I feel incredibly fortunate that I get to fly fish around the world and explore so many beautiful places—and then share those experiences with all of you. Life is short, and while you’re still healthy, it’s important to get out there and explore the world. I just returned from a three-week trip to the Lake Region of Patagonia, which, hands down, is my favorite spot. The weather is perfect, the food is amazing, and the fishing is top-notch. I had the pleasure of catching fish on small dry flies, which made the experience all the more rewarding.
My first trip to Patagonia was in 2001, right when the pesos took a dive, and since then, the people there have faced incredible challenges with inflation. Despite all of that, the resilience of the locals is truly inspiring. I’ve taken many of these trips solo, but I’ve also sent others to lodges I personally trust. This year, I lost two dear friends since my last trip, and while I was out on the rivers, I thought of them often. Juan Jose Serra, the first Golden Dorado fly fishing guide in the late ’80s, and Mel Krieger, who taught me so much over the years, were both pioneers in the sport. Their loss has left a significant mark on me.
As for the fishing gear, I was the first person to bring a single-man pontoon boat to Patagonia over 20 years ago—before it became popular. Today, you’ll see drift boats and rafts in most places, as fly fishing has grown immensely over the years. While it’s exciting to see the sport thrive, I often find myself reflecting on how things were when we had to make do with just a boat and a lot of patience.
If you’ve ever thought about fishing these incredible fisheries, I’m always happy to help. You could try to figure it all out on your own, but it will take time to learn the best spots and how to access them. If you’re short on time or prefer a more seamless experience, I highly recommend Patagonia Outfitters. They offer a first-class experience, and they’ll take care of all the details for you.
I was fortunate to wet wade for most of my time, and I mostly used small dry flies, which the guides were shocked to see such large fish come to. I am planning on another trip next year, and if you are interested let me know
My first trip to Patagonia was in 2001, right when the pesos took a dive, and since then, the people there have faced incredible challenges with inflation. Despite all of that, the resilience of the locals is truly inspiring. I’ve taken many of these trips solo, but I’ve also sent others to lodges I personally trust. This year, I lost two dear friends since my last trip, and while I was out on the rivers, I thought of them often. Juan Jose Serra, the first Golden Dorado fly fishing guide in the late ’80s, and Mel Krieger, who taught me so much over the years, were both pioneers in the sport. Their loss has left a significant mark on me.
As for the fishing gear, I was the first person to bring a single-man pontoon boat to Patagonia over 20 years ago—before it became popular. Today, you’ll see drift boats and rafts in most places, as fly fishing has grown immensely over the years. While it’s exciting to see the sport thrive, I often find myself reflecting on how things were when we had to make do with just a boat and a lot of patience.
If you’ve ever thought about fishing these incredible fisheries, I’m always happy to help. You could try to figure it all out on your own, but it will take time to learn the best spots and how to access them. If you’re short on time or prefer a more seamless experience, I highly recommend Patagonia Outfitters. They offer a first-class experience, and they’ll take care of all the details for you.
I was fortunate to wet wade for most of my time, and I mostly used small dry flies, which the guides were shocked to see such large fish come to. I am planning on another trip next year, and if you are interested let me know
