GOOD NEWS FROM THE LAKE REGION IN CHILE ! (october, 2000)
One of the most spectacular river systems of this area, is at the lake Ranco drainage.
From the Andes a series of four lakes connected to each other, pour enormous amounts of crystal clear water into the Pacific after meandering across the country for over 150 miles.one of the most beatiful pieces of water of this complex system is the Calcurrupe river.It has a predominant place in the history of trout fishing in Chile and South America.The Calcurrupe became famous and was featured in detail by Roderick Haig-Brown in his outstanding book "fisherman's Winter (1954) described by Al McClane in "The Wise Fisherman's Encyclopedia" (1951), also by George Patterson in "Angling in the Andes" (1961), George Laycock authored a long article for Outdoor Life (1965), and by Ernest Schwiebert in several of his books and magazine articles, among them in his classic book "Trout" (1978).

Just recently , in October 3, 2000 the Chilean fisheries authorities, after evaluating several studies and reports for over five years have dictated new regulations for fishing in the Calcurrupe river, in order to protect and enhance it's valuable trout fisheries. In addiction to the regulations that apply for the rest of Chile's waters, fishing in the Calcurrupe river now, is catch and release only.
Also the anglers can fish only with artificial lures which can have just one simple, barbless hook. (No treble hooks allowed). The same regulations also include the areas of 1000 meters of radius at the lake Maihue where the Calcurrupe comes out of, and another 1000 meters of radius at the area where the river empties into the lake Ranco.

With this regulations, the fisheries department have set another valuable precedent, and we hope that other outstanding rivers in Chile wil follow, in the not too distant future, in a effort to protect the unique trout fisheries of this beautiful country.

THE TROUT SEASON:
The trout season opens soon on Friday November 10, 2000, in the famous lake region of Chile.
The last winter in Chile has been a good winter from the fisherman's point of view: there is lots of snow in the Andes, whwich guarantees a good flow of water through the rivers during the fishing season. The spring has been cool, which also contributes to keep the snow reserve for later, even during the summer, and maintain the quality of the fishing into the fall.

THE MAIN SEVERAL REGULATIONS FOR TROUT FISHING IN CHILE:

The fishermen must be in possession of a fishing license issued by SERNAPESCA, the Chilean fisheries department.

Trout fishing is allowed only with artificial lures. The lures can not have more than one treble hook.

The fishrmen can fish only one rod and reel, and it has to be attended at all times. Fixed, unattended
lines are illegal.

The creel limit is three trout per fisherman per day or in possession, regardless of size.
Exception to this, is if the fisherman has one or two trout which amount to 15 kilos in weight, in which case, the 15 kilos will be the maximum permitted.

Game wardens and police can ask for linceses and inspect the sportsmen. The fishermen are expected to cooperate. It is a violation of the law to obstruct the inspection in any way.