DESTINATION: North Patagonia - Bariloche area
, S.C. de Bariloche
» General Information:
The fishing season in Patagonia runs from the middle of November through mid-April in most habitats (ask about special packages in May).
During the first 2 months, the temperature tends to be very pleasant. It is thawing time so the rivers are high and well-oxygenated, creating the ideal conditions for fishing. In January and February, days are longer and hotter and the level of water is a bit lower. This is the perfect time of the year to fish wearing light waders, few clothes and to use dry flies.
In the last months of the season (March and April), the level of water drops down in most habitats, and it does not make trouble with wade fishing. Fishing is very profitable and subtle, big trout start swimming upstream, getting ready for winter spawning. It is a magic time as regards sights; vegetation becomes multicolor to welcome autumn.
» Package:
We offer daily or weekly tailor-made packages. Our aim is to make everything related to your trip easier, offering an integral service. For a 1-day-long outing, we take Bariloche and its surroundings as our base.
Weekly packages offer a wide variety of possibilities which include expeditions that last several days, accommodation in hotels or lodges.
Daily Outings:
Habitats where they are organized:
Rivers: Limay float fishing in four different stretches on our boats. Manso float fishing in five different stretches. Pichi Leufu private and public access. Traful private access. Foyel.
Lakes: Rocca, Fonk, Hess, Moscos, Mascardi, in these habitats we use motor boats to get to the best spots.
The outings are organized throughout the whole season, being San Carlos de Bariloche the starting point.
Habitats: Limay River
It is a renowned river around the world and it definitely deserves it. We might have a good time with an important amount of a medium-size fishing, but the possibility of hooking the trout of our lives is always there. Every season, many catches of fish that weigh over 9 pounds reaching the 18 pounds are registered. Big rainbows abound during the first months of the season (November and December), whereas there is more chance of catching excellent browns by the end of the season (March, April), when they migrate from the lakes to spawn in the winter months. A big-size river, we usually use inflatable rafts to float it and get to its best fisheries.
You can choose either daily outings or expeditions that last 2 or 3 days. Its name means Clear Waters in Mapuche (tongue pertaining to the Mapuche indians), and you just have to take a look at it to realize why it is called like that.
Manso River
Located in the south of Bariloche, born in the glaciers of Tronador Mount, it crosses the Andean cordillera along Chilean territory to drain into the Pacific Ocean. In the Argentine territory, it links five lakes and runs through over 80 km.
We use inflatable rafts to gain access to its best fisheries, because it has no paths in most of its course. Different fishing styles can be practiced in this river.
There are many spots to fish with nymphs and dries, looking at the trout we want to catch. It also gives us the chance of making attempts with sinking lines and streamers in deep pools which are home to resident and tricky brown trout. I dare to say that the Manso offers one of the most amazing landscapes of the south of Argentina. It runs through a fertile valley, surrounded by a forest full of cypresses, coihues, ñires, and lengas, which matches the emerald green of its waters. It seems the setting of a fairy tale.
Pichi Leufu River
Pichi means small in Mapuche, and that is the best way to describe this river. It is ideal for the lovers of ultralight equipment, rods #1, 2, 3, dries and nymphs. It has an important concentration of 2-pound rainbow trout, but there are also resident browns which reach 5 pounds. Fishing them implies an exciting challenge.
Located to the east of the Andes, it runs through the Patagonian plain. Mountains have been eroded by the wind for thousands of years, making them look as if it were a sight of the moon. Its waters flow slowly and is rich in hatches.
Due to its size, it is impossible to float-fish it. Wade fishing is done every day in private land. We also offer the possibility of making camp.
Alumine River
This long and mighty river is the perfect excuse to set off for the great adventure of floating it for a week, enjoying its abundant fishing. Its slow waters flow through a beautiful plain.
On the way, the Alumine receives the water of important rivers, such as Pulmari or Malleo, which flow into it, and it forms the Collón Cura when it joins Rio Chimehuin. Although it is a big-sized river, it is possible to fish it with light tackles.
It runs through large distances of private land providing excellent fishing. The river is fished with dries, nymphs and streamers, because the trout are always challenging us.
Due to its wild surroundings, it is normal to see wild deer and guanacos while floating downstream.
