The Ultimate Argentina Fly Fishing Guide
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Argentina is a bucket-list destination for most anglers, and for good reason. The lack of fishing pressure, the quality of fisheries, and the inviting Argentine culture make this country one of the best fly fishing destinations in the world. Options seem endless in Argentina, with dozens of lodges and outfitters, and catchable species ranging from wild Brook Trout to behemoth Golden Dorado. Additionally, picking the best time to fish in Argentina can be confusing, especially when considering factors such as weather, spawning cycles, and river flows. When it comes to planning the perfect Argentina adventure, having experienced travel planners in your corner becomes invaluable.
Trident Travel is here to help with every detail of your Argentina trip, from choosing the best fishery to having the right flies. Take the stress out of the equation and let our expert team help you make the most of your bucket-list expedition to the legendary fisheries and lodges of Argentina.
Regions
Northern Argentina
Northern Argentina is an oft-overlooked fishing destination amongst traveling anglers, as many globetrotters set their sights on the more famous regions of Patagonia, Jurassic Lake, and Tierra del Fuego. However, the Golden Dorado fishing in Northeastern Argentina offers anglers phenomenal opportunities for catching one of the world’s most exciting apex predator fish. What’s more, a few of the region’s outfitters are conveniently located near Buenos Aires, making a Golden Dorado foray an easy add-on to a Patagonian trout trip. For the intrepid angler looking to target ferocious Golden Dorado in proximity to a major international hub, northern Argentina should not be overlooked.
Nearest Hub
Buenos Aires (EZE), Corrientes (CNQ), Resistencia (RES)
Season
Year-Round
Equipment
Golden Dorado fishing requires bringing three 9’ rods from 7wt to 9wt. Floating tropical lines are ideal, like the Scientific Anglers Tropical Jungle Titan. Intermediate sinking lines can also be used depending on the fishery and time of year.
Lodges & Outfitters
Northern Patagonia
Often described as Montana without the crowds, northern Patagonia features classic western-style fisheries with a fraction of the pressure. The primary draw in this region is the Limay drainage: a vast watershed encompassing fabled rivers such as the Chimehuin, the Collon Cura, and the Malleo. Here, travelers have numerous options for lodges or outfitters, many of which have access to miles of private water. Depending on the season and location, anglers can fish for the region’s densely populated Brown and Rainbow Trout from a drift boat, walk/wading, or a combination of both.
Nearest Hub
San Martin de los Andes (CPC), Bariloche (BRC)
Season
November through April
Equipment
Trout fishing in northern Patagonia will require a couple of rods with matching reels. We recommend a 9’ 5wt for dry flies, and a 9’ 6wt for streamers and nymphing. Some anglers also like to bring a 9’ 7wt for throwing bigger streamers and/or intermediate lines.
Lodges
Outfitters
Southern Patagonia
Southern Patagonia spans the southern Andes and its eastern foothill valleys to encompass a diverse array of lakes, rivers, and creeks. The region maintains an unpressured, western-style feel, but with the added variety of species and scenery akin to that of the Canadian Rockies. Here, anglers can chase large brook trout, plump rainbows, and aggressive browns. Each outfitter or lodge will specialize in their unique fishery, many of which offer the possibility of catching multiple species in a single day. Because of the diversity in the area, a good deal of travelers enjoy splitting their time between multiple lodges, ensuring they get a taste of all that this region has to offer.
Nearest Hub
El Calafate (FTE), Comodoro Rivadavia (CRD), Rio Gallegos (RGL), Esquel (EQS)
Season
November through April
Equipment
Trout fishing in southern Patagonia will require a few rods with matching reels. We recommend a 9’ 5wt for dry flies, a 9’ 6wt all-purpose, and a 9’ 7wt for throwing sinking lines in lakes.
Lodges
Jurassic Lake
Jurassic Lake, or Lago Strobel, is without a doubt one of the world’s finest trophy Rainbow Trout fisheries. A quick Google image search will yield seemingly endless photos of grinning anglers hoisting massive trout. With an abundant forage base of scuds and aquatic insects, the rainbows of Jurassic Lake average a whopping 10 pounds, with 20+ pound beasts encountered weekly. All that being said, getting to Jurassic Lake can be arduous, as the lodges here are extremely remote. Additionally, the moonscape terrain surrounding Lago Strobel and its tributaries is notoriously windy. However, for audacious trophy hunters, the possibility of catching multiple personal-best Rainbow Trout in a week makes the challenges well worth their efforts.
