The eighth largest country in the world has a whopping 4,700 kilometers (2,900 miles) of coastline. But that’s not why anglers come to Argentina from around the globe. From the “Land of Fire” in the south all the way up to the mighty rivers of the north, fishing in Argentina offers a truly unique freshwater experience.
This is a land that’s wild. The untouched nature you’ll find here is a distant memory in the American West. It’s also a land that’s full of top-quality sport fish. Cast a line here, and you’ll see why this could be the best fly fishing destination in the world. Read on and find out exactly what makes fishing in Argentina so special.
Argentina Fish Species
This country spans a whole range of territories. From the luscious north all the way down to the southern tip of the Americas, the landscape changes – and so do the fish. Up towards Uruguay and Brazil, exotic native monsters patrol jungle rivers. Further south, European and North American transplants have made their own thriving communities. But wherever you are, you’ll be in reach of some truly incredible fish.
Trout
Three species of Trout have settled happily into Argentina over the last century. Back in the 1930s, European settlers carefully transported thousands of German Brown Trout eggs halfway across the world. When they finally got here and acclimatized themselves, these fish felt right at home. The glacial waters and shallow, fast-moving streams are their perfect habitat!
In the south near Tierra del Fuego, you’ll even find some Sea-run Brown Trout. They’re mighty strong and unusually large. It’s common to catch fish measuring over 40 centimeters (16 inches), with people catching fish almost double that size every year.
As well as Brown Trout, those early settlers brought Rainbow Trout from the McCloud River in California and Brook Trout from Maine. These fish fit right in, creating self-sustaining populations across Patagonia. Not only are they abundant here, but they also live in some of the most beautiful, untouched surroundings you can fish anywhere.
It’s no wonder, then, that Argentina Trout fishing is a big business. It’s common to dedicate a week or more to exploring Patagonia’s wild rivers, lakes, and streams in search of these strong Salmonids, often staying in a lodge dedicated to the sport. Peak Trout season is the southern hemisphere’s summer, from January to March, although you can fish for them anytime from November to April.
Golden Dorado
Argentina’s name comes from the Italian word for silver, but it’s the Golden Dorado that causes anglers to rush to the country’s north. Unlike Trout, these striking game fish are native to South America and they rule supreme in places like the Rio de la Plata and the Iberá Marshes.
It’s impossible to forget a Golden Dorado once you’ve encountered one. They look and fight like nothing else. Glimmering scales and a row of razor-sharp teeth inspire respect and wonder in equal measure. Feel one on the end of your line, and you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’ve hooked a Tarpon! The acrobatics above the water and sheer size of these beasts feels much more like sea fishing than anything you’d expect to find in freshwater.
Golden Dorado fishing in Argentina peaks from September to June, but you can catch them all year round. Just be warned. Whether you’re fishing with flies or lures, you’ll be in for a workout!
Surubí
If you could see to the bottom of the murky habitats of the Golden Dorado, you might be surprised. Some truly enormous river monsters explore these depths. Take Surubí, for example, a type of Catfish that can reach a tackle-busting 70 kilos (154 pounds).
There are two species of Surubí in Argentina. Both have long, pointy whiskers and eye-catching black-and-white markings. Not only are they extremely large, but they’re also a local delicacy. This is actually one of the few species of fish in Argentina that competes with beef for a place on fine dining tables!
Because Surubí stick to the bed of deeper rivers, they’re more suited to bottom fishing than fly fishing. But that’s no reason to overlook them. Once they take your bait, they dive hard and swim fast, putting even the most experienced angler to the test.
Pacú
If Golden Dorado are the freshwater answer to the Tarpon, Pacú are the Permits. They’re similarly shaped with wide, flat bodies. It’s also just as hard to convince them to take your bait. You’ll find these fish in the same jungle rivers where you find Dorado and Surubí, especially from December through May.
You probably won’t be surprised, then, that Pacú are another top fly fishing target and are just as fun to catch with spinning tackle or baitcasters. Even though they’re usually smaller than Dorado, they’ll test medium-weight gear to the limit. Pacú are surprisingly strong and will do all they can to escape into structure when you finally manage to trick one into biting.
While you can’t quite tell from the image above, Pacú have developed a row of what looks like human teeth! Anyone who catches these unusual Argentinian fish will have quite the shock if they look in their mouths.
What else?
You’ve probably already figured that there’s a whole lot more to Argentina fishing than Trout and Dorado. The northern rivers are also home to the elusive Pirá Pytá, which makes up the Argentinian Grand Slam alongside Golden Dorado and Pacú. You should also look out for tasty Pejerrey and ferocious Wolf Fish.
As well as Trout, Patagonia is home to another introduced species. This is the only place in the world where non-native Pacific Salmon have established a self-sustaining population that swims between rivers and the Atlantic Ocean. And they grow big. Believe it or not, the world all-tackle length record for Chinook Salmon was caught in Argentina in 2023, measuring 112 centimeters (over 44 inches)!
How to Go Fishing in Argentina
As you’ve seen, Argentina is a tale of two parts when it comes to fishing. Either, you’ll be battling Salmonids in the wild windy south. Or, you’ll be exploring jungle rivers for exotic native monsters. The fishing styles and techniques you’ll use are just as diverse. Whether you’re a hardcore fly angler or you’re looking for a more relaxed adventure, we’ll explain what to expect and how to prepare.
Fly Fishing in Argentina
People have written whole books about fly fishing in Argentina – and these often only cover Patagonia! We can see why. You could spend a lifetime exploring the wild, windy plains of the southern tip of the Americas with a fly rod. It’s not just the Trout and Salmon that draw fly fishers here. It’s also the sparsely populated landscape and clean, clear waters.
The main challenge for fly fishers here is the wind. Gusts that would put paid to many a North American fishing trip are the standard. Short, powerful 9′, 7 wt fly rods make casting in these conditions at least possible. You may also want a second double-handed rod that you can use for spey or roll casting. Come with a selection of big dry flies and natural-colored streamers, and get ready for some of the most rewarding fly fishing of your life.
If you’ve come all this way, it would be a shame not to try your hand at the local species in the north. Golden Dorado fly fishing is almost as much of an attraction in Argentina as the Salmonids are in the south. Again, bring a relatively short and powerful rod to withstand the powerful leaps of these eye-catching fish. And pack a variety of dark-colored streamers to create a silhouette that a Dorado can’t resist.
Most Argentina fly fishing vacations take place in lodges, usually at “estancias” or ranches in the south. This is the type of fishing trip you dream about – acres of private fishing land, served with a side of world-famous wine and Argentinian beef. Often, these places provide fishing equipment, but you’re welcome to bring your own.
While you can go fly fishing in Argentina on a budget, this requires a lot more organization. If you start at Bariloche and rent a car, you can explore the nearby Nahuel Huapi National Park and Limay River under your own steam. It helps if you speak Spanish but, even if you don’t, you can usually get by just fine.
Deep Sea Fishing in Argentina
With all this excitement available inland, you can almost understand why no one really talks about Argentina’s deep sea fishing. Almost. Patagonia alone has over 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles) of coastline, and catch limits are non-existent. Large Yellowtail Amberjack and impressive Grouper are frequent catches on those rare boats that take people sportfishing. Hake, Porgies, and Sharks complement the Yellowtails.
A handful of charters take tourists sea fishing in Argentina, often as a complement to commercial fishing. You can also fish the saltwater from the shore, casting from rocks in Patagonia for Whiting and Silverside, or wading the shallow lagoons near Buenos Aires for large Flounder.
Argentina Fishing Spots
We’ve already talked about Argentina’s diverse landscapes and the types of fish you can catch in the north compared to the south. Here, we’ll walk you through the specifics of where to go across the country…
Where to Fish in Patagonia
How better to describe Argentina’s south than in the words of the country’s most famous writer, Jorge Luis Borges? “The country was vast, but at the same time, it was intimate and, in some measure, secret… And it might have occurred to Dahlmann that he was traveling into the past and not merely south.”
Anglers in Argentina have expressed similar feelings – mostly because of the unusually healthy ecosystem and sheer quantity of fish. These destinations stand out:
- Tierra del Fuego. Argentina’s remote southern tip feels like the end of the earth. But it’s the single best place in the world to catch Sea-run Brown Trout. Fishing here centers around the vast Rio Grande, where an average-sized Brown Trout is 5–9 kilos (12–20 pounds).
