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Francisco,
I am so happy that you and your family are back together. Sam and
I worship the ground that you and Jose Miguel walk on. Our trip
to Chile was the best sporting vacation I have ever had. Francisco,
you and Jose Miguel were supremely professional during the entire
trip. I would be proud to help you in any way I can..........
I am
looking forward to many years of fly-fishing with Sam.
Craig
Peoria, Illinois |
Hola
Fransisco,
I just wanted to email you and let you know what a great time everyone
had. You did a great job taking care of us and everyone had a trip
of a lifetime. We liked it so much we want to reserve next year the
same time. Right now I have 4 committed. When you get time email me
what we need to do to reserve. Also tell Jose, and Paolo, Jaime,and
Clara thanks for everything.
Jim Farmer
Phoenix Arizona |
Francisco,
Just wanted to thank you for the great time I had in Chile and the
Patagonia. I can honestly say you, Jose and your crew made it a trip
of a life time. I can't wait to get back. I am still crying over not
having a picture of that last fish, but I had the pleasure of catching
it in some great water with friends.
I just wanted to thank you again for your hospitality and let you
know that I am already looking forward to next year. I will definitely
be back.
I hope this finds you well and still enjoying the season.
Kelly
Cedar, Utah |
| "I
first went to Chile in 2000. Visiting from the UK for the first time
I was greatly impressed by the landscape of Patagonia some 800 miles
south of the capital Santiago - the beautiful natural forest covered
mountains, the crystal clear rivers of deep blue fed from the glaciers
in the high Andes, the magnificent lakes and the peace of the country.
Enjoying a well managed road system free of traffic, great seafood
and a friendly people, Chile has little crime and has much to commend
it as a fine destination for the sportfishermen and the outdoor adventurer
alike.
I have returned there every
year since - twice sometimes, to meet up and be guided by my friend
Francisco Castaño. Based in Puerto Varas, from where a different
river or lake can be reached easily everyday to match the prevailing
weather conditions, Francisco and his fellow guides get me into
the fish every time I visit. Francisco can also arrange trips further
south on the Yelcho River. For a truly outstanding fishing trip
, this has to rate as one of the top trout fishing destinations
in the world. The Yelcho Lake is surrounded by several glaciers
and the number of visitors pretty limited by the scarcity of accommodation
so the ‘hit’ rate is always high. A word of warning
though, as the weather in the South of Chile can change rapidly
so the experience of a guide who understands the surroundings and
the waters is essential.
Francisco is an exceptional
man - he cares deeply for his environment and is active in ensuring
it is protected for future generations, he is not a clock watcher
- a day on the water is a real day and can be as much as 12 hours.
He wants his customers to become
friends and because of his knowledge, care and experience many of
us return time and time again. His wife supports his efforts by
providing a superb cold cuts lunch every day complemented by fine
Chilean wines and enjoyed comfortably at some delightful water side
stopoff."
Brian Holbutt
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
United Kingdom
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Francisco
was our guide for some few days, Nov 2007. I have to say that out
of all the many guides I've used over the years he is up there.
Not only was he very hospitable, good at english and eager to hear
about my many travels, but great at finding fish and making our
fishing trips exciting.
Tradd Dugan
Colorado, USA.
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Seven
years ago, on our first trip to Chilean Patagonia, my wife Candy and
I hired Francisco Castano to take us fly fishing for a half day on
the Petrohue River. Well, a half day has turned into a seven year
love affair with Patagonia--------and not just because of the great
fishing, but also for the incredible scenery, the weather, the un-crowded
rivers and back country-------and mostly the people. The Chilean people
are honest, warm and friendly, and are always willing to help when
a you need a little assistance.
It seems like every year we spend more days to stay in Patagonia.
Still, every year we take time to fish a week with Francisco, and
not just in the Puerto Varas area, last season we also meet up with
him further south near Lago Yelcho and spend a week together. Francisco
and his family have become close friends and it is the highlight of
our year to get back to Chile every winter. In fact, our four year
old grand daughter is coming down for a month (her second trip) and
even she can't wait !!
I'd encourage anyone who loves the outdoors or loves fly fishing to
experience Chilean Patagonia. It's a wonderful place.
Gene Coursey
Jackson Hole, Wyoming |
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My husband and
I love to fly fish, so when we decided to travel to Chile in November
2004, we did some research on where to fish. We didn't want to go
to an expensive fishing lodge for a week, just wanted to find a
guide who would take us out for a day or two.
First we found
a charming B&B online called Hotel Ayacara in the town of Frutillar.
This is on a beautiful lake, Lago Llanquihue, with an incredible
view of the Osorno volcano. When I contacted the hotel and inquired
about finding a fishing guide, they got right back to me with the
name Francisco Castaño, who would pick us up at the hotel
and take us to the Maulin River the first day and the Petrohue on
the second day. We were able to contact him before the trip to find
out just what we would need and what the cost would be; very reasonable
at around US$300/day for two of us.
Fishing was
incredible both days, and we caught browns and rainbows. We floated
both rivers, fishing from the boat as well as wading. Both rivers
were very beautiful, and the scenery was spectacular! There are
several volcanoes in the area, all cone shaped topped with snow.
The second day had the best weather (we were fishing in our t-shirts)
and Francisco set up a picnic lunch on the river bank with beautiful
food that his wife had prepared as well as a variety of drinks,
including wine. Francisco is very charming, as well as passionate
about the rivers around the Puerto Mont area as well as Patagonia.
His English was excellent too, and we had very interesting conversations,
learning about Chile. To this day he keeps in touch with us and
also has a very informative website www.trespiedras.cl.
We would definitely
go back there, and hope to one day.
Marilou and
Tad Rolfe
Clyde Hill, Wa. USA |
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