Nearest Hub
El Calafate (FTE)
Season
October through April
Equipment
Successful fishing at Jurassic Lake only requires a couple of rods with matching reels: a 9’ 8wt (this will be your primary lake rod), and a 9’ 6wt for fishing the Rio Barrancoso and Moro Creek. Some anglers may opt to bring a two-handed rod, but this is at your discretion.
Lodges
Tierra del Fuego
On the far southern tip of Argentina lies the island of Tierra del Fuego, home to the Rio Grande and the world's most remarkable Sea Run Brown Trout fishery. Known for its staggering fish density and browns averaging 12 pounds, the Rio Grande offers anglers unparalleled opportunities to catch the fish of a lifetime. In fact, at any moment anglers here have the possibility of connecting with a fish weighing over 20 pounds. With a climate very similar to that of Jurassic Lake, Tierra del Fuego is almost always windy, particularly in January. Traveling anglers can choose from several well-appointed estancias to access the Rio Grande, each offering private access and warm, Argentine hospitality. In addition to the legendary Rio Grande, there are other quality trout fisheries found throughout Tierra del Fuego. Many of the island’s charming seasonal lodges offer fishing programs for both sea-run trout and resident trout on lakes and streams.
Nearest Hub
Rio Grande (RGA), Ushuaia (USH)
Season
January through April
Equipment
Successful fishing on the Rio Grande only requires a couple of rods with matching reels: a 6-piece 13’ 8wt Skagit for getting deep (this will be your primary rod), and a 6-piece 13’ 7/8wt Scandi for surface presentations. Some anglers may opt to bring a single-handed rod, but this is at your discretion. The island’s resident trout fisheries will require a 9’ 5wt and a 9’ 6wt with floating and intermediate lines.
Lodges
Species
Brown Trout
When anglers daydream about fly fishing in Argentina, they undoubtedly imagine big, aggressive Brown Trout. This fantasy can easily become a reality in Argentina, with dozens of fisheries offering fantastic angling for browns. Many rivers, particularly in northern Patagonia, feature high densities of Brown Trout per river mile. For example, on the Rio Chimehuin, it is commonplace for anglers to boat 30 or more trout per day during a big hatch. And for those who prefer quality over quantity, the Rio Grande can offer the potential for giant sea-run browns weighing 20 pounds or heavier. Many rivers provide the best of both worlds, with good numbers of healthy trout being the norm.
Rainbow Trout
Like the western Rockies, Argentina is home to hard-fighting Rainbow Trout in rivers, creeks, and lakes. Although the country’s rainbows don’t get nearly the attention they do in places like Alaska or Kamchatka, the ‘bows of Argentina remain a staple catchable species for anglers of all abilities. Most drainages in Argentine Patagonia feature Rainbow Trout between 10 and 18 inches, with certain areas like Jurassic Lake holding monster fish weighing 10 to 20 pounds.
Brook Trout
Brook Trout fanatics familiar with places like Newfoundland and Labrador will be delighted to learn that southern Patagonia offers exceptional fisheries for big, unpressured brookies. From the Esquel region to southern Santa Cruz, anglers can employ local outfitters to find some of the finest Brook Trout angling on the planet. Virtually all of these underrated fisheries feature large fish, stunning landscapes, and world-class lodging options.
Golden Dorado
Golden Dorado are hands down one of the most exhilarating species to target with a fly rod. Known for explosive eats, acrobatic jumps, and overall brute strength, these incredible fish are highly addictive. Most anglers who experience Golden Dorado fishing for the first time will immediately begin planning their next trip. In Argentina, traveling anglers can find Golden Dorado throughout the northeastern region of the country. Some Dorado-specific outfitters are in remote jungle camps in the Entre Rios Province, where adventurous anglers can focus solely on chasing fish. Other outfitters are conveniently found around the cultural epicenter of Buenos Aires, making day trips or add-on excursions easy to plan. Although often overlooked, the Golden Dorado fisheries of Argentina are as accessible as they are exciting.
