The Right Gear for the Job
The Right Gear for The Job
Chile provides glimpses of Montana and Alaska in one package. Gin clear creeks teaming with brook trout, King Salmon runs and a lot of trout in between all provide lots of fishing scenarios. Chile’s long and skinny geography changes dramatically from north to south. No matter where you fish in Chile, you’ll be one-on-one with nature and have to be ready for what confronts you. It’s remote.
Flies:
Chile is much like the Western United States when it comes to fly fishing. Small mountain streams, raging freestones and small spring creeks dot the area. Since the diet of Chilean trout is very similar to that of trout in the American West, the techniques you use to catch them will be similar also. Dry flies imitating mayflies, caddisflies and stoneflies all produce. Nymphing, like on all trout streams, works well. You’ll use a variety of techniques to catch big fish.
Since Chilean trout get big, streamers work very well. In small- to medium-sized rivers, streamers can be fished using floating lines and weighted flies. In bigger water, it’s helpful to have a heavy sinking tip fly line to get the bugs down where the fish are.
Fly Rods for All Occasions
Chile is a big country. You’ll have to spend some time to see it all – perhaps a lifetime. The area you are fishing for your next trip will determine your rod choice. For the most part, 5 to 7 weight rods will do the trick. There are times when a dainty three or four weight rod will prove handy and fun. Most of the time, Chile’s large trout will test even a five weight rod. Chinook Salmon runs in the south require saltwater or Alaska-sized rigs. Ten to Twelve weight rods are a must. Remember, you’ll fish remote areas most of the time. Buying or repairing gear is often not an option.
Fly Reels Will Get Tested
Like saltwater fly fishing, reels matter. They don’t simply hold your fly line. A serious drag system and durability are absolute musts. You’re not on an island, but you are in the middle of nowhere, so if your reel fails, well, you can imagine your frustration. Stick to name brand products that you’ve known and trusted for years and go fish with confidence.
Fly Lines get Abused
Floating lines are commonly used for rods up to 8wt. Scientific Anglers, RIO, Airflo and Cortland all make great fly lines. For 10wt rods and King Salmon fishing, sinking fly lines between 250 and 500-grain work well. You might be surprised at what Chile’s fish can do to your equipment including your fly line, so we recommend bring a back up line (or two). Consider fly lines to be critical to your success and a small relative expense.
Big Fish, Big Leaders
Monofilament or fluorocarbon leaders ranging from 7’ 0x to 12’ 6x may be needed. Carry starter leaders that fit the situation and enough tippet material to build leaders on the go. There are many manufactures of leader and tippet. For the most part, they all produce quality products. We recommend you stick with the manufacturer that you’ve had the best luck with over the years.
Bring a Rain Coat with you at All Times
Weather in Chile is very unpredictable. Whenever you visit, be prepared for highs in the 80s and lows in the 40s. January and February are typically the warmest months, with cooler temperatures in November, December, March and April. Always be prepared for rain and wind. Camp clothing should be casual and comfortable.
Chile is full of scenic wonder and beauty. But the weather can be harsh, even brutal at times. Bring clothing and outerwear that will handle high winds, heavy rain, and cool temperatures. Staying warm and dry is a challenge that must be met. Your gear has to stand the test. Modern, heavy-duty Gore-Tex jackets—like the Simms G4 and G3—are highly recommended. Also, wicking and layering garments underneath your jacket will keep you toasty and moisture free.
This is No Time for Leaky Waders
You’ll stay warmest in breathable waders with layering garments underneath. Fishing is hard work, and breathable waders allow your perspiration to escape, yet keeps cold water out. Simms G4 or G3 waders are reliable and comfortable. Bring a back up pair of waders with you. It’s hard to beat Dan Bailey’s lightweight waders, which pack and wear well, for value. Layering garments help you dress for the weather. When it’s warmer, a midweight layer works fine. But when Chile shows her might and puts her chill on you, you’ll want to wear heavyweight Patagonia Capilene or Polartec Fleece. The combination of wicking under layers and breathable outer layers are the keys to staying warm.
