Chucao Yelcho Lodge, Patagonia – Chile

Lake Yelcho is one of the Chilean Patagonia’s most reknowned sport fishing destinations. The lake is famous for the spectacular rises of large trout to dragonflies that swarm near the edges of the lake each summer. Some of the largest trout caught each year in Patagonia come from this area. The river also receives a good run of king salmon which also provide our guests with great sport.

Each day when you are fishing the lake, you will visit a new location. Most of the fishing on the lake is from outboard-powered, exceptionally stable aluminum boats that quickly take you to the prime fishing spots. Your experienced guide works the oars to quietly position you to make the perfect cast of your fly to the large trout that may await you there.

Since the lodges is located so close to the mouth of the Yelcho River, we use our own McKenzie-style drift boats for floating. There are numerous wonderful pools on these rivers where you can cast tiny dries and nymphs to sighted fish. If you choose, when water conditions permit, there are also many places to stop and wade.

Drifting the river can take the whole day, with a stop for lunch. Your guide becomes your personal chef and presents you with a delicious shore lunch. Our clients always enjoy the beautiful scenery of the glaciers on the mountains surrounding the river. Be on the lookout for the abundant selection of birds and other wildlife!

The Chucao Yelcho Lodge is located on the shore of the lake with the same name very close to where it drains into the Yelcho River. The lodge site is located about 45 minute away from Chaiten airport. Yelcho Lodge was the first of two lodges designed and built by by Gonzalo Cortés, an experienced fisherman and author of the book “Fly Fishing in Chilean Patagonia. The lodge was designed to provide visiting anglers the utmost comfort in accomodations very close to prime fishing areas in both the lake and the river. After fishing guests can relax in the large living room with an open fireplace. Fantastic Chilean and international meals are served in the connected dining area, adjacent to the kitchen, which is equipped with a wood-fed cooking stove typical of the southern Chile.

The lodge’s location provides breath taking views of the lake and surrounding mountains as well as very quick access to some of the best fishing in the area. The terrace provides magnificent views of the lake, as well as of the glaciers and mountains across the lake from the lodge. When the weather permits, drinks and lunch are served on the terrace, and once a week the chef of the lodge serves a Chilean style open pit roasted lamb. To one side of the lodge and situated in the garden only meters away from the bar is our hot tub.