Futa Lodge - Classic Western Fly Fishing in the Futaleufu Valley of Chile
MADISON RIVER VALLEY ~ YELLOWSTONE RIVER VALLEY ~ GALLATIN RIVER VALLEY ~ BOZEMAN ~ ENNIS ~ LIVINGSTON ~ BIG SKY ~ GARDINER
406-522-9854
Montana Angler Fly Fishing, 76 Lucille Lane, Bozeman MT 59718
Across the border from Esquel, Argentina, and
deep into the Coyhue Forest of the Tenth
Region of Chile, flows the azure-depth of the
Futaleufu River. A world away from the hustle
and bustle that even sleepy Esquel, Argentina
represents, the "Big River" (Futaleufu's
translation from the native Tehuelche tongue)
rolls along amid some of the most unspoiled
mountain scenery on the planet. This giant
river grows healthy stocks of Rainbow and
Brown trout that are fed by abundant hatches
of mayflies, 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 dry
fly fishing on the Futaleufu can be some of the
best in the world and the lodge is located
directly on the river's best water. Expeditions
from the lodge will allow anglers to enjoy wade
fishing trips on smaller tributaries as well as
floats on waters near the coastal region for
andramadous runs of salmon and trout.
Accommodations at the ranch house and two
cabins provide rustic luxury for up to 6
anglers. Dining at the lodge offers
meticulously prepared cuisine by a skilled
chef. The beauty of the Futaleufu valley is
unsurpassed and has often been described as
stepping back in time to Montana 75 years
ago.
Dining
A well trained chef and his dinner staff prepare outstanding gourmet cuisine with an emphasis on local meats and produce. A
traditional Lamb asadios (barbeque) will be enjoyed on one of the evenings with attendance of a local dance troop that will
demonstrate the Cueca (national Chilean dance).
Fishing Program
The fishing at Futa lodge is largely based on the Futaleufu River (which flows right by the front door of the lodge) and its
smaller tributaries and even some local lakes. For those wishing to diversify further the lodge also works closely with an
outfitter 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 fly fishing is primarily for wild strains of rainbow and brown trout and the fishing resembles Montana in its style
and diversity (although with very few competing anglers). 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. The dry fly fishing on the Futaleufu and other rivers can be spectacular on a plethora of hatches and on
terrestrials. A larger number of 14-17" trout readily accept foam patterns such as a chernobyl ant with larger fish frequently
caught and landed. Streamer fishing for the trophy sized trout that inhabit the main river can be outstanding. Anglers seeking
diversity can fish different waters on every day of the trip.
o At Futa Lodge the fishing is primarily for Brown and Rainbow Trout, with dry and wet flies.
o Other species occasionally encountered in the Futaleufu and Espolon Rivers include Chinook, Silvers, Atlantic Salmon,
Sea-Run Brown Trout, and Steelhead.
o Futa Lodge maintains easy access to some of the prime water on the Futaleufu River-directly in front of the lodge!
o Superb dry-fly and streamer fishing both wading and in drift-boats
o Fly tackle: Dry flies (9 ft., 4-7wt.), wet flies (9-10ft.,5-8wt.), and streamers are all used on floating lines with sink/quick sink
tips. 8-12ft. leaders tapered down to 2lb. tippets (dry flies) and 6 lb. tippets (streamers). down to 6 lbs. for streamers.
o Flies: Dry flies would be all Mayfly Patterns, from size 12-20. Also bring spent patterns in similar sizes. Nymphs and Scuds
in sizes 10-18 (weighted and un-weighted) and Streamers, Sculpins and Wooly Buggers in sizes 6-12.
o Fishing Schedule: varies seasonally, but plan on 8 am breakfast, lunch on the shore, and continued fishing until evening.
o Futaleufu is strictly a catch and release fishery.
Location
o Futa Lodge is situated in the Valle de Las Escalas on the Futaleufu River, in the Tenth Region of Chile.
o How to get there from Argentina: Weekly flights from Buenos Aires arrive in Esquel. From Esquel you will be transferred by
one of our lodge representatives to Futa Lodge.
o How to get there from Chile: From Santiago you may either take a direct flight to Chaiten, or fly to Puerto Montt . In Chaiten
you will be met by a lodge representative and driven to Futa Lodge.
o How to get there from Puerto Montt: Charter flights from Puerto Montt to the Futaleufu Airport will be met by a lodge
representative. From here you will be driven to the lodge.
Rates
Weekly Rate: $ 4,900 per person (season is January 15th - April 15th)
*Based on double occupancy and shared guide.
Included:
Lodging, Meals, all wines, beer, and local spirits at the Lodge, Professional guide services, Fishing License
Not included:
Transfer from Esquel, Gratuities for guides and house staff, Airfares, Laundry service
Payment Terms:
*A deposit of 50% confirms a reservation. Deposits are non-refundable, unless client replacement is found. Final payment is
due 60 days prior to departure. At this point, participants are responsible for total land costs and no refunds will be made for
unused land transportation, accommodations, or included meals.
*Non-fisher rates: 40% off depending on availability
Accommodations
The lodge´s inaccessibility through the Valle de las Escalas makes this part of the river unique
in its preservation of alpine beauty. Lazy horseback trails wind down to the river´ s edge
amongst Lupins and other wild flowers. Futa Lodge stands sentinel on the river bank wishing
you well on your daily fishing foray, its lights twinkling a greeting in the evening as you return
from the river. The lodge can host up to 8 guests (6 anglers and 2 non-anglers). There are two
cottages, one next to the main lodge and one right on the edge of the river. The main lodge
consists of a cozy living room with a fire place and two more double bed-rooms.
~ Capacity: 6 anglers and 2 non-anglers; 8 guests total
~ Professional English speaking guides qualified in casting instruction-all of whom are trained
in first aid and C.P.R.
~ Swivel-ended frames, fore and aft, and 4WD crew cab vehicles.
~ All inclusive bar, featuring local spirits.
~ Wonderful wine selection served with our Gourmet cuisine.
dance). This special evening has been a long standing tradition at the Lodge.
~ Maid and laundry service
~ 24 hour internet service