• San Martin and Junin
• Bariloche

SAN MARTIN AND JUNIN DE LOS ANDES

Alumine River

San Martin is located in the Lanin National Park 125 miles north of Bariloche. It is nestled on Lake Lácar and surrounded by the high mountains of Patagonia’s Lake District. It is considered the tourism capital of the Neuquen province with it’s picturesque views, numerous outdoor activities and sophisticated Swiss Alpine architecture. This charming mountain town of less than 20,000 has undergone substantial yet controlled and tasteful growth in the last 10 years.

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 Chimehuin River. Together these two rivers form the famous Collon Cura River. The ratio of rainbows to browns is about 1:1 with average size being about 17 inches. Trout up to 9 pounds are also caught every year. The river cuts through the dry Patagonia steppe with rocky and willow lined shores. Our longer floats of 5-6 nights are done on the Alumine.

	Collon Cura River

Collon Cura : The Collon Cura is actually an extension of the Alumine River and runs along route 40 south of Junin de los Andes and north of Bariloche. The river is famous for its hard fighting rainbows and browns which average 2.5 lbs. and reach up to 15 pounds. Fish hold under branches and along the banks of this slow, deep river. Streamers tend to be only slightly more effective then large dries or nymph. Wild boar, condors and deer are common sights in the early and late hours. Coming across puma dens or tracks is also common. Perhaps its finest tributary is the Quemquemtreu stream which flows though the Quemquemtreu Ranch. This river offers exceptional dry fly fishing in the early season.

Bebe

Chimehuin River: The "Chime" is one of the many famed rivers in Argentina. In fact, this is considered the first river that gave northern Patagonia its renowned trout fishing reputation. Years before Joe Brooks’s arrival, legendary Argentine angler Bebe was pulling huge trout from the river. It has produced the largest landlocked brown trout in all of Patagonia, and still today anglers gather at the boca of the Huechulafquen Lake looking to hook into one of its prized browns that migrate from the lake to the river during the fall spawning run.

	La Boca of the Chimehuin River

From its source, the Chimehuin runs 53 kilometers through several miles of private estancias, public lands and the town of Junin de los Andes. One of the Chimehuins finest tributaries is the Quilquihue River. Both the Chimehuin and the Quilquihue are known for their great dry fishing. Nymphs and streamers are also popular to coax the large brown trout out from under submerged rocks or the willow lined bank.

Malleo River

The Malleo: This river is mainly accessed by guests of the San Huberto Lodge. In the upper reaches of the river the waters are slow and meandering providing a challenging and equally 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 willow lined banks.

Malleo River

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. In the summer months hatches are prevalent making dry fly action 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.

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	Bariloche

BARILOCHE

The area of Bariloche is one of the major trout fishing centers in Patagonia. The town of Bariloche lies on the 250 square mile Nahuel Huapi Lake that has hundreds of trout filled feeder streams and major rivers in the vicinity. The diverse waters, large wild trout and extracurricular activities and resources available make this area an choice for any traveling angler.

Limay River

Limay: The Limay River is a northeast flowing river that drains the Nahuel Huapi Lake in Bariloche. All types of fishing techniques are used throughout the season; however, sinking 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, angler's 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. During this time the fishing is very much like steelheading.
Fly Fishing Patagonia uses spey rods in April for the fall browns and we are happy to introduce you to the technique.

	Caleufu River

Caleufu River: The headwaters of the Caleufu Rivers lie in the Lanin National Park and run for roughly 60 miles until it reaches the Collon Cura River and the Alicura Reservoir. 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 a wilderness float expedition of three days on this river is considered the best trip we offer.

Traful River

Traful: Located about 30 miles north of Bariloche, the famous Traful River is well known for its perfect size and it's incredible scenery. The Traful is also known for it's trophy rainbows and challenging landlocked salmon fishing.

	Pichi Leufu River

Pichi Leufu: This is the epitome of a classic dry fly stream. The river is relatively shallow and lined with rock and grassy banks. Anglers can enjoy nonstop action for both rainbow and browns on 4 and 5 weight rods. The remote location has helped preserve the river and its riparian environment. The only activity you may see may be the gauchos passing through with cattle or sheep.

Manso River

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 connect 5 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 40 minutes south of Bariloche.
The average size Rainbow or Brown Trout in the clear, challenging Manso River is 18 inches with most anglers landing 15 20 fish per day.

	Fonck Lake

Fonck Lake: The Fonck Lake is located within the Nahuel Huapi National Park only a few miles from the Chilean border. This is perhaps our most favorite lake because of the remote location and incredible brook trout fishing. Sight fishing with dry flies is also popular for cruising rainbows and browns that average 18 inches. Streamers can produce brown trout as large as 28 inches.

Hess Lake

Hess Lake: The Hess Lake is located within the Nahuel Huapi National Park only an hours 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, mayflies and various other insects. Surface takes on large attractor patterns are usually very aggressive.

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