"The summer of 2024 gave us size"
This summer of 2024 was another good season in our fishing lodge in Patagonia nearby Rio Caterina and Lago Pearson, our main fishing beats.
The weather and fishing conditions were somewhat unstable. Different water levels, at times high temperatures and some very extreme storms of wind, rain and cold. In short, it is the normal Patagonian weather. Perhaps we are not used to big changes because the estancia is located in a valley with a very pleasant climate.
We started the beginning of the season in early January with good water flow and perfect conditions. The fish at this time are very fresh.
In the middle of the season there was an abrupt drop in the water level, which affected the fishing in terms of the number of catches. Then thaws and heavy rains caused the water level to rise a lot and the fishing returned to normal.
The surprise of this season was the average size. Compared to other seasons, fewer fish were caught, but the weight of these balanced the scales.
When I say fewer fish, I don’t mean few. The fishing was good with an average still higher than any King Salmon river.
Sizes that are not a surprise in this place.
Many fish over 40lbs were caught and of course several from 60 to 65lbs.
Distance made the difference
Spin fishermen who brought heavy spoons to cast far out into the lake fished better. The salmon were willing to take anything that fell within their radar. Casting far was the key on the lake this season.
Fly fishing on the river always gives our visitors records. The classic blue and black Intruders and the chartreuse were the most effective among many others already traditional for this dark colored river. The size is between 3 and 5 inches and we use Octopus 2/0 type hooks.
In low water conditions, fishing was good with scandi multitip lines and with normal and high water the best performance is made by skagits with different tips depending on each situation.
