Chile is a world-class destination for fly fishing. I have fished this area and all I can say is: Chile is a unique flyfishing destination that must be experienced first hand to be appreciated. The people the food and wine…every angler must put Chile on their fishing priority list. . I will be hosting a few trips this year call me for dates and availability.

Chile’s reputation has been growing over time thanks to the variety and the quality of the fishing available. The natural beauty of its landscape and the hospitality of its people add to Chile’s allure.

The Picacho Lodge is situated on the banks of the Picacho River. In addition the lodge is located minutes away from the two lakes: the Roosevelt and the Copa. The pure clear waters of these two lakes are filled with endless reed-filled bays full of spunky rainbow trout measuring between 13 and 18 inches on average and brown trout that go from 15 inches on average and can quite commonly reach up to 25 inches. I am sure that each of our visitors will experience more than one angling trophy upon visiting this paradise set in the Chilean Patagonia.

Picacho is not your “normal” fishing lodge it sits in a very remote river basin of the Picacho Valley that was formed by several rivers, some originating in mountain streams and larger rivers such as the Roosevelt. All these rivers feed the Picacho river, which after a few miles flows into Lake Copa, which in turn flows into Lake Escondido, and finally reaches the great river Cisnes.

The Picacho river valley is very remote and steep and it is only possible to reach the better fishing spots by pontoon jet boats, which make it possible to delve deep into the valley and get to these secluded areas. This difficult access has resulted in the valley being practically uninhabited for hundreds of years. Therefore, it has sustained no fishing pressure whatsoever and its trout population is abundant

The strategic location of the Picacho Lodge makes it possible to access various types of waters and fish in many different ways. No matter whether you are a devoted dry-fly fisherman or an avid streamer fisherman, your fishing will always be successful at Picacho Lodge. When floating the Picacho River you can fish from the banks in some of its hundred pools full of hungry trout using attractor-type flies or stonefly and dragonfly nymphs.

Fishing on Lake Roosevelt is done from the boat casting toward the reed-filled bays, which are the home of numerous brown trout feeding nonchalantly on dragonflies and other insects.

On Lake Copa fishing takes place on the great sandbank formed by the Picacho River, mainly using streamer flies. In this lake there are sectors where it is still possible to catch a trout with each cast. In addition, the lake has fishing sectors that have never been explored, and you may be the first to do so. Here is a sample of the Picacho Lodge program.

Typical fishing week at Picacho Lodge

Day 1
Arrival at Balmaceda. Our 4x4 vehicles will pick you up at the Balmaceda airport and take you to the Picacho River located 81 miles north of the city of Coyhaique. Once we reach the river, we will proceed on NRS pontoon boats equipped with jet motors to the lodge, located 40 minutes away from the boarding point. Luggage will be left at the lodge, and you will be able to start fishing in the different areas of the river. In the evening, an exquisite apéritif and dinner will welcome you.

Day 2
Breakfast at the Lodge at 7:30 am. Float on the Picacho River as far as "La Cascada" (the waterfall). During the trip you can fish the different pools along the way. Lunch is on the riverbank.

Day 3
Breakfast at 7:30 am. Trip to Lake Roosevelt aboard NRS pontoon boats. After a 40-minute trip along the river we reach the landing site. From there we have a 30-minute trek to our destination. If you prefer not to walk, we have horses available to take you to the lake. Once on the lakeshore you can fish in one of the reed-filled bays, either from a boat or in a float tube. In the transparent waters of Lake Roosevelt you will find hundreds of brown trout feeding among the reeds. On occasion they are easily visible from the shore and are reminiscent of a large aquarium. In the afternoon we return to the landing site and board the power boats for the ride back to the Lodge. It is possible to spend the night in a tent on the lakeshore provided you request this before setting off on the trip.

Day 4
Breakfast at the Lodge at 7:30 am. Float trip in the direction of Lake Copa for all-day fishing (lunch included), returning to the Lodge in the afternoon and rounding off the day with a typical roast lamb barbeque in the evening.

Day 5
Breakfast at 7:30 am. Float along the Picacho River from the lodge, going downstream a few miles to the sectors where there is abundant fishing. That night there will be a farewell dinner.

Day 6
Breakfast at 7:30 am, fishing all day in Laguna Pedro Aguirre Cerda, Toqui River, Picaflor River.

Day 7
You should have your luggage packed by the early morning, when we depart for the river mouth. Our vehicles will take you to the airport or, if you are traveling the following day, to the city of Coyhaique. In the latter case, if you require a reservation at some hotel in the city, you can coordinate this beforehand with the Lodge.

Includes: Airport – Lodge – Airport transportation Fishing guide (1 per 2 fishermen). Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open bar for soft drinks, beer and wine.

Does not include: Fishing equipment, Hard liquor, Tips for the guides, Lodging in Coyhaique if this is necessary due to flight schedules. If you wish the Lodge to take care of your reservation, please let us know beforehand.

Austin Hepburn
UncommonVentures
253 Upper Gulph Rd
Radnor, Pa 19087

(o) 610.688.4335
(c) 610.585.7583
(f) 610.688.2172
ahepburn@austinhepburn.com