All Fishing Spots

Fishing Spots: Bariloche

Bariloche is one of Patagonia's most iconic fly fishing destinations, offering world-class angling on the legendary Río Limay, vast Lago Nahuel Huapi, and the scenic Río Manso. Surrounded by the Andes, this lakeside city provides unmatched access to diverse trout waters.

6 fishing spotsBest Season: Season runs November through April. The Limay fishes best from mid-November through March, with streamer fishing peaking in November-December. January-February offers consistent dry fly fishing on the Manso. March-April brings fall colors and aggressive brown trout before spawning. Water levels and weather can vary significantly, so consulting local guides for current conditions is advised.

Overview

San Carlos de Bariloche, commonly known as Bariloche, sits on the southern shore of Lago Nahuel Huapi in the heart of Argentina's Lake District. The city serves as the gateway to some of the most productive and scenic trout waters in South America. The Río Limay, flowing from the lake's eastern outlet, is internationally famous for its enormous brown trout, with fish regularly exceeding 10 pounds. The Río Manso system offers varied fishing from gentle meadow sections to dramatic canyon water. Lago Nahuel Huapi itself, one of the largest lakes in Patagonia, provides excellent trolling and fly fishing opportunities for trout and landlocked salmon. The region's extensive road network and well-developed tourism infrastructure make it easy to access dozens of fishing spots within an hour's drive from town.

Fishing Spots

Río Limay

river

Species

brown trout, rainbow trout, landlocked salmon

Technique

Streamer, nymph, dry fly fishing

Season

November to April

Permit

Required, provincial license

One of Argentina's most famous trout rivers, the Limay flows from Lago Nahuel Huapi. Renowned for trophy brown trout exceeding 10 lbs. The upper sections near the lake outlet offer excellent wade fishing, while lower sections are best accessed by drift boat. Crystal-clear water with classic pool-riffle-run structure.

Access: East of Bariloche via RN 40, multiple access points

Lago Nahuel Huapi

lake

Species

brown trout, rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, brook trout

Technique

Trolling, streamer, shore casting

Season

November to April

Permit

Required, provincial license

A massive glacial lake covering over 500 km², surrounded by the Andes. Excellent trolling for landlocked salmon and large trout. Shore fishing productive at river mouths (bocas) and rocky points. The Brazo Tristeza and Brazo Blest arms offer more secluded fishing.

Access: Multiple boat launches around the lake from Bariloche

Río Manso Inferior

river

Species

rainbow trout, brown trout

Technique

Dry fly, nymph, streamer

Season

November to April

Permit

Required, special Río Negro license

The lower Manso winds through stunning valleys toward the Chilean border. Beautiful meadow sections alternate with canyon pools. Excellent rainbow trout fishing with consistent dry fly action during summer. More remote and less pressured than the Limay.

Access: South via RN 40 and RP 81, approximately 80 km

Río Manso Superior

river

Species

rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout

Technique

Small stream techniques, dry fly

Season

December to March

Permit

Required, provincial license

The upper Manso offers intimate fishing through native forest. Smaller water with willing fish, ideal for sight fishing and delicate presentations. Brook trout present in tributary streams.

Access: South of Bariloche via Lago Gutiérrez area

Lago Gutiérrez

lake

Species

rainbow trout, brown trout, landlocked salmon

Technique

Trolling, fly fishing from kayak

Season

November to April

Permit

Included in provincial license

A scenic lake easily accessible from Bariloche. Good fishing from shore at the outlet and along rocky banks. Popular with local anglers for consistent trout and salmon action.

Access: South of Bariloche on RN 40, approximately 15 km

Río Traful

river

Species

brown trout, rainbow trout

Technique

Dry fly, nymph, streamer

Season

November to April

Permit

Provincial license required

A beautiful river flowing through Villa Traful with exceptional brown trout fishing. The river is known for its large, selective fish and challenging fishing. Best accessed with a local guide who knows the private access points.

Access: North via RN 40, approximately 100 km

Regulations

Season

November 1 to April 30

Permits

Río Negro provincial fishing license required. Available at local shops and park offices. ~$20-35 USD/day.

Catch Limits

2-3 trout per day, minimum 25 cm. National park waters often catch-and-release only.

Catch & Release

Mandatory in many national park waters. Single barbless hooks required.

Gear Recommendations

5-weight fly rod (9 ft) for rivers and streams
6-weight fly rod for lakes and windy conditions
Floating fly line (WF5F) with sink-tip option
Leaders 9-12 ft, tippet 3X to 6X
Breathable waders and wading boots with felt soles
Dry flies: Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Royal Wulff, Parachute Adams
Nymphs: Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, Prince Nymph, Copper John
Streamers: Woolly Bugger, Zonker, Muddler Minnow
Polarized sunglasses for sight fishing
Landing net with rubber mesh bag

Guides & Outfitters

  • 1Bariloche Fly Fishing — expert local guides with drift boats
  • 2Patagonia River Guides — full-service guided trips on Limay and Manso
  • 3Limay River Lodge — riverside lodge specializing in Limay trips
  • 4Manso River Outfitters — guided wading and float trips on the Manso
  • 5Nahuel Huapi Fishing Charters — lake trolling and fly fishing from boat

Best Season to Fish

Season runs November through April. The Limay fishes best from mid-November through March, with streamer fishing peaking in November-December. January-February offers consistent dry fly fishing on the Manso. March-April brings fall colors and aggressive brown trout before spawning. Water levels and weather can vary significantly, so consulting local guides for current conditions is advised.

Drive to Patagonia's Best Fishing Spots

A rental car gives you the freedom to reach remote rivers and lakes, fish at dawn, and explore pristine waters most anglers never find.

Drive to Patagonia's Best Fishing Spots

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Río Limay famous for fishing?

The Limay is renowned for its trophy brown trout, with fish regularly exceeding 10 pounds and some reaching over 20 pounds. The river's clear water, diverse structure, and proximity to Bariloche make it one of Argentina's most fished and celebrated trout rivers.

Do I need different licenses for different waters?

Yes. Waters in Río Negro province (Limay, Manso Inferior) require a Río Negro license, while Nahuel Huapi National Park waters may have additional requirements. Your guide will advise on the correct permits.

Can I fish year-round in Bariloche?

No, the fishing season runs November 1 to April 30. Outside the season, fishing is prohibited to protect spawning fish. Some private lakes may have extended seasons with special permits.

Is drift boat fishing available?

Yes, drift boat float trips are very popular on the Limay and Manso rivers. They allow you to cover more water and access spots unreachable by wading. Book in advance during peak season (January-February).

How do I get to Bariloche?

Bariloche has its own international airport (BRC) with direct flights from Buenos Aires and other Argentine cities. It's also reachable by a scenic 5-hour drive from San Martín de los Andes along Ruta de los 7 Lagos.

Bariloche

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