FUTA LODGE
The Futaleufu River is renowned for its whitewater stretches that attract kayakers and rafting thrill-seekers from around the globe. But what about the placid side of this monster? Futa lodge is located on a gentler section of river, where trout wait patiently looking for wayward flies. Here, anglers find eddies holding large cruising trout that can be targeted with nymphs, drys, and streamers.
This year, the upstream dam on the Argentinean side of the river has kept water levels low, giving fishermen an advantage. Long runs of knee-deep water are loaded with trout looking for their next meal. And we can leave the rafts aside, wading these areas that are typically too fast and deep to fish on foot. In the deeper holes, guests have found several 20+ inch trout. Terrestrial season is also in full effect, which makes for some fun dry-fly fishing. Caddis and stoneflies in the evenings continue to produce, too. And the hatches have been unbelievably thick—like something out of a movie!
CHIME LODGE
Fly fishing report January 2015.
This January the fishing was excellent. Rivers are low and for now we’re fishing with floating lines on 3-, 4-, and 5-weight rods. In the early mornings and evening hours the Parachute Adams and small caddis imitations for rainbows and browns averaging 17 to 20 inches. There are some surprise 22- to 24-inch fish, as well. At midday we use attractor flies such as PMXs, Fat Alberts, Chernobyls, and hoppers. The upper Chimehuin River is gin clear and continues to produce small trout (between 10 and 14 inches) and some rainbows up to 17 inches and browns about 20 to 22 inches..
The lower Chimehuin River holds a mix of everything and has been fishing great Collon Cura River: the best fishing has been with small streamers. It’s possible to catch browns and rainbows around 17 to 20 inches. Malleo River: Best for expert anglers. We went with Andrei (a guest from Estonia) and he caught one big brown trout around 26 inches! Very difficult to catch!
Alumine River: Water is currently very low. We used nymphs and dry-droppers. Good rainbows up to 17 inches.
In general the weather was great, very hot days. Likewise, the best fishing is early in the morning and late in the evening.
