Fly fish over 60 miles of waters on the Chile-Argentina border. This 445,000-acre private ranch boasts an incredible variety of waters, ensuring a new adventure every day!

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LODGING

Double Guest Rooms

SPECIES

Primarily Brown Trout, Some Rainbow Trout

SEASON

December – March

RECOMMENDED FOR…

Families, Small Groups, Adventure-Seekers, Couples

EQUIPMENT

Bring Your Own Gear

Estancia de los Rios offers an extraordinary fishing adventure set in Patagonia. This private ranch invites anglers to step back in time, where the way of life is rooted in nature, and time seems to slow down. The streams are fed by cool springs from the Andean snow, creating pristine waters that are rich with nymphs, crayfish, and minnows, making them an ideal habitat for wild brown trout. These beautiful fish, descendants of those introduced from Scotland over a century ago, thrive in great numbers across the streams and rivers of Patagonia. Their vivid, painter-like colors and strong, wild fighting spirit are just a few of the qualities that make the trout here such a prized catch.

At Estancia de los Rios, anglers will experience unparalleled fishing opportunities. The lodge is located just 100 yards from the main river, offering convenient access to an incredible diversity of waters. From streams to spring creeks, each waterway provides a unique fishing experience, whether you’re targeting trout on a dry fly or working the deeper runs with streamers and nymphs. The remoteness of the area means you’ll often fish miles of water without seeing another soul, surrounded by the dramatic beauty of Patagonia’s landscape.

In addition to world-class fishing, the estancia offers a variety of other activities for guests to enjoy, including horseback riding, scenic float trips, hiking, birdwatching, and guided tours. Whether you’re casting for wild trout or exploring the vast expanse of the ranch, Estancia de los Rios provides a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for anglers and non-anglers alike!

Nestled on a remote ranch just 300 yards from the river, Estancia de los Ríos lodge offers an exceptional blend of comfort and rugged beauty in the heart of Chilean Patagonia. This expansive, single-story log house features six spacious double guest rooms, each with a private bathroom and stunning mountain views. Whether relaxing in the cozy living and dining rooms, swapping stories in the large mudroom, or enjoying the fresh air on the outdoor terraces, guests are treated to a warm, inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the wilderness beyond.

Adjacent to the main lodge, the “Quincho” adds a touch of authentic Patagonian culture, where a traditional barbecue is prepared weekly, giving guests a true taste of the region’s culinary heritage.

With just 12 guests hosted per week, Estancia de los Ríos ensures a personalized and exclusive experience. The lodge is situated within a vast, 445,000-acre private ranch, offering guests unparalleled seclusion and access to over 60 miles of rivers, spring creeks, and mountain lakes. The remote setting near the Argentine border also provides opportunities to extend your adventure by combining stays at fly fishing lodges in Argentina.

Whether you’re traveling with family or a small group, Estancia de los Ríos is the ideal destination for those seeking unforgettable moments in one of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes on Earth.

At Estancia de los Rios, anglers can look forward to an exceptional fly fishing experience in Patagonia’s pristine, remote waters. The lodge’s vast private ranch offers an incredible diversity of rivers and spring creeks, allowing for a true angler’s paradise where solitude defines fishing program. Brown trout are the primary quarry here, and the fishery boasts a healthy population of these wild trout, with sizes ranging from 2 to 5 pounds. The action is constant, and the opportunity for dry fly fishing is unparalleled!

One of the standout features of Estancia de los Rios is the sheer variety of waters available. Guests will fish different stretches of river each day, often with no other anglers in sight. With exclusive access to private waters, anglers will cover miles of river and creeks, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia. The diversity of fishing environments—from broad river pools to intimate spring creeks—provides a range of challenges and rewards. Spring creeks, in particular, offer the chance for careful observation and sight fishing, where patience and precision are key to hooking large, elusive trout.

The abundance of hatches throughout the day provides constant action, with dry flies being a major focus. The excitement peaks during the afternoon hatch on the main river, when the water comes alive with fish feeding on the surface. This is a prime time for targeting large brown trout as they rise to take advantage of the plentiful insect life. The reward of landing a trophy fish on a dry fly is one of the most thrilling aspects of the experience at Estancia de los Rios.

