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Fishing Spots: Coyhaique

Coyhaique is the fly fishing capital of Chilean Patagonia, offering world-class angling on the legendary Río Simpson, the mighty Río Baker, and tranquil Lago Elizalde. This remote Aysén region delivers trophy-sized trout in uncrowded, pristine wilderness waters.

5 min readUpdated for 2025–2026 Season
5 fishing spotsBest Season: The fishing season runs from October to May, with prime time from November through April. Early season (November-December) brings excellent dry fly fishing as hatches intensify. January-February are warmest but can be windy. March-April offer the best trophy fishing as large browns become aggressive before spawning. The Baker River fishes best from December through March.
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Overview

Coyhaique, the capital of Chile's Aysén region, has earned an international reputation as one of the world's premier fly fishing destinations. The region's rivers and lakes hold extraordinary populations of wild rainbow and brown trout, many reaching trophy proportions rarely seen elsewhere. The Río Simpson, flowing through a dramatic canyon near town, offers readily accessible fishing for large trout. The Río Baker, Chile's most voluminous river, provides epic big-water fishing for massive brown trout. Smaller streams like the Río Nirehuao and lakes like Elizalde round out an incredibly diverse fishery. The remoteness of Aysén means low fishing pressure and wild fish that behave naturally, creating a fly fishing experience that many compare favorably to the golden age of fishing in other now-overcrowded destinations.

Fishing Spots

Río Simpson

river

Species

rainbow trout, brown trout

Technique

Dry fly, nymph, streamer

Season

October to May

Permit

Chilean SERNAPESCA license

The most accessible river near Coyhaique, flowing through a spectacular canyon. Holds excellent populations of rainbow and brown trout averaging 2-4 lbs, with fish over 8 lbs caught regularly. Multiple pull-off access points along the road.

Access: Runs alongside the road from Coyhaique to Puerto Aysén

Río Baker

river

Species

brown trout, rainbow trout, chinook salmon

Technique

Heavy streamer, nymph, indicator fishing

Season

November to April

Permit

Chilean SERNAPESCA license

Chile's most voluminous river and one of the world's great trout rivers. Famous for trophy brown trout exceeding 10 lbs, with fish over 20 lbs taken annually. Requires 7-8 weight rods and heavy tackle. Best accessed with experienced guides and drift boats.

Access: South via Carretera Austral, approximately 280 km

Lago Elizalde

lake

Species

rainbow trout, brown trout

Technique

Dry fly, streamer, shore casting

Season

October to May

Permit

Chilean SERNAPESCA license

A beautiful lake known for excellent dry fly fishing, particularly during mayfly and caddis hatches. Shore fishing from beaches and points is very productive. Calmer than the rivers, making it ideal for less experienced anglers.

Access: Southeast of Coyhaique, approximately 30 km

Río Nirehuao

river

Species

rainbow trout, brown trout

Technique

Dry fly, nymph, sight fishing

Season

November to April

Permit

Chilean SERNAPESCA license

A spring creek-style river flowing through open steppe. Gin-clear water with selective, well-educated trout. One of the most technically challenging and rewarding streams in the region.

Access: East of Coyhaique via Ruta 240

Río Paloma

river

Species

rainbow trout, brown trout

Technique

Dry fly, nymph fishing

Season

November to April

Permit

Chilean SERNAPESCA license

A medium-sized river with excellent fishing in a beautiful forest setting. Good variety of water types from fast riffles to slow pools. Less known than the Simpson, meaning lower pressure.

Access: South of Coyhaique

Regulations

Season

Second Friday of October to first Sunday of May

Permits

Chilean fishing license (SERNAPESCA) required. ~$15-25 USD/season online.

Catch Limits

2-5 trout per day depending on region, min 25 cm.

Catch & Release

Increasingly common on premium waters. Barbless hooks recommended.

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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
Dry flies: Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Royal Wulff
Nymphs: Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, Prince Nymph
Streamers: Woolly Bugger, Zonker, Muddler Minnow
Polarized sunglasses
Landing net with rubber mesh

Guides & Outfitters

  • 1Coyhaique Fly Fishing Lodge — premier lodge with expert guides
  • 2Río Simpson Lodge — riverside accommodation and guided trips
  • 3Baker River Outfitters — specialized Baker River expeditions
  • 4Aysén Fly Fishing — local guides covering all regional waters
  • 5Patagonia River Guides Chile — full-service fishing operations

Best Season to Fish

The fishing season runs from October to May, with prime time from November through April. Early season (November-December) brings excellent dry fly fishing as hatches intensify. January-February are warmest but can be windy. March-April offer the best trophy fishing as large browns become aggressive before spawning. The Baker River fishes best from December through March.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Coyhaique considered world-class for fly fishing?

The Aysén region has enormous, wild trout populations in pristine waters with very low fishing pressure. The Río Baker produces some of the largest brown trout in the world, and the diversity of fishing options is unmatched in South America.

How do I get to Coyhaique?

Coyhaique has an airport (GXQ/Balmaceda) with flights from Santiago. The Carretera Austral provides road access from the north (long drive). Some visitors fly in and rent vehicles locally.

Do I need a guide for the Río Baker?

Strongly recommended. The Baker is a big, powerful river requiring drift boats and knowledge of the water. Local guides provide essential safety and fishing expertise.

What weight rod do I need?

5-6 weight for the Simpson and smaller rivers. 7-8 weight for the Baker River. Bring both if possible to cover all situations.

Is there salmon fishing in Coyhaique?

Yes, chinook (king) salmon run up the Baker River. The salmon season overlaps with trout season but peaks in January-February. Regulations for salmon differ from trout.

Coyhaique

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