There is little argument among experienced fly fishermen familiar with Chilean angling that the fish-rich rivers and streams that surround Coyhaique are among the finest in South America.

There are both Rainbows and Browns from modest to trophy proportions in this incredibly diverse area, and none of the regional fly fishing guides are more knowledgeable or more successful than outfitter, Monte Becker, of "Patagonia Drifters - Granite Canyon Lodge."

Using four-wheel drive vehicles, McKenzie-style drift boats, state-of-the-art inflatable, self-bailing rafts and outboard-powered-jet-boats, Patagonia Drifters guests have their choice of a large menu of nearby streams, rivers and spring-creeks. From a comfortable base at Monte's "Granite Canyon Lodge" overlooking the Manihuales River, anglers are within easy striking distance of 6 other rivers, and 13 different float trip destinations (not including wade trip opportunities to dozens of small streams, spring creeks, lagoons, lakes, and rivers too small to be navigated). This is often wilderness fishing, through terrain much too difficult to access comfortably on foot. Some of these trout have yet to see their first fly and may die of old age without battling an angler or seeing a lure.

The fish, though decidedly wild, are not notoriously selective and an accurate and gentle presentation usually assures success. There is a broad range of angling options, from classic dry fly stream fishing, to chucking buggers toward structure (big brown trout territory) or floating gaudy, hamster-sized terrestrials off grassy banks from one of Monte’s beautiful hand-built wooden drift boats. Traditional boca/lagoon fishing options can yield tackle-challenging trophies on streamers, and daily schedules and destinations are tailored to mirror the angler's interests and ability.

The Fly Shop has been specializing in Chilean angling travel for better than 20 years.
We feel that the flyfishing opportunities offered by Monte Becker and his seasoned crew of guides are the most diverse in the Coyhaique and surrounding area.

It is not by accident that Monte chose the Andean foothill village of Coyhaique as his base of operation.

“The choice of Coyhaique was made only after our exploratory of the Baker River (big and bad enough to make anyone appreciate pastoral flat water float trips). Coyhaique sits right in the middle of Chilean Patagonia and was the best place to base from. I always planned to relocate once I found the right river and right location. After 12 years and explorations that covered 200 mi. north and 200 mi. south, I've now found the perfect spot and relocated one hour out of Coyhaique to the north.” - Monte Becker

Patagonia Drifters is small, accommodating only six anglers at a time and popular with seasoned south-of-the-equator flyrodders looking for trout action Christmas through Easter. Advance reservations are necessary to secure prime dates during the abbreviated Patagonia fishing season.

Monte Becker, ventured down to Patagonia 15 years ago, one of a handful of adrenaline-seeking whitewater junkies looking to write their names in the record books in search of first descents down Class V-plus Andean-born rivers. What these pioneering anglers found was a wild and wooly wilderness, virtually untouched by Westerners, where rivers still existed with trout that had never seen a fly or lure. It didn’t take these fellas long to start sniffing out the best waters and make their claim - so to speak. With an uncanny nose for wild rivers and remote locales, combined with Monte’s background of fishing and hunting while growing up in Wyoming, (4th generation) it wasn’t long until he put two and two together and decided on Patagonia as the place to be and make his living.

“I come from the least populated state in the lower 48,Wyoming - fourth generation. Wyoming was getting too full for me. Patagonia sounded more to my liking.”
- Monte Becker

Monte fell in love with the rugged and unsettled Patagonia frontier, the independent natives and not long after, his Chilean wife Paolo. Monte, Paolo and his two sons Pasquel and Lucas make their home in Coyhaique and have dedicated their lives to showing others this special part of the world.
Monte’s ability on the oars is legendary, but where his skills with his hands shine even more is in his ability to shape and build with wood - a true master craftsman. One look at the wooden drift boats and skiffs built by Monte and you know this Wyoming cowboy has real talent. Monte’s hand-crafted boats are a reflection of his commitment to his life-style and business - they are works of art. In fact, much of the Becker’s new facility, Granite Canyon Lodge, was painstakingly built by Monte and a few Chilean artisans. His love of wood and mastery of it are evident in the rugged-yet-simple and elegant design of this riverine lodge.

Monte’s competent demeanor and extensive knowledge of local waters and fish habits are an unbeatable combination while guiding anglers on the water each day. Too, it helps being a fishy guy. A day spent with Monte is a day with plenty of laughs, usually plenty of action (no, he doesn’t walk on water) and a lot of fun. His enthusiasm for what he loves doing is infectious and his guides and lodge staff are just as committed to exceeding peoples expectations as he is.
Monte has a simple rule for life and his business “..keep it simple and leave a small footprint”.

Monte’s fishing program is simple, comprehensive and well-orchestrated - not a lot of wasted motion. First up in the morning and last in bed at the end of the day, Monte will show you a full day of fishing, in a beautiful and rugged environment.