Collon-Cura River
To have access to the middle and lower sections, it is necessary to go on a 3- or 4-day trip, because the river flows far away from any road. The Collon has many islands in its course. They are excellent spots because they form a mini-delta with brooks and small arms which are ideal for fine fishing and light tackles. For the lovers of strong emotions, the main arm of the river is the appropriate choice, big browns coming from the dam Piedra del Aguila constantly swim upstream in the Collon.
Lakes
These mirrors of water are the ideal place to fish on belly-boats, in the bays of rush, having the chance of catching fontinalis, browns, and rainbows. Due to their excellent conditions, we have chosen 3 lakes located in the south of Bariloche, which are part of river Manso basin. They are Los Moscos, Hess and Fonk. Hundreds of small brooks coming from the Andes drain into them, creating a unique habitat. Not only do they provide food, they also bring their freezing water. Fishing is primarily dry-fly on the river, specially attractors or bombers. We usually enjoy the violence of the trout when catching the flies at surface. You ll love it.
Other Habitats: Taking into account the package and the time of the year, fishing can also be done in the following rivers: Pulmari, Meliquina, Filo Hua Hum, Malleo, Traful, Chimehuin.
» Accommodation:
We offer a wide range of accommodation from typical Estancias or Inns to exclusive top quality Lodges.
» Tackle and Equipment:
The number of the rod depends on the size of the river, the conditions of each spot, and, of course, your personal tastes. This region offers a finer fishing and good weather conditions. To fish small brooks and medium-sized rivers the best average rod ranges from #2 with floating line to #6, with floating line, Shooting IV or a Teeny Line. In case of mightier rivers, such as Limay, we recommend taking a strong #7 or #8 with Shooting Heads IV, apart from the tackle we have already mentioned.
When choosing the appropriate flies, we cannot forget, among the streamers, the Wooly Buggers ( black and olive, size #4 to 10, Rabbits (cinnamon and black, size #2 to 8), Matukas (black and green, size #8 to 12), white Blondes (size #2 to 6), Cone Head Marabou Muddler ( brown and white, size #2 to 8).
The nymphs we recommend are: Prince Nymph (size #10 to 14), Hare's Ear (natural and black, size #10 to 16), Soft Hackle (cinnamon and black, size #8 to 14), black Kaufmann's Stone ( size #6 to 10), Montana (size #8 to 14).
The most popular dries are Adams (size #10 to 16), Elk Hair Caddis (natural and black, size #10 to 16), Red Humpy (size#10 to 14), Black Gnat (size #12 to 16), natural Goddard Caddis (size #10 to 14), and Irresistible (size #12 to 16).
Other important items are:
- Polarized sunglasses - a cap or a woolen hat, depending on the package and the time of the year (ask in advance) - sun block and hydrating lotion - bandannas for neck protection - Wading jacket - Warm clothes ( made of polar, capilene or synthetics to wear under the waders) - Check the condition of your wader and wading boots before traveling - In case of taking part of an expedition, toilette articles (towel, soap, etc).
» Additional Information:
Non-angling activities available with and extra cost: horseback riding, birdwatching, hiking, trekking, walks to enjoy the local flora and fauna.
» Rates / 2011
U$S 280.-
Per person x fishing day; double basis.
Manso river; Limay river; lakes and Pichi leufu river.
Rates include:
Transfer Bariloche/Lodge/Bariloche; lunch and beverages; 1 bilingual guide x 2 anglers. Personal healh insurance.
Rates do not include:
Transfer BsAs/Bariloche/BsAs; accommodation; fishing equipment and flies; fishing licence; other personal expenses and gratuities.
Notes:
Ask for special and weekly packages and/or fishing in wild rivers. We are able to offer from luxury Lodges to nice Estancias in the area.
» Fishing
Report
March 2010
The fishing has been excellent with browns weighing up to 10 pounds in the Limay river. Great fishing in all other lakes and rivers. 2009/2010 fishing season is over; 2010/2011 season starts next November.
» Fishing Testimonials
» Bariloche. Rick had a very nice time fishing yesterday !!!!!!! by: Julie Green - February 23rd, 2008
Hello Daniel,
Rick had a very nice time fishing yesterday and also, we have very much enjoyed The Arelauquen Lodge. This is a beautiful place, indeed! We took the day off today and walked around the town and will go to see the Polo Tournament this afternoon.
Best regards and thank you for your arrangement with the bill. The price now seems more in line with what other guide services charge.
Sincerely,
