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Fishing in Aysen

Aysen is one of the most renowned fishing areas in Chile. Its rivers, lakes and fjords make it a fisherman’s paradise, with dedicated fishing lodges, expert guides and even access to the remotest runs by helicopter to help you cast for prize rainbow trout and brown trout.

Where to Fish Types of Fishing Trip Where to Stay FAQs

Why go fishing in Aysen?

Aysen has an abundance of water, with rivers, mountain streams and lakes, stocked with prodigious numbers of trout and salmon
The Simpson, Baker, Palena and Cochrane rivers all offer beautiful surroundings for some excellent fishing
Stay at a dedicated fishing lodge for a week, or spend a day on the water and combine your trip with Aysen’s other attractions
Expert guides will share the best remote fishing spots and advice on local fish behaviour
All gear can be provided, from waders down to the preferred flies needed to successfully fish in Aysen's waterways

Fishing in Aysen

Where to fish

It’s almost a cliche that anywhere you stop along the Carretera Austral you’ll find a waterway that’s good enough to have you casting for fish. The best locations (and the most accessible) are along the Simpson, Baker, Palena and Cochrane rivers, as well as Futaleufu that lies on the edge of Aysen and the Chilean Lake District.

Brown trout and rainbow trout are the main prizes here. Closer to the coast, you can find chinook salmon and sometimes Atlantic salmon – escapees from the salmon farming along the Chilean fjords.

The fishing season runs from October through to April.

Fly fishing on the Baker River

Peter says

Floating on a raft down a silent river in Aysen, surrounded by mountains and casting for trout, before pulling up on a beach for a picnic lunch absolutely miles from anywhere: this is pure fishing heaven.

Peter StanleyJones Patagonia Specialist

Day fishing trips

Several lodges in Aysen offer day fishing trips, which are best suited to those who wish to combine some angling with other activities in Aysen such as hiking or horse riding.

The Baker River, close to both the Marble Caves and Patagonia National Park is the perfect destination for this. The rainbow trout runs here are excellent. All fishing gear is provided, with fishing either from the bank, or heading out for raft fishing in areas that are otherwise completely inaccessible by road or foot.

Multi-day fishing trips

Take a week to really get to know the rivers of Aysen and lose yourself in the mountain scenery with an extended stay at one of Aysen’s specialist fishing lodges.

Lodges on the Simpson River in particular are well set up for multi-day fishing trips. The Simpson River is arguably one of the best rivers in the world for fly-fishing. Fario and rainbow trout, coho and chinook can all be found here, making the time here particularly well-spent.

Trout being released after catch in Aysen Chile

Trout in one of Aysen's rivers

Where to stay

Aysen has a number of excellent lodges that are well set up for dedicated fishing trips and cater to different budgets.

Close to Coyhaique (and Balmaceda airport), Coyhaique River Lodgeoffers dedicated week-long packages for fishing on the Simpson River and elsewhere. Near the confluence of the Baker and Neff Rivers, the Bordebaker Lodge offers fishing close to the Marble Caves and Patagonia National Park. For luxury, Río Palena Lodge is one of Aysen's finest accommodations, with helicopters to take to you remote fishing locations.

All lodges offer activities such as hiking and horse riding in addition to fishing.

Discover more about Aysen hotels & lodges

Río Palena Lodge

Swoop says

Aysen's fame means that it attracts attracts seasoned and amateur anglers from around the world between October and April. But despite it's popularity, it's size and sparse population means that you'll often have whole stretches of river to yourself,

Fishing in Aysen: FAQs

When is the best time to go fishing in Aysen?

The fishing season in Aysen runs from late October to mid-April. You cannot get a licence to fish outside of these dates.
Chinook salmon run from around mid-December to February, though this can fluctuate a little each season. Trout can be fished outside this period.
Do I need to bring my own fishing gear?

Most tours include a variety of fishing equipment and clothing such as waders and boots, though you may prefer to bring your own.
Fishing equipment is also available to hire from specific lodges – our specialists will be able to provide you with more detailed information. It's possible to buy a limited amount of fishing gear in Coyhaique
Can I add just on a day's fishing to my Aysen trip?

Yes. Whether you're hiking in Cerro Castillo or driving the length of the Carretera Austral, it's possible to arrange days fishing in a variety of locations. Note that some fishing lodges only arranged extended stays and are not suitable for a day on the water.
Can I go out fishing on my own?

You can fish unguided in Aysen, however you need a Chilean fishing license which must be arranged in advance and all gear must be disinfected in the presence of park rangers for biosecurity purposes to prevent the accidental spead of Didymo.
In practice, many locations are only accessible with a guide. Having a local expert with you is more enjoyable as they know the waters and runs intimately, so can help you get the most out of your experience.
What are the weather conditions like for fishing?

The weather is unpredictable, and you should be prepared for changing conditions. Patagonia is famous for offering up all four seasons in a single day, so you should always dress accordingly.
Fishing in Aysen is bette suited to all levels of angling in comparison to Torres del Paine, where the exposed landscapes and wind can sometimes prove more challenging than expected.

Discover more of Aysen

Marble Caves

The Marble Caves are one of Aysen’s most beautiful natural sights: surreal rock cathedrals in a glacial lake that can be explored by boat or kayak.

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Patagonia National Park

Explore the beauty of Chile’s greatest conservation project, where fences were torn down to recreate a thriving ecosystem amid spectacular valleys and mountain scenery.

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Horse riding in Aysen

Saddle up in Aysen for horse riding excursions or to follow long cross-country trails, exploring the deep wilderness with the spirit of Patagonia’s gauchos.

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