Fishing in Neuquén Province

Situated in northwestern Patagonia, Neuquén Province stretches from the Andean peaks on the Chilean border to the arid plateaus of central Argentina. It is a land of volcanoes, forests, lakes, and fast-flowing rivers—an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise and a cornerstone of Argentina’s fly fishing reputation. The province is home to some of the most famous trout waters in South America, where brown, rainbow, and brook trout thrive in cold, clear streams and lakes fed by Andean snowmelt. Bordering the Mendoza Province to the north, the Río Negro Province to the southeast, and Chile to the West, Neuquén is one of the northernmost Patagonian provinces. It is one of the most prosperous regions in Argentina, with most of its wealth coming from mining and extraction. However, there are sufficient tourist attractions as well, with ski resorts, hiking routes through National Parks, hot baths, and recreational fishing. The climate in Neuquén is distinctly Patagonian—dry, sunny summers with cool nights, and crisp, snowy winters. While the fishing season runs from November through May, most anglers prefer the heart of the South Hemisphere summer, when rivers drop to optimal levels and insect hatches fuel explosive surface activity. Popular tourist towns such as San Martín de los Andes and Junín de los Andes offer easy access to the region’s iconic rivers and lakes, as well as comfortable lodging, guides, and outfitters catering specifically to the fly fishing community.

Fishing in Neuquén is dominated by its freshwater environments—rivers, streams, and lakes that have earned global recognition for their trout fisheries. The province’s rivers range from small, spring-fed creeks perfect for stealthy dry fly presentations, to wide, powerful flows suited for drift boat fishing with streamers or nymphs. The Limay River is a standout, known for its long runs, deep pools, and the chance to hook truly massive brown trout. The Malleo, Chimehuin, and Collón Curá Rivers each offer their own mix of technical water, wild fish, and stunning scenery. Neuquén’s lakes, including Lago Huechulafquen, Lago Tromen, and Lago Aluminé, are equally productive. These lakes often hold trophy trout that patrol drop-offs and rocky points, feeding on minnows and aquatic insects. Anglers can fish from shore, float tubes, or boats using fly or spinning tackle. The province also offers a few remote, high-altitude streams and backcountry lakes that see little pressure, rewarding adventurous anglers with solitude and unspoiled fishing.

Neuquén’s trout are all non-native introductions, but they’ve thrived in the province’s ideal conditions and now offer one of the world’s finest wild trout fisheries. Brown trout are the most highly prized, with large individuals often exceeding 5 kg (11 lbs) in lakes and lower stretches of rivers like the Limay. These fish are aggressive predators and are frequently caught on streamers and large dry flies. Rainbow trout are more abundant and offer explosive surface takes, aerial fights, and fast runs. They’re particularly numerous in rivers like the Malleo and Chimehuin, where dry fly fishing during summer hatches is spectacular. Brook trout, while less common, are found in cooler, higher-altitude lakes and streams, where they can be surprisingly aggressive and beautifully colored. A few lakes and river systems, such as Lago Aluminé, also hold landlocked Atlantic salmon, providing a unique bonus target for anglers who know where to look.

Fly fishing reigns supreme in Neuquén, and anglers come from all over the world to cast dry flies, nymphs, and streamers in the province’s iconic waters. For dry fly fishing, size 12–16 mayflies, caddisflies, and terrestrials are the mainstays during summer hatches, especially in rivers like the Malleo and Chimehuin. Drift boat fishing with sinking lines and large streamers is the go-to method for hunting trophy browns in the Limay and Collón Curá, particularly in early and late season when water levels are higher. Nymphing is effective in all rivers throughout the season, with bead-head patterns and Czech-style rigs producing well in deeper runs. In the lakes, anglers often use sinking lines with baitfish imitations near drop-offs and rocky points. Spinning is less common but allowed in many waters, especially lakes, and can be very effective with spoons and jigs. Neuquén’s dry, windy weather means anglers should be prepared for casting in a breeze and bring rods in the 5–8 weight range depending on location and technique.