Argentine Patagonia offers fishing excursions which are out of this world, in varied and breathtaking landscapes. In all its rivers and lakes one can find the four most coveted species of wild salmon in the world ( rainbow, brown and fontinalis trouts, and the enclosed salmon ) these four species, seeded at the beginning of the twentieth century, have adapted and multiplied reaching a population density and weight exceeding those from their places of origin. Patagonia is one of the last existing fishing paradises, taking into account the size and weight of the different specimens. All along the lake district there are abundant salmon whose weight and size vary according to the area and the species. It is easy to find places where there are good fishing spots. Many tourists only reach those areas publicized worldwide, such as the chimehuin or correntoso rivers, where world records for rainbow and brown have been obtained. All the rivers are well provided with wild trout, greedy and eager to fight given the little fishing activity when you are fishing, you do not usually see any other fishermen about, considering that all these spots can be easily reached. This is a great advantage for fishermen. There are also spots only for fly fishing, which are specified in the fishing regulations.

In spinning or fly fishing, the average weight of the fish is between 1 and 2 kg, although 3 to 4 kg. Specimens are not rare. In trolling, the average weight is between 2 and 3 kg. Reaching 5 or 6 kg.

The fishing season is from mid-november to mid-april. The best months are the two first and the two last ones. In general the lakes can be reached by good roads and there are always suitable places to launch a boat.

In lakes as well as in rivers there are long beaches suitable for fishing, and access is free to all visitors, within the national park, although it is convenient to ask for advice or hire a registered guide in order to reach the best fishing spots in accordance with the season and the fishing conditions.

Weather conditions are usually good, cool in the morning and at sunset, and mild during the day. The winds are normally gentle until midday. They get stronger through the afternoon, and at sunset they are gentle again. The predominant winds are from the west, from gentle to strong.

Suggested fishing tackle for this area and for each fishing style:
Trolling: medium rods, rotary reels with 200m nylon (.30 to .40 mm ), lures, and a sinking line for the hottest months.
Spinning: light or medium rods to use with undulating or revolving lures up to 30gr., Medium front reel with 120m nylon (.25 to .30 mm).
Fly cast: n° 4 to 7 rods, floating and sinking lines, plus a fast shooting for rivers and deep lakes. It is convenient to have two tackles, a light one ( n° 4,5,or 6) and a heavier one ( n°7) in order to cover different areas and techniques.

The wading equipment consists of, neoprene waders ( 3.5 to 4mm thick) , due to the cold water, and felt shoes to avoid slipping on the river bed rocks. It is necessary to have a hat, glasses, warm clothing and a wind jacket. There are registered fishing guides for each fishing style, who can provide you with the necessary equipment in case you need something.

The local shops sell all kinds of tackle, lures and flies, advice and fishing permits are available as to provide the fisherman with everything he may need. The fishing permits enable one to fish all through patagonia for u$s 20 for argentine citizens and u$s 50 for foreigners. The national park provides a daily permit for u$s 5 or u$s 10 depending on the categories mentioned before. Retired people , pensioners, people over 65 and under 12 can have a free permit. The fishing regulations may vary from one season to another as well as the fishing spots allowed. In general, catch and release is advisable and only one specimen can be killed per day and per fisherman.

One question in conclusion: what more can a fisherman ask for, besides fantastic facilities, the best fishing possibilities, surrounded by exuberant virgin nature, in extreme solitude ?