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Fishing Spots: Futaleufú

Futaleufú is famous for its world-class whitewater, but the Río Futaleufú and Lago Espolón also offer exceptional fly fishing. This remote Chilean village near the Argentine border provides a unique combination of adrenaline sports and pristine trout fishing.

4 fishing spotsBest Season: Season runs November through April. December-February offers the warmest weather and most consistent fishing. The famous mayfly hatches on Lago Espolón peak in January. March brings fall colors and pre-spawn aggression from larger fish.

Overview

The town of Futaleufú sits in a dramatic valley in Chile's Los Lagos region, best known for the Río Futaleufú — widely considered one of the world's top whitewater rivers. However, the same pristine waters that create legendary rapids also harbor excellent trout populations. The calmer sections of the river and the serene Lago Espolón provide outstanding fly fishing opportunities for rainbow and brown trout. Smaller tributaries offer intimate small-stream fishing in untouched forest settings. Futaleufú's remote location near the Argentine border ensures very low fishing pressure, and the town's growing adventure tourism infrastructure provides comfortable lodging and dining options.

Fishing Spots

Río Futaleufú (calm sections)

river

Species

rainbow trout, brown trout

Technique

Streamer, nymph, dry fly

Season

November to April

Permit

Chilean SERNAPESCA license

While famous for whitewater, the Futaleufú has excellent calm sections with large trout. Deep pools below rapids concentrate big fish. The turquoise water is extraordinarily clear. Streamers and heavy nymphs work best in the bigger water.

Access: Various access points from town

Lago Espolón

lake

Species

rainbow trout, brown trout

Technique

Dry fly, streamer, shore casting

Season

November to April

Permit

Chilean SERNAPESCA license

A beautiful lake surrounded by mountains offering excellent fishing from shore and float tube. Famous for its prolific mayfly hatches that bring large trout to the surface. One of the best dry fly lakes in Patagonia.

Access: South of Futaleufú, approximately 10 km

Río Espolón

river

Species

rainbow trout, brown trout

Technique

Dry fly, nymph fishing

Season

November to April

Permit

Chilean SERNAPESCA license

A beautiful river flowing from Lago Espolón. Wadeable with excellent structure including pools, riffles, and undercut banks. Consistent fishing with good-sized rainbow trout.

Access: Connects to Lago Espolón south of town

Río Azul (Chilean section)

river

Species

rainbow trout, brown trout

Technique

Nymph, dry fly, wading

Season

December to March

Permit

Chilean SERNAPESCA license

A tributary offering intimate fishing in a forested valley. Clear water with willing trout. Less visited and a great option when the main river is too high.

Access: West of Futaleufú

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.

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

  • 1Futaleufú Fly Fishing — local guides combining rafting and fishing
  • 2Espolón Lodge — lakeside lodge with guided fishing
  • 3Patagonia Elements — adventure and fishing packages
  • 4Bio Bio Expeditions — multi-sport including fishing

Best Season to Fish

Season runs November through April. December-February offers the warmest weather and most consistent fishing. The famous mayfly hatches on Lago Espolón peak in January. March brings fall colors and pre-spawn aggression from larger fish.

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

Can I combine whitewater rafting and fly fishing?

Absolutely! This is Futaleufú's unique appeal. Many outfitters offer packages combining world-class rafting with fly fishing on calmer sections and Lago Espolón.

How remote is Futaleufú?

Very remote. Access is by small plane to Chaitén (seasonal) or a long drive via the Carretera Austral. Many visitors enter from Argentina via the border crossing at Futaleufú.

Is Futaleufú worth visiting just for fishing?

While the fishing is excellent, Futaleufú's true appeal is combining fishing with other adventure activities. If fishing is your only interest, Coyhaique offers more diverse options.

What is the water temperature like?

The glacially-fed waters remain cold year-round (8-14°C), requiring waders even in summer. The cold water supports healthy trout populations.

Futaleufú

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