Wool Keeps Your Feet Warm
You can’t have too many socks or gloves. Smartwool or other Merino wool holds its heat value even when it’s wet and it also has natural wicking properties.
Keep Your Hands Dry
Bring plenty of gloves, too. You’ll catch and release a lot of fish, meaning your hands will get wet and eventually cold. Keep an extra pair or two in your gear bag. You should also invest in chemically activated hand warmers and toe warmers. They are well worth the nominal expense. Place toe warmers between your sock and the neoprene wader sock and your feet will be warm all day. Put hand warmers in your pockets or inside your gloves when things get nasty.
Get Ready to Wade Fish
Durable felt sole boots are the best option. You’ll fish a wide variety of conditions. Felt provides the best all around wading solution. Get a new pair of boots before your trip or bleach treat your current boots to prevent invasive species from traveling to Chile’s pristine watersheds. Simms Streamtread and other rubber soled boots help prevent the transfer. They dry quickly compared to felt and have qualities that help prevent invasive species from latching onto you. Bring removable cleats so you can fish in the boat and in slippery streams.
Walk and Wade with Everything on Your Back
You’ll walk and wade a lot. A waterproof backpack works great as a device to keep your extra clothes dry and to store your fly gear. Having a smaller gear/boat bag is advised so you have a place to store extra clothing, your camera and raingear. Make sure your gear bags are truly waterproof, not simply water resistant.
Big Bugs Flying in Your Direction
Polarized glasses for bright and dark conditions are needed like they are in most fishing destinations. You’ll fish in a variety of light conditions. Gray lenses work best in bright conditions. Copper, brown, amber, or bronze lenses work best in low light conditions. Since you’re casting big bugs, eyewear provides safety and improves your senses. Make sure to bring a back up pair in case you lose or break your main pair. You’ll be glad you did.
Final Note
It bears repeating: You’re a long ways from home. It’s no time to experiment with equipment and gear, or skimping on performance clothing. Chile demands more preparation and consideration than most destinations. So be prepared, and get ready to fish hard. There’s nothing like it.
Chile provides glimpses of Montana and Alaska in one package. Gin clear creeks teaming with brook trout, King Salmon runs and a lot of trout in between all provide lots of fishing scenarios. Chile’s long and skinny geography changes dramatically from north to south. No matter where you fish in Chile, you’ll be one-on-one with nature and have to be ready for what confronts you. It’s remote.
Flies:
Chile is much like the Western United States when it comes to fly fishing. Small mountain streams, raging freestones and small spring creeks dot the area. Since the diet of Chilean trout is very similar to that of trout in the American West, the techniques you use to catch them will be similar also. Dry flies imitating mayflies, caddisflies and stoneflies all produce. Nymphing, like on all trout streams, works well. You’ll use a variety of techniques to catch big fish.
Since Chilean trout get big, streamers work very well. In small- to medium-sized rivers, streamers can be fished using floating lines and weighted flies. In bigger water, it’s helpful to have a heavy sinking tip fly line to get the bugs down where the fish are.
Fly Rods for All Occasions
Chile is a big country. You’ll have to spend some time to see it all – perhaps a lifetime. The area you are fishing for your next trip will determine your rod choice. For the most part, 5 to 7 weight rods will do the trick. There are times when a dainty three or four weight rod will prove handy and fun. Most of the time, Chile’s large trout will test even a five weight rod. Chinook Salmon runs in the south require saltwater or Alaska-sized rigs. Ten to Twelve weight rods are a must. Remember, you’ll fish remote areas most of the time. Buying or repairing gear is often not an option.
Fly Reels Will Get Tested
Like saltwater fly fishing, reels matter. They don’t simply hold your fly line. A serious drag system and durability are absolute musts. You’re not on an island, but you are in the middle of nowhere, so if your reel fails, well, you can imagine your frustration. Stick to name brand products that you’ve known and trusted for years and go fish with confidence.
