Coyhaique, Chile Guides 

Chile

Minchos Lodge is a small charming Patagonia fly fishing lodge that overlooks the Simpson River Valley on the outskirts of Coyhaique. Coyhaique is a fly fishing wonderland with endless options from floating the Simpson and Manihuales rivers to wading trips on the Emperor Guillermo, Ñirehuao, Huemules, Dove and multiple spring creeks. This region of Chile offers incredible dry fly opportunities for both resident brown and rainbow trout.

We feel fortunate to work with local Chilean fly fishing guide Juan Ramon Astorga and his talented guide team. All are professional, reliable, and personable Patagonia fly fishing guides specializing in the best trout waters surrounding Coyhaique. The combination of fine food and hospitality matched with skilled local fly fishing guides makes the Minchos program one of our favorite add-ons for anglers touring Chile. Guests can tailor personal fly fishing schedules based on fishing and travel desires.

The trout fishing around Coyhaique gives you a true taste of quality fly fishing and Chilean culture. Each trip is tailored to fit your needs, whether it is a day of Patagonia fly fishing on a spring creek or a week stay at a local B & B fly fishing and floating the beautiful rivers in the region. We work with outfitter and professional guide Juan Ramon Astorga to provide local fly fishing knowledge on some of the best trout waters surrounding Coyhaique. He and his Chilean fly fishing guides are talented, reliable, and personable who cater to anglers specific needs each day.

Coyhaique is a fly fishing wonderland with endless options from floating the Simpson and Manihuales rivers to wading trips on the Emperor Guillermo, Ñirehuao, Huemules, Dove and various spring creeks, as well as lake fishing days fly fishing for large browns at nearby lagoons. Chile offers incredible dry fly opportunities for resident brown and rainbow trout. Anglers can enjoy both wading and floating opportunities throughout their stay.

Location:
Coyhaique is located 45 minutes north of Balmaceda airport in Patagonia Chile.

Fishing Program:
The Coyhaique region of Chilean Patagonia offers fly anglers a wide range of options. With drives from 5 minutes to 1 ½ hours away from the lodge, one can find trout on big rivers, small spring creeks, and placid lagoons. Chilean Patagonia can offer some incredible dry fly opportunities for resident brown and rainbow trout when the weather permits. However, fly fishing nymphs and streamers can also be productive.

Anglers are picked up each morning by the guide in their 4X4 vehicles and taken to the river. Your daily fly fishing location will dictate whether you wade or float in rafts the rivers. It is best to discuss your requests with your guide each day.

Fisheries:
The Rio Simpson is one of the more famous rivers in the region. The Rio Simpson tends to fish like classic Montana freestone and has significant caddis and mayfly hatches. Browns and rainbows from 14-22 inches dominate the system but trout up to 30 inches have been caught on a fly. Floating the river in rafts is the best way to access the Simpson River.

Rio Emperador Guillermo is one of the jewels of the area, with many pools and riffles loaded with hungry trout, averaging 12 to 16 inches. Other floatable and wadable rivers which fish well out of Coyhaique include the Mañihuales, the Toqui, the Boca de León, the Coyhaique, the Huemules rivers.

Non-Angling Activities:
Coyhaique city is surrounded by parks and natural reservations which allows you to feel nature and to observe the imposing flora and fauna. Here you will see condors, black neck swans, flamingos, heumules, pumas and several other species of the area. They live in lengas, antarthic nothofagus, cypress, canelo and myrtle wood. In this natural environment you can go hiking, horseback riding, practice photography, fishing, rafting, mountain biking, and of course resting and enjoying Mincho’s Lodge. Guided geological tours are also available.

Accommodations and Meals:
Minchos Lodge is a small charming lodge on the edge of town that overlooks the Simpson River Valley. Victoria Moya, owner operator, and her staff are remarkable, catering to their guests with exquisite meals and service.

The dining room is home to a "Quincho"(a typical barbecue) where you will be able to enjoy plates of the region cooked in a firewood oven with local products, prepared by an expert Chilean chef and accompanied with Chilean wines.

This warm lodge has just 10 rooms all with private bathrooms and WI-FI. Each room offers a great view to the Simpson valley and Los Andes Mountain range. Six of the rooms have 2 double/queen size beds, two rooms have 1 queen and 1 twin size bed, and two other rooms have 2 twin size beds.

The lodge serves a traditional American breakfast complete with fruit juice, black coffee, eggs, fruits, cereal, cake, homemade bread, milk, etc. The aperitif offers guests a Pisco sour and sampling of Chilean cheese. Dinner are a main course of meat, fish, chicken, or pasta, salad, sauces, dessert, coffee or tea, ½ bottle Chilean wine. One meal is a typical Asado Patagon with lamb for a minimum eight guests staying at the lodge.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart U.S.
Day 2: Arrive Santiago and overnight at your elected hotel
Day 3: Depart Santiago for Balmaceda Airport and transferred to the lodge
Day 4-8: 5 Days of Guided Fishing on the Emperor Guillermo, Ñirehuao, Huemules, Dove and various spring creeks, as well as lake fishing days fishing for large browns at nearby lagoons.
Day 9: Depart Balmaceda for Santiago and home
Day 10: Arrive home to U.S.

Typical Daily Schedule
7:00 AM: Coffee and breakfast at your accommodations.
8:00 AM: Juan and his guides pick you up for the days’ fishing.
6:00 PM: Back to the lodge.

“In January, 2010, I will return to Coyhaique to fish with Juan Ramón Astorga for the fourth time in four years. Juan Ramón always provides fine food, gracious guidance, hilarious humor, and fish to the fly in abundant amounts. Bring a healthy appetite, your best jokes, and your best sticks. You won't be disappointed. To fish with Juan Ramón is to fish with a life-long friend.” – H. James

Complete Trip Details