For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, Patagonia is a long way away. Straddling the Andes and covering a large swath of southern Chile and Argentina, the region is vast and sparsely populated. It’s home to massive mountains, desert steppes, two coastlines, and wild spaces in general. All of that makes Patagonia the perfect place to go Trout fishing.
It truly is a bucket-list destination that I’ve had the honor of fishing in plenty of times. And I now want to help you turn your fishing dreams into reality! From logistics to finding world-class fishing, I’ll outline the details of planning and executing a successful trip to the far south. Let’s dive in and see what Patagonia Trout fishing has in store!
Why travel to Patagonia for Trout fishing?
While Trout aren’t native to Patagonia, they certainly seem to belong. After Trout eggs were successfully introduced via Europe and the US in the late 1800s and early 1900s, these fish have been thriving for over a century! The rivers and lakes here offer the perfect habitat and no natural predators, allowing the fish to expand throughout the region.
Today, the number of wild Trout is amazing and they live in stunning landscapes with very low angling pressure. It’s some of the best Trout fishing in the world and, without any stocking programs, they’re all wild fish.
Many other destinations offer great Trout fishing but few have such an attractive combination of landscape and culture as Patagonia. Gauchos ride the range, herders move sheep, small towns offer wonderful hospitality, and the people appreciate their wild places. It’s a mix of pastoral river valleys and glacial-capped peaks in a place that’s quiet and friendly. What more could you want?!
Trout Species in Patagonia
Only a few Trout species are present and two tend to dominate the scene. But keep in mind, Trout aren’t the only quarry here. You can also find Chinook Salmon, Atlantic Salmon, and a few other species to target. For most anglers, however, Trout are the primary mission – and here are the stars of the show:
Brown Trout
Many anglers travel to Patagonia in search of a giant Brown Trout. These fish are prolific in rivers and lakes, and can reach exceptional sizes, with fish in excess of 10 pounds drawing anglers‘ attention.
There are two distinctions between Brown Trout in Patagonia, creating a divide between the sea-run fish and the resident instream or lake fish. Tierra del Fuego in the southernmost region is famous for Brown Trout that live in the ocean and make migratory runs into river systems. They can reach enormous sizes and anglers battle the windswept landscape to catch some of the world’s largest Brown Trout.
In most other rivers and lakes, Brown Trout are resident fish – but they still grow to trophy sizes. There are a few gray areas on the sea-run scale as well… In rivers like the Palena and Yelcho in Chile, Trout have the potential to move freely between lakes, rivers, and the ocean. While most are resident fish, a random ocean-run Trout is always a possibility.
Rainbow Trout
The other major Trout population is the Rainbow Trout. Many specimens of this genus were imported from Northern California where native Rainbows have exceptional resilience and strength. You’ll find healthy Rainbow Trout throughout Argentina and Chilean Patagonia. They grow quickly in lake environments and love eating dry flies in the rivers.
Brook Trout
While Brown and Rainbow Trout dominate the fishing scene in Patagonia, Brook Trout hold a mystique of sorts here. They’re strong in number in a few known locations but also pop up unexpectedly in remote backwaters. Brook Trout rarely reach large sizes in their native range but Patagonia breaks those rules with some overfed and very healthy specimens.
How to Plan a Fishing Trip to Patagonia: Logistics
Here’s where Trout fishing in Patagonia gets tricky. Being remote and sparsely populated, access and travel plans are a bit difficult. For anglers with a hefty budget, using the services of guides and lodges is a great idea. They have the vehicles, watercraft, and locations ready for you.
That’s not to say DIY is impossible, though. Quite the opposite! Patagonia is built for adventure and you can have fantastic fishing without the cost of guides and lodges. Many waters are accessible and waiting for eager anglers. Figuring out transportation and having access to watercraft makes a big difference for those with a tighter budget…
Access Points
Most flights will connect to regional airports from Santiago, Chile, or Buenos Aires, Argentina. These are the two big hubs into both countries. From there, you can fly to regional airports where car rentals or public transportation are available. Alternatively, you can take the long route and travel by bus or car from Santiago or Buenos Aires to just about anywhere.
The following are some of the primary regional airports. You can also find smaller airports and airstrips throughout the region.
Regional Airports in Chilean Patagonia
- Puerto Montt. While not quite in the heart of Patagonia, many travelers begin their journey down the Carretera Austral from this point. You can piece together sections of the journey with bus routes, hiking routes, and ferry rides between port towns.
- Balcameda. This airport is attractive for anglers because it’s convenient to Coyhaique and a particularly Trout-rich part of Chile. Fishing lodges are nearby, day trip guides are based in the town, and you can access car rentals, hostels, and great fishing within a short distance of the airport.
- Punta Arenas. Accessing the far south on the Chilean side is often done through Punta Arenas. It’s a gateway to sea-run Brown Trout and other unique opportunities. While a good portion of the best sea-run rivers sit just across the bay in Argentina, Punta Arenas is an excellent destination in its own right.
Regional Airports in Argentina
- Bariloche. Situated in the ideal location for Trout access in Argentinian Patagonia, you can go any direction from town to find world-class waters. In fact, the Limay River outflow near the city is home to amazing spey water where some of the largest Brown Trout you will ever see are regularly caught. You can head north to San Martin de Los Andes or south to Esquel… The fishing is incredible in both directions.
