Chimalfe Patagonia Lodge

Chimalfe Patagonia Lodge sits on Yelcho Lake in the Los Lagos region of southern Chile, offering week-long guided trips across a generous October-through-April season. The lodge provides daily guided access to Yelcho Lake, the Yelcho River, and the Futaleufu River—a mix of still and moving water with remarkably light fishing pressure. Anglers pursue wild brown and rainbow trout (often large) and king salmon using both fly tackle and conventional gear; techniques shift seasonally from…

The fishing year at Chimalfe Patagonia Lodge unfolds across a generous season, commencing in mid-October with the arrival of spring and extending through to late April, marking the close of fall. This extended period offers anglers a diverse experience across Yelcho Lake and its tributaries, including the Futaleufu River. The spring season, starting in October, brings with it the promise of excellent fishing as the waters warm and the fish become more active. As the season progresses into late fall, the fishing remains robust, with opportunities for both fly fishing and conventional tackle enthusiasts. The lodge's location provides access to miles of still and moving waters with minimal fishing pressure, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and the chance to cast to large, wild trout and salmon in pristine conditions. Techniques vary throughout the season, with streamers and sinking lines often favored on the Yelcho and Futaleufu rivers to entice larger fish, while nymphs and dry flies, such as the Tjernobyl Ant or Cricket, are employed in specific sections or during hatches for sight casting opportunities.