Euro Nymph Rods: Two Hand Switch vs. Single Hand Nymph

A few weeks ago, I created a post about my experiences with the ECHO SR 3wt 10'6' two hand switch rod. You can read this post at http://firstcastflyfishing.blogspot.com/2015/07/echo-sr-3wt-106-switch-rod-review.html  The purpose of this post is to focus on my most recent experience using my two hand rod as a single hand nymph rod.

I spent the last 6 days nymph fishing with my ECHO SR 10'6" 3wt two hand switch rod.  I used both a tandem tight-line nymph rig (non-indicator--mono line only) and my trusted tandem tango nymph rig (adjustable bobber rig). As I used the rod and the nymph rigs, mentally and physically, I was constantly comparing my two hand set-up to my past experiences using a single hand euro nymph rod.  Overall, if you are looking for a rod that can do it all, the two hand rod might be the best option for you.  However, if you truly want to tight-line nymph fish, with only monofilament line, a single hand euro style nymph rod, is your best option. Why?

The Question No One is Asking

Can you use a light weight two hand switch rod as a single hand euro nymph rod?  The majority of anglers, industry folk, fly shops and competition pro's, would say no.  But, has anyone tried it?  This angler has tried it on more than one occasion and here's what I would say, "in the right hands, yes; but it depends on the length and weight of the two hand switch rod." For example, I would only recommend using a light weight 3wt/4wt two hand switch rod (4wt/5wt or heavier, and rods longer than 10 1/2 feet are too heavy, flimsy, and lack critical features for successful tight-line nymph fishing).  The features that makes euro single hand nymph rods the very best tool for the job are:

• Throughout the industry, the blanks, from the handle to about 2 feet from the tip, are designed to be stiff.  A general rule = euro nymph rods are designed to be about 80% stiff and 20% soft, in the tip area.
• The stiffness, offers the angler greater leverage (lifting power to fight fish).  More importantly, the stiffness provides the ability to set the hook as fast as possible (drive the hook point into the fish's lips, by lifting fast!). 
• Longer-Stiffer rods provide better casting control (especially with a flop cast).
• The last +/- 2 feet of a standard length 10 feet euro nymph rod (the tip area) is soft, not stiff. Having a soft tip gives the angler a more sensitive feel, which allows the angler to feel his/her nymphs on the bottom of the river (we call this direct contact -- ticking on the bottom).  A soft tip also prevents tippet breaks -- absorbs the shock from vicious strikes and powerful hook sets (fast lifting action by angler). 
• Can be used as a dry fly rod (e.g. one reel, set-up with a tight-line system, and a spare spool with a dry fly line.)
• Favors both non-indicator tight-line nymph rig and traditional indicator/bobber nymph rig fishing. However...
• Very difficult to flop cast non-indicator tight-line nymph rig at distance or in wind. 
• Very Light.

If you use a two handed switch rod (e.g. ECHO SR 10'6" 3wt or other) to tight-line nymph, here's what you can expect:

• With specific lines, switch rods are powerful 'casting' tools; not lifting, quick-powerful hook setting tools.  
• Overall, they are not as stiff as single hand euro nymph rods (entirely different tapers, designed to cast heads and running line; not lift).  The manufacturer's of two handed rods may say the casting action of the rod is medium-fast, but this does not mean that the rod is stiff (with single hand rods, stiff rods are usually fast action... not so in the two hand switch rod world).  If you were to put my ECHO SR in your hand,  wiggle it a bit, you would say the rod feels like a a medium flex or full flex rod.  
• Typically, they are very soft in the tip, and the blank may flex well past the mid-point.  
• Especially when you are using a tandem tight-line nymph rig, you will miss a lot of strikes. Why? From the rod tip through the mid-point, it's soft and very flexible. Translation = in the water, with direct contact on the bottom, you will feel the strike, but due to the flex of a two hand rod, you do not have the same quick, powerful lifting action... the ability to rapidly set the hook, or drive the hook point into the fish's lip.  Bottom line, even if you are lightening fast, you will miss a great deal of strikes -- we call this bouncing or dropping fish.  
• Great versatility, but not a true euro style nymph fishing rod.  Excellent tool for long distance casting of indicator/bobber nymph rigs, especially in the wind; in my opinion, better than a single hand nymph rod (I should know because I spend half the year in windy Patagonia).

