• Cholila
• Esquel
• Tecka

CHOLILA

Esquel fly fishing is popular in large part due to the productive waters originating in the Cholilia Valley. These waters running south out of the valley create short rivers and large lakes that meander through the Alerces National Park and eventually create the trout filled waters of the Rio Grande which flows outside Esquel. Despite the various Patagonia fishing guides working these waters, they are still offer great Argentina fly fishing.

Rivadavia River:
Despite the crowds, a visit to the famous Rivadavia River highly compliments an Esquel fly fishing trip. This beautiful river runs for only 5 miles between Lake Rivadavia and Lake Verde within the Alerces National Park. A dense green forest lines the banks giving the clear waters a brilliant turquoise color. Deep pools, long runs and structure such as submerged and over hanging logs and limbs are characteristic of this medium sized river. There are two creeks which enter the Rivadavia and offer a challenge to the most skilled anglers. Rainbow trout out number browns roughly 10:1. Rainbows average 16-17 inches. Browns average 17-18 inches.

Carrileufu River and Cholila Lake

Carrileufu River:
Most Patagonia fishing guides would agree, that although one of the most stunning, the Carrileufu River is also one of the most difficult. Flowing from Lake Cholila to Rivadavia Lake, the Carrileufu River holds rainbows, browns, brook trout and landlocked salmon. This river is a destination for those who what to challenge their skills against the finicky salmon which lay in certain areas along the rivers white sandy bottom. Hooking one is only half the battle while landing one of these acrobatic and forceful fish is a feat in itself. The water is extremely clear and long casts and swinging flies will be most effective. Rainbows average 16 inches, browns average 18 inches. Salmon average 2-3 lbs. and get up to 7-8 lbs.

Cholila Lake:
This picturesque lake is surrounded by a high snow capped portion of the Andes Mountains called Tres Picos and is reminiscent of Canada’s Lake Louise. The Tigre River enters on the far side and provides excellent fishing for landlocked salmon, brook and rainbow trout. Reeds that line the coast also provide chrome rainbows in the 4 lb. range.

Read what Butch Cassidy had to say about the Cholila Valley on our Patagonia Facts page.

 

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ESQUEL

Arroyo Pescado:
No Esquel fly fishing adventure would be complete without a stop at the Arroyo Pescado or Fish Creek. This is a large spring creek holding mostly rainbow trout averaging 16 inches. The high level of biomass leads way to a very strong population of aggressive and darker colored rainbows. Dry flies are preferred while the occasional woolly bugger is sure to give interesting results. When sight-fishing for the larger fish, specific nymphing techniques are used. This spring creek is certainly the most well-known and productive spring creek in Argentina so don’t be surprised to see other anglers with their Patagonia fishing guides.

Rio Grande

Rio Grande:
The Rio Grande is a large river that is the last link in the chain of rivers and lakes that starts in the Cholila Valley. This tail water travels a relatively short distance before it crosses the Chilean border and where it is then called the Futaleufu. Rainbows and browns are plentiful in this wide and sometimes deep river. Brown trout of enormous size are caught here and are certainly the target. We fish two different sections of the Rio Grande using both dry flies such as hoppers and streamers of all kinds.

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TECKA

Please email us for iniformation on fishing in the Tecka area.


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