Patagonia King Salmon

1.  Why visit and fly fish Chile

Chile is the 37th largest country in the world and covers over 290,000 square miles.  It is 2,653 miles long, and averages 110 miles wide.  Chile is inhabited by +18 million people, with the majority living in Santiago or the middle and northern regions.  It has all seven climates and southern Chile (Patagonia) affords visitors stunning scenery, adventure, and world class fishing -- especially within Torres del Paine.


2. Definition of Guided DIY Fishing (Torres Del Paine National Park Info Only)

You pay for fishing only.

Within the park, you can stay at various hotels.  Also, you can rent a tent site or cabin. This program is ideal for travelers who wish to add 3-5 days of fishing to their Patagonia vacation. 
  • We guide you (walk-wade) on Rio Serrano, targeting King Salmon or Chinook.  Best months are January and February.    
  • Daily Fishing Plan: We focus on the best fishing times and spots.
  • Flexibility: You have complete control of your time/daily schedule.  When you are off the water, you can do anything you want -- relax, eat, drink, and enjoy the views. 
  • Lodging: You reserve and pay for your lodging, and we highly recommend advance bookings for national park hotel, tent or cabin (the park is a popular, global destination).  The Campground offers food kitchen, bathrooms, hot water, and WiFi.  Choose between two campground cabins (approximately $160 basic, or $225 full), and both sleep up to four people.  Tent site is approximately $30 per person.  Puerto Natales is a short drive -- if needed, you access to grocery stores, restaurants, bars, banks, healthcare, and seasonal festivities.
  • Tent clients: We have a tent that sleep 2-4 anglers, and we can provide cooking utensils (no charge). 
  • Clients pay for all food and beverage. 
  • Transportation fees to/from Rio Gallegos, Puerto Natales, and Punta Arenas may apply (e.g., Rio Gallegos client(s) may pay for all fuel expenses).
 
3. Your Chilean Team

There are hundred of organizations selling trips to Chile.  In our opinion they are all the same -- the vast majority of them are booking agents, employees filling lodges for a high commission. We think we are different and we believe it is important for you to know who you are working with.  By working with FCFF:

  • You work directly with the owner and managing partners.
  • All of our trips are hosted by an owner or managing partner.     

Team Members:


Head Rio Serrano Fishing Guide:  Hugo was born and raised in Argentina. He grew up in Rio Gallegos, and currently works for the fish and game department.  Hugo is old school, friendly and has an enormous-generous heart. His English is good, and his knowledge of Chile and Argentina fishing is exceptional. We are extremely fortunate to have him on our team.



Owner-Host-Program Coordinator:

Click About Mark

Mark has created a team of highly educated professionals with tons of fishing, hunting, and outdoor experience. We know Argentina/Chile, and you are in the very good hands! 
  

4. Home Water: Rio Serrano, King Salmon - Chinook

We are the only guided DIY service that offers anglers a chance to catch Argentina Sea Run Brown Trout and Chilean King Salmon.  It's a fantastic program especially for travelers who are on the go, visiting multiple countries, and do not wish to lock into a weeklong lodge stay.

Rio Serrano River Facts:

  • Length: 24 miles or 34 km
  • Location: Torres del Paine National Park (one of the most beautiful national parks in the world!)
  • Licensed Required:  Yes 
  • Floating:  No, walk-wade only.  
  • Species: King Salmon -- Chinook 
  • When:  December and February 
  • Origin: Del Torro Lake.
  • Termination: Pacific Ocean
  • Walk-Wade Difficulty: Easy/Moderate -- you'll never be more than knee deep.
  • Fly Rods: Two Hand, 14.6 to 15 feet.  Single Hand 10 wt. 
  • Fly Lines:  Skagit, poly-leader 15 feet full sink, or 3.5 or 4 meters T17 or T14.  Leaders 0.40 or 0.50 mm. Backing 30 or 40 lb
  • Specific Flies:  The fly selection is not complicated, but we only share this information with our guest

5. How to Fish with FCFF



  
General Info
  • How Long: For best results, we require a three day minimum, and highly recommend up to six days. 
  • Who: The majority of our clients are traveling for 2-4 weeks -- visiting multiple countries/locations.  Nearly all clients prefer to sleep in the campground cabin -- it's a great experience and the scenery is AMAZING! 
  • Where: Southern Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park.  
  • Transportation: We encourage you to rent a car.  If you do not rent a car, we provide travel to/from Rio Gallegos, Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas.  From major Argentina and Chilean cities, commercial flights are available to/from Rio Gallegos, Punta Arenas, and Puerto Natales. 
  • When: December and February.
  • Flights: Our services do not include the costs of airfare.
  • Lodging: Please stay inside the national park, at a hotel, tent, or cabin (again, book your own lodging in advance).  
  • How Many: One to three anglers only (i.e., your guide may stay/sleep with you in the cabin). 
  • Cost: Each DIY trip is 100% customized to meet your personal needs.  Please contact FCFF for more details.

Frequent DIY Question & Answer

Q:  During the fishing season, what is the best month/week to target King Salmon? 

A:  Very best months are December and February.  Anytime before or after, could be a HUGE waste of time/money.

Q:  Can I combine a Sea Run Brown Trout and Chinook fishing trip? 
A:  Yes.  Rio Gallegos to Rio Serrano is only is only four hours.

Q: Can I buy a fishing license in-person and/or online?
A: Yes to both.  In Puerto Natales visit SERNAPESCA at calle/street Blanco Escalada 480.

Q:  I am a beginner/intermediate angler.  What will the fishing be like for me; will I be catching lots of big fish? 
A:  Truth be told, the majority of the time, it could be very challenging for you.  You might be a beginner/advance beginner/intermediate angler back home, but this is Patagonia -- we could be fishing in steady 15-20 mph winds, with gust up to 40-60 mph.  Prior to booking your flights and spending thousands of $'s, I advise all potential clients to have an open/honest conversation with me. In other words, we need to discuss your skill level and determine if a trip will be worth your investment (or, practice casting!).

Q:  I am a beginner/intermediate, can you teach me?

A:  There is a major difference between guiding and teaching. Our programs are set up for guiding proficient anglers.  My suggestions; 1) talk to me before investing thousands of $'s.  2) take lessons, practice at home and get as much experience on the water (and still be prepared to be humbled).

Q:  Are there blood suck mosquito's and life threaten insects/animals?
A:  Surprisingly, Patagonia has almost no mosquito's or poisonous insect/animals.  Your biggest worry should be sun and wind protection, thermal warmth, and hydration.   

Q:  Can you send me more detailed information about your services.

A:  Yes.  One we receive a deposit, you will receive an in depth welcome brochure.  99.9% of all Q&A and pre-trip planning, will be in this document.

6. Fee's, Payment,and Welcome Brochure 

- Please request pricing 
- USA Payment: Venmo/Zelle, Paypal, Cash, Personal Check
- International Payment: Paypal, E-Transfer
- Welcome Brochure: Sent via email, post deposit