All Fishing Spots

Fishing Spots: Ushuaia

Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, offers unique fly fishing at the end of the Earth. Surrounded by the Beagle Channel, sub-Antarctic forests, and glacial rivers, anglers can pursue brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout in one of the planet's most dramatic landscapes.

4 fishing spotsBest Season: Season November to April. December-February is prime with longest days (up to 18 hours of daylight!). The extended daylight allows very long fishing days. Weather is unpredictable — be prepared for four seasons in one day. Wind is a constant factor.

Overview

Ushuaia sits on the Beagle Channel at the southern tip of South America, earning its title as the world's southernmost city. Beyond its famous status as a gateway to Antarctica, Ushuaia offers surprisingly good fly fishing. The rivers and lakes of Tierra del Fuego National Park and surrounding areas hold populations of brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout. The Río Olivia, Río Pipo, and Lago Fagnano provide diverse fishing experiences. While not matching Río Grande for sea-trout, Ushuaia offers the unique experience of fishing at the literal end of the world, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and sub-Antarctic forest.

Fishing Spots

Río Olivia

river

Species

brown trout, rainbow trout

Technique

Nymph, streamer, dry fly

Season

November to April

Permit

Tierra del Fuego license

The main fishing river near Ushuaia flowing through a dramatic valley beneath the Martial Mountains. Brown trout dominate with some reaching respectable sizes. The scenery alone makes it worth fishing.

Access: East of Ushuaia along RN 3

Lago Fagnano (Ushuaia access)

lake

Species

brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout

Technique

Trolling, shore casting

Season

November to April

Permit

Tierra del Fuego license

The largest lake in Tierra del Fuego, accessible from the Ushuaia side. Shore fishing and trolling both productive. The drive through the mountains to reach the lake is spectacular.

Access: North via RN 3, approximately 100 km

Río Pipo

river

Species

brown trout, brook trout

Technique

Small stream dry fly, nymph

Season

December to March

Permit

Tierra del Fuego license + national park entry

A small river within the national park, flowing through lenga beech forest. Brook trout in upper sections, browns lower. Intimate fishing in a sub-Antarctic forest setting.

Access: Within Tierra del Fuego National Park

Lago Escondido

lake

Species

rainbow trout, brown trout

Technique

Shore casting, trolling

Season

November to April

Permit

Tierra del Fuego license

A scenic mountain lake accessible via the dramatic Garibaldi Pass. Good shore fishing with beautiful backdrop. Less visited than Fagnano.

Access: North via RN 3, Paso Garibaldi

Regulations

Season

Nov 1 to Apr 15

Permits

Tierra del Fuego license. ~$30-60 USD/day.

Catch Limits

2 trout/day, min 30 cm. Many rivers C&R.

Catch & Release

Mandatory on many rivers. Barbless hooks.

Gear Recommendations

5-weight fly rod (9 ft) for rivers
6-weight for lakes and wind
Floating line with sink-tip
Leaders 9-12 ft, tippet 3X-6X
Breathable waders and 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

  • 1Ushuaia Fly Fishing — local guides for rivers and lakes
  • 2Tierra Mayor Outfitters — guided fishing excursions
  • 3Fin del Mundo Fishing — end of the world fishing trips
  • 4Canal Beagle Fishing — multi-activity fishing packages

Best Season to Fish

Season November to April. December-February is prime with longest days (up to 18 hours of daylight!). The extended daylight allows very long fishing days. Weather is unpredictable — be prepared for four seasons in one day. Wind is a constant factor.

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

Explore More

Discover more guides and resources for this destination

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ushuaia good for fishing?

It offers good fishing in an unmatched setting. While not world-class like Río Grande for sea-trout, the combination of the end-of-the-world setting, national park fishing, and diverse species makes it worthwhile.

How cold is it?

Summer temperatures range 5-15°C. Wind chill can make it feel much colder. Warm layers and quality waders are essential. Snow can fall even in summer.

Can I combine fishing with other Ushuaia activities?

Absolutely. Beagle Channel boat tours, Tierra del Fuego National Park hiking, glacier visits, and the famous "End of the World" train all complement a fishing trip.

How do I get to Ushuaia?

Ushuaia has an international airport (USH) with daily flights from Buenos Aires and El Calafate. Also reachable by road via Chile or by cruise ship.

Ushuaia

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