s Signature H2O series.
Fly Reels:
Good quality, lightweight fly reels, with simple disk drags, are the best choice. Reels should be filled with fresh 20-pound backing. Reel models to consider include: Ross, The Fly Shop’s L2A, Galvan, Abel, Hatch, and Hardy reels. Extra spools are a definite advantage. 75 – 125 yards of backing is more than adequate.
Fly Lines:
You will basically need two fly lines at Trouters Patagonia: a weight-forward floater – preferably with an aggressive forward taper – good choices would include the Scientific Anglers Mastery MPX taper, or the Mastery Anadro floating line. For your streamer work it is important that you include a 24’ sink-tip in an extra fast sink rate, such as Scientific Anglers Sonar sinking tips.
Leaders & Tippet:
For a week’s fishing, you will need no less than three tapered leaders – 9 ft. (3X) for your floating line, and two (4 – 6 ft.) (0X) leaders for your sinking fly lines (or just a spool each of Maxima 10 and 12 pound tippet will work in lieu of a tapered leader for the streamer fishing). For tippet, bring fresh spools of (5X), (4X), (3X), (2X) and (1X). Standard monofilament will work just fine, and we like the Rio. Scientific Anglers, Trout Hunter brand leaders and tippet.
Fishing Vest/Tackle Pack:
For vests we like a high quality product, in a shorty model. Choose one that has room for a rain jacket or camera in the back. Simms vests are great choices. If you prefer a tackle pack, take a good look at the Fishpond and Patagonia products.
Boat Bags:
These hold extra gear, clothes, flies, camera, snacks, etc., and keep them safe and dry during floats and boat rides. We recommend Patagonia and Fishpond boat bags.
Tools:
Nippers, flat jawed hemostats, a hook file, floatant. These are essential on any fishing trip.
Wading Staff:
If you use a staff at home, bring it along. They can be handy, particularly the collapsible models. While Patagonian rivers are considered easy to moderate wading, there will always be a fish that likes to hang out in swifter deeper water, tempting you into position.
Polarized Sunglasses:
Good quality polarized sunglasses are a must both for seeing fish and for safety. Brown, amber and copper are the best lens colors. Costa and Smith make excellent fly fishing sunglasses, and even offer prescription options. Bring a spare pair!
Camera & Case:
Waterproof or splash-proof Digital cameras are handy. Canon or Nikon digital SLR cameras with a good zoom lens (28 – 80) are the best. Almost all camera battery chargers these days can accommodate a 100 – 240 volt range.
The best hard plastic cases to protect expensive camera equipment are made by Pelican Products, www.pelican.com
Headlamp:
Headlamps are great for late night gear fiddling and trips to the loo. We prefer a model with LED bulbs and that can be recharged.
Sun Protection:
The summer weather in Chile Patagonia is generally pleasant. Average temperatures range between the low 50’s and mid 80’s. Though usually not hot, the ultra-violet rays of the sun in this part of the world are very intense and will burn even the most sun-seasoned anglers. Wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and frequent use of a strong sun block (SPF 30 UVA/UVB+) are highly recommended. Sun gloves will save the backs of your hands.
Flies for Trouters Patagonia
When you walk the banks and meadows of this region of Patagonia, you’ll often raise a literal cloud of hoppers. The fish are keyed to the hoppers or anything that floats and looks buggy. But opportunities for classic streamer fishing abound too. Each angler should have an ample supply of flies, terrestrials, nymphs, streamers, and some assorted dry flies. Guides normally have a very limited selection on hand in case you don’t have the right fly for the situation. But flies are NOT available for sale at the lodges.
We also offer an easy way to know you have the correct flies for your trip. We offer a Chile Trout Selection that can be customized for your specific dates during your visit to Trouters Patagonia. This selection comes with a great assortment of the below flies loaded into the perfect fly box.
(Recommended flies from Nico Gonzalez of Trouters Patagonia)
Terrestrials
- Black Magic #12 – 10
- Rance’s Gipsy King #8
- Taylor’s Fat Albert # 8- 10- 12 Black
- Chubby Chernobyl Royal and Golden # 10 – 12
- Micro Chubby Tan and Golden # 10- 12
Nymphs
- Red Copper Johns # 12- 14- 16
- Prince Nymphs # 12- 14- 16
- Lightning Bug # 12- 14
- Soft Hackles # 12- 14
- Pat’s Stone Rubber Legs # 8- 10- 12
Streamers
- Christal Buggers, Brown & Black and White # 8- 10
- Woolly Worm, Black and Brown (# 10 kreelex coper / gold) # 6- 8
Dry Flies
- Parachute Adams # 14- 16- 18
- Mercer’s Missing Link # 16- 18
- Purple Haze # 16-18
- March Brown # 14-16
- Stimulators # 12-14
- Caddis Elk Hair # 14-16
- Griffith’s Gnat # 16-18
Recommended Clothing
The weather in Patagonia is constantly changing. One afternoon it may be 70°+ and sunny, downright hot; then only a few hours later it may be rainy, damp, windy and in the low 50°s or cooler. It is not uncommon to have morning temperatures in the mid to low thirties, especially when clear weather prevails, warming to a balmy 50° or 60° degrees by the end of the day. Clothing strategies should be based on the “layering system.” By using the “layering system,” anglers can adapt to whatever Mother Nature dishes out. The whole idea behind layering is to trap heated air (generated by your body and stored between the different layers of insulation), thus keeping you warm.
