Brown and rainbow trout fishing in Patagonia

Estancia Huechahue covers fifteen thousand square acres in the foothills of the Andes - sometimes known as the Patagonian steppes - and lies a thousand miles south of Buenos Aires, forty-five miles east of San Martine de los Andes and one hundred and twenty miles northeast from Bariloche. Huechahue is a privately owned and managed by Jane Williams, who is British and married into an Argentinean family.

Activities at Huechahue revolve around horses, however the jewel in the crown as far as anglers are concerned is several miles of superb fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout on the middle reaches of the Alumine river flowing through open Patagonian steppe. The river has healthy populations of wild brown and rainbow trout up to about 5lbs in weight that can be caught from November until April. Rods between 8 ft. and 9 ft. 6ins for 5 to 8 lines with sinking, wet or floating tip are recommended, as are chest waders because the flow and current in some pools is strong, not dissimilar to the middle reaches of the Spey in Scotland.  Patagonian flies such as the woolly worm, woolly bugger, hare's ear, and a selection of nymphs are all effective. There are some rods available for guests to borrow, but we strongly recommend bringing your own fishing tackle and equipment.

Many of those fishing at Huechahue do so in between riding adventures, however guests who wish to fish only are more than welcome at no extra charge to the daily rate, making the estancias one of the least expensive all inclusive fishing destinations in Patagonia. As the river is straightforward and easy to read for experienced anglers it is not usual to arrange a guide, however qualified and experienced guides can be organised for an extra charge. There is also stalking for both red deer and wild boar in March and April, by prior arrangement through Wild and Exotic.

Estancia Quem Quem Treu runs to 160,000 acres and lies in the heart of the northern Patagonian steppe approximately 150 miles to the east of San Martin and 290 miles north of Bariloche on the banks of the Quemquemtreu stream, a  principle tributary of the celebrated Collon Curá River.

There are at least 3 separate day's float fishing on the Colon Curá, a big river with swift currents and clear waters where a decent rainbow weigh up to 4lbs, and bigger brownies lurk in the deeper pools. The usual tactic is downstream fishing with streamers and sinking tips. By contrast the Quemquemtreu stream offers sight fishing with a dry fly up until the end of January, by which time the water is usually too low. There are also several excellent lakes holding double figure trout that fish well throughout the season, from November until the end of April. The estancia uses excellent English speaking fishing guides to assit their guests. The estancia also offers shooting from March 1^st onwards, game birds over pointers, red deer stalking and wild boar. 

Quem Quem Treu is a proper working estancia, owned by an Anglo Argentine family since 1971 and managed for the owners by Martin and Paula Zimmermann, with Martin overseeing the estancia's beef cattle operations as well as the training and raising of polo ponies for high goal competitions. Paula runs the fishing lodge at Quem Quem Treu, where there are 5 double rooms and guests are looked after in comfort and style in this stunning wilderness location.

The Futaleufu River that flows through Argentina into Chile on its way to the Pacific Ocean near Chaiten is one of our favourite fishing destinations in Patagonia, reflected by the fact we work with three fishing lodges on the river, two in Argentina and one in Chile. The Futaleufu has a strong turbulent flow between deeper pools and runs, and is a large river in every respect, teeming with free rising wild trout that very occasionally reach double figures although a 5lb fish is considered a good one.

We have summarised these lodges below:

Challhuaquen: This is a luxurious fly fishing lodge, newly constructed from stone and wood and beside the Futaleufu River, with panoramic views across the river to wild country beyond. The accommodation comprises 6 ensuite and spacious rooms, each with two double beds, showers and bath. There is also a sauna, hydro massage and Jacuzzi at the lodge. The high standard of accommodation is matched by an exceptionally high level of food and service. As well as excellent guided fishing the management can organise riding trips and visits to Los Alerces National Park. Challhuaquen is best reached by flying to Esquel, followed by a road transfer to the lodge.

El Encuentro: This delightful property located on the banks of the Futaleufu River near Esquel is run by the Anglo Argentine Beale family. The lodge offers comfortable accommodation for up to eight guests in a friendly family atmosphere complemented  by home cooking that takes full advantage of home grown produce fresh from the garden. Guests here can catch fish within yards of their bedroom, as well as on a variety of surrounding rivers, lakes and spring creeks. Skilled and communicative English speaking guide accompany all anglers, who fish in pairs from boats or by wading. Lunch is either taken as a picnic besides the river, or at the lodge followed by an afternoon siesta. The lodge also offers excursions to Lake Menendez and the Alerces National Park, as well as riding and local sightseeing, making it an excellent destination for non fishing partners to also enjoy Patagonia. El Encuentro combines particularly well with a stay at Futa Lodge (see below) several miles downstream in Chile. El Encuentro is best reached by flying to Esquel, followed by a road transfer to the lodge.

Futa Lodge: Futa Lodge is a Chilean farmhouse located in a remote and almost inaccessible valley populated by subsistence farmers. The charming white house and surrounding wooden buildings perch on a promontory above the river, sandwiched between dramatic forested mountains. Accommodation is in comfortable twin rooms simply furnished and with en-suite bathrooms. Lunch is normally a picnic beside the river and dinner three courses prepared by a Buenos Aires chef. Due to the deep Canyon Infernio upstream the river at Futa is virtually inaccessible so it is rare to see another angler and the fish are amongst the wildest and most prolific in Patagonia. The lodge fishing is divided into three challenging and very different beats that offer exceptional sight fishing with a dry fly as well as prospecting fast flowing turbulent currents with nymphs and wet flies. Activities for the non fishing partner include white-water rafting, kayaking, riding, hiking and  bird watching. Futa Lodge makes an excellent combination with either Challhuaquen or El Encuentro upstream in Argentina. Futa is best reached by flying to Esquel, followed by a road transfer to the lodge, and is open from December to March only.

Estancia Rio Quillen runs to 25,000 hectares and is located at the end of a private 24 km drive in the very heart of Northern Patagonia within the Lanín National Park. With its spectacular mountains, green forests, crystal clear rivers and unique flora, this is considered one of the most beautiful parks in the Argentine Patagonia. The Rio Quillen is a crystal clear, charming small river similar to an English chalk stream with deeper pools connected by a series of fast, streamy runs full of character and diversity that are home to wild brown and rainbow trout. The fishing here is sometimes described as technical, and is the classic environment for upstream nymph fishing and casting a dry fly to rising trout. Guests at Estancia Quillen must fish with a professional guide, which is arranged by the management well in advance of your stay. 

The main house has ten rooms, with superb views down the Quillen valley. The sitting room is spacious and comfortable with large windows to enjoy the spectacular sunsets on the River Quillen Valley. Service and food here are both of the highest standard, with much attention to detail to ensure guests have a memorable stay. The estancia is a 2 ½ hour drive from San Martin, and can also be reached from Bariloche or Neuquen. The estancia also offers wonderful rides during which it is possible to explore nearby monkey puzzle forests, lakes and lagoons complete with picnic lunches, often returning after a whole day in the saddle. Other non fishing activities include walking, boating and visits to local places of interest.