Patagonia Flies ~ An Argentina Fly Fishing Resource

Tierra del Fuego is an island separated from the mainland by the Straits of Magellan and split between Chile and Argentina. The eastern part of the island is home to the Rio Grande river on the Argentine side famous for world record sea run brown trout and the southernmost city Ushuaia. There are also stretches of the Rio Grande on the Chilean side as it is a massive river. Almost all of the Rio Grande is privately owned and the majority is fly fishing only. Patagonia flies recommends all of the lodges as it is really a trip of a lifetime and all of the river’s pools can hold trophy size fish. The best time to catch a monster generally is the fall run being March to April in the upper pools as the sea runs make their way up the river to spawn and then return to sea. The flies to use vary depending on the rivers clarity but in general olive, black, and brown streamers with rubber legs can be extremely good choices. Top water skaters and small price nymphs if the river is clear can also be very effective given the time of year. While on the island be sure not to miss Tierra del Fuego Natiional Park which has dramatic scenery, with beautiful waterfalls, snow covered mountains and pristine glaciers. Home to guanacos, foxes, beavers, and over 90 different species of birds one will be in awe of its wonders. The park can easily be accessed by the End of the World train from the outskirts of the city of Ushuaia or by car. Here’s a Photo taken by our dear friend Alejandro Martello of a sea run brown macho.