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(Argentina Secretary of Tourism) |
If you had to choose one trout-fishing destination—a place where just about anyone could catch lots of jumbo-sized trout—Argentina would have to be the place. "The best trout water I've ever seen," proclaimed on recent visitor, "and I've fished everywhere you could name. I caught 22 rainbows and browns in two pools in three hours. Only six of them were under 15 inches."
The country's trout fishing is centered along the eastern flank of the Andes near the Chilean border. A good starting point is San Carlos de Bariloche, which can be reached by air from Buenos Aires. The best fishing is found between the city of Esquel, in the province of Chubut, and Junin de los Andes in the province of Neuquen, which is probably the finest venue of all. The best angling is from February to mid-April. You'll find browns, rainbows, brook trout, and a smattering of landlocked salmon. The average size runs about two pounds, with some fish going to eight pounds. Many rivers have lots of action but limited size, similar to Montana, and some are catch and release only.
If you do some research and learn some Spanish before you go, there is no reason not to do the trip independently. The best trout fisheries, including the Caleufu, Correntoso, Limay and Chubut are so productive that you won't come home empty-handed.
Multiple-day excursions are possible throughout the beautiful Los Alerces National Park area. The San Martin de Los Andes region offers a half-dozen prolific streams. And, if you want to combine fishing with other backcountry adventures, head for the heart of Argentina's unspoiled lake district—it's a perfect place to fish, ride horses, mountain-bike, canoe, kayak, or just relax and revel in the views of Patagonia.
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