Chile · Argentina

Sport fishing in Patagonia: fly and spinning at seven places

Rivers of trout and salmon in Chile and Argentina, with seasons, permits and rules. Seasons and prices change every year: check before you travel.

7 placesin Chile and Argentina

1 Nov – 1 Mayseason in Neuquén

13 Nov2026 general opening in Los Lagos; some lakes and rivers opened on 4 Sep

23 kgChinook salmon in the Puelo

Fly and spinning

In Patagonia there are two ways to fish. Fly fishing uses a special rod and line to cast light lures. Spinning casts artificial lures (spoons, minnows and others) with a rod and reel. This guide covers both. Depending on the water and the province, some stretches may allow only one method, or have rules on hooks and release: check the regulations before you fish.

How to get a permit

In Argentina

The license is personal and non-transferable, and is issued online or at authorized points. In Neuquén you get it at cazaypesca.neuquen.gob.ar. The season opens on 1 November and closes on 1 May in most waters. Many native species must be returned to the water.

The prices we found are for the 2024–2025 season. For residents: $6,250 per day, $12,500 per week and $25,000 per season. For non-residents: $37,500 per day, $100,000 per week and $200,000 per season. The source says that permit was valid in Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut and National Parks, but not in Tierra del Fuego or Santa Cruz. Check current prices: they may have changed.

In Chile

You need a Sernapesca license, which is personal and issued online. It costs between $7,000 and $52,000 CLP. In the Los Lagos Region, the 2026–2027 season opened on 4 September in some lakes and rivers, with mandatory release until 12 November, and opens in the rest of the region from 13 November (Sernapesca, via Diario de Osorno, 10 Sep 2026). Outside the early-opening waters, the reported limit is three fish or 15 kilos per day per angler. In other regions the calendar differs: check with Sernapesca.

Chimehuín and Collón Curá rivers, Junín de los Andes (Argentina)

The Chimehuín is highly valued by fly anglers. The river mouth is a preferential zone and requires a special permit. The Collón Curá is in the Limay basin. Every year, when the season opens, Junín de los Andes holds the National Trout Festival; the 36th edition ran from 31 October to 2 November 2025.

Chimehuín River with a bridge and steppe hills — Chimehuín River. Photo: Pablo Barría.

Limay and Neuquén rivers (Argentina)

These are two rivers known for trout, in Neuquén and Río Negro. Permits for Neuquén, Río Negro and Chubut are sold online.

Turquoise river between forested hills — Photos: Pablo Barría.

Angler casting a rod in a clear river, with steppe hills behind — Photos: Pablo Barría.

Alicurá Reservoir, Las Trampas area (Argentina)

Las Trampas is an area within the Alicurá Reservoir, the large artificial lake formed by the Limay River on the border between Neuquén and Río Negro. It is 112 km from Bariloche, on the road to Neuquén. We fished there in October 2025 with spinning gear and artificial lures, with a Neuquén fishing permit. Check the current season and rules before you go.

Angler with a rainbow trout at the Alicurá Reservoir — Fishing at Las Trampas, Alicurá Reservoir, October 2025. On the left, a 3.5 kg rainbow trout; on the right, another of 7 kg (weights reported by the anglers who caught them). Photos: Francisco Barría; the third, Pablo Barría.

Angler crouching with a rainbow trout, at Las Trampas — Fishing at Las Trampas, Alicurá Reservoir, October 2025. On the left, a 3.5 kg rainbow trout; on the right, another of 7 kg (weights reported by the anglers who caught them). Photos: Francisco Barría; the third, Pablo Barría.

Palena River (Chile)

Between the Los Lagos and Aysén regions, it is described as one of the best places in the world for trout. You can fish from the bank or from boats without motors.

Palena River between forested hills, with low clouds — Photo: Pablo Barría.

Puelo River (Chile)

In the Los Lagos Region, it is known for Chinook salmon, especially in February and March, with fish of up to 23 kg. Some operators include a guide and transfers, but you normally have to bring your own gear.

Turquoise river between forested hills, in Puelo — Photo: Juan Alvarado.

Pescado River (Chile)

The Pescado River is in the Los Lagos Region, 21 km east of Puerto Varas on Route 225. It flows into Lake Llanquihue, and that area is a preferential zone for sport fishing. The Municipality of Puerto Varas highlights fly fishing and mentions rainbow trout, coho salmon and Atlantic salmon. A tourist guide says it rises from the meltwater of Calbuco volcano.

A personal account with no clear date, about trips in 1987 and 2001, describes the river mouth as very crowded in the mornings, with anglers taking turns. It is an old experience and may have changed: check current conditions before you go.

A Sernapesca license is required. Permits can also be arranged in Puerto Varas, according to Parque Volcanes. The license and the regional calendar are further below.

Turquoise river between forested hills, with a snowy volcano behind — Photo: Amanda Hortiz, via Unsplash.

Grande and Menéndez rivers, Tierra del Fuego (Argentina)

They are known around the world for sea-run brown trout, with fish of up to 15 kg. The source does not publish season dates or prices: ask the municipality about permits.

Frozen river on the Tierra del Fuego steppe — Photo: Pablo Barría.