The Fly Bin

PALOMA RIVER LODGE

PRL sits surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Andes looming high above nearby valleys, with their glacial mantles giving rise to the cold, rushing rivers that make this place an angler's dream. 

This region is sparsely populated, with most residents traveling by wagon or horseback.  Most of the residents are eagles, condors, llamas, guanacos and other unique animals.  Catering in comfort to only four rods each week, the lodge is close to all of the best streams, rivers and lakes in the Paloma Valley.  All are very easily accessed for fishing with little time spent in vehicles.

The Paloma River flows from its headwater of interconnecting lakes—Lago Paloma, Lago Azul, and Lago Desierto—about 30 miles through the remote Paloma River Valley before it empties into Lago Caro. Lago Elizande is also connected to the Paloma River system via a small outlet river near the terminus of the Paloma River at Lago Caro. This myriad of interconnecting lakes, tributary streams and spring creeks provides an infinite variety of fishing for good numbers of brown and rainbow trout.

The principals of the lodge are American Paul Kinney and his Chilean wife Maria. Their local guides were born in this area, and have been fly fishing and guiding since they were young. All speak good English and greatly enjoy teaching, guiding and spending time with enthusiastic clients on the river.

FLY FISHING

PRL specializes in dry fly fishing—about 80% of each day will consist of throwing big dry flies. Because of the consistent water flow moderated by the headwater lakes, these waters host prodigious Stonefly and Mayfly hatches as well as five kinds of beetles, hoppers and many other terrestrials - so the trout are accustomed to pounding large bugs on the surface. Streamers are also productive all season, but their key role is in the lakes, and late in the fall.

Most rainbow and brown trout here are between 14 and 20 inches, and it is common to get shots at bigger bows and browns up to 30 inches. Paloma River Lodge has provided many anglers with their personal best days on trout.

The best dry fly fishing generally occurs from December through March, although October and November are great early spring months and very large trout on the move can be taken on streamers. March brings cooler mornings and evenings and the rivers reach their lowest water volume, but the cooler days bring the truly large fish out of the lakes and into the rivers for spawning.

Top equipment, skilled and caring guides, great Chilean hospitality and meals, consistently productive rivers, lakes and spring creeks, along with a stunning valley location make Paloma River Lodge truly a fly fisherman’s dream come true.

All meals at the lodge are served family style. A breakfast of coffee, tea, fruit, cereal, pancakes, breads, meats and eggs to order are all standard fare. The lodge staff will prepare the fixings for your box lunch of soup, sandwiches, empanadas, fruit and cookies, or you may gather for a streamside barbeque. Dinners feature a menu of international and Chilean cuisine complemented with Chilean wines.

• Ground transportation to/from Balmaceda
• All necessary transportation to/from fishing areas
• 7 days and 6 nights lodging at Paloma River Lodge
• Private room and bath
• All meals during your stay
• Chilean wines, beer, liquor, soft drinks and bottled water
• Boats and guide (2 x 1)​
• Fishing license
• ​Fishing trip of a lifetime

• Commercial air travel
• Passport fees
• Flies
• Phone Calls
• Gratuities suggested                                                                                                   $400.00/week