GENERAL INFORMATION
The fishing area called Comarca de los Alerces, is internationally known as one of the most important Salmonidal fishing places in the world. It is characterized by a big number of original glacier lakes and hundreds of rivers and streams, with a variety of trouts as well as salmons, which were introduced in this territory 100 years ago. Challhuaquen is placed at the north shore of de Futaleufu river, considered itself one of the greatest fishing spots in the Patagonia.

The trout of Patagonia (brown, rainbow, and brook trout) averages 12-20 inch. Intermediate fly fishermen can expect to land trouts of over 20 inches and experienced anglers have a good chance of landing 5-15 pound trouts. Many rivers also contain landlocked salmon, which can exceed 10 pounds. Challhuaquen and Patagonia offers a first class "off-season" fishing (November through mid April), in a scenery very similar to the western states in the US, particularly Montana and Wyoming some 50 or more years ago.

Good fishing in crystalline waters, surrounded by glacial lakes, millenarian trees, and magnificent landscapes is combined in Challhuaquen Lodge with the elegance and comfort that could make such experience unique.

SEASONS
Mid November - End of April

ACCOMMODATIONS
Challhuaquen, which in the local Mapuche tongue means "fishing place", is located in the Trevelin valley, Province of Chubut, on the bank of the Futaleufu river or Rio Grande, in front of the National Park Los Alerces, at the heart of the Argentinean Patagonia. Created by and for fishermen, Challhuaquen ultimate goal is to get the maximum pleasure out of an exceptional location for the practice of fly fishing. Based on that priority, qualified and personalized service provides all it is needed for a successful fishing season amid a luxury set up.

Thus, understanding the need for relaxation and privacy, the lodge has only six spacious and comfortable double guestrooms, each with private bath; all facing the Futaleufu river with the constant backdrop of the National Park and the Andeans on the horizon. Similarly, acknowledging the fraternity aspect of fishing, Challhuaquen counts with ample and fully equipped common areas and a bar to rest and enjoy tying-fly with the company of a good friend and/or a fine drink. Furthermore, thinking about the eventual desire to enjoy the maximum of luxury, the lodge offers a SPA, with sauna, hydro massage, scotch shower, and personal massages that also benefits from the magnificent river/mountain/park view.

Needless to say, and always aimed at satisfying the fishermen needs, all rooms have direct access to the Futaleufu river and to a dryer-room. To complete the perfect flying fishing day, the chef at Challhuaquen Lodge has the skill to please international preferences or adventure those more curious to the culture of typical Patagonian dishes. Each meal is served in our homely restaurant with impeccable presentation, and accompanied by finest Argentinean wines.

PACKAGE / PRICING
Starting from U$S 2600.- Package / Per person
4 fishing days / 4 nights
Minimum 2 anglers

Included: Ground transfer, Esquel airport / ranch round trip; 4-night accommodation in an exclusive ranch with all meals and beverages (wine & beer); 4 fishing days with qualify guide and boat. Not included: Airfare; fishing license, fishing equipment and flies; imported liquors, clothes, personal insurance and gratuities.

HOW TO GET THERE
Challhuaquen Lodge is located 1100 miles south west of Buenos Aires. There are daily flights from here to Esquel airport where a member of the staff will be waiting to drive you to the lodge. Domestic flights can be arranged.

EQUIPMENT & GEAR
Wading
All of our fishing is in rivers and streams, wading from the coast. One pair of fly weight chest waders and one pair of neoprene chest waders is recommended. The new waders "non-condensation" is the best for walking. The comfort of your wading shoes is very important also.

Rods
Bring 2-3 rods. A good combination is:
-- 8-91/2; 5/6 weight for dry flies and nymphs.
-- 9-91/2; 7/8 weight for Boca or streamer fishing.

Lines
We suggest:
--Floating lines for each rod.
--Sink tip lines 5-8. (like Scientific Angler Ultra 2 wet tip IV 10 or Tenny Nymph Tip)
--Shooting head sink tip line 7-8 weight (Teeny T200 or T300 or shooting line sink V).
--Optional: Intermediate sinking line. Baking 75 - 100 yards is sufficient.

Leaders
From 4 to 12 feet long. Tippet material is extremely important in Argentina. The trout are very strong and powerful. Your tippet material should be sheer resistant as well as have the maximum breaking strength in small daymeters.

Flies
Bring plenty of flies. You can lose 6-10 flies a day on snags, in trees, by breaking off fish or on stones.
Streamers: Wooky Bugger, black and olive (from size # 4 to 10); Rabbits, cinnamon and black (size #2 to 8); Matukas, green and olive (size #8 to 12); Blonde, white (size #2 to 6); Cone Head Marabou Muddler, brown and white (size #2 to 8).
Nymphs: Prince (size # 10 to 14); Hare´s Ear, natural and black (size #10 to 16); Soft Hackle, cinnamon and black (size # 8 to 14); Kauffman´s Stone black (size # 6 to 10); Montana (size # 8 to 14).
Dry Flies: Adams (size # 10 to 16), Elk Hair Cádiz, natural and black (from sizes # 10 to16); Red Humpy (sizes # 10 to 14), Blak Gnat (size # 12 to16), Goddard Cáddis, natural (size # 10 to 14) and Irresistible (size # 12 to 16).