Baker River, Patagonia – Chile
Located in one of the most beautiful areas of the Chilean Patagonia, the Baker River is a destination whose fame has grown steadily among fly fishermen. The extraordinary landscapes that surround the Green Baker Lodge are very reminiscent of Alaska or Northern Europe, with the Baker’s incredible turquiose waters bordered by native forest in the foreground and majestic glacier covered mountain peaks in the background. The gin clear waters of the Baker are home to a large population of rainbow trout usually ranging from 12 to 20 inches in length which will rise to a well presented dry fly without a second thought in addition to a healthy population of brown trout. It’s trout are aggressive takers and energetic fighters which are a joy to catch. During the season large groups of feeding fish are often seen in different areas of the river.
Fed by the snowmelt and glacial waters that flow out of the General Carrera Lake, the Baker River tends to be at its best levels between October and Christmas, befote the snowmelt or later on from mid- March until the end of the season at the beginning of May. Fishing is from boats or wading the edges of islands in the river. All fishing is catch and release and we ask fishermen to take due care when handling the trout. In addition to the Baker, during the summer we have the option of fishing for large brown trout in Lake Bertrand or the renowned Cochrane River or for chinook salmon and rainbow trout in the Jaramilla River.
The lodging is in one of seven comfortable wood cabins located next to the Baker and situated among native trees. Each cabin has its own living room and private bathrooms. During your stay you will enjoy fantastic Chilean cuisine accompanied by excellent local wines.
9 foot 3 to 6 weight rods with weight forward floating lines for dry fly fishing and 150 to 200 grain sink tip lines for streamer fishing. It is recommendable to have at least 100 yards for 20 pound test backing on your reel in case you hook into a big one. Leaders should be at least 9 feet long. Recommended flies include: varios caddis imitations including elk hair caddis, and attractor flies including Royal Wulfs, Adams and Humpies in hook sizes between 10 and14. Streamers: black, olive, brown and white Wooly Buggers, “Colo Colo” Zonkers y Muddler Minnows on number 6 and 8 hooks.
The Green Baker Lodge is located on the banks of the Baker River in the beautiful Patagonian Chile about 1,500 kilometers to the south of Santiago or 290 kilometers south of Coyhaique along the Austral Highway. It is just 3 kilometers to the south of Puerto Bertrand To get to the lodge, you generally fly from Santiago to Balmaceda on a domestic flight of approximately two and a half hours. From the Balmaceda Airport it is a four and a half hour drive south on the Austral Highway (100 kilometers on asphalt and the rest on well maintained dirt roads. Another option is to charter a small plane from Coyhaique to a landing field just 30 kilometers away from the lodge.
To get to the lodge, you generally fly from Santiago to Balmaceda on a domestic flight of approximately two and a half hours. From the Balmaceda Airport it is a four and a half hour drive south on the Austral Highway (100 kilometers on asphalt and the rest on well maintained dirt roads. Another option is to charter a small plane from Coyhaique to a landing field just 30 kilometers away from the lodge.
Location: The Green Baker Lodge is located on the banks of the Baker River in the beautiful Patagonian Chile about 1,500 kilometers to the south of Santiago or 290 kilometers south of Coyhaique along the Austral Highway. It is just 3 kilometers to the south of Puerto Bertrand
Season: From the second Friday in October until the first Sunday in May
Best dates: From mid – October until Christmas and Mid-March until the end of April
Nº of rods allowed: The lodge can accommodate up to 18 guests at a time.
Fishing technique allowed: Fly and spinning with single barbless hook lures. Fishing is catch and release.
Species: Rainbow trout and brown trout. In other lakes and river of the area: rainbow and brown trout,
Nota: The fishing is catch and release