Estancia de Los Rios - Gear

Rods: We suggest that you take two rods to cover the wide variety of large and small waters. These should include an 8 ½ to 9 ½ ft. rod for #5 or #6 line.  A 4-piece or 5-piece rod is advisable.

Reels: A quality reel with a smooth strong drag is crucial for playing large fish. Reels with extra spools should hold the fly line and 150 yards of 20-lb backing. We recommend single action fly reel and extra spools for #5, and #6 lines. Expect reels to get a workout and make sure that they are properly lubricated and check for worn parts.

Lines: Weight-forward lines are generally best. Floating and sinking tip lines will comfortably handle most of the fishing. We suggest a weight-forward floating and a weight-forward sink tip (fast sink or extra fast 10ft and 20ft). A Teeny 200 or similar is recommended.

Leaders: Take a supply of tapered leaders in lengths of 6-9 ft in sizes 0X-3X, and spools of leader material from 2X-5X.

Flies: The following is simply an outline of suggested flies.

Dry Flies: A broad selection of traditional patterns, size 10-16 for small stream fishing, such as Adams, Caddis, Hoppers, Wulff (Royal and others): in fact most standard flies seem to work.

Streamers (weighted): Wooly Buggers with Crystalflash or Flashabou (black, brown, and olive), Muddler, Matuka (yellow, green), Sculpins, Grey Ghosts, Girdle Bug or Montana Nymph; sizes 2-8, especially 2-4.

Nymphs: In various patterns (weighted), especially brown, olive and beige, either in traditional patterns, and also in the now popular bead-head versions. (Hare's ear, Pheasant Tail, etc.): sizes 10, 12, 14. Also include several large nymphs, such as Montana or Kaufmann's Stone, in size 2, 4.

Waders: We suggest Gore-Tex stocking-foot waders made of nylon, which fold into a compact package. Lightweight wading shoes with felt soles are an excellent choice for Patagonia streams.  Please, no studded boots in the boats.