Patagonia Fishing in San Martin de los Andes

Fishing the lakes of the Patagonia

by Pablo Matilla

Sport fishing in Patagonia, specially in the lakes of the south of Argentina is a unique experience because the special characteristics of fishing itself -- very different from the fishing in the sea or rivers of the north of the country, with one of the most wonderful landscapes of the planet are conjugated.

In Patagonia the fish more sought after and the one that brings fishermen worldwide to this zone is the trout.

It was introduced at the beginning of century in different regions but since these all are interconnected all the sites became populated with different varieties of fish, specially trouts.

The most famous lakes of the zone of influence of San Martín de los Andes are: Lake Lolog, Lake Huechulafquen and the Chimehuin River. This last one is recognized world-wide by the quality of the captured trouts.

Also the lakes Falkner, Correntoso or Pichi Traful are good sites for fishing in Patagonia; beyond these lakes and rivers there exist infinity places where the fisherman - and also the family can enjoy a very special day.

When fishing in Patagonia, the species that can be obtained in the lakes are: rainbow trout, brown and fontinalis (but it is not so common to fish). In some sites also the salmon of the Atlantic fishes itself that is a fish that characterizes itself by giving a long fight before being captured. This species is fished in Lake Curruhe and Lake Traful and is of obligatory return.

It is important to hire a fishing guide?

Patagonia Fishing: The magic is in the ritual

It is not necessary to hire a qualified guide. Most of the fishing points in Patagonia do not pose any risk. Nevertheless, if you are thinking about making some special excursion or fish from boat and do not know the are it is recommendable to leave with a guide. This will improve your chances to fish an important catch and also minimize risks.

One should not forget that the lakes of the south are not ponds and to ride boat in a lake of Patagonia without knowing what you are doing is risky. Also the other hand, Patagonia is famous by its changing climate. A profesional guide will know what to do or where to take refuge if the situation becomes complicated.

Modalities of Fishing - Patagonia Fishing

Fly fishing in Patagonia demands great skill

Fly Casting or fly fishing is complex and it requires of a certain skill and practice. The fishermen who dedicate themselves to this type of modality generally know perfectly the atmospheres most conducive to it.

Also a modality that has had much acceptance in the last years is to float down river in inflatable rafts after casting the raft with their occupants down the current of the river. The helmsman orients to take it it in the channel and at the same time the fishermen dedicate themselves exactly to the activity most soght after by all: fishing. This modality historically has been carried in the most mighty rivers of the area like the River Limay although in the zone of San Martín de los Andes can be done on the Collon Curá.