For those who find luxury in the solitude of a river bend miles from anywhere, South America’s fishing lodges are in a league of their own.
From the trout-laden waters of Patagonia to the oxbow lakes of the Amazon, these lodges offer some of the finest fishing on the planet. Some are so well-appointed you might momentarily forget you’re deep in the wilderness, while others trade high thread counts for a level of remoteness that’s priceless.
Whether you’re an old hand with a fly rod or a novice lured by the promise of leisurely days on the water, this is where to cast your line.
1. Melimoyu Lodge, Chile
Fisherman’s Quarters: Hidden away in the wilds of northern Chilean Patagonia, Melimoyu Lodge is the kind of place you arrive at and immediately question ever leaving. With just four beautifully crafted suites, the lodge is an exercise in understated luxury, perfectly positioned for gazing out over the surrounding forest and the Palena River.
What’s the Catch: Fly-fishing for salmon and trout on the clear waters of the Palena River and its surrounding lakes.
Wow Factor: The remoteness of it all. One minute, you’re soaring over snow-capped peaks by helicopter; the next, you’re floating down a mirror-still river, completely alone but for the occasional eagle overhead.
Whatever the Weather: Fly-fishing season in Patagonia runs from November – May.
Take a Break: When you’re ready to swap rod for hiking boots, explore ancient forests, kayak through fjords, or saddle up for a ride to a remote beach. If adventure calls, take a boat to the edge of Melimoyu volcano or venture into Queulat National Park for a glimpse of its hanging glacier.
Explore MelimoyuFisherman’s Quarters: A refined lodge overlooking the Chimehuin River on a 50,000-acre working cattle ranch in Northern Patagonia’s Lake District.
What’s the Catch: Fly-fishing for rainbow and brown trout – their typical fish average 14-20 inches, but each season they catch monster browns close to 30 inches.
Wow factor: More than 17 miles of private riverfront; amongst the finest trout waters on the planet and the best guides in the business.
Whatever the Weather: For perfect fishing conditions in Patagonia, travel November – March.
Take a Break: Cattle herding on horseback with gauchos, hiking through forests to picnics on the lake, and stag and boar hunting in March/April. Follow this with peaceful evenings reading and chatting by a roaring fire with Malbec aplenty.
3. Tsimane Heli-Fishing, Bolivia
Fisherman’s Quarters: A first-class lodge deep in Bolivia’s Isiboro Sécure National Park, built entirely from sustainable wood cut from the nearby jungle, with just five double rooms and impeccable service.
What’s the Catch: Golden dorado – fast, aggressive, and built for a fight. Some tip the scales at 35 pounds, making them the undisputed kings of these jungle waters. Not to be overshadowed, the freestone rivers are also home to pacú, yatorana, and other worthy contenders,
Wow Factor: Heli-fishing, naturally. Each morning, guests board a helicopter and are flown to remote, untouched waters where golden dorado lurk in numbers.
Whatever the Weather: Travel between May and October.
Take a Break: Fishing is the main event, but the lodge isn’t without its creature comforts. There’s a small jacuzzi and massage room, and evenings bring lively conversation over a well-curated selection of Argentine, Chilean, and Bolivian wines.
Discover Tsimane Heli-Fishing4. Islas Secas, Panama
Fisherman’s Quarters: A private island escape with seven ocean-facing casitas and a main lodge, set on an exclusive 14-island archipelago in Panama’s Gulf of Chiriquí.
What’s the Catch: The surrounding waters are a playground for deep sea fishers, with yellowfin tuna, marlin, sailfish, roosterfish, and cubera snapper all making an appearance.
Wow Factor: Reel in a trophy tuna by morning, then sail to an uninhabited island for a castaway-style lunch on the beach.
Whatever the Weather: December to April is peak offshore fishing season, while May to November offers fewer boats on the water and excellent inshore action.
Fisherman’s Quarters: A superb 150-foot luxury adventure yacht, complete with two helicopters and a jet boat.
What’s the Catch: Fly-fishing for Chinook salmon, rainbow, brown, brook, steelhead, and sea run brown trout.
Wow Factor: This is your chance to fish some of the remotest waters on the planet, with the help of the Nomad’s expert guides and an assortment of toys, including jetboats and 2 Bell 407 helicopters.
Whatever the Weather: The best fly-fishing in Patagonia runs from November – April.
Take a Break: Choose from river and sea kayaking, whale and dolphin watching, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, jet boating, aerial sightseeing, heli-skiing, and hiking.
Discover Nomads of the Sea6. Black Sands Lodge, Colombia
Fisherman’s Quarters: A secluded luxury eco-retreat on Colombia’s wild Pacific coast, Black Sands Lodge is a privately-owned, sustainably-run fishing lodge that’s only accessible by plane and boat.
What’s the Catch: Roosterfish and cubera snapper lurk in the shallows, while yellowfin tuna and marlin patrol the deeper waters. Here, the Pacific delivers in abundance.
Wow Factor: Alongside the world-class sport fishing, this is one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet, and the lodge offers marine safaris, diving and whale-watching (in season).
Whatever the Weather: The best time to visit is December to April for calm seas and prime fishing, or July to November to see migrating humpback whales.
7. Pira Lodge, Corrientes, Argentina
Fisherman’s Quarters: Fly into this stylish lodge in the heart of the Ibera Marshlands, built specifically to enjoy some of the most exciting game fishing in the world: the freshwater dorado.
What’s the Catch: The lodge is strategically located in the southern tip of the Ibera wetlands; where the marsh and Corrientes River ecosystems converge and the fish are positively teeming. With three million acres of largely unexplored marshland, including creeks, rivers, crystal-clear lagoons, and freshwater flats, zoom off on flats skiffs in search of your catch.
Wow Factor: Exciting night expeditions into the marshlands.
Whatever the Weather: Travel between December and May to enjoy the Dorado season. December and January are the warmer months.
Take a Break: The wetlands are beautiful to explore on horseback. For a chilled afternoon, the swimming pool is the perfect spot. You might be distracted by the cacophony of over 250 bird species that call the wetlands home.
Explore Pira Lodge8. Xingu Lodge, Brazilian Amazon
Fisherman’s Quarters: Deep in the Kayapó Indigenous Territory. in five simple, considered wooden cabins perched on the riverbank. Think proper beds, hot showers, and just enough comfort to ensure a good night’s rest before another day on the river.
What’s the Catch: If you’ve ever wanted to battle a vampire fish, this is the place to do it – the Xingu River is home to the formidable payara, a razor-toothed predator with a serious attitude. There’s also peacock bass, pacu, and bicuda, all ready to put up a fight in these crystal-clear waters.
Wow Factor: Step into the world of the Kayapó people, who have lived in harmony with this rainforest for centuries. Spend an afternoon learning their traditions, hear their stories, and come away with a perspective few travellers ever gain.
Whatever the Weather: The prime time to visit is from September to December, when the water levels drop and fishing conditions peak.
Take a Break: Relax in your outdoor hammock listening to the mesmerising wildlife sounds that surround the lodge. Those looking for adventure can travel by canoe or motorboat looking for wildlife, or take a guided trek through the jungle.
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Looking for an epic fishing adventure in South America? Contact our specialists today.
Conde Nast Traveler Specialists every year since 2017
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