December is the beginning of summer in South America.

The spring melt from the Andean slopes that separate Chile from Argentina is all but gone and the rivers run clear before the Christmas holidays. While some trout fishermen in the States have stored their waders for the winter, others will be waist deep in water, having made the pilgrimage to the clear, fish-filled rivers of Patagonia.

Patagonia is an invisible band that stretches across the South American continent from the Pacific Coast of Chile to the Atlantic on the Argentine side of the Andes. For the flyfisherman, it has been El Dorado since trout were first introduced, soon after the turn of the century.

The heartland of Patagonia is dotted with volcanoes, fish-rich rivers with hard to pronounce names, and air so clear that the Andes can be seen from the Atlantic.

This is trout country. Much of it looks like a scene from an old western movie, and most of it is farther south than Calgary is north. It’s a place where some people don’t lock their doors when they’ve gone to the store, and, in many ways, it is a journey into our own past. It’s a land of picture-perfect streams without much angling pressure, and of fish without a 21st century level of sophistication.

Like home, the best of Argentina’s fishing is often behind some locked gate or on a river that is difficult to find and access. And just like home, a great fishing vacation requires good planning!

Our Argentina outfitters usually combine visits to several estancias near great fishing. Guides move with the anglers, perhaps spending a few days at Arroyo Verde and fishing the Traful near Bariloche, before moving on to the Malleo near San Martin de los Andes. They might organize a couple days and nights floating and camping on a remote river afterwards, or maybe a short stay at one of the terrific hostelrias inside Los Alerces National Park.

Our outfitters provide more than transportation and guides. They help us create customized itineraries built around client schedules, their interests, and the best available angling and accommodations. Then our oufitters reserve and coordinate every beautiful estancia, hotel, fine meal, float trip, guide, and asado. More often than not, the end result is an unforgettable Patagonia fishing experience.

The Fly Shop is a recognized leader in South American fly fishing travel. Our outfitters and lodges are simply a cut above.