Rockin' reel.

A decade ago, Coyhaique, capital of Chile's Aisen Region, was a Patagonian backwoods. Increasingly, it has become the destination of choice for fly-fishing enthusiasts, including movie stars such as Robert Redford, Tom Selleck, and Harrison Ford.

Starting in early October through late April, 1,500 anglers fill the Andean mountain town's more than 30 four- and five-star lodges, paying between US$3,000 and $5,500 a week to stay among flowing blue-green rivers. Aisen's budding fly-fishing industry earns about $10 million annually, second only to the cruise ships that venture to nearby glaciers.

Ten thousand additional tourists come each year to fish, says Patricio Silva, president of the Coyhaique Tourism Chamber, paying between $60 and $330 for a boat and guide. Tourism income in Aisen is expected to rise over the next decade to $150 million annually, equal to Argentina's fly-fishing industry now. Comparatively, the U.S. fly-fishing industry reels in $21.6 billion a year.

"There is a lot going into the economy. It's pretty noticeable with all the people advertising everywhere;' says Rex Bryngelson, 45, owner of the lodge Chile Patagonia. To protect that income, Chile in 2004 will legislate sport fishing to better sustain trout and salmon populations. "We want to make it possible that all responsible fishermen will forever be able to enjoy Patagonia:' says Julio Melt, a top Coyhaique fishing guide.