- El Calafate. Some of the most productive Rainbow Trout lakes in the world are found in this region. Many are private but some are not, and anglers can catch some monster Trout here. Scud-rich waters are the key to the great fishing here and anglers travel from around the globe to experience these unique opportunities.
- Ushuaia. This is the end of the earth and you can reach world-class sea-run Brown Trout from here. A large portion of the fishing is only accessible through lodges, so plan and book ahead. Anglers can also fish the bays and there are some hidden streams and places to find Brook Trout as well.
When to Visit
The other major factor for Trout fishing anglers visiting Patagonia is timing. The region sits in the southern hemisphere, making the seasons exactly the opposite of the US and Canada – and Europe. For most visitors, peak summer is the safest bet.
January and February are prime months with the best chances of nice weather. That said, portions of Chile lie in rainforest zones where downpours can occur any time of the year. Wind is common, especially on the eastern side of the Andes in Argentina, while Tierra del Fuego and the entire southern region are windy throughout the year.
Personally, I love the shoulder seasons. November and December are excellent, as are March and April. The weather can turn colder and the wind kicks, but fishing is fantastic. For the safest bet, however, January and February are ideal. The crowds aren’t an issue in most places so you might as well travel in the best weather conditions!
Packing for a Patagonia Trout Fishing Trip
I find the gear and packing list to closely mirror an Alaska Trout trip. The conditions are equally unpredictable and you might sweat a few hours one day before facing chilling wind and rain. It’s a good idea to be prepared for a range of weather and a diverse set of water types.
Rods and Reels
For general use, a quality 6 or 7 wt rod will cover Trout fishing in Patagonia. I use my 6 wt most days but a 7 wt is great for bigger water and heavy-duty use. If you plan on fishing Tierra del Fuego or any number of the bigger rivers, spey rods are fantastic as well. I love a good 6 wt spey to handle the wind and heavy fish. You can always go smaller or larger depending on the situation.
Lines
A floating line will be the go-to option for a large portion of the fishing. Big dry flies are very common. You might also run a dry dropper or even a full nymph rig in some situations. For the most part, I keep a floating line on the 6 wt and a sink tip on the 7 wt. This leaves me a dedicated dry fly and dedicated streamer rod.
Apparel
For summer, you won’t likely need gloves and gear for extreme cold but you will need to prevent a chill. Staying dry and protected against wind is the real key to fishing the region. Quality waders are important, as are boots capable of covering some ground. Rain gear is also critical and I always carry a wading jacket in a waterproof backpack. Otherwise, a good set of base and mid layers will cover you most days.
Fishing Licenses
In Argentina, you can buy a license on arrival in the region. It’s absolutely mandatory to purchase one but, thankfully, fly shops and other stores sell them over the counter. Shops are harder to find in Chile, so you’ll want to purchase a license online before making the trip.
Top Trout Fishing Destinations in Patagonia
There’s a long list of places to fish in Patagonia and narrowing down the options is the most difficult part of planning. The beauty of the region lies in the possibilities. Many places are extremely remote and untouched, but here are some wider regions where you can begin the search and narrow down your options.
Argentina Patagonia Trout Fishing
- Neuquen. On the north and eastern edge of Patagonia lies some of the most productive Trout fishing in all of the region. From Bariloche through the Lakes Route, San Martin de Los Andes, and the rivers stretching east, the opportunities are abundant. The Limay River system is a highlight with several reservoirs that create ideal conditions for large, migratory Brown Trout.
- Chubut. South of Bariloche is a region with rivers spilling off the Andes, spring creeks on the Argentine Steppe, and lakes like the famous Strobel. The region stretches east all the way to the Atlantic Ocean where you can find more than Trout. This is a wide-open landscape where the wind blows and big Trout grow in very remote places.
- Tierra del Fuego. Head to the farthest points south to chase sea-run Brown Trout with spey rods. The wind will test your will and the fish will test your tackle. Tierra del Fuego is a bucket list destination for most Trout anglers.
Chile Patagonia Trout Fishing
- Carretera Austral. The bulk of Trout fishing in Chile happens between Puerto Montt and Coyhaique. The northern reaches of the Carretera Austral follow a rugged coastline where access to many waters is difficult. I prefer fishing from Chaiten to Coyhaique, where you can access the Yelcho River, Palena River, and Rosselot River/Lake without straying too far off the highways. The number of creeks, lakes, and waters to explore in this region is impressive.
- Coyhaique Region. Once you reach Coyhaique, the immediate area is a fishing paradise. Look to the Simpson River right along town and the massive number of lakes and streams within an hour of the city center. The waters become increasingly remote and difficult to access as you head south and the mountains become more popular with climbers and hikers. There is a lifetime of places to explore, however, and it’s well worth digging into.
Are you dreaming of Trout fishing in Patagonia?
Alaska, New Zealand, Iceland, Canada, and many parts of the US have amazing Trout fishing. But Patagonia, in my opinion, is better than anywhere I’ve fished for Brown and Rainbow Trout. It’s completely unique, beautiful, safe to travel, and pleasant far beyond the fishing.
Hopefully, I’ve managed to share my enthusiasm, so that you can’t wait to get down there. With the insights I’ve shared above, you’re ready to tackle these Trout-rich waters. So get booking and experience a once-in-a-lifetime Trout fishing experience!
Have you been Trout fishing in Patagonia? We’d love to hear your stories and tips for navigating the region. Share away in the comments below!
