This season has been unusual in two distinct ways. One, we have been catching lots of Brown Trout, and many of them have been between 20"- 30". Just the other day we caught this BPB (big patagonia brown).
The other unusual aspect, we have had five anglers/clients under the age of thirty five years old. In fact, three anglers were under twenty five years old. This may not seem odd to the average Joe, but it's a well known fact that in the U.S.A., fly fishing amongst youth, is virtually dead (or severely struggling). For instance, groups such as Trout Unlimited and Federation of Fly Fishers are struggling to engage the next generation. So, it makes me wonder why we have had a high amount of young U.S.A. anglers visit us this year? My guess, the next generation is not interested in joining groups such as Trout Unlimited, but there are a good handful of them fly fishing, independently on their own. Regarding the fly fishing biz in Patagonia, I also think the younger generation anglers do not want to stay at a lodge (they want something real and an affordable value). Well, that's enough on that subject.
Currently, we are hosting Kyle and Jeremy, both from Franklin, New Hampshire. I met these two anglers in Plymouth, New Hampshire; at the Pemmigawasset Trout Unlimited chapter meeting (I was given my slide show presentation, "Fly Fishing and Traveling Patagonia"). Back in the U.S.A., Jeremy and his dad own/operate
www.longrangellc.com and Kyle and his dad own/operate
www.thegoldencrestnh.com
My native brethren signed up for a walk-wade, float, and adventure travel program...the whole sha-bang!
Part Five: Adventure Travel...
Kyle and Jeremy's Excellent 'Non-Fishing' Adventures
El Bolson, Argentina
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El Bolson, nestled in the Andes, this town of +15,000, is a true Patagonia gem. In my opinion, more so than San Martin de los Andes or Bariloche, El Bolson is a must do; if you are traveling Patagonia. |
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We traveled from Junin de los Andes to Futaleufu, Chile. Along the way, we stopped in Bariloche, El Bolson, Cholila, and Los Alerces National Park. Photo by Kyle Matzke. |
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The El Bolson outdoor market is by far the largest and most entertaining market; in all of Patagonia. The market is held on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Expect to be me amazed and enchanted by music, arts, food, and people. |
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When night falls upon El Bolson, there is plenty to see and 'hear.' Photo by Kyle Matzke. |
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One of the best places to enjoy locally made (craft) beer, and street musicians. Photo by Kyle Matzke. |
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The outdoor market is very cool, but El Bolson offers many more things to see and do. |
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Kyle and Jeremy 1,500 m above El Bolson, visiting the wooden sculpture forest. |
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Sculpted by artist from all over South America. |
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Want to stay over-night in this mountain hut? If so, you'll experience an amazing sunset, stars and possibly a full moon. Contact me for more details. |
San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
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Atop Catedral Ski Mountain. Two volcano's in the background and one of them in is Chile! On a clear day, the scenery is out of this world. This is a must do! |
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Hotel Llao Llao and Lago Nahuel Huapi in the background. |
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The swiss colony, about 30 minutes outside of Bariloche, offers the traveler a few unexpected delights. This hand carved door being one of the delights. |
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Personally, I think this building is one of the best designs I have ever seen. Initially, the building was a chocolate manufacturer, but it is now shared by an ice cream shop and a cafe. |
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Closing moments for Kyle and Jeremy's excellent Patagonia adventure = Food, Beer and Friends...does not get much better than this. |
Fishing with FCFF in Patagonia
We feel very fortunate to host anglers from all over the world, but it is especially nice to host anglers from our home state of New Hampshire. With our adventure travel program (walk-wade-float-travel-live), and if you have read part 1-2-3-4 of their excellent adventures, I think it's fair to say that Kyle and Jeremy got the best out of Patagonia. Thanks for working with FCFF...you guys are the best!
To read more about their adventures:
Part One
http://firstcastflyfishing.blogspot.com.ar/2014/02/diy-fly-fishing-patagonia-argentina-new.html
Part Two
http://firstcastflyfishing.blogspot.com.ar/2014/02/diy-fly-fishing-patagonia-argentina-new_20.html
Part Three
http://firstcastflyfishing.blogspot.com.ar/2014/02/diy-fly-fishing-patagonia-argentina-ad_23.html
Part Four
http://firstcastflyfishing.blogspot.com.ar/2014/02/diy-fly-fishing-patagonia-chile-new.html
Many Thanks.
Mark
PS. Our business is 100% organic and by referrals only. So, please feel free to share amongst friends, or reply with comments. We also have a Facebook page.