Fly Fishing on the Falkland Islands

The Chartres River was named after the ship surgeon Dr William Chartres of the survey vessel „HMS Philomel“, which anchored around the Falkland Islands between 1842 and 1845. Later the settlement located at its mouth took on his name.

The river Chartres flows into the sea after about 25 kilometres at Christmas Harbour in the west of West Falkland near the settlement and the beautiful Patricia Luxton nature reserve.

The Chartres is one of the top waters in the Falkland Islands and highly valued by anglers.
In contrast to the equally popular Warrah, more fish frolic in the Chartres - but these are smaller on average – smaller decadently meaning between three and six pounds.

Chartres River

Like all waters of the Falkland Islands, the Chartres is wonderfully open and easy to walk.
With an off-road vehicle, you can get to both sides of it by driving cross-country. As a secret fan of the classic Land Rover Defender, I couldn't get enough bumping through Falklands "Pampa" and its spraying fords. But I digress …

Map courtesy of Port Howard Lodge

Most anglers prefer to fish the Chartres around Mrs. Mac's pool rather than below the bridge where the West Falkland Road crosses the Chartres.
Its upper branch is quite variable with very promising and deep pools.

On the Chartres the fly fisherman should be able to do long casts; because you increase your chances a lot if you are able to present your fly on the opposite bank. And that is sometimes not just within reach – the perfect time and place for a trial of strength and sophisticated technique!

Fishing permits must be obtained from landowners before entering.

The top picture courtesy of Peter Nightingale kelpertours.com

With the kind support of:

Falkland Islands Fly.Fishing

Chartres River