7 Dry Flies for Success in Patagonia

This is my go-to searching attractor fly that I put on when it is not clear what the fish are keyed into. The Madam X is capable as a stand-alone fly for twitching tight to the bank, highly visible in faster riffles and choppy water, and buoyant enough to run a small nymph dropper off it.

Summertime fishing in Patagonia means hoppers on many rivers across the region, so I always make sure to carry a solid selection of Morrish Hoppers in tan and purple in different sizes. I also carry the black version which can double as a beetle pattern for fishing spring creeks.

I like the Skater Tot for a sized down, low riding attractor when I want something with a slimmer profile to selective trout. It can represent a variety of insects and has a nice natural wing and hackles for a lighter presentation.

This classic mayfly pattern is a must have for fishing foam lines and eddies for sipping trout in rivers and cruising fish in lakes. I always carry Parachute Adams in sizes 12 - 18. For reasons that are not entirely clear, there's just something magical about the purple variation.

The beetle is my favorite spring creek terrestrial for walk and wade fishing in southern Patagonia. If I was forced to fish one fly for a week on spring creeks, the Ground Beetle is a no-brainer.

The austral spring is a beautiful time to visit Patagonia and December often means dragonflies are around the region’s vast lakes. This high riding, highly visible pattern can bring explosive takes when trout are keyed into this seasonal hatch.

Who does not love mousing?! Pro-tip: the legendary Morrish Mouse works in Patagonia as well and can bring out some of the biggest fish with aggressive trout looking for an easy meal. This proven pattern floats like a ship, skates, wakes, and is effective on spring creeks, rivers, and even Jurassic Lake. When the opportunity presents itself, I am throwing on a Morrish Mouse.

Contact our Patagonia Destinations Manager, Jake Crawford, to learn more about his favorite flies for Patagonia and further details about his specific recommendations.

Click below to view our updated prime openings and availability for our favorite locations to fish the flies and experience the raw diversity and beauty of Patagonia