Futa Lodge is situated in the Valle de Las Escalas on the Futaleufu River, in the Tenth Region of Chile. The lodge sits on a high riverbank overlooking the river and is situated on a private ranch. Chile’s Mountainous Tenth Region rises above some of the most ancient temperate rainforests in the world.
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The Area
Tucked away, deep into the Coyhue forests of the tenth region of Chile are the azure depths of the Futaleufu River. Rolling peacefully through this exquisite backwater, away from the sounds of engines or civilization, this is the ultimate trout fisherman’s retreat. Standing sentinel on the riverbank is Futa lodge, a small hideaway of comfort and tranquility and a world apart from the hustle and bustle that even sleepy Esquel represents on the Argentinean side of the border. Relative inaccessibility ensures that some of the most beautiful mountain scenery imaginable remains pristine and unspoilt.
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The Fishing
The Futaleufu is classic freestone river, which nurtures healthy stocks of Rainbow and Brown Trout, fed by abundant hatches of mayfly, caddis and stonefly. Most of the trout are in the 14-16” class but much larger trout are regularly caught. There is even the occasional sea-run fish, guaranteed to put a bend in your rod. Ideal fly-fishing water the conditions reward a delicately presented dry fly or nymph on a light 4-6 wt rod.
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Futa Lodge
Catering for just six anglers in three comfortable twin rooms Futa lodge is delightfully exclusive, whilst offering excellent service and all the homely comforts one would wish for in this remote outpost of Chile. There are three bright and comfortable cottages—one next to the main lodge and the others bordering the river’s edge. The main lodge consists of a cozy living room with a fireplace and two additional double rooms. Laundry service is available. Gourmet cuisine awaits accompanied by wines chosen from Chile’s finest vineyards and an all-inclusive bar with a collection of local spirits and the famous Pisco sour cocktails.
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The Cuisine
At Futa you can expect to have outstanding food. Part of the Nervous Waters chain of lodges Futa has a top-notch team of experienced national and international chefs, trained in both classic and avant-garde culinary techniques. In addition, our inspired lunch and dinner menus are paired with some of Argentina’s—and the world’s—best wines; Bodega Catena Zapata.
Bodega Catena Zapata wine recently received a “number four in the world” icon ranking from Wine Advocate. These are truly great wines that compete on the world stage and in addition to enjoying your sporting holiday and our excellent menus, we also hope you will also take note of our wines. They hold a special place in our culture and we are proud to serve them to you.
Regional products we use at Futa include such delicacies as smoked lamb and goat meat; handpicked berries from our prolific gardens; and delicate, flavorful mushrooms plucked from local forests.
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Daily Schedule
To avoid the midday heat, anglers generally leave the lodge early in the morning, around 8 a.m. Guests return to the lodge for lunch and drinks around noon. After lunch and a siesta, boats will typically leave the put-in around 4:30 p.m., returning at dusk. Fishing hours will change slightly depending on the time of year. Demanding fishermen can fish through the day and can arrange this with the head guide. Non-fishing activities such as horseback riding or canoeing are available to allow our guests to enjoy the amazing wildlife and scenery of the area, and these trips can be organized with the head guide.
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Getting There
The best way to reach Futa is via Esquel in Argentina. The journey should take about 1 1/2 hours, including customs on the border. Alternatively you can fly via Santiago to Chaiten. The journey will take approx 4 1/2 hrs.
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Typical Itinerary
Day 1
-Arrive Esquel
-Met by Futa Driver
-Drive to Futa crossing border
Day 2-6
-6 Full days of fishing
Day 7
-Depart Futa
Length of stay can vary. Min 3 nights/2 days fishing
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Availability and Pricing for the 2019 Season
Season
- The season runs from Dec to March
Rate
- US $5,565 (non-anglers 40% discount)
- Shared room and guide
- Non-Fisher $450/night subject to availability
Package Includes
- Seven nights.
- Six days fly-fishing.
- Price includes full board accommodation.
- All meals and drinks including alcohol.
Not Included
-Price does not include transfers from Esquel or Bariloche, gratuities for guides or lodge staff or laundry
Best Times to Go
The season at Futa lodge runs from November to April with January and February being the warmest months. The sun can be strong during the day, but you are living and fishing in a temperate rainforest so it can rain at anytime during the season.
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More Photos
Our Aim
Our Aim is to share our combined knowledge of fly fishing holidays and fly fishing vacations around the world to make your next river fishing, lake fishing or salt-water fly fishing holiday the best ever.
Our Promise
We do not charge a commission over and above the standard rates set by a fishing lodge.
Our advice and experience is based on first hand knowledge of the lodges we recommend.
We will always offer you any currently available promotions or discounts.
Our information is based on personal experience and is unbiased towards any lodge or operation.
We will always strive to ensure that your fishing trip is optimised to meet both the best seasonal conditions.
Contact
If you would like to know more about the fishing in Chile, please contact us and we will provide you with more details. For availabilities, prices, pre trip information, booking form etc. please contact:
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