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Fly Fishing in Chile with Mark Melnyk - Big Trout, Colin McKeown, The New Fly Fisher
Season 10 Episode 686
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
Published on 1 year ago