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Fish the Rivers of the Chilean Fjords

NEWS: Rare opportunity to be there first! Rios Azules is running several exploratory trips in November and December to new rivers with special reduced rates. Click here for details.

In 1993, John Eustice took a busman's holiday with the Dufflocqs. Cristian, Marcelo, and their father Adrian had hired a large yacht, and set out to explore the uninhabited fjords of Southern Chile. We have been raving about the fantastic fishing and incredible scenery ever since. Needless to say, it is one of John's favorite fishing memories ever. Our friend Jim Van Loan persuaded the Dufflocqs to replicate that trip for him and 3 friends. They loved the rivers of the fjords as much as John did.

Our overwhelming enthusiasm for the fishing and stunning beauty of the area prompted the Dufflocqs to buy a luxurious 2 double stateroom 53' Hattaras motor yacht, and staff it with a gifted chef and excellent crew. Choice wines compliment the meals. Fish and eco-tour these beautiful fjords in sublime comfort. Boat Layout

A Sample Itinerary

Saturday

Saturday mornings guests fly from Santiago to Balmaceda on the LA 273 flight departing Santiago 12.50 PM  or, as a second option , LA 271 departing Santiago 10:00 AM allowing plenty of time to connect to the international arrival flights.  On arrival at Balmaceda Airport, guests are met by Rios Azules staff and driven to Puerto Chacabuco, a 2 hour transfer on paved roads. On arrival in Puerto Chacabuco, you will check into the Loberias del Sur Hotel, where you will spend the night — a charming hotel with English speaking staff.

Sunday

After breakfast, guests will transfer to the motor yacht which will serve as their floating lodge for the next six days and meet your host, guides and crew. While the yacht navigates towards our first fishing destination, we will discuss the maps showing the different rivers and fjords we will visit during the week. The head guide and host will describe to you the different fishing situations you shall encounter. After getting organized in their staterooms, we will enjoy lunch. As we approach our first river, we get our gear ready for an evening's session of great fishing. After fishing, we return to the boat for showers drinks and dinner. After the day's fishing and Pisco Sours (a typical Chilean drink), you will be invited by the Captain to join him for a delicious dinner while we hear fresh fishing stories and the next day's plans.

Monday-Friday

An early breakfast while the boat navigates through the fjord to the mouth of the river. Upon arrival, Zodiacs will take us to shore in less than five minutes. The guides are in contact with the boat by radio in case we need some assistance (or to bring us the reel or camera we forgot on the boat.) Once on the river, a short walk upstream to choose our first pool or run and we begin our fishing adventure. For the more adventuresome explorers a hike further up the valley is an attractive option.

The fish are usually powerful and big, the average size being around four pounds which is very good for Rainbow or Brown Trout. Fish over ten pounds have been taken on every trip. Larger fish of 12lbs, 15lbs, 20lbs and a record Brown of 26lbs have been landed and many larger have been broken off. If you want to catch one of the largest fish of your life in a wonderful setting, this is the place.

The surroundings are magnificent, tall mountains covered with temperate rain forest almost to the snow line. The area we are fishing has no access by road and is one of the most scenic places in Chile; absolutely virgin waters and forests, truly a unique setting.

In general, a day's fishing goes as follows: After an early breakfast, the Zodiacs will take us to shore, we will fish until around 2:00pm, then we either go back to the boat for lunch and a "siesta" or have a stream side lunch arranged by the boat's great cook so we can continue fishing until day's end when we return to the boat for a hot shower, cocktails and a delicious dinner.

All the fishing is done by walking and wading. The zodiacs are just there for transport. During the week, you will have 4 or 5 fjords to fish, each with one or more rivers flowing into it. Some of the rivers are quite long, and you can walk upstream quite a distance. We will move the boat as required by conditions. If the rivers are fishing well, we stay longer. Flexibility is the name of the game when you can move your “lodge.”

Saturday

The boat will return to the home port of Puerto Chacabuco for noon. Guests will disembark and be driven to Balmaceda in time to connect to an afternoon flight to Santiago or Puerto Montt.  

Below is a short video sample of fishing the Rivers of the Chilean Fjords. Please be patient while it loads.This movie requires a Flash Player.

2008-2009 season rate:

$6,400.00 per person. Minimum of 2 anglers, maximum of 4 anglers. 3 anglers pay as a group of 4. Sunday - Saturday.

Includes: Six nights and 5½ days navigating aboard the Rio Azul motor yacht, accommodation in double staterooms with private bath, all meals, selected Chilean wines, cocktails, Crew, one professional fishing guide for every two anglers, use of boats as required by outdoor activities, fishing licenses, fuel.

Not Included: Air fares, hotels prior to and after itinerary, transfers to/from Balmaceda to base port, use of fishing equipment, flies, gratuities, and items of a personal nature such as telephone or laundry.

Transfers between Balmaceda and the base port of Puerto Chacabuco: $350 per person with one night (Saturday) in Puerto Chacabuco. This transfer includes the one night at Loberias del Sur hotel (double room with breakfast.) It does not include meals, drinks, phone calls, etc.