Time to Fish!

Wednesday, November 16th: Puerto Natales, Chile > Esperanza, Argentina

  • We got up, packed and started making our way toward the border. This time around it wasn’t as bad - less paperwork, fewer queues and less stress. There were no border agents in Argentina checking bags or cars for contraband like fruits and vegetables. 

  • We drove through the flat, dry lands that reminded us of our interstate journey through Montana. We arrived at Estancia Rio Pelke, a 10,000-acre farm with a cozy homestead. Tomas, our guide, and his mother and father (Pedro and Fernanda)  that run the estancia greeted us and welcomed us early. We met another couple that were on their honeymoon after getting married in their home state of Connecticut. They were true beginners and had fished a half day before heading back to Puerto Natales. We ate lunch with them and had fettuccine pasta with meat. 

  • We got our rods ready and played around with the family cat. She was amused and frustrated with the yarn at the end of the fly line. 

  • We walked through the backyard and into the vast empty fields. The river could be easily missed if you didn’t know it was there. It was very narrow, nestled below the high bank, with nice seams and winding river bends. We fished until sunset, learning to fish the small stream, alternating techniques between stripping streamers, dry flies and nymphs. Matt caught two browns. 

  • We went in for dinner and shared a meal with the family. Carla, the family’s live-in assistance, proved to be an amazing cook. She served homemade pizzas - with olives, tomatoes and blue cheese. Dessert was a crepe stuffed with dulce de leche. 

  • Our room was in a separate building. It was comfortable and well decorated, though it had a slightly musty smell and the hot water didn’t work the first night. 

  • Accommodations: Estancia Rio Pelke, Esperanza, Argentina

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