Can be used as a euro style tight-line nymph rod, but has some drawbacks. On a positive note, the long rod handle allows me to lock my forearm against the handle = this allows me to use a lighter reel, and allows me to keep my arm at a 45 degree angle.  As I set the hook, this grip style also helps with lifting power because I am using large back muscles to lift (set the hook).  Again, not a true euro style nymph set-up/rod, but it can work and helps me with neck/shoulder issues often related to high-stick nymph fishing with single hand rods. 

Final Word

I'll let the photos do the talking.  Thanks for reading and hope to see you on the river.

Mark

No matter the style of the rod, in my opinion, longer rods are better for nymph fishing (and better for your body).  You can see how I lock the rod handle under my forearm, and during the day, no matter the situation, this is about as high as my arm goes = almost no fatigue.

16" Land Lock Salmon caught while using a tandem tight-line non-indicator nymph rig; caught on my 10"6" 3wt switch rod. Many times, with these big powerful fish, they hit the fly so hard, an aggressive hook set is not needed. I admit that I miss a lot of strikes due to the soft flex of this rod, but I catch enough to keep me happy.

18" wild Brook Trout caught with my 10'6" 3wt switch rod.  Each day, while I was nymph fishing, I probably caught a total of two dozen small Brook Trout and LLS (8"-10"); and I missed at least that much or more.  I recall a few major strikes that were from larger fish that I missed = I was too slow and the flex of the rod was too soft to quickly set the hook.

Caught using a high-stick, tight-line technique, with my 10'6" 3wt switch rod.

In general, two handed rods are not designed for, and are generally too heavy for high-stick, 
tight-line nymph fishing.  However, I feel most anglers, with a light reel and line combination, could high-stick/tight-line nymph fish with a 3wt two handed switch rod --again, two handed rods are not designed to do this, but with my 10'6" 3wt, I do it all the time.

  

Vintage Fly Fishing Reels: Keep it or Toss it?

+20 years old DCA Lamson Reel.

The photos show an original 6wt DCA Lamson Reel, with a spare spool.  It is +20 years old and was made in the USA.  Years ago, while living in Anchorage, Alaska, a friend of mine by the name of Dan Heeter​ bought it as a used reel.  I think the original owner sold it because the drag (clutch) was broken, and he could not fix it because the reel was no longer in production. Recently, Dan gave me the reel as a freebie and told me the reel works, but the drag does not.  Since I rarely use a drag while fishing, I took the reel because it's of high quality and they don't make reels like this anymore.  I then called Waterworks Lamson to see if it was fixable; it was not because it was so old and the original Lamson Reel company had been bought and sold 2x's. However, the very kind and professional customer service representative told me to call Bill at Archuleta's Reel Works​ http://www.archuletasreelworks.com/  Two weeks later, for a grand total of $28.00 I have a working reel and a spare spool.  The 'take-away-message,' before tossing equipment, always call your equipment manufacturer and ask to speak to a product specialist or a customer service representative; you might be surprised with the results.  And always thank your friends who give your free, high quality equipment... Thanks Dan Heeter! 

Re-built clutch is seen in the middle, with gold ring around it.

Fixed and ready to fish! 

Why Click-Pawl and Click-Pawl-Drag Reels?

In other post and pages/tabs, I have written extensively about this, so I'll keep it short.

1. I am all about rod-reel-line balance. I see too many anglers with light weight modern fly rods, with HUGE reels on them = this may create improper balance, may effect your casting stroke, and possibly fatigue you, or cause injury. 
2. I prefer classic click-pawl reels for rod weights between 1wt - 6wt. Why? They can be significantly lighter than large arbor reels and I don't believe drags are necessary for this range of fly rods.   
3. Based on my experience, unless your are willing to pay serious money for the highest quality large arbor reel, I find many large arbor reels do not balance well with modern fly rods.   

Where to Find Click-Pawl and Click-Pawl-Drag Reels?

For a decade or more, at your local fly shop, it was hard to find classic style click-pawl reels. 
Why?  The industry evolved and large arbor reels dominated the market/sales. Large arbor reels continue to be popular, but the classic click-pawl and click-pawl-drag reels are coming back into favor. Depending on your budget,  you may want to look at the following:

• Orvis Battenkill -- $$
• Abel Trout Series -- $$-$$$
• TFO NXT Series -- $
• Reddington -- $$
• SAGE -- $$$
• Hardy -- $$$-$$$$
• Pflueger -- $-$$
• LL Bean, Cabelas, and Bass Pro have their own labels -- $$

Note: You may find a few other, not so well known manufacturers, making click-pawl reels.  Online, I have seen a few that look good.  

