Mid March 2006 -  Fly fish Patagonia (supplied 25th March 2006 by Paul Overton)

Julia and I have just fished the Futaleufu River out of Futa Lodge in the Valle de las Escalas, Chile. This vast long, deep and fast flowing river was higher than usual, but the day we arrived it had begun to recede. The dry fly fishing to sighted fish was superb with crystal clear water full of rainbow and brown trout feeding on mayflies, caddis and terrestrials. These fish took Royal Wulffs, Adams, Paraduns, local Hopper and local Bee patterns.

Most fish caught were 14 to 16 inches and several up to 20 inches - the locals referred to these as 'big fish'. The rainbows were silver in colour, some with an emerald tinge on their backs. Fishing was either by drift boat or shore wading.

We also fished the Rio Chico which is a tributary of the Futaleufu River. It is a small mountain stream, difficult to access on foot with the river being full of boulders and fast running water. There were a few small pools but our guide advised us to fish the fast flowing pocket water. We had success with small Paraduns and Adams with the fish size being 0.5 - 1 lb. — great fun with a two weight rod.

Patagonia, for Australians, is a destination adventure to get to and an amazing flyfishing experience in some of the most breathtaking scenery one could imagine. An experience every angler should aim to achieve.

The lodge where Paul and Julia stayed was Futa Lodge in Patagonia, Chile.  For more detail, go to www.futalodge.com, No doubt, Paul can answer your questions when you meet him at Society functions.