Region Facts
Target Species: Rainbow, brown and brook trout
Major Fisheries: Simpson, La Paloma, Mañihuales, Aysen, Megote, Emperador Guillermo, Nirehuao
Non-Angling Area Activities: Condor viewing, hiking, mountain biking
Closest Major Air Hubs: Balmaceda (BBA)
With remarkable geographic diversity, stunning scenery and a multitude of fishable waters, Central Patagonia, Chile, also known as the Aysen region, is a veritable trout anglers paradise. Home to the Simpson, La Paloma, Mañihuales, Aysen Rivers and many small rivers, creeks, lakes, and spring creeks, this area’s fishing is as diverse as the lodges and outfitters we offer here.
The Aysen region is widely considered Chile’s epicenter of fly fishing. Overall the area is marked by glacier studded mountains, lush coastal forests and vast dry grasslands that lends itself to a highly variable climate ranging from cool and wet to warm and dry environments. Draining this spectacular photography is a verity of trout-filled waters that can be fished from a boat or raft or while walking and wading.
At its hub, the small capital city of Cohaique, provides a good infrastructure to easily access several well-established full-service fly fishing lodges and the region’s wide variety of both private and public access waters.
The rivers, streams, and lakes in the Aysen region offer excellent dry fly fishing opportunities throughout the peak summer months (January-February) as well as great streamer fishing in the Spring (November-December) and Fall (March-April) seasons.
With such a collection of different fishing scenarios, anglers can find themselves floating a large freestone river in a temperate rainforest similar to those in the Pacific Northwest, and the next day wading a tranquil spring creek reminiscent of those commonly found in the American West.
Aside from wonderful fishing opportunities, the region has some amazing activities for outdoor enthusiasts including hiking in the Cerro Castillo National Reserve, boats tours to Lake General Carrera to view the Marble Caves and condor viewing in the Valley of the Moon.
Regardless of skill level the Aysen region is a perfect destination for anglers seeking a well-balanced Patagonian experience that blends straightforward travel and breathtaking scenery with world-class trout fishing and outdoor activity options.
Sound interesting to you? Learn more about our lodges and outfitters in this region:
Additional Regional Descriptions: