Bariloche is an ideal place for fishing due to the variety of species and the wonderful natural environment that surrounds the waters. The Rio Limay (located 45 minutes from downtown Bariloche) together with the majestic Nahuel Huapi Lake are the two most popular sites for fishing due to the proliferation of valuable fish species such as rainbow, brown and brook trout. In addition, there are other native species such as smallmouth perch, Patagonian silverside, torrent catfish, small and large puyén and little water mothers.
The best location to be able to fish these varieties in the Limay is its left bank a short distance from the lake, here you can see a large number of rainbow and brown trout that average between 700 grams and 2.5 kilos. For lovers of fly fishing, the best sector is north of the Limay river until its confluence with the Traful river.
The Limay River (name that means in the Mapuche language "transparent or limpid") is an important flow of water that has its origin at the eastern end of Lake Nahuel Huapi and flows in a meandering way about 500 kilometers in a northeast direction surrounded by forests of willows, adding tributaries such as the Traful, Pichileufú, Collón Curá and Picún Leufú rivers, until they meet the Neuquén river. The Limay River drains a large basin of 63,700 km² and has a length of about 500 km.
As for the natural environment that surrounds this river, you can see picturesque volcanic rock formations, canyons and coasts covered with willows. If you are interested in knowing more about the
fishing tours in Bariloche or
tours in the Limay River below I leave you more information:
Fishing season and regulations in the Limay River
The fishing season in this area, as in the entire Patagonian region, begins on November 1 and ends on April 30. The Limay River offers different possibilities for novice or advanced fishermen, it is an excellent option for dry fly fishing from November to March.
In Rio Limay there are mandatory techniques designed to protect the fish. For example, you should always lure fish and you cannot use live bait such as worms or shrimp. Nor can you fish with lures that have treble hooks, spinels or nets. The accepted methods are: spinning (spoon), fly casting (fly) and trolling (trawling in which different lures are used). All modalities can be done from the coast, by boat or motorboat.
Another important point of the sport fishing regulation establishes the Return Fishing modality, since the reproduction cycle of trout in Patagonia is completely natural, it is one of the ways to preserve them without significantly reducing their population and thus maintain wild trout They are elusive, cunning and acrobatic in their jumps and make it a very attractive challenge for anglers from all over the world.
Fishing equipment for Rio Limay
To fish in the Rio Limay you have to carry spoons and for "trolling" shaved or large spoons with lead lines are used. In the case of bathing that is carried out walking in the river, the recommended clothing for cold days is the neoprene "wader" and to better complement the equipment I recommend bringing a spare "reel".
Regarding the type of rod, it is recommended to use a 6 or 7, fast action with extra fast sinking ST lines. Dry flies are best for this place, whether it's Irresistible and Yellow Humpy, Goodard Caddis, Sparkle Dun or knockoffs and Madame X.
In addition, you can choose streamer type flies such as Rabbit, Wolly Bugger, Matukas and Marabou Muddler between numbers 2 and 6, preferably those with wool heads in olive green, brown or black colors combined with pearl or orange tones.
Another tip is to wade through the river very carefully and wear inflatable fishing vests, especially near the dam area.
With all the aforementioned equipment, in any of the slopes of the Limay you will be able to enjoy an excellent day of sport fishing.
If you are interested in fishing and you do not have the necessary equipment on your trip, I recommend
the fly fishing or spinning day tour in the Limay River, where you have transfer from your hotel, all the necessary equipment (Waders, footwear, rods, reels, lines, flies or lures, etc.), along with a guide who will advise you at all times and at the end will prepare a delicious lunch in the middle of nature.
How to get to the Limay River from Bariloche
To get to the Limay River from the center of Bariloche, you have to drive east along Route 237 for 45 minutes until you reach the Corral de Piedra sign where there are accesses for fishing.
It is important to bear in mind that the Limay River has several accesses to enjoy fishing, there are other points further away from the city but that are very popular due to the flow of water and the variety of trout such as the Middle Limay in Picún Leufú at 250 kilometers from the center (reached by route 237). Another popular entrance is that of El Pantanito, 10 kilometers from Picún Leufú, at this bend the Limay is more accessible and has good fishing conditions for rainbow and brown trout.
And finally, another access recommended by local fishermen is the one signposted on route 237 towards Piedra del Aguila as Auca Cayin, on this descent you will find brown trout.