Other Buying Options?

If your not in a rush, I would do the following because you might find a good reel for less $:

• Shop garage sales.  
• Ask to see your grandfather's (any family member) fishing equipment. 
• Shop Craig's List and Ebay.

Special Note: Years ago, via Craig's List, I met a man who was selling his father's fly fishing equipment. The man was in his 60's, so his father's items were vintage/old.  Amongst his offerings, I remember that he had tons of Mustad hooks (in original packaging) and a Hardy reel.  He wanted $300 for the whole lot.  I asked him if he knew anything about fly fishing equipment; he said, "no, I don't fly fish, I found these items in my dad's barn."  I then told him to replace the Hardy click-pawl reel would cost at least $1,000 USD.  I also told him the Mustad hooks could easily be worth $1000 USD -- he had a lot of hooks.  In good conscious, I could not buy his equipment.  I gave him a few names of vintage dealers and said, "if your not desperate for cash, don't give these items away... make sure this equipment finds the right home."  

Final Word

I grew up fishing my dad's Pflueger click-pawl reel, on a Fenwick fiberglass 6wt rod (what an amazing combination of balance, smoothness, and feel).  When I finally could afford my own equipment, I switched to modern graphite rods and large arbor reels. Even with these high-end rods and reels, the combination of the two never felt as good as my fiberglass and click-pawl.  I still have/use modern rods and reels, but in some situations, they are over-kill.  If you're looking for a reel to match a rod between 1wt and 6wt, I would highly recommend looking at click-pawl reels.

Lastly, if your equipment is non repairable, vintage fly fishing equipment makes for great home decor.

Thanks for reading.  Hope to see you on the water.

Mark

PS.  To feel the bend in your fly rod and to hear a click-pawl reel sing, has had a lasting effect on my life. Give it a try!

ECHO SR 3wt 10'6' Switch Rod Review

I am not a two hand fly rod expert. I am still learning and I am thoroughly enjoy the process. Plus, I have not tested all available 3wt switch rods and lines.  The purpose of this post is not to endorse a specific brand. The goals of this post are to simply share a few thoughts about my experiences with a light weight switch rod that I have been using for two seasons; and, provoke your thoughts and curiosity.

If you had to pick one tool, to do multiple jobs, which one?

Specific to New England waters, if you had to pick one fly rod that could do it all, either single hand or two hand, which one would it be?  Before you make your decision, think about which fly rod can:

• efficiently cast floating and sinking lines?  
• effectively present streamers, dry-flies, wet-flies, and nymphs?  
• cast with either one or two hands?
• offer balance, power, leverage, and is highly tip sensitive?
• be used on lakes, ponds, rivers, and small streams that require delicate presentations?
• be used for high-stick/tight-line nymph fishing?
• roll cast line from Manchester to Boston?
• mend line at short and long distances?
• make casting much easier in high wind conditions?

Here's my answer: I am now, almost exclusively using a 10'6" 3wt two hand switch rod.  Why? It's simple; it does all the things mentioned above and has more versatility than a single hand rod.  In fact, you might hear me say that this is the best 'tool' that I have ever fished with.  But, it's more than a tool; in the right hands, it's a fly-casting-fishing machine that allows you to fish all conditions, techniques and tactics.  For example:

• You want to roll-cast 30-60 feet, but you have tree's behind you...DONE! 
• You want to double spey, snap-T or use other two handed casting techniques... DONE!
• You want to cast a #16 Adams, with one hand, without disturbing the environment...DONE!
• You want to efficiently cast sink-tips to fish in various depths...DONE!
• You want to effectively cast light or heavy nymph rigs...DONE!

Two hand TFO Deer Creek Switch 11ft 5wt on the Rapid River.  This is a very good rod for Patagonia (wind-deep water), but depending on your fishing needs, it might be too much for New England waters = it's a bit heavy and clumsy when used as a single hand rod.

Why I Fish with 3wt Two Hand?

