Puerto Montt, Chile

Marky Ramone´s four week South American tour in September/ October 2023.

Rehearsals and tour start in Puerto Montt, Chile.

I have been several times in Puerto Montt but never had any off days there so this time with a friend from Germany I took the opportunity to finally test the waters there.

Due to severe weather conditions, rain and heavy winds, the first run had to be cancelled for safety reasons, fortunately the weather cleared up a bit and we still managed to squeeze in two fishing runs prior to tour start.

Led by the excellent and highly professional fishing guide John Gübelin we drove about 120 kms to a weather protected Fjord where we wanted to try for king salmon. Despite salmon season not having started yet small salmon are encountered there all year round.

The two hour scenic drive lead us along the shores Lake Llanquihue, Chile second largest lake with a size of 877 square km flanked by the majestic Osorno and Calbuco vulcanos.

With the boat in tow we arrived at the Fjord´s bay in a small fishing community village around 11:00, high tide and amazing scenery all around. Boat launched and off we went.

The chosen method of fishing is trolling not to heavy bright spoons on five to eight kilo downriggers in about 30 – 40 meters depth as well as two rods with small metal trolling diving boards bringing the lure down to 15 – 20 meters depth.

Our fishing position can found here www.t.ly/-Ajzm

Despite spending 7 hours on the water each day fishing was slow on both days, we brought in three Salmon ranging from two to three kilo each day, no bigger salmon in sight. The other boats we encountered reported similar results too. The bigger Salmon just hadn´t arrived yet.

Still an unforgettable experience, pristine waters, amazing landscapes and nothing beats a fresh caught wild Salmon ceviche and carpaccio along a fine Chilean red wine courtesy of our guide John.

I spoke to John about three weeks after our trip and he reported Kings up to 8 kilos being caught in the Fjord now.

Hope to be back in Puerto Montt, Chile soon.

10/23