Our family’s fly fishing experience in Bariloche spans three generations!

For anglers dreaming of fly fishing in Bariloche, the Limay River always tops the list. For three generations, our family has dedicated countless hours to learning its secrets, perfecting techniques, and understanding which flies perform best in different conditions. This accumulated knowledge allows us to share a realistic and highly effective approach to fly fishing on the Limay River with visiting anglers.

The most common mistake a beginner angler makes on the Limay River is arriving with large flies and simply casting them into the middle of the river, expecting results. This rarely works. Over decades of experience, we’ve learned that many trout enter the river during spawning season and that the middle of the river isn’t where they feed. The most productive spots are the rapids, along the banks, under trees, and even near or under logs. If you see fish floating in the river, it doesn’t mean you should cast your line there. Instead, you need to completely change your approach: long casts with casting lines or Spey lines, and precise positioning. Anchoring near the trout is difficult and not recommended; wading from the bank is usually the best way to reach feeding trout.

We teach most of the anglers who visit us a method that balances ease and effectiveness. While paddling, we focus on the shallow rapids, near trees and alongside rocks or logs—places where some trout are still actively feeding. Among the ten trout at these spots, one might be hungry while the others are deep in the pools, almost inaccessible. This approach gives beginners a realistic chance to catch fish on their first outings. Local guides or anglers with decades of experience, like ourselves, can choose between this strategy and more advanced techniques depending on the situation and the season.

The Limay River changes character throughout the season, demanding flexibility and precision from those who fish it. At the beginning of the season, large migratory trout arrive from Lake Nahuel Huapi, and streamer-type artificial flies are usually the most effective choice. Cast through the current, let the fly drift deep, and prepare for the strike of a fish that can deplete your line in seconds. As summer progresses and the river calms, dry fly fishing becomes an exciting option. The hatching of mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies draws trout to the surface, and precise presentations are rewarded with explosive strikes. For three generations, we have perfected the balance between long casts and delicate drifts—crucial techniques in the crystal-clear waters of the Limay River.

Nymph fishing is another technique that has proven effective, especially in deeper stretches and when the trout are less active on the surface. Weighted nymphs and trailing lures allow you to reach the right depth, and the subtle strikes require a very precise sense of timing. We understand that the difference often lies not only in the fly itself but also in correctly reading the water, identifying the currents, and letting yourself be carried along by them naturally. These are the skills we pass on to every angler who joins us on the river.

Streamer fishing remains the essence of the Limay River. Large, articulated flies, woolly buggers, and zonkers are indispensable in any tackle box. When fishing with sinking lines, you can trigger aggressive strikes from the river’s largest trout. Over the decades, we’ve seen how subtle adjustments—the retrieve speed, the angle of the movement, or the choice of color based on light and water clarity—can make the difference between an ordinary day and a legendary one. 

Some of my Favourite flies for the Limay river:

Clouser Minnow – White/Olive (#6–#10)
Very effective in fast currents and deep pools.
Its design allows for precise and long casts.
Imitates small fish that trout chase in the riffles and pools of the Limay River.

EP Streamer – Black/Olive (#8–#12)
Thin, flexible body that creates natural movement in clear water.
Perfect for targeting trout hiding under logs and rocks.
Ideal for presenting the streamer in hard-to-reach spots along the shore or while floating the river.

Lefty’s Deceiver – Natural/Brown (#6–#10)
Moves naturally in fast currents and low riffle areas.
Excellent for catching large trout that feed on small fish.
Works very well in different river conditions and active current

For us, fishing on the Limay River isn’t just about catching trout; it’s about keeping a tradition alive. Our grandfather taught us the first casts in its currents, our parents expanded our knowledge of its pools and insect hatches, and today we continue to refine those techniques while guiding anglers from all over the world. Each generation has contributed its perspective, but the essence remains intact: respect for the river, patience, and a passion for fly fishing.

The Limay River is more than just a fishing spot; it’s a place where history, tradition, and adventure converge. For three generations, it has shaped our way of fishing and our way of life, and it continues to inspire every angler who casts their line into its waters.