7-Day Fly Fishing Lake District Road Trip

Fly into San Martín de los Andes airport (CPC) or Neuquén (NQN) and pick up your rental car. Drive to Junín de los Andes, the undisputed fly fishing capital of Argentina. Check into a fishing lodge or hotel and spend the afternoon getting your fishing permits and stocking up on gear at one of the excellent local fly shops. If time permits, take a short evening session on the lower Chimehuin River, just minutes from town, where large rainbow and brown trout rise to dry flies in the fading light.

Dedicate a full day to fishing the world-famous waters around Junín. The Chimehuin River is legendary for its large rainbow trout, with fish regularly exceeding 50 cm. In the morning, wade the productive pools near the town bridge or drive upstream to the Boca Chimehuin where it meets Lago Huechulafquen. In the afternoon, drive north to the Aluminé River, which offers faster water and excellent nymphing opportunities. The drive passes through beautiful araucaria (monkey puzzle) forests, adding a scenic dimension to the angling.

Start the morning with a session on Lago Huechulafquen, a large volcanic lake at the foot of Lanín Volcano. Trolling or casting from shore near the river mouths can produce impressive lake-run brown trout. After lunch, drive south along the scenic Ruta 234 to San Martín de los Andes, a charming alpine town on the shores of Lago Lácar. The drive itself is gorgeous, winding through Lanín National Park with views of snow-capped peaks. Arrive in San Martín, check into your accommodation, and explore the town's excellent restaurants and craft beer scene.

Spend the day exploring the fishing opportunities around San Martín de los Andes. Drive along the northern shore of Lago Lácar to the Hua Hum River, which connects Lago Lácar to Lago Nonthué near the Chilean border. This beautiful spring creek-style river is ideal for sight fishing to selective trout in clear water using small dry flies and nymphs. The setting, surrounded by ancient coihue forests and snow-capped Andes, is spectacular. In the afternoon, try the outlet of Lago Lácar near town or explore Lago Lolog to the north for shore-based fishing.

Today combines one of Patagonia's most scenic drives with excellent fishing. Drive the famous Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route) from San Martín de los Andes to Villa La Angostura. This 110 km route passes seven stunning glacial lakes, each with a different color palette. Stop at Lago Correntoso, where the short Correntoso River — one of the shortest rivers in the world — offers exciting fishing right where it empties into Lago Nahuel Huapi. Arrive in the charming village of Villa La Angostura and settle in for the evening.

In the morning, try your luck on the Río Bonito or the Lago Espejo area near Villa La Angostura, both productive fisheries for brown and rainbow trout. After lunch, drive the scenic 80 km to San Carlos de Bariloche along the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi. Stop at the iconic Circuito Chico viewpoints along the way. In Bariloche, visit the famous Avenida Bustillo chocolate shops and craft breweries. For a final afternoon fishing session, head to the Limay River outlet from Lago Nahuel Huapi, known for its large brown trout.

On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take in the stunning views of Lago Nahuel Huapi and the Andes one last time. If your flight is in the afternoon, squeeze in a morning session at one of the accessible spots near Bariloche. Drive to Bariloche Airport (BRC), return your rental car, and depart with memories of crystal-clear rivers, trophy trout, and the incomparable beauty of the Patagonian Lake District.