A perfect combination of crystal-clear water and spectacular scenery await fishermen to Chile’s Aysén region, in the lakes and rivers of central Patagonia.

The Aysén region in Chile is one of the world’s top destinations for fly fishing. Just this past year, the 1st FIPS-Mouche Masters World Fly Fishing Championship was held in Coyhaique, from January 17-24. It was a first time a major championship was held in South America.

This spectacular destination attracted renowned fishing teams in the Masters category (competitors over 50), who had the opportunity to fish in the heart of the Chilean Patagonia. A significant part of Patagonia has remained unaltered for centuries, including native forests and glaciers.

The most important lakes in the region for fly fishing are the Misterioso, Frío and Los Juncos. The best rivers includeSimpson, Emperador Guillermo, Mañihuales, Toquiand Ñirehuao. They are well known for their abundant supply of rainbow trout, brown trout and king, or Chinook, and salmon, among other species. And the region’s transparent, pristine waters are the ideal complement.

A natural wonderland
Along with fishing in some of Patagonia’s most pristine waterways, there are also a variety of natural attractions in the area that shouldn’t be missed. One of them is Lake General Carrera, the largest lake in Chile. From the different lookouts along the road that surrounds the lake, you can see the San Valentín andSan Lorenzo mountains, with their glacier-covered peaks and snowdrifts.

Another must see are the Capillas de Mármol, which are marble caves, carved by the turquoise blue glacial waters ofGeneral Carrera. Tours are available by kayak or small boat from the coastal towns of Puerto Río Tranquilo, Puerto Sánchez or Puerto Guadal.

Other activities around the lake include sport fishing, horse riding and trekking, allowing you to enjoy the wonderful local flora and fauna. Throughout the General Carrera Lake basin you can also find archeological drawings and art art made by the indigenous tehuelches over 8,000 years ago.

One of the Aysén region’s biggest attractions is the San Rafael Glacier. The Laguna San Rafael National Park extends for 1,742,000 hectares and was declared a World Biosphere Reserve in 1979. The park includes the entire Northern Patagonian Ice Field, which is the source of countless rivers, lakes and glaciers in the region. It is also home to the highest mountain in the southern Andes, San Valentín, which rises over 4,000 meters above sea level.

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