Dane and Chiara Emerson, who opened ESB Lodge in 2017, will be taking over operation of El Saltamontes Lodge in 2025. (Earl Harper photo)
February 20, 2024
By Ross Purnell
Those lucky enough to have fished the saltwater flats surrounding Espiritu Santo Bay (ESB) Lodge in Mexico will be pleased to know they now know familiar faces in the mountains of Chile.
Dane and Chiara Emerson, who opened ESB Lodge in 2017, will be taking over operation of the most historic lodge in the Coyhaique region of Patagonia in 2025.
The swashbuckling adventurer Jose Gorroño built El Saltamontes Lodge and has operated it on his 5,000-acre cattle ranch in the Ñireguao Valley for the past 34 years. Among his many accomplishments, his education as a mechanical engineer helped him build a clean and sustainable hydroelectric turbine bringing electricity to the ranch and his neighbors in 1983, and he convinced the government to make the entire Rio Ñireguao Chile’s first catch-and-release trout stream.
Among Gorroño's many accomplishments, his education as a mechanical engineer helped him build a clean and sustainable hydroelectric turbine bringing electricity to the ranch and his neighbors in 1983, and he convinced the government to make the entire Rio Ñireguao Chile’s first catch-and-release trout stream. (Earl Harper photo) Dane and Chiara fell in love with El Saltmontes in 2019 when they hosted a week there with a group of their regular saltwater guests.
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“Ever since I was a kid growing up in Michigan, devouring everything I could on fly fishing, I’ve dreamed of fishing the storied waters of El Saltamontes,” said Dane. “When the opportunity arose to host a week, Chiara and I jumped on it and we fell in love with the Gorroño family, their property, and the Nireguao Valley. Since then, we have been working with Jose and his family to set a foundation of excellence that will bring their legacy to a new level, and we couldn't be more thrilled and honored to now take the reins—a dream come true for a trout fanatic like me. We will incorporate many ingredients from our ESB “recipe,” blending them into the new El Saltamontes program while at the same time honoring the heritage and traditions the Gorrono family have built over the last 30-plus years. With the Gorroño family’s blessing and full support, we will redefine Patagonia fly fishing and usher in a new era worthy of past and future accolades.”
The infrastructure of El Saltamontes Lodge consists of four independent buildings, all constructed of local river stones and rough-hewn logs. The main Lodge, accessible via a sweeping curved timber deck, is an impressive building with high ceilings and two large fireplaces. There is also an outdoor wood-fired hot tub built and designed by Jose himself, and a separate windowed barbecue building for weekly asados of fire-roasted sheep and beef.
The communal living room is furnished with antique furniture, comfortable leather sofas, and plush rugs. The bar area, equipped with a warm wood stove, is another option for socializing.
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Jose Gorroño built El Saltamontes Lodge and has operated it in on his 5,000-acre cattle ranch in the Ñireguao Valley for the past 34 years. It consists of four independent buildings, all constructed of local river stones and rough-hewn logs. (Earl Harper photo) The dining room seats a maximum of 15 guests around a heavy antique table and a cozy fireplace. Set with sparkling candelabra, silverware, and crystal, it's a feast for the eyes and palate. Huge picture windows provide a backdrop of stunning Andean peaks.
“After 34 years of hosting fly fishers from around the world, new winds are blowing across El Saltamontes,” said Jose Gorroño of the changing of the guard. “With Dane and Chiara at the helm, a recharged dose of enthusiasm will be pumped into the fishing program —and the hospitality presentation—by two of the most qualified and professional hosts I have ever met. I am profoundly grateful for their dedicated spirit to bring El Saltamontes to the forefront of Patagonia trout fishing. Muchos Saludos.”
Dane, a former Colorado outfitter, plans on exploring and developing new fisheries within proximity of the lodge as well as the extensive private beats on the Rio Ñireguao. Dane and his guide staff will constantly be on the move, scouting out the many possible rivers, spring creeks, and lagunas in the region, with the goal of adding new productive waters. The lodge has five guides and Dane himself will be guiding, rotating through guests during the week.
Dane and his guide staff will be scouting out the many possible rivers, spring creeks, and lagunas in the region, with the goal of adding new productive waters. (Earl Harper photo) The fishing program is designed to have guests enjoy two days on the lodge’s property, two days of off-property wading, and two days floating on the Mañihuales or other waters for maximum variety.
Dane and Chiara have also upgraded the infrastructure of the fishing program, having already brought on multiple Toyota Hilux 4X4 trucks, several new state-of-the-art NRS rafts, and most importantly a world-class guide team collected largely from some of the best talent in South America.
The meals at the lodge will be prepared and presented by a new and classically trained chef, with a menu focused on amazing regional Chilean dishes including fresh seafood and organic beef and lamb. As well, they will continue Jose’s famous weekly asado, the famous barbeque extravaganza, complete with live music performed by local gauchos.
Both ESB Lodge and El Saltmontes Lodge are Signature Destinations of The Fly Shop at Redding California (theflyshop.com , 800-669-3474).
Ross Purnell is publisher and editor of Fly Fisherman.
