‘Patagonia Fishing Hosts’ Launched In Argentinian Fisherman’s Paradise By N.C. Businessman and Local

Charlotte, NC, USA (SANEPR.com) May 16, 2008 -- The Andes-backed rivers and lakes around Cholila in the Patagonia area of Argentina are considered by experienced fly-fishing insiders to be the angling paradise of the Western Hemisphere.

In Cholila decades ago, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid escaped to a rural shack, far away from the reaches of U.S. lawmen. Today fly-fishing enthusiasts from the U.S. and northern Latin America escape the pressures of the urban world and stay in a few remote lodges like the one recently opened by a North Carolina retired business executive and Patagonia fishing guides.
They call their operation Patagonia Fishing Hosts (http://www.patagoniafishinghosts.com) and their lodge the Carrileufu Valley Lodge.

“This gives people the chance to experience first-hand the legendary Patagonian fly fishing dreams,” said founder John B. Bell Jr., an experienced angler, retired CEO of John Boyle & Co. in Statesville, NC, with numerous business interests worldwide. “With crystal-clear lakes and flowing rivers surrounded by the beautiful Andes mountains, the area around Cholila looks a lot like Montana 70 years ago – beautiful, natural and unspoiled. And the fish are abundant in these waters which are just minutes from our lodge.”

Bell is a longtime member and supporter of both Trout Unlimited and the Federation of Fly Fishers, who have endorsed his enterprise. “This is the essence of great, great fly fishing,” he declares enthusiastically. “Always catch and release. World class guides, new equipment, lots of smart and hungry trout, streamside ‘gaucho lunches,’ plus fine dining and wine, Argentine style, at the end of each rewarding day.”

Carrileufu Valley Lodge is a rustic, fully furnished retreat that accommodates a maximum of 10 guests at a time to ensure a high level of personal service. It has five double rooms each with a private bath, a full kitchen, an authentic Patagonian chef, a fireside gathering room, and many other amenities.

“This is truly a fisherman’s lodge,” Bell said, “patterned after some of the best in Montana, Wyoming and Quebec, although thoroughly Argentine at heart. Fishing activities include overnight float trips, spring creeks, plus a great selection of lakes and rivers. Trout species include book, brown, rainbow and landlock salmon.

“Carrileufu Valley Lodge offers a unique location that greatly reduces travel time from the lodge to select fishing water,” Bell noted. “You will see lots of fish and wildlife in this area but very few people besides your fishing group.

“Cholila is easily accessible by air and vehicle, usually flying through Buenos Aires to Bariloche or Esquel. And as a convenience for our guests, we offer transportation from the airport to the lodge, including beautiful scenery along the way.”

A number of avid U.S. fly fishermen fish in Montana and other northern areas in May through September, then move down to Patagonia to fish in its warm months, November through April, Bell explained. “Our new lodge helps create an endless season for North American and European fly fishermen.”

Patagonia Fishing Hosts is managed in Cholila by Pancho Panzer, an experienced, college-educated Patagonian fly-fishing guide, who is fluent in English. Panzer’s team, all bilingual, includes other professional guides, skilled cooks, and a full maintenance staff.

A typical Patagonia Fishing Hosts package includes six fishing days and seven nights of lodging, for about $4,000 dollars US each person, sharing a room with another fisherman, and sharing a guide. Air travel is additional. Guests can request individual rooms and guides for additional cost.

Cholila has a romantic history. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid escaped U.S. law enforcement by living there for years in the early 1900s – until their ill-gotten money started running low and they had to return to “work,” robbing more banks. Some believe they were killed in a shoot-out, and others believe they escaped and lived to a ripe old age. Their cabin is 20 miles away from the Carrileufu Valley Lodge.

Other area attractions include:
Museum “LeLeque Estancia,” about one hour driving distance from the lodge, featuring artifacts and information about Patagonia history
The old Patagonia Express train, which rides a very narrow track through the mountainous country, powered by a smoke-blowing steam engine
El Bolson’s famous artisans fair an hour away
Bird watching for beautiful flamingos and condors
Horseback riding and hiking in the many trails around the area

“A trip to Patagonia is a total experience,” Bell concluded. “Absorb the culture, the food, the friendly people, and their beautiful country and, of course lots and lots of great fishing.”
For more information, visit http://www.patagoniafishinghosts.com or call Pancho Panzer at 0054-2945-1553332.
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Buck Lawrimore
Lawrimore Inc.
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