686 | Fly Fishing in Chile with Mark Melnyk - Big Trout, Colin McKeown, The New Fly Fisher

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/686 

Presented by: Yellowstone Teton Territory, Togens Fly Shop, On DeMark Lodge, Heated Core

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors 

Mark Melnyk, executive producer at The New Fly Fisher, takes us fly fishing in Chile which is renowned for its large trout and breathtaking landscapes. Mark shares invaluable insights and tips on how to plan an unforgettable fishing trip to this beautiful South American destination. We also pay tribute to Colin McKeown, the beloved former host of The New Fly Fisher, whose legacy continues to inspire anglers worldwide.

Discover the allure of Chilean waters, learn about the fascinating cherry salmon that might just rival steelhead, and explore the legendary magic waters for giants. Whether you're an avid fly fisher or a curious traveler, this episode promises to enrich your understanding and passion for the sport. Tune in and let Mark Melnyk guide you through the secrets of catching big trout in Chile's pristine rivers.

Episode Chapters with Mark Melnyk on Fly Fishing in Chile

3:29 - Our chat started with the legacy of Colin McKeown, the founder of The New Fly Fisher television series. Colin, who recently passed away, had been struggling with health issues for several years. Mark shares his journey with him, starting 25 years ago when Colin pitched the idea for the educational fly fishing show. After layoffs in Canadian sports, Colin invited Mark to host episodes, demonstrating his generous and loyal nature.

12:21 - Mark discusses collaborating with travel partners. He explains his approach of identifying which lodges need marketing assistance, especially as younger generations take over lodge operations. Mark offers to help these lodges market their businesses by hosting episodes at their locations. The lodges are only required to provide time and resources, with no financial cost involved. This model allows the lodges to benefit from increased exposure while the show explores their regions for several days.

17:15 - We ask about his trip to Chile, specifically to a town called Balmaceda in Patagonia. Mark, along with Tom Rosenbauer, will target brown and rainbow trout in various water bodies. Mark highlights the unique fishing experience in Chile due to its low fishing pressure compared to other places, as well as the cultural and scenic aspects, such as the friendly locals and gauchos on horseback.

20:53 - Mark highlights the three outfits of Magic Waters Patagonia, namely: Magic Waters Patagonia Lodge, Magic Waters River of Dreams, and Patagonia Baker River Lodge.

24:26 - He walks us through traveling to Magic Waters Patagonia. Starting from Toronto, he takes a red-eye flight to San Diego, followed by a short layover, and then a connecting flight to Balmaceda. Upon arrival, the Magic Waters team picks them up, and it's about an hour's drive to the main lodge. Alternatively, reaching the Baker River Lodge takes about four hours through the mountains, offering views of General Carrera, Chile's largest lake, known for its exceptional fishing of big browns, rainbows, and cherry salmon.

26:57 - Mark describes the first day on the water, explaining they fish with large terrestrial flies like chubby chernobyls and damsel flies, which attract brown trout that leap dramatically to catch them. He also mentions the unique challenge of fishing in a very narrow but deep spring creek, where fish strike quickly, and the windy conditions of Patagonia.

29:02 - Mark will be hosting a trip to Chile on March 1st to 8th. He mentions that he still has spots available for this trip and plans to bring a cameraman to document the experience, showcasing what a hosted trip entails. This documentation aims to offer insight to those considering such trips, whether it's at Magic Waters or other destinations like Cuba or Belize.

30:45 - Mark gives some valuable tips in fly fishing in Chile. He emphasizes the importance of listening to guides who are familiar with the fish behavior on local rivers. He advises anglers to "fish big," using large flies and robust presentations, as the environment is competitive and predatory. He also suggests bringing extra rods due to the remote location, while noting that the guides provide ample flies and exceptional support, including meals and entertainment like traditional Chilean music.

34:29 - For more content and information on Magic Waters Patagonia, Mark recommends their YouTube channel @newflyfisher, featuring episodes from Magic Waters Patagonia Lodge, Baker River Lodge, and River of Dreams.

36:51 - Mark shares some tips on traveling for fishing trips. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared for unexpected travel issues, such as mechanical problems or weather delays, and advises travelers to stay calm and adaptable. He recommends keeping essential fishing gear like rods and reels in carry-on luggage to avoid issues if checked luggage is lost. Mark also suggests planning extra days around a trip to explore the local culture and environment, enhancing the travel experience.

40:40 - We get into the gear. Mark highlights the importance of bringing appropriate gear, such as floating lines, five and six weight rods for stream and lake fishing, and potentially a two-handed rod like a spey or switch rod for larger rivers with fast-moving water. He advises having reels with great drags due to the smart fish and strong currents.

43:53 - Mark mentions some other stuff and gear to bring for a fly fishing trip in Chile. He emphasizes the importance of layering, starting with a merino wool base layer for its moisture-wicking properties, followed by insulation layers like jogging pants and a synthetic puffy jacket. Additionally, he highlights the necessity of a waterproof shell and backpack to store extra layers, ensuring they stay dry.

Mark also discusses the intense sun exposure in Chile, advising the use of buffs, zinc sunscreen, and sun gloves to protect against sunburn, particularly under the chin and on the tops of hands.

49:38 - Mark describes a standout dish featuring abalone prepared by Chef Angela at the River of Dreams Patagonia. He had never tried abalone before, which is not commonly available in Canada. He found the dish to be extraordinary, with the abalone being tender and flavorful, complemented by fantastic sauces.

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/686