Here is the formula preferred by the staff at The Fly Shop®:
Base Layer:
Start off with a synthetic fabric next to your skin. This often is a pair of thermal underwear (tops and bottoms) and they usually come in three weights: light, mid and expedition or heavy. According to your individual metabolism, pick what is best for you. Synthetic (non-cotton) materials retain little moisture and “wick” moisture away from your skin. This is very important when you are walking in waders or when outside temperatures heat up. 1 set of midweight Simms or Patagonia (tops and bottoms).
Thermal Layer:
Your second layer of insulation should match the weather and conditions you are going to be fishing in. Lightweight insulation for cool weather, mid-weight for colder conditions and heavy weight for really frigid days. Fleece is an outstanding choice here in either tops and bottoms or overalls. Merino Wool is also a good choice as it stays warm when damp, though dries very slowly. 1 set fleece pants – Simms or Patagonia. 1 Fleece jacket – Simms or Patagonia.
Waterproof Shell:
The final layer on your upper body should be a rain jacket. High quality Gore-Tex type products are the best. Your rain jacket should be 100% waterproof and breathable, multi-layered, with sealed seams. Buy the best rain jacket you can afford, as it is one of the most important pieces of equipment you can own. The Simms, Skwala, and Patagonia are high quality jackets designed specifically for fly fishermen.
Waders:
Stocking foot, breathable chest waders are the only way to go. You will experience little or no moisture build-up inside the waders, even after a long hike; they wear like iron, pack down very well, and are comfortable to be in all day. For safety we strongly recommend wearing a wading belt at all times. The Simms, Skwala and Patagonia makes a product that is equally durable and comfortable.
Socks:
For a week’s fishing trip, three pairs of heavy socks will be adequate. Wool, polypro or a combination of both are the best choices in sock material. Try on your socks with your waders and wading boots before you go to insure you have plenty of room to move your toes. Being unable to move your toes and cramping your feet in your wading boots are the biggest reasons for numb toes and cold feet. Simms and Patagonia synthetic and Smartwool are the way to go.
Wading Boots:
If you bring your own boots, the lodge will disinfect them upon arrival. Either rubber-soled or felt bottomed are best. The Camp prefers you not wear studded boots, but if you do, you’ll be asked to take them off before walking on the wooden boardwalks and tent platforms, and when fishing in their boats.
Hats:
Bring a hat with a good brim for sun protection, and a warmer stocking hat for cold days (which can occur anytime during the season.)
Gloves:
Fingerless insulating gloves are great for boat rides and cold days. We have had the best success with synthetic or wool gloves, rather than neoprene which retain water. Simms fleece fingerless gloves are great, or TFS fingerless fleece gloves are an economic way to go. Sungloves are a great idea, to protect your hands from the intense Patagonia sun.
General Lodge Information
Non-Anglers:
Non-angling guests should be prepared for a variety of outdoor activities. Hiking, horseback riding, visits to neighboring substance farms, local artisans, birding and photography are some of the activities available. Non-angling guests should bring good raingear (jacket and pants) hiking boots, a warm fleece, camera, binoculars, daypack, and a good sun hat.
Wi-Fi:
As with most Chilean lodges, Trouters Patagonia has Wi-Fi available for clients who would like to bring their own Wi-Fi-enabled electronic devices. It is satellite-based and not completely predictable – some days it works better than others – but generally speaking it is more than adequate to send and receive emails. There is not adequate bandwidth to support sending images or for streaming videos.
Electricity:
Electricity in Chile is 220 volts. Most modern day chargers are designed to function with 120 – 220 volts. You will need a universal plug adapter, one that will function with one of the outlets below.
Gratuities:
Gratuities are a personal decision based on service rendered, and should be based on merit. Normally guides and staff are tipped upon departure, in cash (US dollars are fine). Generally speaking, a tip reflecting 10% – 15% of the cost of your package will tell everyone that they met or exceeded your expectations. And a normal split of whatever total amount you decide to leave would be 70% (given to Nico to split among the guides used), and 30% (given to Pablo – lodge owner/manager to split among the lodge staff), at the trip’s end.