Each day is rounded out by the camaraderie back at the lodge, where anglers gather for cocktails and share the day’s adventures over dinner, all while enjoying fine Chilean wines. Whether it’s your first time in Patagonia or you’re returning for another adventure, Estancia de los Rios offers an unforgettable fly fishing experience in one of the world’s most scenic and remote locations.

Getting to Estancia de los Rios is an adventure in itself, as guests will travel through some of the most scenic landscapes in Chile. The journey begins in Santiago, Chile, where you’ll board a flight to Balmaceda. Depending on your flight selection, this is either a direct 2-hour and 20-minute flight or a slightly longer option with a 30-minute stopover in Puerto Montt, totaling about 2 hours and 50 minutes. Guests should book their flights to arrive in Balmaceda no earlier than 1:00 PM, ensuring a smooth transition to the lodge.

Upon arrival in Balmaceda, a representative from the lodge will meet you outside the baggage claim area and assist with your luggage before embarking on a 4.5-hour drive to the lodge. This journey along the Austral Road offers a chance to take in the breathtaking beauty of Patagonia, with views of traditional villages, rolling Andean valleys, and glimpses into the daily life of the local people. The drive itself is a highlight, giving travelers their first taste of the rugged, untouched landscapes that define this region.

Guests will arrive at Estancia de los Rios in the early evening, where the warm hospitality of the lodge staff awaits. After settling in and preparing your gear with the help of your guide, you’ll be greeted with a traditional welcome toast of “Pisco Sours,” a classic Chilean drink. Dinner will follow, paired with some of the finest Chilean wines, and the head guide will outline the fishing plans for the coming days, preparing you for the exciting adventure that lies ahead.

For your departure from Estancia de los Rios, the lodge ensures a smooth and comfortable journey back to Balmaceda airport. On Saturday morning, after enjoying breakfast, a lodge vehicle will transport you on the 4.5-hour scenic drive back to Coyhaique airport (Balmaceda). You will arrive at the airport in plenty of time for your flight to Santiago, where you can connect to your flight home, bringing your Patagonian adventure to a close.

Rods

  • 4wt preferably medium action # 7 1⁄2 to 8 1/2 Ft.
  • 5wt preferably medium to faster action # 8 1/2 to 9 Ft.
  • 6wt preferably medium to faster action # 8 1/2 to 9 Ft.

Lines

  • 4wt WF floating line for Dry fly fishing and Nymphing in small streams.
  • 5wt WF floating line for Nymph and Dry fly fishing in river.
  • 6wt WF floating line for dry fly fishing in bigger water. One sinking line
    around 250 grain for the same weight.

Leaders

  • (2) 9 ft 0x
  • (3) 9 ft 2x
  • (4) 9 ft 3x
  • (4) 10 ft 4x
  • (4) 10 ft 5x
  • Tippet Material 0x – 2x – 3x – 4x – 5x one spool each. Monofilament works better than fluorocarbon for small dry flies.

Wading

  • Gore-Tex® type breathable waders are the best option. Check for leaks before traveling.
  • Wading shoes: No used or dirty felt soles or any type of cleats please!
  • Wading Staffs are very useful.

Suggested Flies

The lodge can provide 3 dozen flies for $130. Please let us know in advance if you want this option, and be sure to bring two empty fly boxes.

Size and type of flies to use each day is strongly dependent on weather conditions. Quantity is noted in parenthesis (x).

Dry Flies

  • (4) Parachute Adams 12 – 14
  • (4) Purple Haze 12 – 1
  • (4) Madam X 12 – 1
  • (4) Goddard Caddis 10 – 1
  • (4) Royal Wulff 12 – 1
  • (4) Tarantula 8 – 10

Emergers

  • (4) Captive Dunn 16
  • (4) CDC Transitional Dunn 16
  • (4) CDC Adult Caddis Gray 16
  • (4) CDC Comparadun Mahogany 16

Terrestrials

  • (8) Chernobyl Ant 8 – 10
  • (8) Stimulator 8 – 10
  • (8) Black Ant 12 – 14
  • (8) Parachute Hopper 8 – 10
  • (8) Fat Albert 8 – 10
  • (8) Beetles 8 – 10
  • (2) Damsel or Dragon flies 4 – 8
  • (6) PMX 10 – 12

Nymphs

  • (6) Pheasant tail bead head 12 – 14
  • (6) Prince bead head 12 – 14
  • (6) Copper John 14 – 16
  • (6) Hares Ear 14 – 16
  • (6) Stone fly 10 – 12

Streamers

Streamer colors, choose from: cooper, white, green, brown, orange, and black with some sparkle material on it.

