ARTICLE 19

The countries of Chile, Brazil and Argentina are the popular destinations in South America for fly fishing.

Chile is a very beautiful country in the Andean Mountains with many rivers generally rising in the Andes and flowing west to the Pacific.

Chile

Large rainbow and brown trout growing up to five kilos are very abundant in River Puelo. Other fish species in abundance are the Atlantic and Coho Salmon. The best time to fish in River Puelo is between December to March as King Salmons swimming back to the river put up a good show.

Patagonia is the southernmost region in South America that is shared by both Chile and Argentinia. The most diverse animal life and most impressive landscapes in South America are found in Patagonia. This is where naturalist Charles Darwin spend his time observing the vast array of indigenous floral and faunal species. Patagonio is where Paloma River, Magote River, Petrohue River, Maullin River and Lake Elizalde are located. These bodies of water are famous for their trout and stunning natural surroundings. Other activities that can be enjoyed include rafting, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, summit ascents, excursions and windsurfing.

Brazil

Brazil is South America’s largest country and home to mountain ranges include the Serra da Mantiqueira, the Serra do Espinhaço, the Chapada Diamantina, and the Serra do Mar which are famous for rich their biodiversity.

The best tropical fly fishing can be experience in Rio de Janeiro. Abundance of Anchovies, blue runner, pompano, blue fish, saw fish make Rio an angler’s paradise.

Many boat cruises are also offered in Rio de Janeiro whose waters allow for great diversity of fishing methods. Rio has a long ocean coast line as well as many rivers, lakes and dykes.

Perhaps the biggest attraction in Brazilian fly fishing is the big and beautiful Peacock Bass that can grow up to three feet. It is an acrobatic fish that has colors of dark rosettes, light speckles, impressive shades of bright green, orange, blue and gold and is strong enough to challenge even the most skillful of fly fisherman.

Argentina

Argentina is a world class fly fishing destination famous for the Iguaçu Falls, a tributary of the Paraná, its chief river. Argentina’s important rivers are the Río Colorado and the Río Salado which are also famous fly fishing sites.

Aluminé River, Chimehuin River and Collón Curá River are home to big trout. The brown trout in these rivers can weigh as much as 9 pounds.

The Argentinian part of Patagonia is as exciting a fly fishing destination as its Chilean counterpart. The majestic snow capped Mountains of the Andes and the turquoise blue water of Rio Puelo provides a breathtaking surrounding to this angler’s paradise. The diverse range of lakes, rivers and creeks are home to wild Chinook and Atlantic salmon.

The best time of the month to go fly fishing in Chile is from November to April because the days are long and weather is moderate. There is also an abundant supply of brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout during these time of the year.