Spring Fly Fishing in Patagonia

Many people ask us what the fishing is like in our early season — well here’s a taste of what you can expect:

Weather & Conditions

Fly fishing in Patagonia really begins in earnest in November, offering some particularly appealing conditions and fun opportunities for anglers. Mild temperatures with a mix of long sunny days, occasional rain, and cool nights are what can be expected. Most rivers and streams run higher and faster due to snowmelt from the Andes, but we typically have plenty of clarity on the majority of our fisheries, unlike many of the popular trout destinations in the U.S., for example. Being able to fish among lush landscapes and colorful flowers are a welcome addition to days spent on the river.

Trout Behavior

Fish are more active and hungry after the winter, making them a little less finicky than in the late season. Early November also sees the start of productive hatches, offering some terrific dry fly fishing when the conditions are right. This time of the season gives us great chances to find trophy fish in shallower waters, as they have had the entire winter to rest. And, the cold water makes the trout that much more challenging to fight, as they are full of energy!

Fishing Techniques

Higher water levels spread the fish out, providing great opportunities for fishing with dry flies, nymphs, or streamers in a range of waters from shallow to deep. Many times fish will be feeding among the flooded shorelines of our lakes and rivers, which can be a really fun way to chase them as well. It’s not a bad idea to bring a sink-tip or sinking line, if you end up fishing one of the deeper rivers, since there may be a higher volume of water than in the summer and fall.

Solitude

Given so many of our guests come from the United States and Europe, where leaving home during the holidays in November and December can be less appealing for some, we see even fewer anglers in the region than normal (when it’s still not what you’d call crowded). That means a truly wonderful and quiet all-around fly fishing experience for those who venture south in the early season.

We hope to see you this spring for unforgettable fishing and fun!