Snap, plunk. The fly hits the stream glittering in the summer sun. Cold waters flow around the legs of the fisher meditating on the rod, awaiting that slight tug. Soon a brown or rainbow trout, perhaps a salmon will be hooked, its body bending in mid-air, droplets falling back to the river. These truch fario (brown trout) and arco iris (rainbow trout) weigh up to 20 kilograms (9 pounds). Such a sport is open to novices and pros alike. The best places to cast a line are Seis Lagunas and Lago Paloma; Lagos Frío, Pollux and Castor (southeast of Coyhaique); Lago Atravesado (west of the city); and Lago Elizalde (southwest). Río Simpson and Río Aysén are also choice spots.

Location:
Coyhaique, Chile

Other Activity

Getting There
To get out to any of the lakes, you need your own vehicle (or rent one). A number of agencies in town arrange fishing tours, like Expediciones Coyhaique Fly Fishing (Portales 195, Tel.: 23-2300, E-mail: german@coyhaiqueflyfishing.com, URL: www.coyhaiquefl

Travel Tips: Some say Seis Lagunas is the most rewarding place to fish.

In Chile, catch and release is practiced.

Relative price: Budget

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: You need to pick up a fishing license, which costs $30 for the season, at Suray (Prat 265-269, Tel.: 23-4088).

Visit the Museo Regional or take a walk to one of the several viewpoints (miradores) and monuments around town. Hike, trek, birdwatch or mountain climb in Reserva Nacional Coyhaique, Reserva Nacional Río Simpson or Monumento Natural Dos Lagunas. In winter go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, or get in a day of skiing at Centro de Ski el Fraile. Raft or kayak the Simpson and Paloma Rivers.

Currencies accepted
Chilean Peso

By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began traipsing throughout...

Created: 02 Jul 2009

Updated: 06 Jul 2009

4 & 5** Custom & Scheduled Tours by www.SouthAmerica.travel Create your own travel itinerary with our custom Travel Planner, or choose from one of our 100s of carefully designed itineraries. Special escorted departures. SouthAmerica.travel