We’re heading to Argentina for a week of fly fishing and I wanted to share a few thoughts about how we’re packing for a Patagonia fly fishing trip.
First off, it sure is different packing for a trip out of the country when all we can take is one suitcase of fly fishing equipment! I’m used to packing our RAM Promaster where multiple rods, reels, and other miscellaneous gear can be taken…just in case we need it!
So, how do we pack for a one week guided trip?
We purchased this Fishpond roller bag many years ago for our 2007 Chile adventure.
We don’t take a lot of guided fly fishing trips. But an opportunity presented itself for an Argentina adventure and we decided to go for it.
Here is the list of fly fishing gear you’ll find in the bag:
- Winston BiiX 9′ 6 wt with Galvan Torque T-6 reel
- Winston BiiX 9 foot 5 wt Nautilus X fly reel
- Winston BiiX 9′ 5 wt with Galvan Torque T-5 reel
- Winston BiiX 9′ 5 wt with Ross Evolution LTX reel
- Korker boots and extra soles
- Simms G3 waders
- Wading belts
- Trout leaders 9′ – 2x and 3x (3 of each size)
- Standard tippet material (2x 3x, 4x, and 5x – one spool of each size)
- Frog’s Fanny desiccant
- Forceps or hemostats
- Nippers
- Fishing packs X 2
You’ll notice there is only one pair of waders on the list. Dancingtrout has a custom pair and I’ll be using waders provided by SET Fly Fishing. They offer waders and boots, so you don’t need to take yours. We decided to pack the Korkers and take both felt and rubber soles. All the guides I know don’t allow the use of studs in their boats/rafts and now helicopters!
Our trip includes a daily helicopter ride which flies us to the water we’ll fish each day. Estancia Chochoy Mallin is in a remote location and the helicopter simplifies access.
It also means we’ll be walking quite a bit. We are used to our own boots, so comfort plays into our decision. I’ll use my Devil’s Canyon and Dancingtrout wears the women’s Darkhorse.
The other gear we packed is listed here:
- Fishing hat
- Buff or sun gaiter
- 30/40 SF waterproof sunscreen and lip balm
- Insect repellent / bee sting kit
- Polarized sunglasses & lens cloth/glasses wipes
- Rain gear
- Mini flashlight / headlamp & extra batteries
- Reusable water bottle
The sun in Patagonia can be relentless, so our hosts recommend an effective fishing hat with a long front visor and a dark underbill to help minimize the glare from the water and more effectively block the sun is important. I plan on taking my Tilley hat. If your trip is in their spring or fall months, a warm hat is a necessity.
In addition, make sure to pack sunscreen!
All of the items listed above, with the exception of glasses and headlamp with lithium batteries, fit in the Fishpond roller bag. You might be interested to know it weighs in at 45 pounds.
Here is the view of the lower compartment.
Other travel specific items are listed below:
- Plane ticket, itinerary, lodge address, phone numbers
- Valid passport and photo identification
- Wallet
- Photocopies of passport inside luggage
- Cash
- Wristwatch
- Personal toiletries kit
- Book/reading materials
- Aspirin
- Personal or prescription medications
- Power adaptor/converter
Oh, I’ve heard it’s windy in on the Argentina side of Patagonia. We’ll be on the eastern slopes of the Andes. I’ll be sure to report back!
We’re really looking forward to our trip. I’ll be taking lots of pictures to share upon our return.
Enjoy…go fish!
Jeannette and I just returned from a two week trip to Chile. Lakes Region and Coyhaique. Your Beetle Bailey still tops the Fat Albert for Chilean trout.
Fished the Coyhaique area in Chile a few years back, strayed across the border into Argentina, guards were nice, made sure I went back to Chile (I could speak Spanish, more or less, then). Great, great fishing. Winds needed to be coped with.
Tight lines down there!
Exciting! Have a great trip.
Enjoy your trip, I look forward to seeing your report and pics when you get honme!
Cliff
John
Very good info. I leave for San Martin de los Andes next Week. May pass you in the EZE Airport. Next article you post should have the flies you are taking. Our guides supply flies, but I plan to bring 4 Fly Boxes.
Have a good trip. I am sure you will post the trip after you get back.
Hi Jerry – in last week’s post, I provided a list from the guides I decided to tie a few foam flies for the trip
John
Hi Guys,
We’ll be thinking about you. Enjoy the trip. We’ll look forward to a report upon your return.
Tight Lines – Gretchen & Al Beatty
Enjoy! See you in Albany.
Why so many 5weights? Guys, your website is awesome. I have been spending a lot of time on your site looking at flies, trip reports, etc. really helps with my planning for 2023. Thanks again.
Only 2… One for each of us plus 2 6wts. That should work.
John