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Practicing Patience in Patagonia

Practicing Patience in Patagonia

5 ways to Practice Patience in Patagonia

You've flown a long way, settled into the lodge and are itchin’ to get down to the water. Conditions look good. Not too much sun. Light wind. Gear is all checked out. You haven't lost or broken anything yet.

So you rush out , scramble down the bank, and rush out into the the Big Run for the just so perfect cast into the sweet spot at the head of the pool.

You spook the  cows over in the next county.

Who hasn't done this? Shake head with chagrin. Raise your hand.

One of the blessings of getting older, with more miles/kilometers under your waders, and time  alone on the water; is the appreciation of of the cadence, rhythm and timing inherent to fly fishing.

The need to rush is a figment of your Fly’s imagination. Your appetite not the trout’s

The virtue of patience provides its own reward.

And though its origins arose from the poetry of the 14th century, of a man in search of faith; the essential truth  remains true, flowing through us; as we cast a hatch in search of something  equally elusive.

Five  ways that help with the practice of patience in Patagonia (or pretty much anywhere) when “walking to your spot.”

1.    Mindful breathing.

2.     Focus. Take a few moments to look at the wáter before beginning.

3.     Look. Look up and behind. Who hasn't caught the willow  or  The Guide on his first cast and spent next thirty minutes in Snafuclustermuck?

4.     Touch. Touch the water. Turn over a rock. Open the senses to discovery.

5.     Listen. Wind, current, signs of hatch, waterfowl: all inform and whisper.

6.     Look Again. Just look, at first outward then if you can, inward.

 

You'll be surprised what you see hatching.

 

Fly Fishing Adventure in Patagonia-Chile

Along the western coastal bays and spectacular fjords of the Chilean Andes, numerous rivers run to the sea. The Aysen River and its extensive watershed flow majestically into the Pacific at the port of Chacabuco. Adventure begins here.

The Coyhaique-Aysen region is internationally known for fly-fishing.  Anglers come from around the world from October to late May to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.

If you are a beginner or have wanted to learn to fly fish this is a fabulous opportunity. A perfect activity for couples, a time to make new friends, or go solo. The people living in Patagonia are warm and guides at lodges like Los Torreones Lodge are experienced, patient, and passionate. They love what they do and wish to share the beauty of Patagonia and joy of fly-fishing with one and all.

There is always a packing list.  Usually we focus on 'things'. Stuff.  What we bring back from our trips and adventures though, isn´t material, or tangible. Memories and feelings seem to make it into the carry on luggage back home.

Here´s my emotional packing list to help make sure we keep in perspective our gear and the reasons we are mid stream in the first place.

Emotional Packing List:

Humor.  Hook yourself or your dog? Fall into or out of the boat? Bring lunch but forget the plates? Drive off and leave your gear and one of your buddies behind? Catch a bat in mid cast?... Amos and Andy wouldn't have been able to top what happens spontaneously on a God trip… Be prepared for a good 'hoot and an howl'.

Patience. You can run out of goop but the angler who runs out of patience is no longer fishing. He´s complaining on some level. Unpleasant for companions and I've noticed the fish don´t seem to care when I've lost it.

Flexibility. Yeah you need it to get over, or under barb wire fences occasionally.  Or scramble onto log structure at the edge of a must cast into pool. But more than that I find with I bend and relax my inner flow mirrors, the river and my sense of self can merge with the stream, wind, floating line and whispering willows. 

Passion. You define it. It's yours. Personal up close. Never, ever , EVER forget to honor it.

Pro-Guide Tips from Patagonia

Pro-Guide Tips from Patagonia

Diego Salas grew up fly fishing in Patagonia. When your dad is one of the early legendary pioneers who opened up Chilean fly fishing to the larger world and runs Los Torreones Lodge, it's easy to understand the family love affair with Patagonia.

 

1.   What two tips would you share with an angler who is considering fly fishing in Patagonia?

Don't worry about the wind! It will always be around and in fact can be used in our favor. Secondly, you want to be well prepared with gear and clothing for different types of weather on any given day.

2.   What does fly fishing mean to you?

Fly Fishing for me is the best thing that could ever have happened to me. It makes me feel grateful. It's a way of seeing life differently.

3.   How does it make you feel when your client lands a big brown?

When a client lands a big brown? Well happy! Feliz!!!  Nothing better than a big fish you work together to get. Happy client, happy Guide!

4.   When you first step up to a big river in Patagonia what to you look for?

When I first see the river, I read the water so we can understand the conditions that day. The way the river flows, behaves.  A lifetime of experience comes into play. Once you get that, you can plan the way you going to fish and what fly are you going to use (according to skills and physical condition) All this so you can make the best of it and enjoy.

5.    How do you fish differently now from ten years ago?

Ten years ago I just wanted to run and cover as much water as I possibly could. Now I take my time. The river isn´t going anywhere…. and yet moves constantly. I can spend all day working to catch a special fish in a special hole. And if I don´t get him, well even better! I have a mission for the next time!

6.What one word comes to mind when you think “Fly Fishing in Patagonia”

“Fishing in one word?...Hmmmmm….MAGIC!

At least fishing in Patagonia…..oops sorry that´s four words!”