Chile
Futa Lodge - Chile
Tenth Region | Futaleufú
Across the border from Esquel in Argentina, and deep into the coyhue forests of the tenth region of Chile flow the azure depths of the Futaleufu river.
A world away from the hustle and bustle that even sleepy Esquel represent, the "Big River"; (for this is how Futaleufu translates from the tehuelche tongue) rolls along, amid some of the most unspoilt mountain scenery on the planet.
South of the Chilean lake district Futaleufu is a stand alone fishery. The freestone giant grows healthy stocks of rainbow and brown trout that are fed by abundant hatches of mayfly, caddis and stoneflies. A heavy resident stock of fish and great hatches combined with classic fly water make the Futaleufu a trout fisherman´s paradise.
Location
*Futa Lodge is situated in the Valle de las Escalas on the Futaleufu River, about half way between Puerto Montt and Coyhaique, 40 minutes drive from the village of Fuateufu.
How to get there:
*from Argentina, there are weekly flights to Esquel. You will be met by a lodge representative, cross the border to Chile and driven to the lodge (approx 1 1/2 hours).
*by air from Santiago and Puerto Montt to Chaiten. You will be met in Chaiten and transfers to the lodge by 4WD vehicle (approx 4 hours).
*from Puerto Montt you can also charter direct to the Futaleufu airport, where you will be met by a lodge representative and driven to the lodge (approx 40 minutes).
The Fishing
*Futa Lodge fishes primarily for Brown and Rainbow trout, with dry and wet flies in the Futaleufu river itself.
*The lodge also fishes neighbouring tributaries and lakes which are mostly populated by Browns and Rainbows.
*Other species occasionally encountered in the Futaleufu and Espolon rivers include Chinook, Silver & Atlantic Salmon, Sea-run Brown Trout and Steelhead.
*During a full week stay, anglers can visit different waters each day.
*Easy access to some of the prime water on the Futaleufu river from right in front of the lodge.
*Great wade and drift-boat fishing.
*Superb Dry-fly and Streamer fishing.
*Varied fishing program taking in local tributaries and Lakes.
*Fly Gear: Nine foot 4-7weight rods for dry flies, 5-8weight rods for wet-flies and streamers.
Floating lines and sink tip and fast sinking lines. 8foot to 12foot leaders tapered down to two pound tippet for dry-flies and tapered down to 6lbs for streamers.
*Flies in Dry fly would be all mayfly patterns from size 12-20, spent patterns in similar sizes.
Nymphs and Scuds in sizes 10-18 weighted and un-weighted. Streamers, Sculpins and Wooly
Buggers in sizes 6-12.
*Fishing Schedule is flexible but will normally start after breakfast at 8-8.30 am. Shore lunches are the norm followed by fishing in the afternoon until into the evening. Seasonal changes will take into account the changing light but early season fishing may be as late as 10pm, late season as early as 7pm.
*Futaleufu Lodge is strictly a catch and release fishery.
Facilities & Services
*Capacity of 6 rods.
*Accommodations: Guests are housed in the main lodge, in comfortable twin rooms with private bathroom. Bedrooms have efficient wood burning stoves, and bathrooms are newly modernized, with plenty of hot water.
*Extended Dining room, living room and bar areas with ample room for relaxing by the log fire.
*Fly-tying table and extensive selection of materials.
*Fly-shop fully equipped with flies, rods, reels, lines and selected items of clothing.
*Professional Local and International English speaking guides, trained in first aid and C.P.R all of whom are also qualified casting instructors.
*Quality custom Built fishing Rafts with swivel ended frames Fore and Aft.
*4WD double cabin vehicles.
*Full stable of horses, so anglers can access rivers on horseback should they choose to do so.
*All inclusive bar featuring local spirits and the famous pisco sour cocktails
*Wonderful wine selection served with dinner. Our wines are selected from Chile's finest vineyards.
*Gourmet cuisine featuring a variety of typical Chilean dishes such as curanto and sopaipillas, home made breads and desserts and fresh vegetables from our kitchen garden.
*Cooked shore lunches served with wine, beer and hot drinks.
*Lamb asados, attended by a local dance troop who will demonstrate the Cueca (national dance). This special evening has been a long standing tradition at the Lodge and most popular with guests.
*Maid and laundry service.
*24 hour internet service.
*Non-fishing activities:
- White-water rafting and kayaking in the Futaleufu River.
- Horse-riding through the magical coyhue forests.
- Hiking to local waterfalls.
- Bird watching.
Rates are based on double occupancy and shared guide
7 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS OF FISHING
(FRIDAY TO FRIDAY SCHEDULE)
Special packages combining fishing in Futa
and Nervous Waters lodges in Argentina can be arranged.
The lodge is open from Mid December to Mid April
Included:
Lodging, meals, local spirits and wines at the lodge, transfers from Chaiten or Esquel
Not included:
Gratuities for guides and staff, airfares, laundry service
Payment terms: 50% deposit to guarantee booking. Balance 60 days prior to departure.
Contact Arni Baldursson , at arnibald@lax-a.is call +354 5576100.
Contact Fred Clough at fred@lax-a.is or call in the USA at 207-423-4306.
