1) What fishing alternatives does Lago Rosario Lodge offer?
Given the location of Lago Rosario Lodge, our area of influence goes from
Los Alerces National Park to the Corcovado River area. Preferably we try not to drive more than 1 hour, but sometimes when the fishing is very good in environments such as the mouth of the Corcovado or the Rivadavia River, we go further ahead to reach those places. We typically set up a camp when fishing in distant places which enables us to enjoy late afternoons or dawns on the waterside.
Within Los Alerces National Park we fish the Rivadavia River, Arrayanes River, Verde Lake, Futalafquen Lake, Krugger Lake, Frey River, and the Amutui Quimey dam. (We mainly fish the waters of the center and south of the park, since the northern part is further away). The Futaleufu River is probably the water that we fish the most given its proximity and its great quality as a fishery. It is an extremely funny river where you can practice all the modalities and techniques of this sport. It is a river of great flow and great size but at the same time it divides into different arms, forming islands and
streams, with low slides suitable for wading fishing. We divide it into several sections, and we fish it both by raft and motorboat, depending on the client's preferences and also the water and weather conditions.
Outside the park we have several options. Lake Rosario is a large lake with very good Rainbow trout. Normally we fish it for half a day combined with the Nanty Fall Stream, which rises from the same lake. This is a very good option for those bad weather days or the day you want to rest a bit, since these two environments are very close to each other and you can return to the lodge for lunch and why not a nap. The lake is mainly fished from a boat with sinking lines and streamers, which is a good combination because in the afternoon we go wading fishing with very light equipment with floating lines and dry flies.
A great option for those who like wading fishing is the well-known Arroyo
Pescado. This place is a bit distant but it's worth traveling a bit more than usual and having a great day of wading fishing.
We divide the Corcovado River into different sections. We fish the mouth
section at the beginning of the season or as of March, as we go in search of the trout that go up the river to prepare for spawning (Rainbow at the beginning and Brook at the end of the season). We fished this section wading and the others from a raft. These other sections are great fun for line fishing with dry flies and nymphs, casting on the banks of willows and exploring the many pockets behind the rocks. In this area of Corcovado we also fish small rivers and streams, and also some mountain lakes, which from December have an extraordinary fishing with large attractor flies and floating line.
2) What gear do you recommend to carry on for fishing the area?
The most versatile tackle for the area are 9' 5 wt. and 9 '6 wt. rods with floating and sinking lines. (You can also bring a few numbers more or less, depending on the tastes of the fisherman, to shoot large streamers a 7 wt. rod. is not bad at all).
Normally we use rod 5with floating line to cast small flies, but it is also a good idea to bring a line for rod 6 to be able to cast the large attractors.
The sinking lines that we use the most are the 200/250 gr sinking tips with a 24 feet head. This is what we use the most but we can also use light equipment for those who love delicate fishing. 9 feet leaders 0x to 5x and tippets from 0x to 6x. The lodge has extra equipment available, for those who do not have what is indicated. As well as appropriate clothing (boots, waders, jackets) and fishing licenses.
3) What flies cannot be missed?
The right flies are different throughout the season. We would roughly divide it as follows. The beginning of the season, with high waters resulting from the thaw, the pressure less and hungry trout, allow us to fish with medium to large streamers and dry attractors, Wooly Buggers, Bunnies, Chernobyl Ants, Fat Alberts, Gipsy Kings, Dragons, etc. Nymphs are always a good choice, and on certain lakes we use weighted
Damsel and Dragon nymphs with great success in shallow water with a floating line.
At the beginning of summer (prime time for fishing) the weather changes, waters go down and the trout become very active and more selective. With the high temperature, terrestrials begin to be a great part of the diet of the trout, Hoppers, Beatles, etc.
Dry fly fishing is what we do the most. Days are long and it often happens that mornings are very productive. As the sun rises, presentation becomes very important, for which we usually stretch and tune the leaders and try to imitate what the trout are eating. Without a doubt it is very important to have a great variety of flies in their different stages and sizes.
Coming to autumn, although it is true that the waters are at their lowest level, the fishing becomes more technical, and the trout more selective, on the other hand,
the weather is very benevolent, hatches become more massive and the trout go crazy when this happens. For these situations it is very important to have the right gear.
Dry flies: Terrestrial: Hoppers, Beetles, Tarantula, Gipsy King, Chernobyl, etc. size # 8 to # 16. Dragon and Damsels: size # 6 to # 12. Flying ants: # 14 to # 18.
Mayflies in their different tying styles: Adams, Parachute Adams, Compare Dun, Spinners, Spent Spinners, etc. gray, tan, olive and rusty colors in size # 14 to # 20.
Caddis also in different patterns and materials, Elk hair Caddis, Goddard, etc. # 14 to #18
Nymphs: Pheasant tail, Copper John, Hare’s Prince, Scuds, Caddis Pupas etc. size # 14 to # 18. Midges # 18 to # 22. Dragon and Damsel # 10 to # 14. It is important to have also some weighted and some very heavy with tungsten.
