The Limay River Anglers

Word gets out about the best specimens caught every season in the Limay River. We covered about 70 kilometers to see for ourselves where it all happens.

The steep gradient of the river naturally results in a fast current which increases the level of oxygen and consequently the weight of the fish.

The early hours of the morning when it is still cold and the sun is just beginning to rise above the horizon is best time to begin a fishing day. And that is exactly what we did, having gathered all our gear: vests, waders, rods, landing nets and so on.

We reached the Limay along one of the many roads leading off National Route 237. We chose the one just after Villa El Chocón, close to Picún Leufú.

Other accesses are on private property, so permission is required to use them. Among them two, El Pantanito and La Picaza (11 kilometers from Picún Leufú) are well known for the quality of their brown trout, especially towards the end of the season. From La Picaza a bend in the river, a favorite spot of regular visitors, can be reached.

Provided you have the appropriate vehicle, an adrenaline rush can be added to the outing: from Bajada Colorada, an access off the paved road, an exciting drive towards the river including wading the Taux branch. Turning off the road where the Auca Cuyin zoo used to be leads to a coveted fishing spot. There are not many trees, though.

Rainbow and brown trout, small-mouth, Patagonian silverside, pencil catfish and ten-spotted live bearers not only require skill at using rods, reels and flies but the right land and water temperature.

We recommend the use of 6 or 7 fast action rods, fast ST sinking lines and dry flies. Yellow Humpy, Goodard Caddis, Sparkle Dun, Madame X and the ones imitating tucuras are the most popular. Regarding streamers, Rabbit Wolly Bugger, Matukas and Marabou Muddler (between 2 and 6) with olive green, brown or black, pearly hues or orange wool are the favorites.

The advice we got from other anglers and the amazing places made us want to return as soon as possible with the right gear and time to fish at leisure. Trout anglers are reputed to have a good sense of humor which probably accounts for a certain ‘increase’ in the size of their catch, also part of a great outing by the river.