Outings and excursions · San Martín de los Andes
Fly fishing the Chimehuin, Malleo and Collón Curá rivers
Photos: Juliiiiblotta · CC BY-SA 4.0 / Rtarelli · CC BY-SA 3.0 / Buruburus · CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ariel vazquez · CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Three trout rivers near Junín de los Andes, from the Boca del Chimehuin to the open valley of the Collón Curá, fished on foot or by drift boat, always catch-and-release.
From San Martín de los Andes, Route 40 runs to Junín de los Andes, which calls itself Argentina's national trout capital and sits on the right bank of the Chimehuin River. The river flows out of the eastern end of Lake Huechulafquen, the largest lake in Lanín National Park, and runs down into the steppe until it meets the Aluminé. Together they form the Collón Curá. These are three different rivers, all within easy reach of each other.
The Boca del Chimehuin, where the lake turns into river, is one of Patagonia's classic fly-fishing spots and lies inside a provincial protected area. From the outflow to 250 metres below the bridge it is a special-regulation zone: fly only, barbless hooks, everything released, and an extra permit on top of the regular licence. Boats and other water activities are banned here, so this water is fished on foot, wading. Downstream, the river flows past Junín and on toward the Collón Curá.
The Malleo rises in Lake Tromen and flows east for about 60 kilometres before joining the Aluminé. You reach it on provincial Route 23, which leaves the main road near Junín. It is known for rainbow and brook trout. Between the national park boundary and the Route 23 bridge, the rules allow fly fishing only, with every fish released.
The Collón Curá runs for roughly 70 kilometres through an open valley to the Limay, its largest tributary. Motorboats are not allowed on Neuquén's rivers (apart from some sections of the Limay), so float trips drift with the current and stop along the way to wade the best runs.
The season opens on November 1. In 2025-2026 the regulations kept these three rivers open until May 31, though each season sets its own dates. Catch-and-release of all salmonids is mandatory throughout. Along with rainbows and brookies, anglers come looking for brown trout, known for their size.
- Tour type: Sport fishing and sightseeing
- Difficulty level: Easy on float trips; moderate when wading, with current and loose stones
- Tip: Buy your Neuquén fishing licence online before you go (the Boca del Chimehuin also requires the extra special-zone permit), and bring wading boots without felt soles, which are banned throughout the province.
