Futa Lodge is situated in the Valle de Las Escalas on the Futaleufu River, in Chilean Patagonia. The lodge sits on a high bank overlooking the river, from within the heart of a private farm. This mountainous region of Chile is a magnificent snow-capped landscape that rises above some of the most ancient temperate rainforest in the world. This lush environment plays host to an incredibly diverse range of animals, and bird life in particular, such as the resplendent giant kingfisher, flocks of monk parakeets and the tiny emerald crested hummingbird.

Futa is an ideal location for non-angling partners with a host of available activities. Hiking and mountain biking are great options, while horseback riding is particularly popular with all ages. Several horses are kept on the farm and group rides on the beautiful local trails are easily organised.

Kayaks offer a great adventure with plenty of opportunity to take photos of the scenery and wildlife, either on the rivers or glacial-fed Espolon Lake, which is perfect for swimming and rock jumping. For the most adventurous, white water rafting down the Futaleufu River with its class IV and V rapids will take your breath away.

The fishing at Futa lodge is based on the Futaleufu River which flows right by the front door of the lodge. The browns and rainbows of the Futaleufu River, originally from European and American stockings in the early 19th Century, have established an extremely healthy population that is envied among wild trout fisheries the world over.

Seasonal expeditions from Futaleufu can also encompass some of the further-flung lakes and coastal fishing areas for chinook and silver salmon, as well as sea-run browns and native rainbows. The Futaleufu River and its tributaries are famed for prolific hatches of fly and so most of the techniques used require delicate presentations of nymphs or dry flies. But with plenty of wild fish over 20”, a reel with a decent drag and plenty of backing is a must. The wading is not difficult and most of fishing is done from drifting boats.

To avoid the midday heat, anglers generally leave the lodge early in the morning around 8am and return to the lodge for lunch and drinks at around 12.30pm. After lunch and a siesta, boats will typically leave the dock again around 4.30pm, returning at dusk. But demanding fishermen can arrange to fish through the day!

Futa lodge seems to take you back 200 years to an untouched Patagonia. Lazy horseback trails wind down to the river´s edge, which is a riot of lupins and other wild flowers, and there are no engines on the river to disturb the birdsong.

The lodge can host up to 8 guests, including just six anglers. There are two cottages, one next to the main lodge and one right on the edge of the river. The main lodge consists of a cozy living room with a fire place and two more double bed-rooms.

Futa Lodge offers excellent cuisine, with an a la carte menu based on local meats, fresh vegetable and delicious deserts. A traditional barbecue, known as an asado, will feature during your stay. Of course, there is a fully stocked bar, featuring local spirits and, naturally, a wonderful wine selection. A long standing tradition at the lodge is an evening of lamb asados, attended by a local dance troop who demonstrate the Cueca, Chile’s national dance.

The lodge also carries a good selection of local fly patterns