Fishing in Challhuaquen Lodge is entering a world that has been designed and built to satisfy the most demanding fisherman.
It is located in the heart of Patagonia, Argentina, in the fishing area known as the Comarca de los Alerces. This area is recognized internationally as one of the most important salmon fishing spots of the world where many lakes glacial and hundreds of rivers and streams with a great variety and quality of both trout and salmon. Large specimens of Rainbow Trout, Brown, Brook Trout, Landlocked Salmon Pacific Salmon, Perch and Silversides are the delight of lovers of this activity.
Fish species of fishing in Patagonia
The salmonidae, whose spawn and young were brought from different countries of the world, found in Argentina excellent habitat conditions, especially all along the Andeans at the mid-west of the country in the Patagonia.
The fly fishing and scenery of Patagonia Argentina is very similar to the western states in the US, particularly Montana and Wyoming. The mid-summer weather is predominantly dry, hot during the day and cool at night. The rivers are mostly freestone with some spring creeks. Particularly in the spring creeks, the trout rise feverishly during a hatch to mayflies and caddis ranging from size 10 to 20. Otherwise, the most common form of food is the “pancora”, a fresh water crab-imitated by a black or olive woolly bugger or similar, size 2,4 or 6 wet fly. The trout of Patagonia (browns, rainbows and brook trout) average 12-20 inch. Intermediate fly fishermen can expect to land trout over 20 inches and experienced anglers have a good chance of landing 5-15 pound trout. Many rivers also contain landlocked salmon, which can exceed 10 pounds.
In addition to the landscape, the appeal of Patagonia is that it offers first class “off-season” fishing (November thru mid April). Here, in Chubut, there are plenty of excellent areas with lakes, rivers, and streams, already known worldwide as good fisheries.
Species: Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss)
Brown Trout (Salmo Fario)
Brook Trout (Salvelinus Fontinalis)
Landlocked Salmon (Salmo Salar Sebago)
Perch (native specie)
Fishing in Patagonia season
• Spring-Early Summer: The trout fishing season opens on the second weekend of November in Patagonia. During November and December, the rivers are generally high from snow melt; however, the flow is moderated by the fact that most rivers flow out of lakes. High water may require the use of sinking lines, nymphs and streamer flies, but the fish feed aggressively, making this one of the most productive times of the year. The period corresponds with the months of May and June in the Western U.S. Expect spring time temperatures, cool to cold mornings and nights. Temperature range: 32-70F.
• Mid-Summer: During January and February water levels stabilize, but there is still adequate flow to float most rivers in Patagonia. This period is characterized by a good combination of wet and dry fly fishing, generally depending upon the weather of the season. The weather can range from hot and dry in the daytime to cool morning and nights. At high altitude, it will be cooler and more subject to change. High winds are possible anytime. The months of January and February correspond with July and August in Western U.S. Temperature range: 50 – 85F.
• Late Summer - Early Fall: During March and April the browns start to move from the lakes into the rivers, and water temperatures begin to reactive the trout. Good wet and dry fly fishing, particularly on the Rivadavia and Arroyo Pescado rivers. These months corresponds to September and October in the Western U.S. Expect autumn temperatures and cool to cold mornings and nights. Temperature range 32 – 70F.
Tackle by fishing in Patagonia
All of our fishing is in rivers and streams the Patagonia provides us with, wading from the coast and sometimes on floating trips and float-tubing.
One pair of fly weight chest waders and one pair of neoprene chest waders is recommended for fishing. The new waders “non-condensation” is the best for walking. The comfort of your wading shoes is very important also.
Bring 2-3 rods. A good combination is:
- 8-91/2’ 4/5 weight for dry flies and nymphs.
- 9-91/2’ 6/7 weight for Boca or streamer fishing.
- 8-9’ 3-4 weight for spring creeks and small flies.
We suggest:
- Floating lines for each rod.
- Sink tip lines 5-8. (like Scientific Angler Ultra 2 wet tip IV 10’ or Tenny Nymph Tip).
- Shooting head sink tip line 7-8 weight (like Teeny T200 or T300 or shooting line sink V).
- Optional: Intermediate sinking line.
- Baking 75 - 100 yards is sufficient.
Leaders: From 4 to 12 feet long. Tippet material is extremely important in fishing in Patagonia. The trout are very strong and powerful. Your tippet material should be sheer resistant as well as have the maximum breaking strength in small daymeters.
Challhuaquen Lodge is a place where low population density guarantees to find environments unmodified by man and diversity in alternatives for the practice of fly fishing in Patagonia. Good fishing in crystal clear waters, surrounded by rivers and glacial lakes, ancient trees and the magnificent scenery of the Andes, mixes with the elegance, comfort and the warmest personal attention of the best Lodge in the area (a real 5 stars), transforming in an unique and unforgettable experience.
Richard Jeffries said: "The hours when the mind is absorbed by beauty are the only time you really live."
We offer you to know us, you can’t go wrong
www.challhuaquen.com