King Salmon
Salmon aficionados are probably familiar with the King Salmon fisheries of southern Chile, but few know about the salmon opportunities in Argentina. In southwest Santa Cruz, in the beautiful Los Glaciares National Park, exists one such fishery. Here, anglers can fish for King Salmon on the Rio Caterina near the mouth of Lago Argentino, a 500-square-mile natural lake at the foot of the Andes. The spectacular vistas in this extremely remote corner of Argentina are only outdone by the fish themselves. Kings in the 30-pound range are commonplace in the Rio Caterina, with enormous fish of over 80 pounds caught each season. Although this fishery is still widely unknown, more and more adventurous spey enthusiasts are making the arduous journey to the Rio Caterina in pursuit of its trophy King Salmon.
Booking Options
Outfitters
Hiring an outfitter is a fabulous way to experience the diversity of fly fishing in Argentina. Argentine outfitters operate much the same way they do in the United States; they offer a guide staff that serves multiple rivers and lodges. For anglers who want to fish new sections of various rivers in a week, outfitters allow them that flexibility. Additionally, outfitters give travelers the freedom to stay at multiple lodges in a week. With numerous world-class lodges and fisheries to choose from in Argentina, outfitters quench the wanderlust of adventurous anglers by offering a diverse array of experiences in a convenient, customizable package. To book with an outfitter, contact Trident Travel. We work with amazing Argentine outfitters who will prioritize your safety, comfort, and fantastic fishing.
Lodges
Booking with a lodge is a great way to become intimately familiar with a particular fishery and its guide staff by spending a full week in one area. The lodges in Argentina are regarded as some of the best in the world, and many provide exclusive private water access for their guests. In addition to fantastic fishing access, the lodges in Argentina are known for their luxurious amenities, gourmet asados, and rich estancia culture. For anglers who want a comfortable home base for a weeklong trip, lodges offer fantastic accommodations, exquisite food, and expert guides all under one roof. To book with a lodge, reach out to us at Trident Travel. We work with the best lodges in Argentina, ensuring you will find the perfect Lodge to suit your needs and expectations.
Seasons
The fishing season in Argentina generally runs from October through April, which is opposite to the northern hemisphere. Within the season are distinct periods that offer different opportunities and challenges. Below, we’ll break down the fishing season into 4 categories.
Spring
The spring season in much of Argentina is from October through November. High flows and low water temperatures characterize this time of year. Although runoff conditions can certainly present a challenge in many rivers, lake fishing can be fantastic during the spring months. Overall, the spring season is one of the most challenging times to fish in Argentina, but far from impossible. This is typically one of the least busy times of the year.
Early Summer
Runoff conditions in Argentina have generally subsided by December, giving way to prime conditions through January. Everything about this time of year makes it ideal for fly fishing: the weather is generally fantastic, hatches are thick, and flows are conducive to both floating and wade fishing. In northern Patagonia, dry fly enthusiasts hurry to reserve early summer dates each year. Similarly, the trophy fisheries of Jurassic Lake and Tierra del Fuego also provide some of the best fishing for giant trout in December and January. All that being said, you’ll typically need to reserve early summer dates at least one year in advance.
Late Summer
February and March in Argentina are very similar to July and August in Montana; the dog days of summer. By this point in the season, the rivers are generally low and clear, hatches are more sparse, and trout are discerning. On the bright side, fishing a big hopper along shaded banks can produce explosive takes, keeping the vibes high. Many anglers agree that “tough” fishing in Argentina is still as good or better than in Montana. For anglers who are unconcerned with big numbers, late summer can offer unhurried fishing days and excellent weather.
Fall
April marks the autumn season in Argentina, bringing cooler temperatures, revived hatches, and active fish. As water temps decrease, hatches return and trout take full advantage of their final meals before winter. In Patagonia, all disciplines can be effective in the fall, but streamers tend to tease out some of the biggest brown and brook trout of the year. In Jurassic Lake, jumbo rainbows cruise the shorelines of bays and points in search of scuds, making them extremely accessible. In the far southern tip of Argentina, Tierra del Fuego can yield sea-run brown trout over 20 pounds each fall. Overall, the incredible fishing conditions in the fall make this a very popular time to visit Argentina.
