waters we fish

Alumine River: In the northern part of the province of Neuquen, the Alumine River flows out of the Alumine Lake for 100 miles until it joins with the Chimehin River. Together these two rivers form the famous Collon-Cura. The ratio of rainbows to browns is about 1:1 with average size being about 2.5 pounds or 17 inches. Trout up to 9 pounds are also caught every year.

Caleufu River: The Caleufu Rivers headwaters lie in the Lanin National Park and run for roughly 60 miles until it reaches the Collon Cura River. The ratio of rainbows to browns is about 4:1. Browns averaging 2-4 lbs. tend to be larger then rainbows. The river supports a large population of pancora crabs and a few species of caddis, mayflies and small stoneflies. Dry flies, streamers and nymphs all work incredibly well in this still virgin river. An expedition of three days on this river is considered the best trip we offer.

Limay: The Limay River is a northeast flowing river that drains the Nahuel Haupi Lake in Bariloche. All types of fishing techniques are used throughout the season; however, si nking tip or shooting head lines tend to produce the best results. The ration of rainbows to browns is about 3:1 and trophy fish are released every year. In the beginning of the season, dry flies can produce numerous fish, while in the fall, angler¹s focus on size instead of numbers. Five to 15 pound browns enter the river from the lake around April and can provide anglers with the same action one might get in Tierra del Fuego with large sea-run browns.

The Malleo: While staying at the San Huberto lodge you will fish exclusively the Malleo river, however you will be hard pressed to fish all of the private waters available. In the upper reaches of the river the waters are slow and meandering providing a challenging and iqually rewarding experience. This section is well loved by spring creek enthusiasts. The middle canyon section has faster current with more difficult wading and accessibility, however, it is a favorite for those who like to venture on the road less traveled and reap the benefits. The lower portions of the Malleo offer great fishing in pools, riffles and along the willow lined banks.
Although the Malleo is fished all season long, the higher waters levels in the spring months make a opportunity for great rainbow fishing on the tributary, Huaca Mamuil. Through out the season dry flies are used however, in the summer months hatches are prevalent making dry fly action is unsurpassed anywhere in Patagonia.
     The catching is fly fishing only, catch and release and all wading. The browns and rainbows average from 1.5 to 3 pounds although an occasional 6 pounder shakes up the days average.

Traful:Located about 30 miles north of Bariloche, the famous Traful River is well known for its perfect size and it incredible scenery. The Traful is also known for its trophy rainbows and challenging landlocked salmon fishing. Dry flies are mostly used, however, the occasional deep hole demand large streamers.

Pi Chi Leufu: This is the epitome of a classic dry fly stream. The river is relatively shallow and lined with willows and grassy banks. Anglers can enjoy non-stop action for both rainbow and browns on 4 and 5 weight rods. The remote location has helped preserve the river and its riparian environment.

Manso River:The Manso River is one of many rivers within the Nahuel Huapi National Park but one of few that flow to the Pacific Ocean. The glacial waters pass through various lakes creating several different sections of the Manso. The clear waters, roughed mountains and lush environment create one of the most picturesque rivers in all of Patagonia. The Manso is located 1.5 hours southwest of Bariloche.

Rivadavia: This incredibly beautiful river runs for 5 miles between Lake Rivadavia and Lake Verde within the Alerces National Park. The river is on average a little wider then a long cast. A dense green forest lines the banks giving the clear waters a brilliant blue-green color. Deep pools, long runs and structure such as submerged and over hanging logs and limbs are characteristics of this river. For those that enjoy spring creeks, there are two creeks that enter giving a challenge to the most skilled anglers. Rainbows average 16-17 inches. Browns average 17-18 inches.

Carrileufu: Flowing from Lake Cholila to the Rivadavia Lake, the Carrileufu River holds rainbows, browns and brook trout. This river is usually a destination for those who what to challenge their skills against Landlocked salmon. These salmon can be hard to catch, however, hooking one is only half the battle. Rainbows average 16 inches. Browns average 18 inches up to 25 inches. Salmon average 2-3 lbs., and get up to 7 lbs.

Arroyo Pescado: This is a large spring creek holding mostly rainbow trout averaging 16 inches. The high levels of biomass lead way to a very strong population of aggressive and darker colored rainbows. Dry flies are preferred while the occasional streamer is sure to give interesting results. When sight-fishing for large fish, specific nymphing techniques are used.

Fonck Lake:The Fonck Lake is located within the Nahuel Haupi National Park only a few miles from the Chilean border and a scenic 10 minute drive form Hess Lodge. This is perhaps one of our most favorite lakes because of the remote location and incredible brook trout fishing. This elongated lake is packed with large brook trout avera ging 16 inches and rainbows with an even larger average size.

Hess Lake:The Hess Lake is located directly in front of the Hess Lodge still within the Nahuel Haupi National Park only an hour and a half drive south from Bariloche. This lake has excellent fishing for brown and brook trout, however, strong rainbows provide most of the action. Here, there is almost always an incredible hatch with large caddis, three different mayflies and various other insects.

Cholila Lake: This incredibly beautiful lake is surrounded by the high snow capped mountains of Tres Picos and located off the beaten path. The Tigre River that enters on the far side of the lake provides excellent fishing for landlocked salmon, brook and rainbow trout. Reeds that line the coast also provide rainbows in the 4 lb range.

Lago Tres: Lago Tres is located close to the small town of Rio Pico. This medium sized lake is famous for its enormous brown trout that reach 15 pounds. The rainbow s are also well known for their healthy size and strength. Lago Tres is considered to be one of the most productive lakes in Patagonia.

Rio Pico: The Pico River is a small river containing both rainbows and browns. The stream is known for its oversized brown trout that seem misplaced in such small water. Dry flies and nymphs are used, however, streamers work best for the larger fish. Algae beds and slow currents make for spring creek like conditions while other parts have slow deep pools that tail out into shallow riffles and faster currents.

Puelo River: The Puelo River is located in Chile and is a large river accessed by motor boat. It starts from Lago De Las Rocas in the Chilean Mountains and empties in to the Reloncalvi Sound south of Puerto Montt. We fish the section relatively close to the Sound in order to catch the Coho and King Salmon that enter the river in late march. The river also supports sea-run rainbows and sea-run browns as well as resident trout.

Cayutue River: This Chilean river drains the Cayutue Lake and is one of the clearest rivers located in the area. The fish are easily spotted making for interesting and highly technical fishing. Anglers must be transported up river via motorboat. It is a great leisurely afternoon activity and located within walking distance from the lodge.

The Cayutue Lagoon: The word Cayutue means six craters. The Cayutue lagoon is just one of the six in the area. Although this is not a lagoon, it is referred to as one by the few locals that live in the area and by those who have fished it. Catching the rainbows and browns in the lagoon can be done by dries, streamers and nymphs. They are very wild fish and have seen few artificial flies. They cruise the banks, reeds and algae beds. Anglers may reach the lake by walking or on horseback.

Click here to find information on the Patagonia fishing season.