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 represents, 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.
The Fish
The fishing at Futa lodge is largely based on the Futaleufu River, which flows right by the lodge’s front door. In addition there are some smaller rivers close by that are fished and some local lakes. For those wishing to diversify further we work closely with an outfit on the Argentine side of the border who can arrange excellent dry-fly and nymph fishing on a host of rivers near to Esquel. The Browns and Rainbows of the Futaleufu River and the catchment area as a whole were stocked from European and American stock in the early 19th Century. The fish on the Futaleufu River in particular have gone on to establish an extremely healthy population that is the envy of wild trout fisheries the world over.
Seasonal expeditions from Futaleufu will also encompass some of the further flung lakes and coastal fishing areas. A large number of Chilean rivers play host to anadromous fish as well which every year grow in numbers as the fish themselves develop wild strains from the original escapee stock that first ran these rivers. Principal species encountered are Chinook and Silver Salmon with a few sea-run browns and rainbows.
Fishing Methods
A lot of the fishing at Futa Lodge is taken on float trips from the lodge and your guide will position you in productive areas of the drift or alternatively stop you on the shore so you can get out and wade. All methods will have their moment and you may find yourself searching the shoreline for browns with a big streamer one minute only to be fishing for selective rainbows on the surface the next. Water levels can change from week to week and the water generally drops as the season progresses.
Vary your presentation markedly in each area fished until you and your guide find the formula that works best there. Pay close attention to the advice of your guide, whose primary aim is to recommend the methods that will help you hook and bring your fish to the net.
Affiliation(s):
Futa Lodge
Av. Figueroa Alcorta 3351
Piso 2, Oficina 228
CP 1425 Buenos Aires
Argentina
Tel: +1 877 260 4332
(Toll free for USA)
Fax: + 5411 4807 2911
