One of Patagonia’s most diverse fly fishing programs for wild trout is Patagonian BaseCamp, on the banks of the remote Rio Palena, owned and operated by Marcel and Carolina Sijnesael.

Marcel traveled the world for several years before settling in this hidden corner of Patagonia, choosing to build his dream lodge in an area as wild as it is beautiful. From his comfortable lodge, Marcel and his guides can access an amazing array of fisheries; it would take, literally, a month of solid exploration and fishing to see all of his options.

“When we came to Northern Chilean Patagonia for the first time we could hardly believe what we encountered; impressed and speechless by the pristine beauty of the landscape, the mountains, the skies and the rivers. It was right then when we decided to make our home here in the wilderness. And since then we have seen many guests leaving with the same fantastic impression; and they come back year after year. No longer are they just our guests, but our friends sharing the same passion.” – Marcel Sijnesael

One of the beauties of Marcel’s location is the dearth of anglers on many of the waters – on most you will see few or no other fishermen during your stay. In addition, using state-of-the-art inflatable catarafts and outboard powered jetboats, he is able to organize two and three day overnight float trips into wilderness rivers, spending the nights at either small riverside cabins, or camping out in comfortable domo tents under the Southern Cross. These are truly a highlight of most guests’ trips, and an opportunity to cast over virgin fish in spectacularly scenic surroundings. As well, the lodge has access to small high mountain lakes, full of heavy-shouldered trout, accessed via short oxcart-pulled carriage rides, horse ride, or for the adventurous, mountain bike. Rounding out the menu are a variety of smaller walk-n-wade steams and creeks, float streams and larger jet boat rivers. It would take a month of solid fishing before you’d repeat a piece of water fishing at Patagonian BaseCamp.

The fish you’ll see in this area are wild, and largely untouched; accurate presentations usually assure success. You need to be prepared for all types of fishing here. At any given time, on any of the fisheries, fish may be looking up and smashing skated dries;, cruising deeper, requiring sinking tip lines and streamers; or sipping drifting terrestrials off the banks. Plan on using boats a lot here, whether actually casting from them, or simply using them for transportation to wading areas, as they are a necessary component to accessing the generally wilderness waters.

For those who want to see Patagonia from a different angle, The Patagonian BaseCamp Lodge has an extensive "non-fly fishing" program, including horse riding, bird and porpoise watching, river floating and rafting, hiking, visiting thermal baths, etc. However, for a relaxing non-fishing day in the wilderness, you do not have to leave the premises – the wood-heated hot tub and sauna on the river bank will give you that feeling of being completely away.

Patagonian BaseCamp is a small occupancy lodge, with a serious and incredibly diverse fishing package that has made it popular and well-known in the fly fishing world. Handling up to 8 guests, the two-story facility is warm and inviting, with spacious, well-appointed rooms overlooking the river. The lodge features just about every imaginable comfort you can think of, including a sauna, hot tub, private rooms with full baths, unlimited hot-water showers, therapeutic massages, and daily laundry service. Your hostess, Carolina, cooks up amazing and sumptuous meals every morning and night, the latter capped by desserts you won’t soon forget! The best of Argentine and Chilean wines are served with lunch and/or dinner and the open bar is always fully stocked.