Isla Monita features as part of our “2 Country” Programme, with El Encuentro Lodge in Argentina (Take me there..)

General Information:

Situated on a private 250-hectare island on Lago Yelcho in the heart of the Chilean Patagonia wilderness, Isla Monita and its Lodge sit right on the doorstep of some of the finest big trout water in the country.  The Lodge’s ideal and central location puts you anywhere from five minutes to an hour’s drive to the huge variety of outstanding fishing locations in this region.

Isla Monita provides the greatest diversity of fishing to be found anywhere in this area.  Fishing by driftboat and jet boat on the Futaleufu, Palena, Rosselot, and Yelcho Rivers, lake fishing on Lago Yelcho, and exclusive access to four private lagunas await you in this unique destination.  This variety ensures that you always have options in your pursuit for trophy trout no matter what the weather. 

The majestic Andean scenery surrounding the island is truly unrivalled, the fishing spectacular, and the staff gracious and experienced.

The Fishing:

Streamer fishing for large rainbows and browns, sight-casting to cruising fish, and dry fly fishing to quality trout are the standard methods practiced at this catch-and-release flyfishing Lodge.  Guests can chose whether they prefer river, or lake, fishing; to fish from a boat or from a float tube; or whether they prefer to wade or to fish from the bank.  The extensive fishing consists of the following.

• Drift boating down several major rivers with magnificent scenery and a huge variety of fishing, including deep pools, eddies, swift runs and many other fish habitats

• Jet boating to stretches of river, inaccessible by other means, to fish virgin waters

• Float tubing or pontooning in lagunas where the only sound is the splashing of large fish jumping for flies

• Wading for big fighting fish in large rivers, with overhangs and natural obstacles

• Wading in smaller streams of great beauty and crystal waters, teasing out elusive fish with the dry fly

• Row-boating in deep silent lagunas beneath hanging glaciers and snow-capped peaks

• Fishing for powerful and hungry trout in the main lake reed beds and the mouths of rivers feeding the lake.

Almost all our fishing is with flies, using single hooks.  We encourage, but do not insist upon, the use of barbless hooks, and follow a policy of catch and release for conservation purposes.

Available to guests fishing at Isla Monita are all of the following locations:

• River Futaleufu and its tributaries; the River Yelcho; a little further afield the Rivers Palena and Rosselot; the mighty Lake Yelcho; and a number of secret and exclusive lagunas only available to Isla Monita guests.  These are protected and extraordinarily beautiful, apart from the excellent fishing that they afford.

Programme:

On Day 1 (Saturday), guests will be met at Chaiten airport off the midday flight from Puerto Montt, and driven the 90 minute ride to Lake Yelcho.  On arrival at the lakeside a boat will transfer you to the nearby island of Isla Monita and its Lodge.  Lunch will be served, and an afternoon’s fishing follows.

Days 2 to 7 incl.:  6 full days’ guided fishing at any one (or more) of the locations available

Day 8 (Saturday):  A few hours morning fishing if schedules permit, and then transfer back to Chaiten airport for end of the programme

Accommodation:

The Lodge complex, the only group of buildings on the island, is timber and stone built, in a small hollow above an orchard overlooking the south-east corner of Lake Yelcho.  The western horizon is crowded by jagged peaks towering up to 7,000 feet, amid forests, snow fields and glaciers above Lake Yelcho.  The island’s only access is by 10 minute boat ride from the lakeside – thus complete privacy is ensured.

The Lodge is comfortably furnished and welcoming.  The ground floor has two bedrooms and three bathrooms, while upstairs there are another five bedrooms and five bathrooms, 3 en suite.  It comfortably accommodates 8-10 anglers, has hot showers, baths, hot tub, powered via generator (with backups).  A large sitting room, with adjoining bar and dining area, overlooks the lake, orchards and mountains and is warmed by a splendid open fireplace.  Upstairs there is a further sitting area, as well as exercise bikes for those wanting to keep fit.

The Lodge has a well-stocked cellar specialising in the finest Chilean wines, as well as beers, spirits and soft drinks.  Also, it is equipped with satellite phone, with internet and email connections.

The lodge has been featured many times over the years in international publications and is both well-established (over 20 years of business) and well-staffed.

Season:

Fishing starts in early November, with daytime temperatures in the 60’s and nights in the 50s.  The dragonflies start to appear.  December is warmer, in the 70s, with more insect life and occasional sunshine.  January and February are the peak summer months, with still more insect life, and fantastic evening rises.  March brings more variable weather, and as autumn approaches the fish feed voraciously.  In April the trout are still plentiful as the big fish go upstream to spawn.

Rates:

The overall rate per week for the all-inclusive fishing program at Isla Monita is US$ 4,495 per week, or US$ 3,295 for non-anglers.

Included: This rate includes transfers between the Lodge and Chaiten airport, 61⁄2 days guiding and boating services, 7 nights lodging, shared occupancy, all meals, cocktails and an open bar with free access to an ample choice of first class Chilean wines and international spirits

Not Included: International and domestic flights; Gratuities for guides and house staff

Conditions:

A 50% deposit is required to hold your reservation.  Full payment is due 60 days prior to commencement of the programme