- Los Glaciares National Park. The short 12-kilometer (8-mile) Rio Caterina runs from a high plateau down into Largo Argentino, the country’s largest freshwater lake. Enormous Chinook Salmon travel up these glacial waters from the end of December through mid-April every year. Make sure your muscles and tackle are up to the challenge!
- Strobel Lake. A little further north in Santa Cruz Province, Strobel Lake is a mecca for Rainbow Trout. Also known as Jurassic Lake, this is one of the most reliable places on the planet for trophy Rainbows weighing 9 kilos (20 pounds) or more.
- Bariloche. The best thing about San Carlos de Bariloche is its connections. It sits on the curved shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, which is fed by several streams and rivers including the mighty Limay River. It’s also a regional hub, offering the facilities, guide services, and information you’d expect from an urban area. It’s easy to get to the Malleo River, a famous dry fly fishery, and the Collon Cura, an exciting destination for fast-paced Rainbow Trout fishing.
Where to Fish in Northern Argentina
Whether you’ve come to the north of Argentina for the cosmopolitan hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires or the dramatic landscapes towards the border with Paraguay, you won’t be far away from some good fishing spots. Here are some of the best places to explore the unofficial “Golden Dorado Capital of the World”:
- Buenos Aires. Argentina’s capital looks out onto the Rio de la Plata, an enormous estuary where the Uruguay River and the Paraná River combine. Both of these are legendary Golden Dorado waters in their own right. It’s no surprise, then, that this is one of the best places in the world to catch this exotic species.
- Concordia. Another contender for the best place on the planet to fish for Golden Dorado is just downstream from the Salto Grande Dam on the Uruguay River. Fishing “La Zona” is restricted to four days a week, and is catch-and-release-only. But it’s worth it. The local Dorados are huge and plentiful, sometimes tipping the scales at over 20 kilos (50 pounds). The rich food chain available here doesn’t just support this huge Dorado population – it sets the stage for amazing Surubí and Pacú fishing, too.
- The Iberá Wetlands. The enormous freshwater preserve of the Iberá Wetlands is one of the most important conservation areas in South America. Stretching well over 8,000 square kilometers (5,000 square miles), it dwarfs anywhere you’re likely to have fished in the past. The endless swamps, bogs, lakes, and lagoons that make up this habitat are the perfect place to find Golden Dorado. Several lodges serve this area and the best part is that you’ll be miles away from other anglers.
Argentina Fishing Regulations
In Argentina, fishing is regulated on a province-by-province basis. Most areas require anglers to purchase a sportfishing license, which you can do at most tackle shops and municipal information centers. You’ll need a separate license to fish in Tierra del Fuego, too.
As well as purchasing a license, make sure to check the fishing season before you travel. Many areas are only open to fishing at certain times of the year. For instance, in Santa Cruz and Tierra del Fuego, you can only fish from the end of November through March. In most of the rest of Patagonia, the season stays open until April.
Finally, know your access rights. Many Argentinian estancias own miles of private land and back onto Trout-filed rivers. Yet, it’s legal to enter rivers from public access points such as bridges and to walk along the river banks – from the high water mark up to 10 meters inland. Just be courteous and be sure to observe local regulations, only using fly fishing gear in fly-only waters and catching and releasing according to the laws of the waterway.
Argentina: A Land of Extremes
Argentina is one of the most talked-about fishing destinations on the planet. But sometimes this talk can be a little one-dimensional. Think about it. Argentina’s national character is a combination of sophisticated urban centers and the image of a solitary Gaucho cowboy riding across a vast landscape… The contrasts in its fishing are just as stark!
The man-made fishery in the south is now one of the most stunning places to experience wild fishing. Meanwhile, genuine river monsters patrol within sight of the country’s biggest city. There’s a whole world of fish to explore in Argentina. Pack a rod and get ready. Whatever your destination, you’re in for an adventure.
Have you been fishing in Argentina? Or are you planning a trip in the future? Let us know your plans and we’ll help hook you up with local guides or help you arrange an unforgettable solo adventure!
The post Argentina Fishing: The Complete Guide for 2024 appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
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