Argentina Waters – Argentina

Immerse yourself in the vast, untouched, and pristine waters of the national park and its surrounding areas, where you can take your time and enjoy the thrill of fishing for fat, long Brookies, Browns, and Rainbows. The nearby Lage Vinter and Corcovado River offer abundant runs of Brook Trout, accompanied by Rainbows, presenting an incredible opportunity for a grand slam!

As evening approaches, a hatch occurs, luring the fish to the surface, eagerly awaiting your presence. If your goal is to pursue strong and healthy Brook Trout, this program is tailor-made for you. The Gin waters surrounding the awe-inspiring Patagonian scenery provide abundant opportunities to fish from two different lodges, located in two distinct areas, all within an epic week of fly fishing. It’s important to note that this region exclusively features wild trout; there are no stocked fish to be found. With four guides per group of anglers (maximum eight anglers, with a guiding ratio of 1:2), you can expect a hands-on and intimate experience. If you desire a one-on-one fishing experience, this can be arranged upon request.

The fishing program is flexible and can be adjusted daily to accommodate fishing conditions, weather, and your personal preferences. Typically, your fishing journey will commence at 8 am and conclude at 8 pm, varying slightly depending on the month. Daylight duration undergoes significant changes throughout the six-month fishing season, resulting in different programs and itineraries tailored to your interests.

For the ultimate experience, a minimum of seven days is recommended, with the ideal itinerary comprising seven days of fishing in the Esquel and National Park area, followed by an additional five days in the Rio Pico region. However, regardless of your duration and chosen locations, each angler will enjoy a truly unique day-by-day experience, with a customized itinerary meticulously designed to consider your preferences and fishing results, based on the trip date. All the guides possess authorization from the Chubut province and the National Parks, and they possess extensive knowledge of the local waters. Their ultimate goal is to ensure your fly fishing experience in Patagonia is nothing short of unforgettable! Each guide is equipped with professional fishing tackle, rafts, oars, and all the necessary equipment for the fishing journey.

Although the schedule generally runs from 8 am to 8 pm, the actual fishing day typically spans around 10 hours. The guides adapt to your schedule, allowing for a leisurely or more advanced pace, and they can accommodate shorter or longer fishing sessions, depending on your preferences and how you feel on any given day.

You can choose between two fishing programs: Le Fario or Le Fario & Rio Pico Brookiland, both consisting of seven nights and 6.5 fishing days. The diversity of fly fishing options has been thoughtfully selected to ensure that every angler finds their preferred water. Whether you enjoy walking, wading, or floating on lakes or rivers, the guides at Argentina Waters will collaborate with you to create a fishing program that perfectly aligns with your style throughout your stay.

Le Fario

This program takes place annually between November 1st and May 1st and is centered around the main lodge and the bordering Los Alerces National Park, Trevelin, and the Esquel areas. Upon arrival, you’ll fish days 2-6 in 6 different creeks, lakes, rivers, and streams: the Rio Arrayanes, the Lago Verde, Rio Futaleufu, Rio Frey, Lago Kruger, Rio Rivadavia, and Laguna Larga. 

Le Fario & Rio Pico Brookiland 

This program runs when the weather conditions are great and the fishings on fire, in January and February within two very different, exclusive, and remote lodges, 2 hours apart at the main lodge bordering the Los Alerces National Park and the Rio Pico lodge. If you’re looking to catch Brook Trout over 20”, this program’s for you!

The fishing season for Brook Trout ends in March when fish are spawning, so the window is small to get in on this Patagonian Grand Slam! Not only do you get to fish from a variety of 6 different waters in Le Fario, but you ALSO have access to the Rio Pico waters of Rio Corcovado, Lake Vintter, El Engano, and Falso Engano; El Engano has the most pristine and healthiest population of Brook Trout in all of Patagonia (this location is your best chance at a trophy Brook Trout)! Another thrill to catch on this program is the huge population of migratory Rainbow Trout. On days 2-4, you’ll fish in the Le Fario region on the Rio Arrayanes, Lago Verde, and Rio Futaleufu. Early in the morning mid week, you’ll depart to the Rio Pico area and fish at El Engano Lake, Los Ninos, Lake Vintter, Rio Nilson, and Falso Engano Lake for 3 days. Your final day, you’ll be back at Le Fario, fishing in Lagina Large (in the banks of the lodge), before you have lunch and head home.  

Season 

The entire season runs from November to May, with the first months being mostly done with dry flies and the second half of the season being primarily done with hopper dropper nymphs and streamers. A so-called magic hour occurs at the banks of Le Fario Lodge from late January to the end of the season, which is the best place in the mountains and a fantastic time to catch Brown Trout up to 24” long!

November has high water and is the kickoff of the fishing season; During this time, it’s very much like wading through the flats in the Caribean. December is the prime fishing month and starts off with dragonflies, big attractors, and big dry flies going into the first 2 weeks of January. In January through February, dry flies, Parachute Adams, Hoppers, and Hopper Droppers all perform well. March and April is excellent for streamers when the Browns start moving through the river to spawn. 

A bonus to December and January also brings a unique opportunity to spend the holidays with Argentina Water’s family and friend program. If you’re looking for a different Christmas and New Years experience, consider coming to the lodge at this time to enjoy summer (seasons are opposite on the other side of  the equator). It’s a cultural way to celebrate in beautiful Argentina. This is a great opportunity for solo travelers or couples to create new memories in a new place (although there won’t be much fishing during the holiday program – ask us for details)!