Chile - Trout

Many lodges provide all flies and terminal tackle for their guests. However, it is not uncommon for guides to look in their guests' fly box for unique patterns to use on any particular fishing day. Take the guesswork out of which flies to bring for a trip to Chile by grabbing one of our custom assortments. Or, if you would like to supplement your existing fly arsenal with a few of the must-have patterns, we would be happy to review your existing flies and make some recommendations.

Below are some recommendations on commonly-used and productive fly patterns:

• Fat Alberts (Black and Tan)
• Beetles (Black and Peacock); #8-16
• Chernobyl Ants (Assorted Colors): #6
• Grasshoppers (Assorted Variety): #8-10
• Flying Ants (Black): #14-16
• Bead Head Prince Nymphs: #10-18
• Bead Head Pheasant Tail Nymphs: #10-18
• Bead Head Copper Johns (Copper & Red): #10-18
• Scuds (Olive): #14-18
• Girdle Bugs (Brown and Green): #5-10
• Wooly Buggers (Black, Brown, Olive w/ White Rubber Legs): #2-4
• Zonkers (White, Natural): #2-4
• Assorted Streamers
• Mouse Patterns

We highly recommend multi-piece travel rods in the four and five piece models for all travel with commercial airline carriers.  The most versatile all-around fly rod for Patagonia is a 9 foot 6 weight. Wind is often a significant factor when fishing in Patagonia; however, there are calm days on smaller water when fishing a four or five weight is practical and enjoyable. Conversely, a 7 weight can be the best choice when casting sinking lines and large streamers.

Most modern, high quality fly reels are appropriate for Patagonian waters. The reel should be equipped with a smooth, reliable drag system that is not compromised when it gets wet. Spools should be filled with a minimum of 100 yards of 20# backing. When alternating between floating and sinking lines, extra spools or a second reel save time and make changing lines easy.

Most trout fishing applications in Patagonia require a standard weight forward floating line (cold water). However, there are often scenarios and conditions that dictate using a sink tip or full sinking line. We recommend loading your floating line onto your four, five, or six weight, and a 200-250 grain sinking line onto your six, seven, or eight weight. Rio and Scientific Anglers make excellent fly lines with different tapers applicable to the style of fishing you will encounter on your trip. For backing, we recommend a minimum of 100 yards of 20# Dacron backing on each reel.

When compiling your leader selection, we recommend keeping it simple. You will need several nine foot, 3X knotless tapered leaders. Monofilament (nylon) leaders are ideal for dry fly fishing or nymphing. In addition to the tapered leaders, you will want fresh spools of tippet 0X-6X. Both monofilament and fluorocarbon tippet is recommended to cover you for all fishing styles.

Stockingfoot, breathable waders are the way to go. You will experience little to no moisture buildup inside the waders, even after a long hike; they wear like iron, and are comfortable to be in all day. These modern waders take up a fraction of the space in your luggage as compared to the old-style neoprene waders.

Simms, Patagonia, Sitka, and Grundens make some of the best breathable waders on the market. They are durable, lightweight, comfortable in all weather conditions, pack easily, and are well worth the investment. You will be spending a lot of time in your waders, so make sure you bring a set that is comfortable, warm, and fit well. Finally, make sure that your socks and thermal layers fit easily underneath your waders long before you pack.

Rubber or NEW felt soled boots are mandatory; used felt soled boots are illegal in Chile in order to prevent Whirling Disease, Didymo, and New Zealand Mud Snails. Customs officials in Chile will make you throw away used felt boots. Simms, Patagonia, and Sitka makes high quality "sticky rubber" soled boots which are MUCH easier to clean for this reason.

Nothing can be worse than wearing uncomfortable wading boots on an extended fishing trip. Make sure that the boots that you choose have enough room for medium weight socks and have good ankle support. Do not wear boots with studded soles! If you are fishing from an inflatable raft or drift boat, your guide will not allow you on board. Studded boots can be very slippery on solid surfaces and will certainly cause damage to boats and vehicles.

Bring a pair of neoprene socks for days that call for wet wading. Simms and Patagonia make some great options that are small and packable.

For vests, we like a high quality product in a "shorty" model. Simms and Fishpond make great options. If you prefer a pack (like most guides these days), take a look at the latest models by Patagonia, Simms, and Fishpond. Fishing in Chile does not require a ton of tackle, but a vest or pack with storage ensures you can carry the fishing basics with room for a rain jacket, camera, and water bottle.

We recommend roller style, soft-sided duffel bags for nearly all our travels. Ideally, you have a bag that adheres to airline size restrictions but is still large enough to fit a couple rod tubes, tackle, boots, and waders. We carry many excellent sets of luggage and dry bags by Patagonia, Simms, Fishpond, and YETI. These bags are the ideal size, bulletproof, and are equipped with efficient roller systems (or backpack systems). Some models also have separate compartments for storing wet boots and/or waders or even rod tubes.

A high-quality, breathable rain jacket with a hood is mandatory and the most important clothing item on any fishing trip to Patagonia. Sitka, Simms, Grundens, and Patagonia all make excellent models. Your rain jacket should be 100% waterproof, big enough to fit over insulating layers, and should not restrict arm movement. We highly recommend a product with Gore-Tex. The technical rain jackets these days are remarkably more comfortable and efficient than any "cheap" rain jacket you may wear in the city.

Layering and sun-protecting apparel are essential on any trip to Patagonia. Long underwear serves as your base layer of clothing throughout the season. Bring multiple pairs of both tops and bottoms to rotate throughout the week. Patagonia Capilene and numerous Simms models are our favorite synthetic long underwear. The light and mid-weight versions are used most on the average Patagonia trip; however, plan on having a few different weights to adapt to varying temperatures.

Insulating thermal layers such as fleece jackets, vests, pullovers, soft shells, and pile jackets are your second major layer of clothing for both upper and lower body. Windstopper fleece is highly recommended. Wear synthetic materials rather than cotton as they are lightweight, dry quickly, and wick moisture away from your body.

In terms of true fishing apparel, many anglers will choose to wear a long-sleeved fishing shirt on top of long underwear. Long sleeves offer protection from prolonged sunlight, and are usually equipped with additional chest pocket space or a hood. For bottoms, quick-dry nylon or nylon/cotton blend shorts, pants, or convertible pants are nice to wear around the lodge and on travel days. They are comfortable and dry quickly, too, in case the day calls for wet wading!

The summer days are long in Patagonia and the intense ultraviolet rays necessitates sunscreen. Pack some sunblock and lip balm with a minimum of 30SPF. A face covering or neck gaiter is effective and fashionable for serious anglers on the trout stream as well as in the tropics. Additionally, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, long sleeved shirts and gloves are also highly recommended for sun protection.

Polarized sunglasses are another essential and mandatory item for any type of fly fishing trip. They eliminate glare from the water, provide safety, and allow you to see fish, rocks, obstructions, and potential entanglements. Copper, amber, or brown lenses are best for Patagonian trout fishing. Smith and Costa make a variety of styles and lens colors. A lanyard or "croaky" is also invaluable in order to keep from dropping or losing your glasses.

Items like nippers, hemostats, and hook files are necessities in every fishing pack. The tools can be kept on a retractor or on a lanyard. A Leatherman or other multi-tool is also a nice luxury to have.

Dry shake, floatant, indicators, split shot, dehookers, pliers, gloves, and lens cloths are essential accessories to carry on any trout fishing trip. These items are small enough to fit in your pack, and come in handy in most fishing scenarios.