The Rivers
From its principal source, Lake Aluminé, the Aluminé River runs for 250 Km, approximately. The Aluminé is fed by the rivers Pulmarí, Quillen, Ruca Choroy, Malleo and Catan Lil. When it meets the Chimehuín it becomes the Collón-Curá River.
It is possible to float the Aluminé so as to catch rainbow and brown trout. Fish found in the Aluminé include rainbow trout and, on a smaller scale, brown trout. The Aluminé is the only river that flows -from north to south- for more than 250 Km; when it meets Chimehuín its name changes to Collon-Curá.
As it is a very wide and deep river it is almost always floated; as it is one of the longest rivers there are several places to fish one of them is in the area that goes from Bridge Pilolil up to the confluence of the Aluminé with the Malleo.
The fishing depends on the rate of flow, as the only way to get to the river is by boat, yet is always good.
The headwaters of the Caleufu River lie in the Lanin National Park and the river runs for roughly 60 miles until it reaches the Alicura Reservoir. In the high elevations, the river cuts through low canyons and pine forest while in the lower portions, the river meanders through the Patagonia steppe with islands and banks lined with tall grasses and willows. Since most of the river is on private ranches, the only way to fish it is by floating for 3 days. This is a very scenic float that begins in the foothills of the Andes, and ends on the dry arid desert of Patagonia.
The ratio of rainbows to browns is about 4:1. Browns averaging 2-4 lbs. tend to be larger then rainbows. Dry flies and nymph´s all work incredibly well in this river which holds several species of caddis, mayflies and small stoneflies. The river also supports a large population of pancora crabs, making streamer fishing very effective.
The Malleo River is probably the most consistent high quality river in Argentina, and possibly anywhere. Its character is varied enough to suit just about any anglers tastes. Most of the time you can fish this river with a dry and nymph dropper system and catch as many trout as your skills allow. The rainbow, browns and brook trout average between 14-20 inches. There are a few fish in the 22-24 inch class caught every year and many larger fish have been seen or landed. However the Malleo should not be approached as a huge-trout fishery.
Smaller than most of the rivers of the area, but with amazing water structures, The Malleo river is just paradise for dry-fly fishing and light tackle. Mayflies, caddis and small stoneflies hatches, are really frequent and predictable through most of the fishing season. Classic mid size dry flies (#12 - #16), like Adams, Red Quill's, March Brown's, Elk hair Caddis work great earlier in the summer while BWO, Blue Duns, and #16-#20 mayfly patterns are more common from Mid March on...
The river contains a vast array of water types, from the upper meadow spring creek waters, to the rocky canyon fast water, down to the classic riffle, run, pool water near the lodge. The Malleo is just challenging enough to be fun to cast to the rainbows and browns rising under the willows, in the flats, and over the weed beds. The river is so filled with trout of all sizes as to guarantee lots of action, even for the beginner. Most moderately skilled anglers can wade out a bit and comfortably fish the far bank, which makes it very manageable. The numerous willows and the allure they hold for the biggest trout can test the skills of the best anglers. The Malleo is considered by many to be the crown jewel of Patagonia, and consistently wins the hearts of every visiting angler. The ever visible Lanin Volcano heads the gorgeous Malleo valley and as a marker for the Chile-Argentine border gives one a clear sense of just how far you have traveled.
It is one of the many famed rivers in Argentina. In fact, this is considered the first river that gave northern Patagonia its renowned trout fishing reputation. Years before Joe Brooks’s arrival, legendary Argentine angler Bebe was pulling huge trout from the river.
It has produced the largest landlocked brown trout in all of Patagonia, and still today anglers gather at the boca of the Huechulafquen Lake looking to hook into one of its prized browns that migrate from the lake to the river during the fall spawning run. From its source, the Chimehuín River runs 53 kilometers through several miles of private estancias, public lands and the town of Junin de los Andes.
The best way to begin a description of the Collon-Curá River is that it is formed by the Malleo, Aluminé, and Chimehuín Rivers. Realize that these rivers are probably three of the most fertile rivers in Argentina, with great water quality and size. As a freestone river, the Collon-Curá is probably one of the most prolific fisheries in this region. It is also the type of fishing that most resembles some of the great Western Rivers.
Running through a high desert valley, with a very mild gradient, you will fish endless broad riffles, and have great float fishing opportunities every inch of the way. Like many of the rivers in Argentina, most of this river is running through just 2 estancias, which insures relative isolation, and very little pressure on the river.
Just about every form of fly fishing can be effective on the Collon-Curá. Big foam with droppers in the riffles, hoppers and droppers on the banks, calm morning hatches with noses in the riffles and flats, caddis, mayflies, streamers... this river has it all. There is not really a slow time on the Collon-Curá. Clients have repeatedly claimed the Collon-Curá rainbows are the hardest fighting fish in all of Patagonia, and most guides agree.
The Traful River is probably one of the most notable rivers of Argentina. The lake and valley which drain the Traful, are a sight within themselves. The Traful valley drains the river into the Limay River and its system of dams. From fabulous rock outcroppings and spires, to the site of one of the largest condor roosts in Patagonia, its magic is unmatched in this region.
Bariloche is located within the continental watershed with its northern rivers flowing towards the Atlantic, while the southern rivers flow to the Pacific. The Limay River is a northeast flowing river that drains the Nahuel Huapi Lake in Bariloche. The crystal clear Limay River flows east towards the drier steppe land. Though it can be a difficult river to fish it is known to yield huge fish in the 10 lb. plus category, both rainbows and browns. A day floating and fishing this river with a guide can be worthwhile especially in the fall months of March and April.
All types of fishing techniques are used throughout the season; however, sinking tip or shooting head lines tend to produce the best results. The ratio of rainbows to browns is about 3:1 and trophy fish are released every year. In the beginning of the season, dry flies can produce numerous fish, while in the fall, angler's focus on size instead of numbers. Five to 15 pound browns enter the river from the lake around April and can provide anglers with great opportunities at trophy fish. During this time the fishing is very much like steelheading or Sea-Run Brown angling.
Meliquina River brings you its gorgeous landscapes and tranquil natural environment as well. Besides the thrilling water voyage, you can fix your eyes on the surrounding native forest too. Don’t be surprised, if you get a glimpse of some wild animals and pretty birds along the river. The serene environment will leave you enchanted, making your trip worth remembering!
The delightful waters are quite well known for its rich fish stock as well. So, you can choose to enjoy fishing on the Meliquina River. You can also go for a camping expedition and enjoy the stunning locales by the riverside.
Pichi Leufu means Small River in ancient Indian language, which refers to the size of the river. It is located at the east of the Andes Mountain and crosses the Patagonian steppe. During thousand of years the hills were eroded by the wind, giving the appearance of a lunar landscape to some places.
This is an outstanding small river of calm waters and big hatches. For light tackle fans is a paradise, rods number one, two, three, nymphs and dries are special to this river.
The number and quality of its Rainbow trout will be a pleasant surprise for you. Also the chances of hooking a 3 to 5 pound resident Brown adds a lot of excitement to fishing this wonderful river.