Fly Fishing in Aysén Region, Chile
Wild Patagonia Fly Fishing for Trophy Trout
Fly Fishing in Aysén – A Gem In The Chilean Patagonia
Aysén is one of the most diverse fly fishing destinations in Chilean Patagonia, offering an exceptional variety of wild trout fisheries. From dry-fly fishing on spring creeks and private waters around Coyhaique to high-country lakes holding brown and rainbow trout over 24 inches, Aysén offers a different fishing experience at every turn.
Three Different Fly Fishing Experiences in Aysén
The destination is built around three unique fisheries: the rivers, creeks and private lagoons around Coyhaique and Mañihuales; the large-trout lakes and lagoons of Cerro Castillo; and a remote river where massive lake-run brown trout migrate from Lake General Carrera during March and April.
Coyhaique & Mañihuales — Dry-Fly Trout Fishing
The Coyhaique and Mañihuales area offers some of the most diverse fly fishing in Aysén. Medium-sized rivers such as the Nireguao, Simpson and Mañihuales are combined with smaller spring creeks, lagoons and private-estancia waters, creating a wide range of fishing opportunities.
Dry-fly fishing and sight fishing are the main attractions, with both wade fishing and floating options available depending on the water. Terrestrial patterns such as grasshoppers, Chubby Chernobyls and Fat Alberts can be particularly effective when conditions are right. This is a versatile trout fishery where anglers can enjoy plenty of opportunities to target brown and rainbow trout.
Cerro Castillo — Trophy Trout in Lakes and Lagoons
The Cerro Castillo area offers a completely different style of fly fishing. Its remote lakes and lagoons are home to strong populations of brown and rainbow trout, including fish over 24 inches.
Access is by 4WD and gravel roads, allowing anglers to reach isolated waters surrounded by the spectacular landscapes of the Cerro Castillo region. Sight fishing is an important part of the experience, but both dry flies and streamers can be highly effective depending on the conditions.
For anglers looking for large trout in remote Patagonian lakes and lagoons, Cerro Castillo offers a unique opportunity to explore some of Aysén’s most exciting stillwater fisheries.
Lake General Carrera — Giant Lake-Run Brown Trout
From March through April, one of the most specialized trout fisheries in Aysén takes place as large brown trout move upstream from Lake General Carrera to spawn.
These lake-run brown trout average between 25 and 30 inches, with fish reaching up to 33 inches. The fishing is technical and highly visual, often taking place at close range in a challenging river environment. Anglers primarily use single-handed 7- to 9-weight fly rods and large streamers, including the local “Gato” pattern.
Reaching these waters requires long walks, but the reward is the opportunity to sight fish for some of the largest brown trout in Chilean Patagonia.
Why Fly Fish Aysén?
Aysén stands out for the sheer variety of trout fishing available within one destination.
With more than a decade of experience fishing Aysén, our guides provide access to carefully selected waters and help anglers make the most of changing conditions throughout the season. For anglers looking for authentic, diverse and highly technical fly fishing in Chilean Patagonia, Aysén offers an experience unlike any other.
What Our Trips Do Include
- Lodging
- Guided Float and Wade Trips
- Ground Transportation
- All Meals and Beverages
- Fishing License
- Private Access Fees
- Flies
What Our Trips Do Not Include
- Flights to/from Balmaceda (BBA)
- Tips for Guides
- Additional Personal Expenses
The main target species are wild brown trout and rainbow trout. Depending on the area and season, anglers can experience everything from dry-fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout to targeting large lake-run brown trout.
The main fishing season around Coyhaique and Mañihuales runs from November through March. Cerro Castillo is particularly interesting during March, while the lake-run brown trout fishery connected to Lake General Carrera takes place exclusively during March and April.
Fish size varies considerably between fisheries. Cerro Castillo offers brown and rainbow trout over 24 inches, while the lake-run brown trout of the General Carrera fishery average 25–30 inches, with fish reaching up to 33 inches.
Aysén offers a wide variety of techniques, including dry-fly fishing, sight fishing, streamer fishing, wade fishing and floating. The technique depends heavily on the area, water conditions and time of season.
Aysén can be enjoyed by anglers with different levels of experience. Our guides adapt the fishing to each angler, while the destination also offers challenging technical fishing for experienced anglers looking for large trout and demanding water.
Guests must arrive into Balmaceda Airport (BBA), which is the main gateway to the Aysén region and the starting point for the fishing adventure.
Rods between 5- and 8-weight are recommended for most of the fishing in Aysén, with floating fly lines being the best all-around choice. A 5- or 6-weight rod is ideal for dry-fly fishing and general trout fishing, while heavier 7- or 8-weight setups are recommended when targeting larger trout with streamers, particularly during the lake-run brown trout season in March and April.
