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PRG had another fun-filled season with great fishing and can’t be happier to enter 2010 in such a good position. Our great following of clients and friends along with some new guests filled the season making us one of few operations in Patagonia that had full bookings. We’re looking forward to our eighth season and are already planning to expand our programs with more new water, new equipment, and even better fishing programs—come join us!
FISHING
A plus considering the volcanic eruption and worldwide recession was that numbers of anglers and tourists were down this season. Thus our already un-crowded rivers had even less pressure from anglers and more willing fish despite lower water conditions. All rivers fished well throughout the season, especially the Rio Grande, which saw a large trout migration from downstream closer to the Chaiten Volcano. The Rivadavia was the most challenging with the low water conditions, but our guests were able to catch plenty of healthy fish and some quite preferred the technical conditions. The Corcovado reached its base flow at the end of January (normally the middle of March) so dry fly fishing was exceptional the entire season. The Arroyo Pescado was consistent and sight fishing challenging but rewarding as usual. The Rio Pico region was excellent, especially the lake fishing. Many guests got their 25-inchers and some even got a fish over 30-inches. The largest fish of the season, a 34-inch 24-pound monster, was landed by Big Fish Glenn Mitchel. This fish will be hard to top! Hats off to BFG, who landed this fish with a bamboo rod while fishing a new secret spot with Esteban.
NEWS
We’re happy to report that the Chaiten Volcano that erupted in Chile last May created no problem for our guests or the fishing this past season, and currently there is no sign that the volcano ever erupted. The ash that was deposited in our area was non-toxic and considered to be a fertilizer. We’re looking forward to even better fishing next season with additional nutrients providing a more fertile environment for flora and fauna.
Aerolineas Argentina has changed ownership! Argentina purchased the airline from a Spanish company, which over the past decade has run Argentina’s signature airline into the ground. Esquel is currently receiving five flights per week, and we are anticipating a better run, more on-time service to and from Esquel. Currently, flights are scheduled on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. As usual, all PRG trips will start and end on one of these days in 2010.
We’re working on a project to provide PRG gear such as logo fishing shirts, hats, waders, boots, fishing packs, dry bags, etc. The plan is to have an online sales program where you can order, not only PRG logo gear, but also the same rods, reels, waders, boots, jackets, and gear that our staff uses. We hear on a daily basis how much everyone likes our gear, now you’ll have your chance to order exactly what we use from your friends at Patagonia River Guides. Check out www.patagoniariverguides.com for updates and gear.
The last ten days of the season were spent filming the signature segment of the “Rise” movie, the second movie from Confluence Films (www.confluencefilms.tv). “Rise” will debut in Bozeman, MT in September. The movie will also be shown on the Fly Fishing Film Tour, so we highly recommend seeing it on the big screen when it makes it to your community and/or purchasing a copy of the DVD when it is released. You will see fall colors and fall fishing in Patagonia at its best. In fact, Jim Klug from Yellow Dog Fly Fishing Adventures, not only was here to film the movie he hosted his second consecutive trip during the last week of our season. He feels the fall colors, fall fishing, and the excitement of the last week of the season makes it the best time of year to visit PRG. Watch the movie and you’ll see why! Although, spots during the last week of our season are becoming highly sought after, you might be able to squeeze in the weeks before to experience great fall fishing and see why those that have experienced it can’t forget about it!
INCENTIVES / DISCOUNTS / 2010 FORCAST
Because of demand, we plan to open our doors on December 9th 2009. We are opening a week earlier (would be like June 9th in the American West) to offer an extra week of prime spring fishing. Some of our best fishing this past season came early due to low water flows, and although we don’t have any way of predicting the snowfall, we feel we can offer exceptional programs throughout the month of December. BE WARNED, there are many emails circulating the internet with discounts and booking incentives. Most of these emails are originating from lodges that are in real trouble and must discount to fill their spots. We can’t afford to discount and maintain our high level of service and attention, but would like to offer all spots prior to January 1st at $3500 per person per week. Yes, this is about a 25% discount from our normal rate of $4550 per person.
THANKS to all of you that traveled to Patagonia, shared your time with us, and supported PRG in 2009! Don’t let the recession get the best of you! Turn off the TV, don’t look at the news for a few days and go fishing! Book a trip with PRG for next winter and have something to look forward to and then enjoy a relaxing vacation and Patagonia’s unspoiled scenery, inspiring waters, and the ultimate fly fishing adventure! We hope to hear from you soon!
Tight loops, tight Lines and screaming reels!
Rance Rathie and Travis Smith
travis@patagoniariverguides.com (208) 520-3034 USA
rance@patagoniariverguides.com 011 54 9 2945 548353 (Dialed from the US)
www.patagoniariverguides.com
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