  • (4) Muddler Minow light weighted 4 – 6
  • (4) Leech 4 – 6
  • (4) Zonker 4 – 6
  • (10) Rubber Legs (black body white legs) 8 – 10
  • (2) Sex Dungeon type 4 x 2 (Optional: only if you want to try articulated streamers.)

Other Suggested Gear:

  • Wide brimmed hat, polarized glasses, sunscreen, dry fly floatant,
    crystal powder for small flies, “Fly Agra” type fly cleaner, pliers or forceps for barb crimping, clippers, backpack or day pack, water bottle, small dry bag for boat, buff.
  • Clothing: Neutral colors like tan and green provide the best camouflage. Bright colors can spook fish. It’s usually windy in Patagonia, so you might get the four seasons in one day. A rain jacket it’s a must to have in your daily pack. Patagonia’s unpredictable weather requires anglers to be prepared with the right clothing strategy. The “layering system” is
    recommended to adapt to changing weather conditions. The idea is to trap heated air between layers of insulation to keep warm. Here are some clothing recommendations:

    • Base Layer: Synthetic fabric or “Smartwool” type is recommended for thermal upper and lower underwear as it retains little moisture and “wicks” moisture away from the skin. Never use cotton as base layer as it absorbs moisture.
    • Thermal Layer: The insulation level should match the weather conditions. Lightweight insulation for cool weather, mid-weight for colder conditions, and heavy weight for frigid
      days.
    • Outer Shell: A breathable rain jacket and waders are recommended for the final layer. High-quality Gore-Tex® rain jackets are the best. Bring enough socks to alternate on a daily basis. Wool, polypro, or a combination of both are the best materials. Fingerless gloves made of synthetic or wool material are recommended. A small daypack, Dry boat bag, and fishing hat with a good size brim are also suggested.
  • Shorts
  • Short sleeved shirts
  • Long sleeved shirt, light and flannel or wool
  • Sandals or wet wading shoes
  • Long pants, light and regular
  • Upper and lower underwear, Smartwool or similar, as Base layer
  • Down sweater or fleece (as a thermal layer)
  • Down Jacket (as a thermal layer in colder weather)
  • Breathable rain jacket with hood (as outer shell)
  • Warm hat with ear flaps or wool beanie
  • Wool socks (Smartwool or similar)
  • Sneakers, Hiking shoes
  • Sun Gloves
  • Flashlight
  • Comfortable gloves for horse riding

TRIP INCLUDES

  • 7 nights Lodging in double room with private bathroom
  • Daily guided fishing according to program
  • All meals: Lunch and dinner accompanied by select Chilean
    wines beer and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Pisco Sour cocktails.
  • All transfers to / from lodge and fishing locations.
  • One guide for two anglers or for every four non-fishing guests.
  • Use of vehicles, boats or horses required by program.
  • Airport to lodge transfers scheduled from 13:30 to 16:30 (*)
  • Lodge to Airport transfers scheduled from 8:00 to 10:00 (*)
  • Electricity & Lodge services from 7:00 am to Midnight.
  • Lodge Check In: 13:00; Check out: 10:00

DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • Air travel, hotel and transfers prior or after lodge itinerary.
  • Hard liquor.
  • Fishing gear, fies. Rod & Reel sets available for rent
  • Selection of flies available at the lodge, 3 dozen for $130.
  • Gratuities.
  • Laundry is available for a nominal fee.

2025 Season

Shared Room, Shared Guide $6,850 per guest

Single Room, Shared Guide $8,000 per guest

Single Room, Single Guide $9,000 per guest

ADVENTURE AWAITS

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