FAQ

What are the fish species and sizes?

Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Brook trout, salmon, perch. Average size nowadays is 3 1/2 pounds, ranging from one to eight pounds. Trout have been introduced in the region some 60 years ago. Fish sizes have decreased in the past two decades, but fish population has increased. Total fish biomass may have stayed constant in the past 30 years. Do not get fooled: 15 pound trout are gone perhaps forever in Patagonia, but old photography mixed with new technology can produce miracles.

Is catch and release mandatory?

No. You as visitors to the area have the right to take a limited amount for immediate consumption – except in designated mandatory catch & release zones. As local to the area, and as a matter of our personal decision, we support and actively practice a strict catch and release policy. It is not only a conservation issue; we try to discourage competition among anglers.

Dry or wet flies?

We mostly use wet flies, both feathered and-or worm-like. When fishing lakes, we cast to the shore of the lakes from the boat, usually using a sink II line. In rivers, we use floating lines. We encourage you to test your favourite flies, but we also make available our favourite ones to you.

Do you provide fly casting lessons?

Teaching fly casting is like preaching freedom of spirit. Over the past thirty years we have initiated hundreds of men, women and children. Many of them have caught their first rainbow with us.

What are the lodging choices?

We try to offer the best value for money lodging. You might also want to browse the web and suggest us a special place you want to stay in, and compare prices at your will. You can even reserve your own lodging facilities and contract guiding services with us.

Safety issues.

Our first concern is that you have a safe trip. You can rest assured that our guides know their territory and that our watercraft fleet is licensed and checked by Prefectura Nacional. Their regulations meet or exceed international standards of safety. We use radio communication in all our outings. We suggest you to bring your own inflatable life vest to wade our rivers.

When it comes to driving, we ensure modern vehicles equipped with updated safety technology and experienced drivers that know how to adapt to the different road conditions of Patagonian roads.

Is spinning an option?

While there are many places designated as fly-fishing only zones, spinning, bait casting and even trolling is permitted in most of our lakes. Actually this is a favourite choice for non angler spouses. We can supply the appropriate fishing gear provided you warn us in advance.

What about fly fishing gear?

A full check list of suggested gear will be emailed to you upon reservation of your package. In most packages, we include the supply of sudden needs. Yet, in case you do have to purchase some gear, there are plenty of fly shops around. Jorge Carrillo is a well established and widely respected Fly Shop owner-manager, located in downtown San Martin de los Andes.

What if the standard package does not fit our travel plans?

We will CUSTOMIZE our offer to your particular needs. Please contact us with a short email indicating your preferences (please see customized packages in our menu).

Can we contact you by phone?

We suggest you E-Mail us your phone number, and the appropriate time so we can call you.

When is your fly fishing season?

November 1st through April 30th. This means late spring, the whole summer, and early fall in the Southern Hemisphere.

What kind of weather should I expect?

When you come fly fishing to our Southern Hemisphere, you will enjoy the advantage of opposing seasons; so you can enjoy our balmy Patagonian summer almost from the beginning of our fly fishing season in November.

Climate in Northern Patagonia is relatively mild. Most of the precipitation that fuels our rivers fortunately occurs in winter time, feeding our lake basins with rain and snow in the surrounding mountaintops. In the Summer most days are long and sunny. Yet occasional storms from the Pacific Ocean are not unlikely to happen. Days are usually warm and dry, temperatures reaching 80º F. Nights are always cool, temperatures may drop to about 40º F. A water proof parka is by all means a necessity.