The tenth anniversary edition of The Best Places for Fly Fishing in Chile, by Luis Goycoolea and Rodrigo Sandoval, is a beautifully crafted and inspiring guide that clearly demonstrates Chile’s deserved place among the world’s premier fly-fishing destinations. Published by Ediciones El Mercurio in late 2025, this fully bilingual (Spanish–English) book expands upon the beloved original from over a decade ago. It is markedly more comprehensive and, best of all, filled with new and updated information and tips.

 

This magazine proudly admits to a strong bias: both writers are either past or present Patagon Journal fly fishing columnists. Rodrigo contributed regular columns through Issue 12, and Luis has been writing for us since 2022.

 

Across 280 pages, these two lifelong anglers trace the introduction and evolution of fly fishing in Chile, from the early salmonid acclimatization efforts led by figures like Federico Albert to the vibrant “mosquera” culture shaped by the country’s diverse geography. This historical grounding informs everything that follows.

 

At its heart, the book offers a north-to-south tour of Chile’s finest waters: the precordilleran Tinguiririca and Maule; southern classics like the Allipén, Petrohué, and Puelo, with their resident trout and powerful migratory salmon; the exceptional Maihue–Calcurrupe–Ranco lake circuit; and an expanded exploration of Patagonia—Baker, Cochrane, Serrano, and the legendary Río Grande in Tierra del Fuego, where beaver-modified lakes now present fishing as unexpected as it is challenging. Each entry blends rigorous detail with engaging storytelling.

 

Equally impressive is the book’s practical depth: chapters on aquatic entomology, fly selection, gear, and techniques such as Tenkara and Spey explain not just what to use, but why it works. A comprehensive glossary welcomes beginners, while 29 detailed maps make trip planning easy—this is a book equally at home in the library or in a backpack. Rodrigo Sandoval’s more than 100 photographs do more than illustrate; they immerse you in the cold spray of a Patagonian river and the bite of the austral wind.

 

Protecting Chile’s rivers and lakes is at the heart of responsible fishing—a theme woven throughout the book. One chapter, in particular, highlights the importance of preserving fragile ecosystems, outlines the dangers posed by Didymo and other invasive species, and offers practical guidance on catch-and-release fishing and prevention methods. The book’s clear takeaway: safeguarding these waters is essential for ensuring the future of fishing in Chile.