» General Information:
Challhuaquen, which in the local Mapuche tongue means "fishing place", is located in the Trevelin valley, Province of Chubut, on the bank of the Futaleufu river or Rio Grande, in front of the National Park Los Alerces, at the heart of the Argentinean Patagonia.
Created by and for fishermen, Challhuaquen ultimate goal is to get the maximum pleasure out of an exceptional location for the practice of fly fishing. Based on that priority, qualified and personalized service provides all it is needed for a successful fishing season amid a luxury set up.
Thus, understanding the need for relaxation and privacy, the lodge has only six spacious and comfortable double guestrooms, each with private bath; all facing the Futaleufu river with the constant backdrop of the National Park and the Andeans on the horizon.
Similarly, acknowledging the fraternity aspect of fishing, Challhuaquen counts with ample and fully equipped common areas and a bar to rest and enjoy tying-fly with the company of a good friend and/or a fine drink.
Furthermore, thinking about the eventual desire to enjoy the maximum of luxury, the lodge offers a SPA, with sauna, hydro massage, scotch shower, and personal massages that also benefits from the magnificent river/mountain/park view.
Needless to say, and always aimed at satisfying the fishermen needs, all rooms have direct access to the Futaleufu river and to a dryer-room.
To complete the perfect flying fishing day, the chef at Challhuaquen Lodge has the skill to please international preferences or adventure those more curious to the culture of typical Patagonian dishes. Each meal is served in our homely restaurant with impeccable presentation, and accompanied by finest Argentinean wines.
» Package:
The fishing area called Comarca de los Alerces, is internationally known as one of the most important Salmonidal fishing places in the world. It is characterized by a big number of original glaciar lakes and hundreds of rivers and streams, with a variety of truots as well as salmons, wich were introduced in this territory 100 years ago.
Challhuaquen is placed at the north shore of de Futaleufu river, considered itself one of the greastest fishing spots in the Patagonia.
The trout of Patagonia (brown, rainbow, and brook trout) averages 12-20 inch. Intermediate fly fishermen can expect to land trouts of over 20 inches and experienced anglers have a good chance of landing 5-15 pund trouts. Many rivers also contain landlocked salmo, which can exceed 10 pounds.
Challhuaquen and Patagonia offers a first class "off-season" fishing (November thru mid April), in a scenery very similar to the western states in the US, particularly Montana and Wyoming some 50 or more years ago.
Good fishing in crystalline waters, surrounded by glacial lakes, millenarian trees, and magnificent landscapes is combined in Challhuaquen Lodge with the elegance and comfort that could make such experience unique.
» Tackle and Equipment:
Wading
All of our fishing is in rivers and streams, wading from the coast and sometimes on floating trips and float-tubing. One pair of fly weight chest waders and one pair of neoprene chest waders is recommended. The new waders "non-condensation" is the best for walking. The comfort of your wading shoes is very important also.
Rods
Bring 2-3 rods. A good combination is:
# 4 Wt or # 5 Wt for dry flies and nymphs.
# 6 Wt or #7 Wt for Boca or streamer fishing.
# 3 Wt for spring creeks and small flies.
Lines We suggest:
--Floating lines for each rod.
--Sink tip lines 5-8. (like Scientific Angler Ultra 2 wet tip IV 10 or Tenny Nymph Tip)
--Shooting head sink tip line 7-8 weight (like Teeny T200 or T300 or shooting line sink V).
--Optional: Intermediate sinking line.
Baking 75 - 100 yards is sufficient.
Leaders
From 4 to 12 feet long. Tippet material is extremely important in Argentina. The trout are very strong and powerful. Your tippet material should be sheer resistant as well as have the maximum breaking strength in small daymeters.
Flies
Bring plenty of flies. You can lose 6-10 flies a day on snags, in trees, by breaking off fish or on stones. Streamers
Sizes 4 and 6, some bigger flies (size 2) and some smaller size 8 flies. The color is black, brown and olive.
--Woolly Buggers - Matukas - Leech Marabou Nymphs
Sizes 10 - 12 and 14, weighted and unweighted.
--Montana nymph - Prince - Hare´s Ear - Pheasant Tail - Zug Bug.
» Rates / 2011
U$S 675.-
Rates in U$S per person, per day double basis. Reservations
50% advance payment is requierd to confirm a reservation. The final balance is due 60 days prior to departure.
Rates include:
Transportation to/from airport (Esquel/Bariloche), lodging, daily bilingual guides fishing, transportation to/from fishing areas, fishing lincese, Lodging with all meals with fine Argentinean wines, beer and soft drinks, cigars.
Rates do not include:
Air transportation, airport taxes, personal life insurance, laundry, personal phone bills, tips, personal gear, rods, reels flies, hard liquors and gratuities.
Notes:
For groups of 6 or more anglers 1 is free !!!
» Rates / 2011 (high season)
U$S 750.-
Rates in U$S per person, per day double basis. Reservations
50% advance payment is requierd to confirm a reservation. The final balance is due 60 days prior to departure.
Rates include:
Transportation to/from airport (Esquel/Bariloche), lodging, daily bilingual guides fishing, transportation to/from fishing areas, fishing lincese, Lodging with all meals with fine Argentinean wines, beer and soft drinks, cigars.
Rates do not include:
Air transportation, airport taxes, personal life insurance, laundry, personal phone bills, tips, personal gear, rods, reels flies, hard liquors and gratuities.
Notes:
For groups of 6 or more anglers 1 is free !!!!
» Fishing
Report
2010 fishing season is over; 2011 season starts next November.
» Fishing Testimonials
» Challhuaquen. The fishing was fantastic !!! by: Louis Eatman - January 04, 2010
Dear Daniel:
My week at Challhuaquen was fabulous. The fishing was fantastic (the rainbows in the Futaleufu were feasting on mayflies most of that week and I caught dozens and dozens of them using a No. 14 Adams dry fly, and I also caught several large brown trout) and Gustavo and his staff treated me like a king. Guillermo Sagui was my guide all week and he was terrific. We have become good friends.
