Fishermen are often surprised that a region with no native salmonid species could evolve into one of the greatest trout and salmon destinations in the world. This is the case of the Chilean Patagonia. Countless rivers and lakes along the southern portion of Chile’s 6435 km of coastline provide ideal habitat for flourishing trout and salmon populationswhich were originally introduced.

In fact, while populations of chinook salmon are in decline throughout much of North America, they are flourishing and expanding throughout the Chilean Patagonia. For years Chilean fishermen and guides have fished for chinooks almost exclusively with spinning gear. However, in recent years as new fly gear and techniques have been introduced, they have begun to recognize the potential of many Chilean rivers for great fly fishing for chinooks as well.

In any case, if fishermen have discovered Chile as a world class sport fishing destination, it is primarily due to the incredible trout fishing in many of its rivers. Abundant rainbows and or browns on large dry flies have become the hallmark of Chile as a world class fly fishing destination.

Below is a selection of some of a few of our favorite fly fishing destinations in Chile.