Northern Patagonia Sampler – 2026

In mid-February 2026, we start Part 3…

After wrapping up Part 2 of our 2026 Chile & Argentina Fly Fishing Odyssey, we cross the Andes from Chile into Argentina where we’ll do short stays at three lodges, sampling northern Patagonia Classics- the Chimehuin, Collon Cura and Limay Medio Rivers. All three rivers hold legendary repute among globetrotting trout anglers and we’ll fish them all in a short, but appropriate amount of time.

Our first river in Argentina is the crystal clear Chimehuin, where Argentina’s fly fishing fame was born. From Puente Negro Casa de Campo Lodge in Junin de los Andes, we’ll float three sections, each within minutes of the lodge.  We timed our dates of Feb 14-17 to line up with the Inch Worm hatch, the Chimehuin’s most notable summer event which runs January through February.  These bright green worms congregate on the willow branches in such numbers that trout lay beneath the overhangs, confident of their next meal. A 5wt rod, floating line, 9ft leader and a ¾ inch green worm fly is our go-to rig in February on the scenic Chimehuin.

A 45-minute drive south bring us to the Collon Cura Lodge to fish northern Patagonia’s most productive river. February is high season on the Collon Cura River, when millions of 2-3-inch Puyen minnows migrate up the Collon from the reservoir. Trout can be seen attaching schools of minnows much like Golden Dorado ambushing Sabalo or Stripped Bass busting Bunker. We expect to see mini feeding frenzies in the riffles and shallow runs. In those situations, a floating line and Puyen minnow pattern will do the trick. Every boat will have one 6wt rigged with a light sinktip to cover the deeper pools and pockets along the banks. Dry fly enthusiasts who enjoyed the inch worm hatch on the Chimehuin just days ago will appreciate finding these invertebrates on the Collon Cura as well. But what makes the Collon so enjoyable is the quantity of Rainbows and Browns, which always seem to be willing to eat – hatch or no hatch.

After 3 days on the Collon, we move 2.5 hours west to our third lodge, The Limay River Ranch. Limay River Ranch has secured private access to 36 miles of the Limay Medio – Argentina’s Trophy Brown Trout River. Although I have fished the river many times over the years, my short visit in 2024 moved this river onto my personal favorites list. The Limay Medio is an anomaly among Patagonia rivers. It’s a dynamic tailwater, with prolific trout numbers similar to those within Montana’s Missouri River. It’s the only trout river in Patagonia Argentina where 27”-30” inch trophy Brown Trout are caught during the spring, summer and fall – on dry flies. With persistence, a trout angler can swing a skating dry fly and hook into a Brown Trout of a lifetime.  I did so rather quicky on day 1 of my 2024 visit. I now look at this river in a different light and will no longer pick off trout in the riffles, cast hoppers to the banks nor dredge the pools with a streamer. One can hook a lot of trout with those techniques.  However, on our return trip in 2026, I personally will focus solely on swinging a dry on my 7wt switch.

This river’s unique potential and Limay River Ranch’s superior access make it high in demand. Our Feb 21-25 dates at is selling out the fastest with only 2 rods left.

Join us in February 14-25 and sample three of northern Patagonia’s most iconic trout rivers.

Or, join us for any length of time that suites your schedule.

See Details and our Full Schedule Here.

CALL:  434.249.1783     EMAIL:  jcampa@flyfishingpatagonia.com