Estancia del Zorro - 12/1/2006

In southern Chile, the region known as Patagonia, there is a ranch called the Estancia del Zorro, ranch of the fox. The Galilea Family owns the ranch, which contains a fantastic spring creek, lakes, condors, mountains and a very comfortable lodge for anglers. Sebastian Galilea took us under his wing and gave us the trip of a lifetime.

Everything was perfect. From big browns on dry flies to soaring condors up close and personal. We also had the best in Chilean wines, a chef who is a national treasure and a guide who can sing like Elvis.

The Galilea family owns enough property in several ranches to be big enough for their own flag, language or government. Mountain ranges, entire river systems, dozens of fishing opportunities are all within their fence line. Sebastian is "the man" in southern Chile. Not only a great guy, but a guy who also has all the keys to gates that access rarely fished waters.

We used five and six weight rods, floating lines with big, dry fly attractors and streamers. During the tour we also went to a neighboring ranch, in Argentina, for the day.

Door to door is 25 hours of travel. Yes, that is a long trip but after a couple days with Sebastian, his wife Maria Ignacia, their family and staff, you will never think that Chile is too far away.



For more information; www.estanciadelzorro.cl