Paloma River Lodge Pre-trip information

Season & Rates: Mid December, 2006 through mid April, 2007, Saturday to Saturday packages.
$3250.00 - private room, shared guide
$4250.00 – private room, private guide
Included: Accommodations at The Paloma River Lodge, with private bath for 7 nights, guided fly fishing for 6 full days and 1/2 day on Saturday if arriving mid-day (fly-fishing only, catch and release), transfers between Balmaceda airport and lodge on regular transfer days, all meals, wines, beer, beverages and fishing license.
Not included: Air transportation to Balmaceda, Chile, trip insurance, fishing equipment, flies, gratuities, phone calls.

Appropriate Apparel

The weather in Patagonia is constantly changing. One afternoon it may be 70° (+) and sunny, down right hot; then only a few hours later it may be rainy, damp, windy and in the low 50°s or cooler. It is not uncommon to have morning temperatures in the mid to low forties, especially when clear weather prevails, warming to a balmy 60° or 70° degrees by the middle of the day. Clothing strategies should be based on the "layering system." Here a formula that will work well for you:

Base Layer: Start off with a (synthetic) type fabric next to your skin. This often is a pair of thermal underwear (tops and bottoms) and they usually come in three weights: light, mid and expedition. According to your individual metabolism, pick what is best for you. Synthetic (non-cotton) materials retain little moisture and "wick" moisture away from your skin. This is very important when you are walking in waders or when outside temperatures heat up.
Thermal Layer: Your second layer of insulation should match the weather and conditions you are going to be fishing in, lightweight insulation for cool weather, mid-weight for colder conditions, and heavy weight for really frigid conditions. Fleece is an outstanding choice here in either tops and bottoms or overalls. Wool is also a good choice, as it stays warm when damp, but dries very slowly.
Outer Shell: (Rain jacket & Waders): Your final layer should be a rain jacket and waders

Important items & Equipment

Boatbag: A waterproof boat bag “dry bag” can be extremely handy for storing extra clothes, tackle and camera equipment. The white water type “dry bags” are the best
Fishing Hat: Look for a hat that is comfortable, relatively waterproof, and that has a good size brim to shade your eyes and face and keep the moisture from fogging your glasses. A dark under-brim is strongly recommended.
Polaroid Sunglasses: Good quality polarized sunglasses are a must. Polarized sunglasses not only let you spot fish more effectively, but protect your eyes from the intense sunlight experienced in Patagonia, as well as hooks. Bring a bandanna or lens cloth to wipe them off and keep them clean.
Line Clippers, Hemostats and Hook Sharpener: These are essential to any fisherman and should not be left behind.
Digital Camera: If you are going to take your camera, make sure you have a waterproof case for it. We like the Frost-Pak insulated waterproof bags or a river dry bag, as they pack nearly flat. The best waterproof cases we have found to protect expensive camera equipment are made by Pelican Products.
Flashlight: Our favorites include the Black Diamond Headlamp with a lanyard to wear around your neck or head. Headlamps work well, freeing your hands.
Sun Protection: The summer weather in Chile Patagonia is generally pleasant, with the average highs in the mid-70's. Though not hot, the ultra-violet rays of the sun in this part of the world are particularly intense. Wide-brimmed hats, long- sleeved shirts, and frequent use of a strong sun block (SPF 30+) is highly recommended.
Camp Shoes: After a long day of fishing, it's nice to get out of your waders and slip into a comfortable pair of shoes to wear around the lodge. We suggest moccasins, duck boots, or your favorite tennis shoes -- something really comfortable.

We recommend the following flies

Midges (Cluster Pattern) 18 - 22 (late season)
Flying ant, size 12 - 16
Buggers, especially bead head black & olive crystal buggers 8 – 10
Monster Beetles, size 6
Nuclear Fusion, sizes 6 - 10
Bozo Chernobyls, sizes 4 - 8
Parachute Adams, sizes 14 - 18
Royal Wulff, sizes 14 - 18
Chernobyl Ant, size 4,6,8... A MUST!
Dave's Hoppers and Parachute, 6 - 12
Dragonfly nymphs, olive, large, size 6
Deer or Horse Fly Pattern, size 12 - 16
Dragonflys (dries), blue, size 10
Turck's Tarantula size 10
Madam X sizes 8 - 10
Large Disk-head Cicadas
Rance's Gypsy King size 4
Rubberlegs Stimulators, 10- 12

Your guide will also have some of his favorite local patterns available and the lodge has individual flies for sale along with complete kits of 50 or 75 flies especially tied for Paloma River Lodge. Prices are $2.50 per fly, $100 for 50 and $125 for 75 flies.

Rods

If you can only bring one rod, bring a 6 weight. If you can bring more than one rod, then a 4, 5, & 7 would be a great combination. Dry fly fishing is 80% of what we will be doing, so bring a proper weight floating line for your rod with 25 yards or more of 20lb. backing. We will also be going deep for some large browns at the lake mouths, so sinking tips will also be needed—150—200 grain. Your rods should be 4-piece for traveling.