PATAGONIA HOSTED TRIP RECAP 2024

INTRODUCTION

Our first Chilean hosted trip to Vista Patagonia is in the books. Here is a quick recap of our week to give you an idea what it’s like to travel and fish in Patagonia.

We all have those places that we love to travel and make it a routine to regularly go back. For us, one of those places is Vista Patagonia Lodge. The staff, scenery, and fishing is exactly what folks who love to trout fish dream of. We are already getting our group lined up for 2025, reach out if you are interested. It will be here before we know it.

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

“I dreamed about going to Patagonia for over 20 years. This trip far exceeded my wildest expectations with diversity in fishing experiences, amazing food, hospitality, and a truly unique adventure throughout the week. I left feeling like family, and I could not have imagined a better group to join for this. Thank you to the team at Vista Patagonia and the Fly Box family for memories that will last a lifetime.” - Chris W.

“The hospitality was warm and inviting, the accommodations are comfortable and impeccably clean, the food is excellent. The fishing was absolutely awesome. Without a doubt the best destination fishing experience I have ever had. All thanks to Diego, his lovely family, and the dedicated staff of Vista Patagonia Lodge. Thanks for an amazing adventure.” - Steve F.

“A once in a lifetime trip to probably the most beautiful place we’ve ever seen. Great food, great views, and better people. As people who are relatively new to fly fishing, the guides were incredibly kind and happy to teach us. By the end of the week, both of us were significantly better than when we arrived.” - Tyler & Ginny

FISHING EXPERIENCE

The next six days of fishing was a perfect mix of lakes, both large and small, spring creeks, and larger rivers. Utilizing rafts allows the Vista crew more mobility to make their own “put -ins and take-outs” to fish sections of the rivers and lakes that most other guides do not.

Casting larger terrestrials with 1-2X leaders and tippet was a welcome change from the 6-7X we are used to here on the tailwaters of East TN. Although the fish are eager and willing to eat, this is not shooting fish in a barrel. Casting accuracy and distance in wind is a must. Get those two things right and the rewards are awesome. The Rainbows and Browns in the region are absolutely beautiful. Average size is 17-22” with several caught through the week in the 24” range, and even a couple nearing the 30” range. Unlike the first time Chelsia and I visited, the water levels were perfect for the rivers and spring creeks. It’s amazing what just a month difference provided for our group this year.

EQUIPMENT & GEAR

Fishing that region of Patagonia you are going to experience a range of conditions; one constant is wind. It will vary from light gusts to sustained “stiff” winds. We mostly fished 6WT rods paired with the correct lines that allowed us to punch large flies through the wind with accuracy. We fished a lot with larger “bugger” streamers appropriately named “Chile Buggers” and streamers like Dungeons. We also fished 7WT rods with SA I, S3, S5 sinking line which worked flawlessly. I can’t recommend the Red Truck 7WT Diesel enough for this application - a sub $500 rod that I guarantee will perform alongside any $1000 rod. My 6WT rod choices are Winston’s Air2 6WT and the Scott Centric 6WT both paired with either SA Infinity or SA MPX.

TRAVEL

My travel began at the Tri-Cities regional airport connecting to Atlanta. From there I flew overnight to Santiago, Chile. We had a tour bus pick up our group at the airport after clearing customs and getting our bags. From the airport we took a 30 minute ride to downtown Santiago and checked into our hotel. After some much needed rest we struck out and walked around the area enjoying the local shops and restaurants. Dinner that night was at a local Peruvian restaurant. Great wine, food, and conversations about the week of fishing ahead filled the restaurant. The next morning we took the van back to the airport and flew domestically a couple hours south to Balmaceda in the heart of Chilean Patagonia.

LOCATION

Vista Patagonia’s staff was there to greet us and get us to the lodge just outside of Coyhaique, a short 45 minute ride with amazing views of mountains. One guest put it perfectly, “This is Montana on steroids!” I couldn’t agree more.

WEATHER

Unlike our first visit to that area the year before, the weather was great! The weather during the week was ideal. Temps in the morning around 50-60 and highs in the upper 70’s was the norm. The wind in that part of the world is just a fact of life. You will deal with wind, so we encourage our guests to practice casting in wind at home to get “tuned up.“ Rain is always a variable and it did rain a couple times during the afternoons. Good rain gear that allows movement while casting and breathes well is an absolute necessity.

GUIDES & SERVICE

Diego and his staff are exemplary hosts, southern hospitality is definitely alive and well in South America. Their level of professionalism is unmatched in my experience. His guides work all day to ensure you have a safe, fun, and educational experience. I have said it many times, you feel like you are fishing with friends and family you’ve known your whole life.

CHILEAN CULTURE

Chile is a must visit country, the people are friendly and experiencing Chilean culture is amazing. Chilean people have a pride in their country and food that is infectious. It was evident that our guests enjoyed the culture and traditions of Patagonia.

LESSONS LEARNED

Each visit has taught me that as much as I love catching fish, I need to allow myself time to enjoy the sights and beauty of the areas I am in. I encouraged our guests to “look up and around” each day. Most of the discussions with how good the fishing was that day centered around the beauty and ruggedness of Patagonia. From a fishing perspective, I learned once again to push myself to perfect my casting in ALL conditions good and bad.

CONCLUSIONS

I can’t express enough how much you need to experience this part of the world for all the obvious reasons. This truly is a “bucket list” trip. Although costly, it is worth every penny. I cannot thank Diego and his staff at Vista enough for making this a perfect experience for my guests. His hard work and dedication to being the best shows. Thank you, Diego.

If you would like information, or just to discuss going on a trip to Patagonia please reach out to me directly. Consider joining us in 2025, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

- Jonathan Neyman