Equipment and Flies
Fly rods:You should bring at least two fly rods: a 6 or 7 wt for streamer fishing and windier conditions, and a 4 or 5 wt for evening dry fly fishing. We strongly recommend bringing a third 5 wt as a backup. There are a very limited number of rods at the lodge in the event you break one.
Fly reels:Reels should be high quality, preferably disc-drag models loaded with a minimum of 80 / 100 yards of backing. The occasional 8-10 lb fish will test your gear to the limit! You may want a backup reel or extra spools for your reel. Having two rods rigged, one floating and one sinking will maximize your fishing time.(probably your most important piece of equipment).
Lines: Weight forward or double taper floating lines are fine for dry fly and small streamer fishing. We recommend that you bring a 30 ft 150-250 grain fast sink line for your spare reel.
Full sinking lines are especially effective in the lakes and it is highly reccomended that you bring one. Most of our lakes have abrupt drop offs along the edges and the sinking lines get the fly down to where the fish are. If you have not cast a fast sinking line before, we recommend you get a little practice in before you come. It’s not difficult to learn, but it will increase your fishing success and pleasure if you already have this technique down.
Leaders: 7 ½ to 9 foot 3x-5x leaders will suffice for most fishing. We like to use fluorocarbon for tippets for its added abrasion resistance and low light reflectivity. Bring some extra spools of tippet in the 3x – 6x range. Evening fishing in the channels near the lodge can become very technical at times.
Flies:Much of our fishing during the day is with streamers such as Wooley buggers, Sculpins and large attractor patterns such as chernoble ants and Fat alberts. See the separate " LIST OF FLIES FOR RIO PALENA LODGE " for complete recommendations.
Waders: Breathable goretex waders are the best way to maximize your fishing experience. You can layer poly-pro or fleece underneath in cold conditions and turn them down during hot weather.
Wading shoes: Sturdy wading shoes with good felt soles. While the footing is good, the palena has many stretches of fast water with strong currents.
Clothing: Layering is the mantra when fishing. Light cotton sweaters, short and long sleeve shirts and trousers, long underwear, heavy wool sweater, windbreaker, wool socks, swim suit, gloves and heavy wool sweater (for November and April only) We recommend neutral colors. Big temperature changes can occur in a matter of hours in the mountains, so make sure you are prepared.
Rain Jacket:Gore Tex or similar. 100% Rain proof, seam sealed and breathable, with hood.We can't stress enough, the importance of bringing quality equipment with you to Chile. This is a trip of a lifetime and you are travelling a long way from home, so don't risk losing the fish of a lifetime due to equipment malfunction!
All guests are required to bring their own fishing equipment however Rio Palena Lodge will have loaner rods and waders available in the event you experience equipment loss or failure.
