This document provides information about fly fishing in Coyhaique, Chilean Patagonia. It discusses Coyhaique's location, weather, amenities, and hospitals. It outlines a typical 6-step fishing day, including discussing preferences with an outfitter, gear selection with a guide, fishing, lunch by the river, more fishing, and an evening social hour. Numerous photos showcase the region's rivers, lakes, and common fish species like trout. Contact information is provided for Dean Pierose, an experienced fly fisher with a home in Coyhaique.

1. Chilean Part 2
Patagonia The Fishing

2. Coyhaique
(koy – high’ – kee)
Region XI
Fly Fishing Capital
of
Chilean Patagonia

8. Coyhaique Information
 Coyhaique from:
 Idaho – 7,500 mi.
 Santiago – 1,025 mi.
 Puerto Montt - 383 mi.
 Cochrane - 214 mi.
 Punta Arenas – 406 mi.
 Travel Time from Idaho – Approx. 24 hours;
 Local Time – Eastern Standard Time;
 Weather – Located on 45th Parallel South; Very
similar to Portland, Ore. – 45th Parallel North.
(6 months later)

9. Coyhaique Information
Elevation – 900 ft;
Population – 55,000;
 Airport – Coyhaique/Balmaceda (BBA);
– 35 miles south of Coyhaique;
Health Care – Coyhaique Regional Hospital;
Restaurants - A Few Very Good Ones;
Shopping - Many retail shops and markets;
Internet Access - Yes.
Coyhaique is a Very Safe and Clean City.

10. IDAHO 12,325 kms

11. The Fish

12. Trout in Patagonia
First trout were introduced in 1904;
Brook trout, lake trout, landlocked salmon
Roe came from United States
Serious plantings were made in 1905;
Browns and Rainbows
Roe came from Germany
Many farmed salmon entered the river
systems during floods in 1994 - 5;
Experimental steelhead programs are
now underway in some areas.

13. Very few trout have
been planted in Chile
since 1933.
75 Years Ago!

14. Browns - 75 % of Chile’s Trout
(Trucha Farios)

15. Rainbows - 25 % of Chile’s Trout
(Trucha Arcoiris)

27. The
Fishermen

37. The
Fishing Day
(6 Steps)

38. Step 1, Talk to your outfitter each day
about your fishing preferences for the
next day…..
 Quantity or Quality (Numbers of fish or Size
of fish – or Both)
 Lakes and Lagunas, or Moving Waters?
 Streams, Rivers, or Spring Creeks?
 Walk and wade, or Drift?
 Dry flies, Nymphs, or Streamers?
You will be given several options…
Pick One (or two).

39. Some Optional Rivers
Rios……
Simpson Nireguao
Manihaules Norte
Aisen Schein
Huemules Kitra
Blanco Emperador Guillermo
Coyhaique Cochrane
Riesco Norte
…and many more.
PLUS – many lake outflows and
connectors.

40. Rio Manihuales

41. Rio Huemules

42. Rio Nireguao

43. Rio Baker

44. Rio Baker

45. Rio Baker – Rio Nef

46. Upper Rio Simpson

47. Upper Rio Simpson

48. Upper Rio Simpson

49. Rio NoTellum

50. Rio NoTellum

51. Middle Rio Simpson - Canyon

52. Middle Rio Simpson

53. Lower Rio Simpson

54. Lower Rio Simpson

55. Lower Rio Simpson

56. Rio Coyhaique

57. Upper Rio Emperador Guillermo

58. The Falls at Rio Emperador Guillermo

59. Upper Rio Riesco

60. Lower Rio Riesco

61. Outlet - Lago Elizalde

62. Rio Blanco

63. Rio Schein

64. Rio Cisnes

65. Rio Aisen

66. Rio Aisen

67. Rio Cochrane

68. Rio Cochrane

69. Rio Cochrane

70. Some Optional Lakes
Lagos……
Atravesado Tamango
Pollux Tamangito
Castor Ardillas
Frio Alto
Paloma Bertrand
Azul Misterioso
Elizalde Los Juncos
and many more……
PLUS - many ‘no name’ Lagunas

71. Lago Ardillas

72. Lago Azul

73. Dos Lagunas – Estancia

74. Lago Los Juncos

75. Lago Misterioso

76. Lago Elizalde

77. Lago Paloma

78. Lago Alto

79. Lago Pollux

80. Lago Frio

81. Lago Tamango (Lago Central)

82. Step 2, discuss with your guide….….
 Clothing
• Layered clothing; Be ready for anything
– especially wind;
(weather can vary 30 - 40 degrees in the same day)
• Breathable waders or wet wading are
both options, depending on weather.
 Rods and Lines
• 6wt. rods work for everything; 4 or 5wt.
OK for some smaller waters;
• Have floating and sink tip lines for all
rods.

83. Leaders: 7 and 9 ft – 3X and 4X;
 Tippet: Fresh 3X, 4X, and 5X;
 Flies:
• Attractors – Chernobyl Ants (Black &
,
Anything Sandwiches!) - Tan, Red, Green, Yellow, Blue etc.)
Stimulators, Sallys, Turks, Hoppers, etc.
(Big is Good - Rubber Legs are Good)
• Other Dry Flies - Caddis, Parachute
Adams, Mayflies, Damsels, Madam X,
Midges, PMDs, etc.

84. • Nymphs – Prince, Pheasant tail,
Copper Johns, Stone Flies, etc.
• Streamers – Wooly Buggers – Black,
Olive, Brown, White (with and without
beads), Bunnys, Zonkers, etc.
In general, the fish are not too picky.
Idaho/Montana patterns work well.
NOTE: Take good supply of flies, leaders, tippet, and
floatant as they are quite expensive if purchased locally.

85. Cantarilla (Chilean Beetle)

86. Other Naturals
DAMSEL
PANCORA

87. Common Fly Patterns of Patagonia

88. Trout Chow

89. Step 3,
FISHING
FISHING
FISHING
FISHING

102. Step 4,
Riverside Lunch
(NOT a Sandwich, Chips, and Cookie deal!)

114. Step 5,
More FISHING
More FISHING
More FISHING
More FISHING

124. Step 6,
 Social Hour(s)
 Review Fishing Stories
 Trade Lies with Others
 Plan for Tomorrow’s Fishing
 Great Dinner
 Much Needed Sleep

125. Stress Management!

127.  For almost 60 years, I have been a serious fly
fishing devotee, with considerable experience fishing
waters in the western United States.
 Through our many trips to Chile, my family and I
have become enchanted with Chilean Patagonia and
have made many friends there. We are currently
undertaking the task of building a vacation home in
Coyhaique.
All questions, suggestions, and comments are welcomed
and appreciated.
Dean Pierose
(208) 345-9185
(208) 867-5226
dpierose @ gmail.com

128. Also go to:
CHILEAN PATAGONIA - Part 1 – The Country
Chile
Patagonia
Regions X, XI, and XII
CHILEAN PATAGONIA - Part 3 – The Trip
Scenes of the Area
When to Go
Lodging and Outfitters
Flight Options from U.S.
Cost of Trip