Either if you travel with your partner, family or with your fly fishing buddies as well, the region around San Martín de los Andes and Junín de los Andes, better known as the lakes district in Patagonia Argentina, exhibits some features which turn it into a perfect destination for your next fly fishing trip. Below we highlight those we consider are most important, might help you know the area a little more and may make you choose it as your next fly fishing destination.

1. A perfect town for families, couples and friends.
Many of us, during our lifetime as fly fishers, have had to organize a trip where combining family, partner or non-fishing friends interests with fly fishing has been a priority. It could be really challenging to find a destination where everybody who decides not to go out fishing could enjoy each of the days as much as you would do on the water. Well, let me tell you that this is a great future that turns San Martín de los Andes (SMDLA) into a great destination to share your trip either with avid anglers as well as with non-fishing travel companions.
• The Town
San Martín de los Andes is a small mountain town with charming architecture, has around 45.000 inhabitants and is located on the eastern headwaters of the Lacar Lake, south of the Neuquén province. Within a radius of a few blocks downtown provides everything you may need. From pharmacies to groceries stores, restaurants and an uncountable number of shops. Everything will be handy.
If you are one of those who enjoys gastronomy, lots of outstanding options –of both regional and international cuisine– will never disappoint as well as the incredible wide range of different wines from some world renowned Argentine wineries that could be found. For sure, at each of the restaurants you visit, you will not only enjoy their exquisite meals but also great moments.
Finally, let me tell you about two of the most important features for your trip… A very gentle weather and an endless range of non-fishing activities. Yes!, everybody will find a great way to spend the day while you are out fishing. Half day as well as full day activities can be arranged. Conventional touring to know touristic attractions, riding through great mountain bike paths, all skill level of trekking and hiking, Kayaking the Lacar, Nonthue or Machónico lakes, horse-back riding among amazing sceneries and rafting over grade I up to IV+ rapids are some of the options among others. Also those requiring some time to recover and relax can enjoy a relaxation program based on water systems and different types of massage.
Lot of options… lots of fun! For sure, San Martín de los Andes town programs are a great option to enjoy not only superb trout fishing but also lovely non-fishing moments.
• Ease of Access
We can say that the way to reach San Martín de los Andes (SMDLA) is really simple and maybe one of the easiest destinations for fly fishing around the globe.
Your gateway to Argentina is through its international airport (EZEIZA – EZE), which is reachable from many of the biggest cities of the world through a direct flight. Once you land in Buenos Aires –Argentina’s capital city–, you will meet our Partner in Buenos Aires who will arrange some touring around this astonishing city as well as your airport shuttle connection with a local guide –making sure that the connection goes smooth–. Once you board the domestic flight, a little more than 2 hours will separate you from this dreamed place’ local airport (Chapelco – CPC). Not bad right?









2. An option for every budget

A lot of times, many people do not consider international fly fishing travel just because the preconception that it would break the bank. Despite there might be really expensive programs around that most of the people may find unaffordable, one of the advantages of the area around San Martín de los Andes is that each traveller will be able to find an option that best fits their budget. And trust me, there are very high end and affordable programs that will let you experience the best of fly fishing in Patagonia Argentina.


3. Diversity

The area embracing Junín and San Martín de los Andes is also known as North Patagonia and has a large diversity of trout waters. More than 20 fishing possibilities among Rivers, Streams and Lakes, within a small radius around San Martín de los Andes downtown will let us daily fish different waters. Nymphing, Streamer or  dry fly fishing –many times being in front of sight fishing situations–; this region has a perfect water structure for each angler preference and skill level. This wide range of waters also gives us the advantage to eventually face the needs of any last minute change on the schedule due to weather, water or fishing conditions.
Between the many town accommodations and fishing lodge’s options, which usually provides private river access, the high end riverside camping option –under our opinion a must on every schedule– shows as a way that opens more water options that won’t be accessible in other ways being in direct contact with nature.











4. An extensive fishing season

The season starts during November 1st and extends up to May the 31st Almost seven months of sport fishing season in Northern Patagonia Argentina, gives you the opportunity to schedule your trip from a widespread calendar, making it easier to find a date that would better fit your travel possibilities. On the other hand you will be able to choose from a wide range of options among techniques, weather, natural phenomenon’s and prices.
Early season usually expose a colder and windy weather with high water levels due to late spring rains and snow thaw. By mid December the weather starts to warm up and till Mid March you will find the drier weather in the area; being late February usually the time when rivers reach their lowest level.
As water gets warmer and its level decrease, we will need to head our fishing strategy on more oxygenated and faster waters, using longer leaders and thinner tippets.
Fall season will bring the first rains and the weather will gradually starts getting cooler, however, you should consider this late season time if you are in search of big fish!
Northern Patagonia Argentina features some natural phenomenon which make the experience amazing. Fishing the minnows migration between late January up to mid March will be breathtaking. The willow worm hatch which takes place in between Mid December and early February, will make your adrenaline rise up to unthinkable levels as well as the hoppers time on the lower Chimehuín River. Later in the season, by end of March, Brown trouts start their spawn migration into the rivers increasing the chances to put a solid fish into the net!