There are Chinook salmon in Chile? That’s right!
Some 30 years ago, Chinook or king salmon were raised and planted in a few river systems in Southern Chile. The stocks were taken from two Washington State rivers, the Kalama and Cowlitz, both tributaries of the Columbia River. Since then these strains have naturalized and flourished, now inhabiting more than ten watersheds. It only makes sense that these fish have thrived so well as the geography and climate of southern Chile is very similar to that of Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.
Since these fish are a spring run Chinook or ‘Springer’, they start their run in the spring and stay in the river until the fall to spawn. These fish tend to run deep and seek out the deepest of holes to rest until spawning time. It has been said that the spring Chinook is of the hardest to catch. In our research and experimentation, we have found this to be true, as we have not yet dialed in the techniques to catch them on flies during the first few months of the run. However, we have indeed caught them on hardware and so far, ‘pulling plugs’ has proven to be most effective.
Rio Salvaje has loaner gear available for targeting Chinook.
Fly Tackle for Chinook Salmon
Rods
We recommend 10 to 12 weight, high modulus, good quality rods capable of casting a heavy line and heavy flies.
Reels
A good quality reel to match the rod with a strong disc drag.
Lines
100 to 500 grain, fast to extra fast sinking, shooting heads, and sink tips of 7 to 15 feet of T-14. Versatility is important. An interchangeable shooting head system is a good way to address varied water conditions.
Leaders
Leaders should be abrasion-resistant monofilament of 15 to 20 pound strength.