Fly fishing trip in Argentine Patagonia

The north of Neuquén province, at the gates of Argentine Patagonia, offers hundreds of kilometres of rivers under very light fishing pressure, full of wild brown and rainbow trout. This is where I design roaming fly fishing trips for three to six anglers, guided on site by the certified team of Patagonia Trashumante, with my own support from the first day to the last. The season runs from November to the end of April.

The story

Every passionate fly angler has heard of Patagonia. I have been criss-crossing Argentina for more than fifteen years now. I share my life with Daniela, who comes from the Mendoza region, and it is a little further south, in Neuquén province, that I take you to discover the astonishing richness of a region still off the beaten track, far from mass tourism. There are serious numbers of trout here, in the lakes as in the rivers, and good fish are simply part of the deal. Some places hold magnificent surprises.

The real thing

Authenticity

I spent fourteen years as a professional cook, and it shows in the way we travel: chivito a la llama slow-roasted over the fire, Malbec from Mendoza, meals that turn into the best moments of the day. For those who want to go further, horseback days with the gauchos can be arranged à la carte, as an add-on to the stay.

Who guides? On the water, the guides of Patagonia Trashumante, natives of the region and fully certified, do the guiding. I design the trip with them, accompany you throughout, interpret for you, and as a certified instructor I help polish the casts that could cost you fish.

Practical information

• Location: northern Neuquén, pick-up at Neuquén airport, then five hours by road.
• Season: November to late April, at its best from December to the end of March. Versatile anglers (streamer, spey) will find excellent fishing across the whole season.
• Techniques: mostly dry fly and nymph, streamers in rivers and lakes. The trip is primarily wading and bank fishing, with drift boat floats available on request on certain rivers.
• Lodging: roaming trip: hotels, cabañas, and camp nights on stretchers, adapted to your taste.
• Gear: 9 to 10 foot rods with 5-6 lines for dries (the wind can be strong), 10 to 11 foot rods with 3/4 lines for tight-line nymphing, 9 to 10 foot rods with 6-8 lines for streamers. Spey welcome on some rivers.
• Duration: up to 12 guided fishing days, adapted to your plans on request.
• Groups: three to six anglers, as a formed group or one to be completed. Solo or duo possible under conditions. Non-fishing companions are welcome.

To go further: meet the team in Patagonia Trashumante, the team behind the trip, pack with the Patagonia gear guide, and get a feel for the country in a northern Neuquén nobody fishes.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be an experienced fly angler?

No. The guides adapt to every level, and as a certified instructor I help you progress throughout the trip. Knowing how to handle a rod in the wind is a plus.

Who does the guiding on the water?

The certified local guides of Patagonia Trashumante, born and raised in the region. I accompany you from the first day to the last: trip design, interpreting, technique, and the good moments around the table.

When is the best time to go?

The season runs from November to the end of April. December to late March is the sweet spot, but streamer and spey anglers will find superb fishing on either side of it.

How do I book?

Contact me directly, or book through the licensed French partner agencies DHD Laïka and Fishing Adventures GTS.

A fly fishing trip to Argentine Patagonia is planned months ahead. To get a feel for it, read the stories on the blog, have a look at the possible extension to Jurassic Lake or the golden dorado trip, then let’s talk dates.

Get in touch to plan your trip →

« The solution to any problem — work, love, money, whatever — is to go fishing, and the worse the problem, the longer the trip should be. »
John Gierach