Who is best suited to this destination? This is a great operation for intermediate and advanced anglers who enjoy technical tailwater trout fishing and employing a wide range of techniques. Anglers will predominately fish from a boat but there are great wading opportunities in the braids and side channels.
Where is the lodge? The lodge is located on a large ranch in central Patagonia, in Argentina. It is 2.5 hours by vehicle from San Martin de los Andes and 3 hours from Bariloche.
How do I get there? To reach Limay River Ranch, you will need to fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina and then take a domestic flight south to a regional airport. The preferred route is to fly from Buenos Aires into the Chapelco Airport (CPC), outside the city of San Martin, and take a 2.5-hour drive to the lodge. Guests can also take a flight from Buenos Aires to Bariloche and take a 3-hour private ground transfer to the lodge.
When should I go? The season runs from November 1 – April 31. The rainbow and resident brown trout fishing remains good throughout the season, and large migratory brown trout make their way out of the reservoir in January and continue in greater numbers through May. As a tailwater, the river remains cool throughout the summer, and it is typical to wet wade the river from January through most of March. While dry fly fishing is productive throughout the season, hatches can be regularly targeted from late November through mid-January and again from late March through May.
How will I fish? The Limay River is a rewarding tailwater fishery where anglers will employ a variety of methods including small dry flies, terrestrials, streamers, and nymphs under a large dry fly or indicator. For the migratory browns, anglers will swing flies on a light spey rod or heavier single hand rod with large skaters or streamers, either from the boat or while wading.
Is there wade fishing? Yes. There is some quality wade fishing in the braids and side channels of the Limay River available, and anglers targeting the migratory browns will be able to get out and wade prime holding water to swing flies from the bank.
Where will I fish? Guests will fish the middle Limay River, which runs approximately 70km from the Piedra del Aguila dam and the Ezequiel Ramos Mexia reservoir. The river character changes throughout that reach and there is a large mainstem river with numerous islands and side channels available to wade. The lodge has lots of beats and anglers will typically fish new water each day.
How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? All beats can be reached within a 10-to 45-minute drive.
What type(s) of fish will I catch? The Middle Limay River is home to very strong rainbow trout in the 17” – 22” class, along with some resident brown trout, and lake-run migratory brown trout in the 5 – 15lb class.
How many fish will I catch? Anglers typically catch around a dozen or more quality rainbow trout per day and hope to have an opportunity at a migratory brown per day. Given this is a tailwater fishery, the conditions can change dramatically throughout the day based on water fluctuations. The guides are very skilled and tuned into giving anglers the best chance of finding where the fish are holding and what they are keyed into, through various water conditions.
Will I see other anglers? The Middle Limay River is public water, but access is a limiting factor. The ranch has excellent access to the river with numerous private put ins and take outs. While you may see other anglers, you will see relatively few.
What are the guides like? Except for the co-owner Ron, who is American, all the guides are Argentine and speak quality fishing and conversational English. They are all sophisticated fly anglers and highly professional. The Middle Limay River is a dynamic and sometimes technical tailwater fishery and the guides know these waters well. Chocolate Lab Expeditions has been outfitting on the Middle Limay since 2002 and knows the ins and outs of this unique fishery.
What are the physical demands? Not many. The wading is fairly easy, and the outfitter has low sided RO drift boats that are easy to get in and out of.
Are there any special skills required? As is true across Patagonia, experience casting in the wind is beneficial.
Does the lodge provide equipment? The outfitter can provide wading boots, rods, reels, lines and flies as part of your package with advance notice. It is recommended to bring fresh spools of tippet and leaders.
What is your favorite setup for the trip? A medium to fast action 5-weight rod for technical dry fly fishing and a 6-weight rod for larger attractors and nymph rigs. A lighter 6-weight or 7-weight Spey rod or 8-weight single hand rod is great for swinging flies when targeting the migratory brown trout.
What are the top flies? Guests will fish a variety of flies based on the conditions, and anglers can expect to try a variety of flies to determine what the fish are keyed on at any moment. This could be size 16 – 18 parachute Adams, spinners, grasshopper dries and other terrestrials, as well as an assortment of small caddis and mayfly nymphs. For the migratory browns, the guides really enjoy fishing large foam skaters, muddlers, and other dry flies, but guests may also find themselves fishing streamers when conditions dictate.
What are the options if water conditions become challenging? The river is a tailwater fishery and flows can fluctuate throughout the day and week, but it rarely blows out. It can be windy, but they have different reaches that are more protected to provide a degree of shelter from the wind and allow you to continue fishing for the day.
What is a typical day like? Days begin with made-to-order breakfasts and coffee around 8 AM, before heading out to the river for a full day of fishing. Lunch is typically served on the river, but some of the closest beats allow anglers to return for lunch before heading out for the afternoon session. Appetizers are served after returning to the lodge and dinners are typically served between 8:00 - 9:00 PM. You will eat with your fishing partner or group, so your daily schedule does not depend on the other guests at the ranch. As a result, the daily fishing and meal schedule is flexible.
What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge? The lodge is located on an expansive estancia in a remote scenic valley near the Middle Limay River. It is modern, well-appointed and comfortable, and guests feel at home wearing their fishing clothes or a nice shirt at the dinner table.
Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point person at the lodge? Yes, there is always an on-site manager available at the lodge. Depending on the season, one or both of the lodge owners, Diego Gaiser or Ron Sorensen will be present.
Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? There is a central dining cabin with a bar and dining area as well as an outside barbeque for Asado (traditional Argentina cuisine cooked over an open fire). The meals are all chef-curated and made on site with vegetables from the garden. Hot breakfast is served with sausage, eggs, and bacon made to order with cereal, pastries and fruit available. Be sure to try the Limay Special at breakfast!
What is the alcohol policy? Beer, wine, and alcohol are included at the lodge, and they send out a limited amount of beer and wine for the day on the boat.
Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? The lodge is over 80 percent solar powered with 24-hour electricity and features six private double occupancy cabins. The cabins are modern, simple and comfortable with air-conditioning, heat, comfortable beds, and attached bathrooms. Single occupancy cabins are possible for an additional fee (based on availability).
Is there internet and/or cell service? There is high speed wireless internet through Starlink with repeaters throughout the property and some limited cell coverage.
Are there other activities? No. This is a fishing-focused program.
Are there any other expenses? Transfers from Bariloche Airport to Limay River Ranch are available for an additional transfer fee. There is a small gift shop on site with locally made goods and products, which can be purchased in cash USD on site.
Do I need a visa? US and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Argentina.
Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances? We recommend that guests always consult with the U.S. Department of State and the Center for Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines.