For the past three seasons, in Patagonia, I have been using a TFO Deer Creek 11ft/5wt two hand switch rod. One day, I began to wonder how it would fish New England waters.  So, I brought the rod home and began to fish waters in New Hampshire and Maine.  The rod was very effective, but in smaller rivers/streams, I felt that it was too much rod (FYI, I fish the White Mountains in NH, Pittsburg, Rangeley, and seacoast NH). Upon this discovery, I began searching the world for a two hand 3wt or 4wt; a rod that was light/sensitive for single hand use, yet powerful for two hand style casts.  Unfortunately, at the time, a 3wt or 4wt two hand rod did not exist. Boy was I depressed! Fortunately for me, my melancholy did not last long. ECHO introduce a 10'6" 3wt and I bought it instantly, without even trying it. The rest is history, and I have been VERY happy using this rod for the past two New England fishing seasons.

10'6" Two Handed Switch Rod.  With lighter two hand rods, in most New England fishing conditions, you don't have to use the traditional head and running line system.  If you don't use a head and running line system, you might be able to use a reel/line that you already have.  For example: I already had a new/unused TFO NXT 4-6 reel; I simply added a Rio 4wt nymph line to this reel because I already had the equipment.  It sounds unorthodox, but the balance between the rod-reel-line, allows me to use both single and two hand casting techniques (this is exactly what I wanted).  If you are a beginner and if you wanted to add a 'true' switch line, I would first call the rod manufacturer and speak to a product specialist. Ask him/her what is the grain window for the rod and what lines are recommended.  Then I would call the line manufacturer and speak to their fly line expert (seriously, call them, this is what they get paid to do).  From my personal experience, with lighter switch rods (3wt/4wt) you may find the currently available switch rod lines to be too heavy for your rod.  Also, I would caution the angler about using bigger/heavier reels and higher grain lines = it may take away from the single hand casting-- touchy-feel sensation/abilities.  For example, with my set-up I can perform a variety of casting techniques ranging from a single hand dry-fly type cast, and I can double spey, using either one or two hands... I could not do this with bigger-heavier reel and line combinations.  Note: I have yet to use sink-tips with my 3wt switch, but I believe the Rio nymph line that I am currently using, will be able to turn them over.  If my nymph line can't turn over a sink-tip, I can always perform an over-head two hand cast.  If you elect to perform an over-head two hand cast, be sure to slow down your casting stroke; i.e., allow the rod and line to do the work for you and patiently find the sweet spot of your stroke.     

Caught using a high-stick, tight-line technique, with my 10'6" 3wt switch rod.

In general, two handed rods are not designed for, and are generally too heavy for high-stick, tight line nymph fishing.  More specifically, the combination of a two handed rod, with an over-sized reel to accommodate a traditional head/running line system, may physically prevent you from high-stick, tight-line nymph fish (it's just too heavy for the average human being and the tip might be too soft for quick strikes, that are critical while employing tight-line techniques).  However, I feel most anglers, with a light reel and line combination, could high-stick/tight-line nymph fish with a 3wt two handed switch rod --again, two handed rods are not designed to do this, but with my 10'6" 3wt, I do it all the time.

  

Final Word

I have been using my 3wt switch rod every where.  I have been catching trout, land locked salmon, bass, chub, suckers, perch, sunnies, etc.  Overall, I find it to be an extremely versatile rod.  In fact, in New England, it has become my #1 go-to rod. If you find yourself casting with two hands, be prepared to feel muscles in your back that you did not know existed (even with a light 3wt, it can be a good work-out).

Are you interested?  I know how hard it is to buy something you can't try/test (fish with).  If you're in the area and want to try it out, give me a shout.

New England Fly Fishing Lessons: ECHO SR 3wt Switch Rod Review

I am not a two hand fly rod expert. I am still learning and I am thoroughly enjoy the process. Plus, I have not tested all available 3wt switch rods and lines.  The purpose of this post is not to endorse a specific brand. The goals of this post are to simply share a few thoughts about my experiences with a light weight switch rod that I have been using for two seasons; and, provoke your thoughts and curiosity.

If you had to pick one tool, to do multiple jobs, which one?

Specific to New England waters, if you had to pick one fly rod that could do it all, either single hand or two hand, which one would it be?  Before you make your decision, think about which fly rod can:

• efficiently cast floating and sinking lines?  
• effectively present streamers, dry-flies, wet-flies, and nymphs?  
• cast with either one or two hands?
• offer balance, power, leverage, and is highly tip sensitive?
• be used on lakes, ponds, rivers, and small streams that require delicate presentations?
• be used for high-stick/tight-line nymph fishing?
• roll cast line from Manchester to Boston?
• mend line at short and long distances?
• make casting much easier in high wind conditions?

