Patagonia Trout
Fishing
What Makes Patagonia Fly Fishing Special
At the bottom of South America, this vast region is a landscape forged by the Andes mountains. Patagonia offers an experience that goes beyond fishing in patagonia, combining wilderness and world class sport.
What makes Argentine Patagonia better than other places is simple: these are 100% wild fish, grown in pristine waters. Unlike record breaking trout from New Zealand or Canada that were fed on commercial salmon pellets from aquaculture operations, Patagonia’s trophy fish live entirely on native food sources. This is pure, wild trout fishing at its best.
“Today, fishing in patagonia offers what Alaska once offered—hundreds of miles of rivers that see very little pressure.”
Since 1904, brown trout from Europe and rainbow trout from California’s McCloud River were introduced near San Martín de los Andes. They found perfect habitat with no competition and exploded across the land.
The combination of wild fish, stunning mountains and authentic gaucho culture is an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
The Legendary Rivers
Chimehuin
Collon Cura
Aluminé
What to Expect: The Fishing Experience
Crystal Clear Waters
Proven Technique
The “dry-dropper” rig —a big foam dry fly with weighted nymph below—is the most effective technique for Patagonia fly fishing.
Target Feeding Patterns
Patagonian trout are opportunistic predators feeding on terrestrials, pancora crabs and baitfish. Sight fishing in crystal clear water is standard. Streamer fishing in low light targets big browns in deep pools.
What It Takes
The experience can be physically demanding—wading strong currents, hiking to beats, casting in wind. Arrive in reasonable shape. Beginners can catch trout with basic techniques, experts can go trophy hunting.
The Perfect Basecamp
Expert Local Guides
Exclusive Water Access
Boutique Experience
All-Inclusive
Strategic Location
Combo Options
Experience the Lodge
Best Time for Fly Fishing in Patagonia
Early Season (Nov-Dec)
Mid-Summer (Jan-Feb)
Late Season (Mar-Apr)
Planning Your Patagonia Adventure
Trip Duration
What's Included
- All guided fishing with expert local guides
- Premium lodge accommodations
- All meals and beverages
- Airport transfers and ground transportation
- Fishing licenses and permits
- Basic tackle and fly support
Getting There
What to Bring
Essential Gear
- 5-7 weight fly rod
- Floating and sink-tip lines
- Selection of dry flies, nymphs, and streamers
- Waders and wading boots
- Polarized sunglasses
Clothing
- Layered clothing for variable conditions
- Rain jacket and sun protection
- Hat and buff/neck gaiter
Wild Trout of Patagonia
Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout
Brook Trout
Photo Gallery
Ready to Experience World-Class Patagonia Fly Fishing?
Trophy browns, pristine rivers, and expert guides—your Patagonian adventure awaits.Frequently Asked Questions
Are there trout in Patagonia?
Yes. Brown trout and rainbow trout were introduced in 1904 near San Martín de los Andes. They found perfect habitat and thrived. Today, Patagonia has one of the world’s best wild fish fisheries with self-sustaining populations. You’ll find wild trout in Patagonian rivers and lakes.
Is Patagonia good for fishing?
Patagonia is one of the top sport fishing destinations in the world for fly fishing enthusiasts. Argentine Patagonia has uncrowded waters, trophy-sized wild fish, stunning mountains scenery and diverse fly fishing opportunities. Unlike some fisheries where fish are fed on aquaculture pellets, these fish are 100% wild. Fishing in Patagonia is an authentic wilderness experience like no other.
Where is the best trout fishing in the world?
Argentine Patagonia is among the best for wild trophy trout. While New Zealand holds the all-tackle world record (fish fed on commercial pellets), Patagonia produces the world’s largest naturally grown, wild fish. The Río Grande in Tierra del Fuego is the global epicenter for sea-run brown trout, with fish averaging 12 pounds and reaching 30+ pounds. Northern Patagonia rivers produce big brown trout and rainbows that rival any wild fishery on earth.
What is the best time to fish in Patagonia?
The season for fly fishing in Patagonia runs mid-November to mid-April. Best times depend on your priorities:
- Mid-November to December: Aggressive fish, spring hatches, fewer crowds
- January to February: Peak terrestrial dry fly action, warmest summer weather
- March to mid-April: Trophy brown season, pre-spawn feeding, least crowded
For first-time visitors planning their trip, December or March offer the best balance. Many anglers visit during the middle of the season when fishing conditions are most stable.
How big are the trout in Patagonia?
Brown trout average 4-8 pounds in rivers, with big trout of 15-20 pounds regularly caught. Sea-run browns in Tierra del Fuego average 12 pounds with the largest fish exceeding 30 pounds. Rainbow trout average 2-6 pounds in most rivers, with fish up to 15 pounds possible. At Lago Strobel, rainbows average 10 pounds with larger fish regularly exceeding 20 pounds. The fishery consistently produces wild fish that rival sizes found in their native ranges. Even smaller fish often exceed 16 inches.