Fishing in Chile with Roxtons

In one of the most beautiful settings imaginable, Isla Monita offers a wide range of stunning fishing from a lodge that takes enormous care of its guests starting from the delicious food to the very comfortable bedrooms.

More dedicated to the fisherman this is a unique lodge that offers some of the best fishing in Chile.

Isla Monita has access to some of the most varied fishing available in Patagonia. Guests can choose from river or lake fishing, fishing from a boat or float tube, wading or fishing from the bank with expert advice from professional guides.

Isla Monita is a 250 acre island at the mouth of the Futaleufú river on Lago Yelcho, one of Chile's deepest lakes. It is fed by innumerable streams and the Futaleufú river itself, creating the perfect breeding conditions for very strong, large trout.

The choice of boats includes drift boats, jet boats, motor launches and laguna boats, as well as float tubes and pontoons. There is also a wealth of wading available on rivers and creeks, perfect for wet or dry flies.

There is also jet boating to stretches of river inaccessible by other means to fish virgin waters or rowing in deep silent lagoons beneath hanging glaciers and snow-capped peaks. Fishing is on the Futaleufú river, the Yelcho, Rosselot, Rio Verde and Palena rivers as well as Lago Yelcho itself, immediately in front of the lodge. This is Chilean Patagonia fishing at its finest with accommodation of the highest quality.

The lodge stands alone on a island, it has recently been refurbished offering complete privacy and comfort to fourteen guests. The lodge boasts the ultimate relaxing atmosphere and truly diverse fishing whilst, with fresh local produce, sumptuous meals are assured.

The lodge is built, in a small hollow above an orchard overlooking the south-eastern corner of the lake. The western horizon is crowded by jagged peaks that tower up to 7,000ft, amid forests, snow fields and glaciers above Lake Yelcho. Isla Montia's only access is by a 10 minute boat ride from the lakeside. Complete privacy is assured. The lodge is comfortably furnished and welcoming. The ground floor has three bathrooms and two bedrooms, while upstairs there are another five bedrooms and five bathrooms, three en suite.

A large sitting room, with an adjoining bar and dinning area, overlooks the lake, orchards and mountains and is warmed by a splendid open stone fireplace. Upstairs there is a further sitting area often used by guests as a reading area. There are also exercise bikes available in the upstairs area for those who wish to keep their trim in spite of the delicious food and wines.

Isla Monita Lodge has its own generator and all the rooms have electric light. The lodge has a well-stocked cellar with full range of beers, spirits, soft drinks and they specialise in first class Chilean wines, especially selected and bottled for guests of Isla Monita.

Rods
Fishing in Patagonia's clear rivers requires rods ranging from 8ft to 9ft depending mainly on your preference. It is always worth while taking two rods just in case one breaks.

Lines
Floating lines matched to your rods weight are usually the normal choice to fish these clear rivers with a dry fly. We suggest lines from 4 weight through to 7 weight, these will cope with almost any conditions that you will encounter. Although not usually needed it is always worth have an intermediate line or sink tip cover any and all eventualities.

Nylon / Leader
Tapered trout leaders starting at 10ft in length are suitable. Your tippets do not need to exceed 5lbs breaking strain.

Flies
A selection of flies that are successful here include

• Goddards Sedge
• May Fly
• Grass Hoppers
• Red Humpies
• Royal Wulf's
• Damsel Nymphs
• Stone Flies

Please take your own fly box as well, as you will have your own favourites that you might like to try.

Other Items

• Waders
• Wading stick
• Layered clothing because of changeable weather
• Wader repair kit
• Polarized sunglasses
• Forceps / clippers
• Hand and face moisturizer

The activities that one can undertake here are very varied a list of some are as follows

• White-water rafting and kayaking in the Futaleufu River.
• Hiking to local waterfalls
• Bird watching.

Season
January until April.

Time Difference from GMT
4 hours.

Electricity
The lodge gets all power from a generator which runs on a 220V current. To use your chargers and other electrical items from the US you will need not only an adapter, but one which contains a transformer to convert the 220V to the 110V required by US electrical appliances. We keep a transformer with a power strip which you may use should you not be able to find the proper type. Power is only on when guests are present at the lodge and is turned off at night after everyone has gone to sleep. The rooms are equipped with battery-powered lanterns for nighttime use.

Currency
The official currency of Chile is the Peso.

Tips
We suggest a gratuity of $60-$80US per day per person. All tips are evenly distributed among the guides and staff. Should you feel inclined to give a gratuity to someone personally, you are welcome to do so, this should be done outside of the general gratuity.

Visa requirements for UK citizens
None.

Medical Requirements
There are no required inoculations for travel to Chile, though you are advised to check with your doctor prior to departure regarding any vaccinations that may be recommended. If you are taking prescription medicines please ensure that you bring enough for the duration of your stay.

Insects
Biting insects in Patagoinia are as a general rule not a problem. However we do surgest that you take good repelant to prevent any irritating bites.