Culture
Visiting anglers in Argentina are greeted by warm and hospitable people, delicious regional cuisine, and world-class wines.
Argentine culture is a unique blend of Latin American and European customs. The historical adversity and accomplishments of its people give Argentina a palpable sense of pride and community. Most of the locals here are modest and hardworking, many of whom work on family ranches, known as “estancias”. At the estancias, it's common to see traditional cattlemen, or “gauchos”, wearing their iconic ponchos and wide-brimmed berets as they herd cattle in the pampas regions of the country.
Food and wine are also significant to Argentine culture, centered around the ranching and farming history of the country. Beef, lamb, and pork raised at local estancias create world-famous barbecues, called “asados”. The climate of northern Patagonia is ideally suited for growing grapes from which the world’s finest Malbec wines are made. The culinary experience alone is worth the journey to Argentina, and many visitors can’t find the words to describe just how amazing the food and wines are here.
Overall, a trip to Argentina offers so much more than just incredible fishing. Of all the destinations around the globe, few compare with the rich culture and food of Argentina.
Trip Planning
Planning a trip to Argentina can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help. At Trident, our dedicated team of travel experts has firsthand experience with every aspect of your excursion, so we know how to ensure the very best experience. Here are a few steps to help streamline your planning process.
- Decide what experience you want. Do you want to throw hoppers from a drift boat to big browns? Or perhaps you want to swing flies for the world’s largest sea-run trout. Whatever the case, deciding on your desired experience will narrow down your choices.
- Consider your group. Some lodges in Argentina are very fishing-focused, with not much else to do other than fish and relax at the lodge. Others offer lots of non-angling activities like horseback riding, trekking, and wine-tasting. Knowing the expectations of your group will ensure everyone has the trip of a lifetime.
- Book well in advance. Last-minute bookings to Argentina can be more expensive and sometimes impossible. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready for your trip. Booking a year or more in advance of your arrival will allow you to find the best rates on flights and hotels, purchase all the necessary equipment, and pick your desired dates.
Travel Tips
Although traveling to Argentina to fish has become much easier over the years, there are still a few things that will make your trip even easier:
- Brush up on basic Spanish. Although your guides and lodge staff will speak English, you will likely encounter situations while traveling where knowing a little Spanish can be helpful. Basic phrases like “¿Cuánto cuesta?” (how much does it cost?), or “voy a un hotel” (I’m going to a hotel), can simplify communication with the locals. Having an English-Spanish pocket dictionary is a great idea. Additionally, mobile apps like Google Translate can be helpful.
- Pack your rod carrier into your checked duffel. Argentina has regulations that require any fishing equipment to be checked when flying domestically. Because of this, you’ll need to ensure all of your fishing gear, including rods, reels, and flies, are packed into a rod carrier (like the Fishpond Dakota), which is then packed inside your larger duffel (like the Fishpond Thunderhead).
- Travel with cash (USD). Unless you’re traveling from outside of the United States, there isn’t a reason to exchange currencies. Most vendors prefer U.S. dollars to Argentine pesos, and some even offer discounts to travelers paying with dollars. Additionally, credit cards are widely accepted in Argentina, so you’ll be covered either way. We recommend calculating your total expenses beforehand and traveling with enough cash to cover everything, including tips, plus a bit extra. ATMs, while found in some bigger cities like Buenos Aires, can be unreliable.
- Purchase travel insurance. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment. We recommend Travel Guard, a well-established insurance company offering excellent, affordable policies for angling travel.
Overall, Argentina is an incredibly diverse country that offers traveling anglers endless possibilities for adventure. Whether you’re looking for technical sight-fishing in spring creeks, giant trophy trout, or aggressive Golden Dorado, Argentina has something to offer for everyone. Combine the fishing variety with the country’s incredible food and wines, amazing lodges, and warm culture, and you have one of our favorite angling destinations on the globe.
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