Below is what the official regulations say for the waters we fish, so you can pick your dates before you book flights.
Opening and closing dates
| Water | Open | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Limay River | 1 Nov – 31 May | Fly only and catch and release on the upper stretch. Release becomes mandatory everywhere from 1 April. |
| Manso River | 1 Nov – 30 Apr | Floating is what the dates limit. On the lower stretch, floating closes earlier, on 31 March. |
| Lake Nahuel Huapi | 1 Nov – 1 May | Open again through May and in October, with a stricter catch limit. |
| Hess Lake | 1 Nov – 1 May | No motor boats. |
| Roca Lake | 1 Nov – 1 May | Rowed trolling allowed. |
| Moreno Lake | All year | The one that stays open. Release becomes mandatory from 30 April. |
Dates from the 2025/2026 Patagonian fishing regulations. They are reissued every year, usually in October, and the exact days can shift. We check them before every trip; if you are planning around a specific date, ask us.
What to fish, and when
November and December — the opening
The rivers come back to life and the whole park opens at once. Long days, a lot of light, and the first serious hatches. If you want the Limay at its most generous and you do not mind sharing it with other boats, this is the window.
January and February — high summer
The dry fly months. Warm afternoons, terrestrial insects falling on the water, and fish looking up. On Hess Lake there is a dragonfly and damselfly hatch that makes fishing big attractors genuinely exciting. This is also the easiest time to bring someone who does not fish: the weather cooperates.
Late March to May — the migratory brown trout
The moment most anglers wait for. The big brown trout start moving up from the lakes into the river to spawn, and they come in heavy after a season of eating. First runs are usually at the end of March, though in some years they have shown up in February, and they can be fished until the season closes.
Worth knowing: on the Limay, from 1 April every fish goes back in the water. That is not a restriction to be sorry about, it is the reason those fish are that size. There is more on the season in migratory brown trout fishing.
June to October — winter
The rivers are closed and most of the region is quiet, but Moreno Lake stays open. Twenty minutes from downtown Bariloche, crystal-clear water, a Cohiue forest under snow, and rainbow, brook and brown trout that have not seen a fly in months. Nobody else is out there. Bring warm clothes and see winter fishing on Moreno Lake.
Before you book your dates
You will also need a fishing permit, and it is worth knowing which one to buy before you arrive. See the fishing license in Bariloche: prices, where to get it, and which one is worth it.
Not sure which month suits you?
Tell us what you are after — dry fly, big fish, quiet water, bringing family along — and we will tell you honestly when to come. Sometimes the answer is not the month you had in mind.
Everything You Need for Your Trip
What to Bring
We provide all the necessary fishing equipment for a full day on the water. To ensure your comfort and safety, we recommend bringing:
- Polarized sunglasses
- A hat
- Sunscreen
- Warm clothing
- Raincoat
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us!
Included
- All flies, rods & reels, lunch (full day) and drinks.
- Transportation to the fishing place.
- Bilingual Guide
Not Included
- Fishing license (we can provide you).
- Guide gratuity.
Payment Methods
We offer various payment options for your convenience:
- Credit Cards: We accept Amex, Mastercard, and Visa through PayPal.
- Cash: Full payment can be made in US dollars, Euros, or Pesos on the day of the trip.
- Mercado Pago
