Introduction to Fly Fishing

There was a little sun trying to burn off the Patagonian overcast on the day we had arranged to learn how to fish. Two of Huilo-Huilo's professional fishing guides led our little group on an unimproved road through an ancient, untimbered forest to a favorite stretch of the Rio Blanco, where they proposed to teach us the art of fly fishing.

James and Rebecca are old hands at the sport from years of fishing the streams near their home in Missoula, Montana, but it was a new experience for Richard, Susan and Henry.

The first challenge was putting on the waders and boots.

We learned trout are too cautious to be easily fooled by just any jig or fly. Our guides tie their own flies using designs that imitate the unique insects and river conditions of the reserve.

Miguel Sarah taught us how to cast the fly out onto the water and then float it with the current in such a way that the trout might be convinced a tasty insect is present rather than some obvious deception.

James and Rebecca moved right out into the stream working the likely trout habitats with their confident casts and clever fly handling.

Here is Susan trying to position her fly and make it move realistically.

Richard got lots of practice casting and retrieving with both flies and spinners.

Henry tried casting over a log into likely habitat so the trout wouldn't be able to see him.

Rodrigo, our other guide, didn't speak English, but he was able to help Susan find a likely location and then practice making her lure look like an enticing minnow.

Susan showed she knows how to tempt a trout.

This rotting log is covered with bright orange fungus nodules.

We were surprised at midday when a local Chilean folklore band arrived at the riverbank and started singing the regional ballads for us.

No, these are not another type of forest fungus, but chorizos waiting for the carbon or charcoals to get hot.

Milton Barros, our driver, dances to the rhythms of the music as he prepares the asado of grilled meats and vegetables for our picnic lunch.

One musician wore woolen socks with his sandals.

Another musician showed off his flashy espuelas or spurs.

Meanwhile we stomped around in our waterproof wading boots.

Then a bit of afternoon sun popped out from the clouds for a group photo.