Streamers: Wooly Bugger, Bunnies, Leech, Zonkers, Muddlers, etc. in their
different styles, with rubber feet, weighted, articulated, etc. sizes # 2 to #8
4) What programs does the lodge offer? (Days, Packs, Recommendations)
The standard program is one week (7 nights / 6 1/2 days of fishing), the half day of fishing depends on the arrival and departure times of the client. They normally travel by Aerolineas Argentinas to Esquel Airport at noon. The transfer to the airport is included in the rate, flight tickets are not. Packages can be hired for more or less days of course. In all cases it can be on a double or single basis (room and guide).
5) Let's talk about monthly fishing conditions in the area.
November: Streamers and Nymphs. AS has been said Springtime is ending, the rivers are high and the trout are hungry, but bugs are not very active on the surface, so fishing underwater is the best option, streamers with sinking lines or a nymph in any of the different techniques is usually what we do!
December: Streamers and big dry flies. This is probably one of the most
beautiful months to come for fishing. Very long days, the warmth began to show, some flowers are still in the trees, waters are high enough for trout (no fishing pressure yet) to hunt on flooded beaches where dragonflies begin to hatch. So casting a big attractor is a lot of fun. Waters of the national park are probably at their best and tourism has not yet started, a great opportunity to enjoy this incredible place.
January and February: The weather is the best at this time of year with the
warmest temperatures. At the beginning of January, waters remain at a good level, dragonflies are still active touching the surface of the water to spawn, with the trout always waiting to hunt them. Some snow remains on the highest Andes peaks until entering February, already in the middle of summer and with temperatures at their highest point, the level of the aquifers begins to drop. Fly fishing is at its best. The grass is grown, beetles, hoppers, ants and other terrestrial insects begin to show and
the trout are waiting for them. Presentation gets more important, we refine leaders and we are very attentive practicing sight fishing most of the time.
March: It is a very beautiful month since the weather is much stabilized. Mass tourism is over. The calm days with cool temperatures in the morning allow waters to cool down so that the trout become a little more active. As the day progresses, the warmth returns and with the temperature, the insects take center stage. Fishing becomes very technical due to fishing pressure, on the other hand hatches of mayflies
and caddis are more regular. With the first rains with warm weather, flying ants start to appear and the trout go crazy eating them everywhere.
April: Great for anglers that love streamer fishing. Brown and brook trout are getting ready for spawning so we have good chances for the big ones.
6) Tell us a bit about the lodge (Amenities, Equipment, Personnel, Additional Services, Location).
The Lodge is located on the Lake Rosario shore, in the Futaleufu area. As has been said, you can get there from the Esquel Airport (40 miles – 1 hour) or the bus terminal (25 miles – 40 min). In your own vehicle by the RN40 to Esquel and then RN259 to Trevelin and RP17 to Lago Rosario. The last 10 miles are gravel road in very good condition.
We have 6 double or single rooms. All meals and beverages are included in the rate; continental breakfast, stream side sitting lunch during excursions, an appetizer at the return of the day and dinner with home-made and Patagonian cuisine, with the possibility of special diets. Argentine and Chilean wines from exclusive wineries are served. In the bar we have satellite TV (DirecTV) and Wi-Fi Internet. Rooms are very
spacious and feature coffeemaker, safety box, and toiletries in the bathroom. Laundry service is available.
For non-fishing companions we offer various touristic activities such as: Bird watching guided by an ornithologist and with optical equipment included. Walks to Los Alerces National Park, Lake Safari and Millennial Alerzal (larch forest), Trips on the Patagonian Express, Nanty Falls Waterfalls, Museums of Welsh Culture and Tea Houses in Trevelin, Museums of Crafts of Native Peoples, Trekking to Torrecillas
Glacier, 4x4 Ice Tunnels, Horseback riding through the Sierra Colorada, White water rafting in the Corcovado River, Kayaking, Excursion to Piedra Parada and Boat trips through Rosario Lake.
7) What customers value most?
Customers’ reviews highlight the cordiality and predisposition of our people, the quality and variety of the fishing in the area, the excellence of our cuisine, and the comfort and spaciousness of our rooms.
We do what it takes to bring our clients the best service. Since the last year we placed special emphasis on the COVID-19 protocol for fishing lodges of the Trevelin Tourism Secretary, in terms of cleaning, disinfection, and personal protection elements for all staff.
8) Final words
We have good news for the next season (November 1, 21 to April 30, 22). We have partnered with NaturalAnglers, a company that makes glamping fishing expeditions, combining the experience of camping on the fishing shores, with the comfort of having a Mercedes Benz 4x4 motorhome fully equipped (WC, hot water shower, living-dining room, heating- cooling air conditioning). Thus we have expanded our fishing opportunities to southern Patagonia, reaching areas outside the Lodge's area of influence, or for those fishermen who prefer to combine with some days of camping to experience a little more connection with nature the advantages of sleeping in the fishing place, being able to fish in the early hours of the day and in the evenings… and enjoying a good open-air fire with barbecue or lamb!