Here's my answer: I am now, almost exclusively using a 10'6" 3wt two hand switch rod.  Why? It's simple; it does all the things mentioned above and has more versatility than a single hand rod.  In fact, you might hear me say that this is the best 'tool' that I have ever fished with.  But, it's more than a tool; in the right hands, it's a fly-casting-fishing machine that allows you to fish all conditions, techniques and tactics.  For example:

• You want to roll-cast 30-60 feet, but you have tree's behind you...DONE! 
• You want to double spey, snap-T or use other two handed casting techniques... DONE!
• You want to cast a #16 Adams, with one hand, without disturbing the environment...DONE!
• You want to efficiently cast sink-tips to fish in various depths...DONE!
• You want to effectively cast light or heavy nymph rigs...DONE!

Two hand TFO Deer Creek Switch 11ft 5wt on the Rapid River.  This is a very good rod for Patagonia (wind-deep water), but depending on your fishing needs, it might be too much for New England waters = it's a bit heavy and clumsy when used as a single hand rod.

Why I Fish with 3wt Two Hand?

For the past three seasons, in Patagonia, I have been using a TFO Deer Creek 11ft/5wt two hand switch rod. One day, I began to wonder how it would fish New England waters.  So, I brought the rod home and began to fish waters in New Hampshire and Maine.  The rod was very effective, but in smaller rivers/streams, I felt that it was too much rod (FYI, I fish the White Mountains in NH, Pittsburg, Rangeley, and seacoast NH). Upon this discovery, I began searching the world for a two hand 3wt or 4wt; a rod that was light/sensitive for single hand use, yet powerful for two hand style casts.  Unfortunately, at the time, a 3wt or 4wt two hand rod did not exist. Boy was I depressed! Fortunately for me, my melancholy did not last long. ECHO introduce a 10'6" 3wt and I bought it instantly, without even trying it. The rest is history, and I have been VERY happy using this rod for the past two New England fishing seasons.

10'6" Two Handed Switch Rod.  With lighter two hand rods, in most New England fishing conditions, you don't have to use the traditional head and running line system.  If you don't use a head and running line system, you might be able to use a reel/line that you already have.  For example: I already had a new/unused TFO NXT 4-6 reel; I simply added a Rio 4wt nymph line to this reel because I already had the equipment.  It sounds unorthodox, but the balance between the rod-reel-line, allows me to use both single and two hand casting techniques (this is exactly what I wanted).  If you are a beginner and if you wanted to add a 'true' switch line, I would first call the rod manufacturer and speak to a product specialist. Ask him/her what is the grain window for the rod and what lines are recommended.  Then I would call the line manufacturer and speak to their fly line expert (seriously, call them, this is what they get paid to do).  From my personal experience, with lighter switch rods (3wt/4wt) you may find the currently available switch rod lines to be too heavy for your rod.  Also, I would caution the angler about using bigger/heavier reels and higher grain lines = it may take away from the single hand casting-- touchy-feel sensation/abilities.  For example, with my set-up I can perform a variety of casting techniques ranging from a single hand dry-fly type cast, and I can double spey, using either one or two hands... I could not do this with bigger-heavier reel and line combinations.  Note: I have yet to use sink-tips with my 3wt switch, but I believe the Rio nymph line that I am currently using, will be able to turn them over.  If my nymph line can't turn over a sink-tip, I can always perform an over-head two hand cast.  If you elect to perform over-head two hand cast, be sure to slow down your casting stroke; i.e., allow the rod and line to do the work for you and patiently find the sweet spot your stroke.     

  

Final Word

I have been using my 3wt switch rod every where.  I have been catching trout, land locked salmon, bass, chub, suckers, perch, sunnies, etc.  Overall, I find it to be an extremely versatile rod.  In fact, in New England, it has become my #1 go-to rod. If you find yourself casting with two hands, be prepared to feel muscles in your back that you did not know existed (even with a light 3wt, it can be a good work-out).

Are you interested?  I know how hard it is to buy something you can't try/test (fish with).  If you're in the area and want to try it out, give me a shout.

Thanks for reading and hope your enjoyed this post.

