Chimehuin River, a Paradise for Fishermen
To certain people this name will sound odd and unknown. But for others, Chimehuin sounds of salmons and trouts, many trouts.
This is because the Chimehuin River, which is born in Lake Huechulafquen and goes through the city of Junin de los Andes, is known by fly fishermen all around the world.
Experts get together every season to find exotic species such as Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Fontinalis trout and the Landlocked salmon. This is because on its 53 kilometers, until its confluence with the River Collon Cura, it offers the best examples of this species in terms of size and quality.
The fishing season on this fishing paradise of 30 meters wide, starts on November and goes about until the end of April.
The amount of fishermen that arrive to this place in order to enjoy this wonderful experience is so impressive that, according to a study by the Centro de Ecologia Aplicada del Neuquén (Neuquen’s Center of Applied Ecology), the river leaves winnings, including the stay, trip and other expenses, of over 7 million dollars a year.
That is why, in order to preserve and improve the resource on this and other rivers, the patagonic provinces and Parques Nacionales (National Parks) decided in July 2000 that the pieces captured from that season onwards ought to be returned.
Besides, unlike what happens on other lakes and rivers of the region, in River Chimehuin only fly fishing, on its three forms, is allowed: spinning, fly casting and trolling.
To get to this river we recommend staying in Junin de los Andes, where you will find quantity and quality in accommodation. From there you only need to take Provincial Route 61 and National Route 234 to get to the various accesses that will get you to destination.
But the River Chimehuin is not only a fishing paradise. Lying over the impressive Lanin Volcano, it is a place chosen to spend their holidays not only by tourists but by locals too.
So, we will find “balnearios” a few meters from the city of Junin, or campings, a little bit further, with grass and thick grove, which offer an ideal place to lie down and sunbathe or to shelter from the sun in the shade and watch the landscape.