Chile · Argentina

Sport fishing in Patagonia: fly and spinning at seven places

Rivers of trout and salmon in Chile and Argentina, with seasons, permits and rules. Seasons and prices change every year: check before you travel.

7 placesin Chile and Argentina

1 Nov – 1 Mayseason in Neuquén

13 Nov2026 general opening in Los Lagos; some lakes and rivers opened on 4 Sep

23 kgChinook salmon in the Puelo

Fly and spinning

In Patagonia there are two ways to fish. Fly fishing uses a special rod and line to cast light lures. Spinning casts artificial lures (spoons, minnows and others) with a rod and reel. This guide covers both. Depending on the water and the province, some stretches may allow only one method, or have rules on hooks and release: check the regulations before you fish.

How to get a permit

In Argentina

The license is personal and non-transferable, and is issued online or at authorized points. In Neuquén you get it at cazaypesca.neuquen.gob.ar. The season opens on 1 November and closes on 1 May in most waters. Many native species must be returned to the water.

The prices we found are for the 2024–2025 season. For residents: $6,250 per day, $12,500 per week and $25,000 per season. For non-residents: $37,500 per day, $100,000 per week and $200,000 per season. The source says that permit was valid in Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut and National Parks, but not in Tierra del Fuego or Santa Cruz. Check current prices: they may have changed.

In Chile

You need a Sernapesca license, which is personal and issued online. It costs between $7,000 and $52,000 CLP. In the Los Lagos Region, the 2026–2027 season opened on 4 September in some lakes and rivers, with mandatory release until 12 November, and opens in the rest of the region from 13 November (Sernapesca, via Diario de Osorno, 10 Sep 2026). Outside the early-opening waters, the reported limit is three fish or 15 kilos per day per angler. In other regions the calendar differs: check with Sernapesca.

What to bring fishing

This is what guides and specialist sites recommend. Every angler adjusts their gear to the river, the wind and the species.

Angler with a fly rod on a forest river — Fly fishing. Photo: Greysen Johnson / Unsplash.

Spinning rod and reel in an angler’s hands — Spinning. Photo: Clark Young / Unsplash.

Artificial fly with a gold head and orange hackle, on a light surface — Artificial fly. Photo: Anne Nygård / Unsplash.

Spoons and spinning lures on a wooden board — Spinning lures. Photo: Anne Nygård / Unsplash.

Fly rodTo start, a 6 or 7 weight rod of 8 to 9 feet. Travelling anglers usually bring 5 and 6 weights of 9 feet, plus a 7 for large flies (streamers).

Reel and lineA reel that holds the line and backing. A floating weight-forward line for 5 and 6 weight rods, and a spare reel with a sink-tip line if you will cast streamers.

Leader and tippet9-foot leaders tapered to 3X or 4X. Also bring 1X and 2X if you plan to use streamers.

Flies and luresDry flies, nymphs and streamers. On the Chimehuín, anglers use dry flies, wet flies and nymphs. For spinning, artificial lures such as spoons and minnows; in Tierra del Fuego only one lure and one hook are allowed.

Waders and boots5-layer GORE-TEX waders or equivalent. Boots with a non-felt sole, because felt dries slowly and can spread invasive species.

Layered clothingA 3-layer waterproof jacket, base and insulating layers, and lightweight synthetic trousers for wading.

Wind and weatherThe wind can be strong and constant, and rain can turn to snow at any time of year. A line with some weight helps cut through the wind.

License and rulesIn Neuquén you must carry the license and the Patagonian continental sport fishing rules. Disinfect boots, clothing and rods before entering a river with didymo.

Sources: Interpatagonia (undated) · Montana Angler (undated) · Welcome Argentina (undated) · Neuquén Ministry of Tourism, 2026 brochure · Tierra del Fuego Government, Res. 998/23 (27 Oct 2023).

Los siete lugares

Fishing gatherings and tournaments

National Trout Festival, Junín de los Andes (Neuquén). The 36th edition ran from 31 October to 2 November 2025 and coincided with the season opening. It had a boat and wading tournament, with fly, spinning and mixed categories, fly-tying workshops, the traditional float down the Chimehuín and a draw for a 4×4 pickup. The 2026 edition dates do not yet appear in the sources we checked.

Season launch in Pucón (Chile). In November 2025 the 2025–2026 season opened with a float and the traditional descent of the Trancura River, with the municipality, the boatmen’s union and the tourism corporation.

Shore fishing tournament in Río Grande (Tierra del Fuego). On 15 November 2026, from 10:00 to 14:00, at the Paso de las Cholgas area. It is individual, for bottom species such as róbalo and congrio, from age 12 and with a maximum of 130 participants. Registration costs $30,000 until 6 November and $40,000 from 7 to 13 November. First prize is $1,000,000.