We kicked off the new season at Villa María Lodge in style, with a river in excellent shape and crystal-clear water. As usual, the fish were unpredictable at the start of the season, darting between pools throughout the day. What you find in the morning may not be there by afternoon, so the golden rule is to keep moving! Fish every possible spot and don’t waste too much time in areas that aren’t producing.
The same goes for techniques: fishing in fast, shallow water is a completely different game from fishing in slow, deep pools. You need to adapt and experiment as conditions shift.
Weather-wise, we faced some challenges with rain and east winds, which made casting tricky as the wind blew upstream. Despite these conditions, we still managed some epic catches. A standout moment? Charlotte’s impressive 16-pound sea trout – a true testament to her skill.
Our setups included trusty two-handed rods (around 13 feet), floating bellies, and medium-fast sinking tips. Medium-to-large flies, like rubber-legged patterns and streamers, proved to be the most effective.
Looking ahead, we’re expecting sunny days, some wind, and pleasant temperatures. The river is set to be in prime condition, and fresh schools of fish are just around the corner. It’s shaping up to be another great week!
By Alejandro Martello – Villa Maria Lodge Fishing Manager