Mark

    

DIY Fly Fishing Argentina: Rio Rividavia

At First Cast Fly Fishing, one of our goals is to provide information about global DIY fishing opportunities. Another goal of ours is to be your Patagonia host for our DIY guided walk-wade and float trip/camping programs.  We base our services out of Junin de los Andes, located in Northern Patagonia, Argentina.  Once in a while, we'll take clients ten hours south of Junin de los Andes, to a very special place called Los Alerces National Park.  Here, we fish one of Argentina's prettiest, and toughest rivers called, Rio Rivadavia.

I am not sure you could dream of a prettier river!

Rio Rivadavia Facts

• Location:  Ten hours south of Junin de los Andes. Seven hours south of Bariloche. One hour from Esquel https://goo.gl/maps/UsVhv
• How to Get There:  From Buenos Aires, you can fly to Esquel, Bariloche, or San Martin de los Andes.  From either of these towns, to access the park/river, your options are A) Bus.  B) Car. The closest town to the river and park is Esquel, Argentina.
• Public Transportation:  From Esquel, there is a bus to/from park.  Getting to Esquel?  You can take a bus from San Martin de los Andes, Junin de los Andes, Bariloche and El Bolson.
• Fishing Season:  December 01 till June 30th. 
• Licensed Required: General fishing only, good for all of Patagonia, except TDF. 
• Entrance Fee:  You must pay a fee to enter the park (pesos only). 
• Floating: Yes.  You float on your own or hire a guide.
• Public Access Points:  Best access points are at the either ends of the river.
• Length: Less than 6 miles. 
• Species:  Rainbow and Brown Trout .
• Origin: Rivadavia Lake.
• Termination: Verde (green) Lake. 
• Walk-Wade Difficulty:  Your biggest concern is depth.  Because the water is crystal clear, water depths may be much higher than you think.  Explore = there are easy walk-wade areas, and there are dangerous/impossible areas. From the outlet of the lake, as you follow the path downstream, the path will become increasingly challenging.  It is possible to walk the entire length of the river, but be prepared to bush-whack through dense bamboo/rainforest.  Overall, if your up for a challenge, it's an excellent walk-wade river.
• Where to Stay:  A) you can camp in or outside of the park... there are two camps grounds, located at the outlet of Rivadavia Lake.  B) in and just outside the park, lodging is available.  C)  you could easily drive back and forth to Esquel.
• Fly Rods: Single hand 9ft-10ft 5wt/6wt. I have enjoyed using my 11ft 5wt switch rod.
• Fly Lines:  Standard floating will work, but depending on your location/water flow/tactics, a variety of sink tips could be helpful.
• Specific Flies:  Wooly Buggers can be very effective.  If you like to nymph fish, think small (#18-#22).  I have never had much luck with dry flies. Just before dark, there's a hatch that last no more than 10 minutes.  Be prepared and ready to go.... if you change your fly, the hatch (feeding) could be over. 

This river will test you! But, if you stick to a plan and do what you know best, in this case Wooly Bugger's, you will eventually find success.   

Why Fish Los Alerces Area

    

• Water:  Within the area, there are other rivers, spring creeks and lakes... all fishable. Plus, if you want to visit Chile, it's a short ride.
• Beauty:  One of the prettiest areas in all of Patagonia.
• Access:  Easy access to wild forest, rivers and lakes.
• Species:  Very wild Rainbow and Brown Trout.  Land Locked Salmon. 
• Lodging:  One of the few parks that offers hotels/hosterias and camping.
• Experience:  A handful of our clients fish Junin de los Andes for a week.  After a week, we take them on a journey where they are exposed to true Patagonian culture and travel adventure (you can't get this type of experience staying at a lodge).
• Mellow:  Enjoy a very slow pace of life... it always feels good to be here!

How to Fish Rio Rivadavia

Option A:  Since 1999, we have fished and camped this area.   If you decide to work with us, our knowledge eliminates the guess work involved in true DIY trips.  Bottom line, we love this area and we would be happy to host-guide you. 

Option B:  If you feel like you can do your own DIY (Do it Yourself), go for it; we always support true, un-guided DIY adventures.   

Final Word

As I finish writing this post, I find it hard to believe that I have not written about this river.  Maybe, I have been too busy.  Or, subconsciously, maybe I have been protecting it from the crowds. Speaking of, in peak season, you can expect to see other fisherman.  Don't worry too much about the other fisherman, most of them do not know how to fish this river, and there are plenty of spots to keep you busy.  

Hope to see you in Patagonia.

Mark