Fly Lines get Abused
Floating lines are commonly used for rods up to 8wt. Scientific Anglers, RIO, Airflo and Cortland all make great fly lines. For 10wt rods and King Salmon fishing, sinking fly lines between 250 and 500-grain work well. You might be surprised at what Chile’s fish can do to your equipment including your fly line, so we recommend bring a back up line (or two). Consider fly lines to be critical to your success and a small relative expense.
Big Fish, Big Leaders
Monofilament or fluorocarbon leaders ranging from 7’ 0x to 12’ 6x may be needed. Carry starter leaders that fit the situation and enough tippet material to build leaders on the go. There are many manufactures of leader and tippet. For the most part, they all produce quality products. We recommend you stick with the manufacturer that you’ve had the best luck with over the years.
Bring a Rain Coat with you at All Times
Weather in Chile is very unpredictable. Whenever you visit, be prepared for highs in the 80s and lows in the 40s. January and February are typically the warmest months, with cooler temperatures in November, December, March and April. Always be prepared for rain and wind. Camp clothing should be casual and comfortable.
Chile is full of scenic wonder and beauty. But the weather can be harsh, even brutal at times. Bring clothing and outerwear that will handle high winds, heavy rain, and cool temperatures. Staying warm and dry is a challenge that must be met. Your gear has to stand the test. Modern, heavy-duty Gore-Tex jackets—like the Simms G4 and G3—are highly recommended. Also, wicking and layering garments underneath your jacket will keep you toasty and moisture free.
This is No Time for Leaky Waders
You’ll stay warmest in breathable waders with layering garments underneath. Fishing is hard work, and breathable waders allow your perspiration to escape, yet keeps cold water out. Simms G4 or G3 waders are reliable and comfortable. Bring a back up pair of waders with you. It’s hard to beat Dan Bailey’s lightweight waders, which pack and wear well, for value. Layering garments help you dress for the weather. When it’s warmer, a midweight layer works fine. But when Chile shows her might and puts her chill on you, you’ll want to wear heavyweight Patagonia Capilene or Polartec Fleece. The combination of wicking under layers and breathable outer layers are the keys to staying warm.
Wool Keeps Your Feet Warm
You can’t have too many socks or gloves. Smartwool or other Merino wool holds its heat value even when it’s wet and it also has natural wicking properties.
Keep Your Hands Dry
Bring plenty of gloves, too. You’ll catch and release a lot of fish, meaning your hands will get wet and eventually cold. Keep an extra pair or two in your gear bag. You should also invest in chemically activated hand warmers and toe warmers. They are well worth the nominal expense. Place toe warmers between your sock and the neoprene wader sock and your feet will be warm all day. Put hand warmers in your pockets or inside your gloves when things get nasty.
Get Ready to Wade Fish
Durable felt sole boots are the best option. You’ll fish a wide variety of conditions. Felt provides the best all around wading solution. Get a new pair of boots before your trip or bleach treat your current boots to prevent invasive species from traveling to Chile’s pristine watersheds. Simms Streamtread and other rubber soled boots help prevent the transfer. They dry quickly compared to felt and have qualities that help prevent invasive species from latching onto you. Bring removable cleats so you can fish in the boat and in slippery streams.
Walk and Wade with Everything on Your Back
You’ll walk and wade a lot. A waterproof backpack works great as a device to keep your extra clothes dry and to store your fly gear. Having a smaller gear/boat bag is advised so you have a place to store extra clothing, your camera and raingear. Make sure your gear bags are truly waterproof, not simply water resistant.
Big Bugs Flying in Your Direction
Polarized glasses for bright and dark conditions are needed like they are in most fishing destinations. You’ll fish in a variety of light conditions. Gray lenses work best in bright conditions. Copper, brown, amber, or bronze lenses work best in low light conditions. Since you’re casting big bugs, eyewear provides safety and improves your senses. Make sure to bring a back up pair in case you lose or break your main pair. You’ll be glad you did.
Final Note
It bears repeating: You’re a long ways from home. It’s no time to experiment with equipment and gear, or skimping on performance clothing. Chile demands more preparation and consideration than most destinations. So be prepared, and get ready to fish hard. There’s nothing like it.