Limay River Ranch

Set on the banks of Patagonia’s most dynamic tailwater, Limay River Ranch offers multiple access points to roughly 36 private miles of the Middle Limay River—one of Patagonia’s premier destinations for big Patagonia brown trout on dry flies. Thanks to the river’s nutrient-rich flow from the Chocón Reservoir, growth rates here are extraordinary: three-year-old migratory browns and rainbows average 23 inches, with browns pushing well past 7 pounds and some reaching 15 pounds. In 2022, two 30-inch browns were landed by guests, and the largest recorded catch stretched an astonishing 33 inches.

Through a combination of riverfront ownership and long-term lease agreements, Limay River Ranch has secured exclusive use of nearly the entire left bank, restricting outside boat access and helping preserve water quality and fishing pressure for guests.

Anglers enjoy contemporary private cabins, chef-prepared meals, and the guidance of highly experienced, bilingual guides. Whether you’re here for the numbers or the biggest trout of your life, Limay River Ranch offers one of the top trophy trout experiences in Patagonia.

Limay River Ranch is located two hours southwest of Neuquén City on the north shore of the Limay River, between the Piedra del Águila and Chocón reservoirs. Completed in early 2022, the property features six 360-square-foot guest cabins plus a central lodge that houses the dining room, bar, and shared lounge.

Each cabin includes a private full bathroom, two king beds, air conditioning, a wood stove, and a personal porch with views of the surrounding steppe. The lodge operates on 24-hour solar-powered electricity with a natural gas generator as a backup. Guests stay connected via high-speed Starlink satellite internet service.

Limay River Ranch emphasizes creative, high-quality cuisine. A professionally trained chef from Buenos Aires prepares traditional Argentine and Italian dishes, thoughtfully paired with wines from respected producers such as Trumpeter and Salentein. There are no fixed meal times, so guests are free to decide when they wish to depart for or return from the river, adding comfort and flexibility to the experience.

The Limay River tailwater is a dynamic and technical fishery that blends Missouri- or Henry’s Fork–style dry-fly opportunities with pseudo-steelhead tactics for migratory brown trout. Rich in aquatic life, it produces prolific hatches and holds the greatest potential for trophy browns in north-central Patagonia, Argentina.

Due to fluctuating dam releases tied to regional power demand, river conditions change frequently—creating both challenges and windows of opportunity. This fishery is best suited for intermediate to advanced anglers who are persistent and willing to adjust their tactics.

With a year-round active metabolism, trout here grow fast. Three-year-old resident fish average 16–17 inches, while migratory browns can reach 23 inches or more in the same span. Resident rainbows average 16–18 inches; browns, 19–22. But the migratory browns are rarely under 25 inches—and any cast, any day, could produce a 30-inch Patagonia brown trout on a dry fly.

Thanks to exclusive riverfront access and long-term leases, Limay River Ranch can fish all 43 miles of river between the two reservoirs. Over six full days, anglers float and/or wade the main channel and countless side braids without repeating or sharing a beat with other lodge guests.

Depending on conditions, rods from 9-foot 4-weights to 12-foot 7-weight switch rods are useful. Fly Fishing Patagonia provides all guests with a detailed list of recommended rods, lines, and flies.

Limay River Ranch offers half week and weekly programs and can be conveniently paired with fishing at lodges around Bariloche and Junin de los Andes.

LIMAY RIVER RANCH
(7 nights/6 days)

Day 1:    Arrive Buenos Aires (EZE). Transfer to the domestic airport (AEP) and fly to San Martin (CPC) or Neuquén (NQN.) The staff will pick you up and transfer you under 2 hours to the ranch. Fish the afternoon if you have time.

Day 2-7:   6 days trout fishing the Middle Limay River at Limay River Ranch.

Day 8:    Check out. The staff will transfer you back to the regional airport for your flight to Buenos Aires and home.

Rate: $8,000
Included: Lodging, meals, open bar, guided fishing, license and transfer to/from Bariloche, San Martin or Neuquén Airports, wading boots, rods and reels when requested far in advance.
Not included: Flights, gratuities, waders, leaders or tippet, services in Buenos Aires.

With over 26 years organizing trips in Chile and Argentina, we make travel planning efficient and worry free. Our specialized travel agent ensures your international flights connect smoothly with the exact domestic flights you need for your lodge dates. If preferred, we’ll even have our team in Buenos Aires meet you when you land.

• After an easy overnight flight, anglers land at the Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), transfer 45 minutes to the Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery Domestic Airport (AEP) and fly 2 hours south to San Martin (CPC.) Four hours minimum is required between your international and domestic flights in Buenos Aires.
• Anglers are picked up at the San Martin Airport and driven 2.5 hours to Limay River Ranch.
• Anglers are either transferred to their next lodge or dropped off at the San Martin Airport for their flight back to Buenos Aires and home.