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Fishing in Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine’s pristine meltwater rivers are the perfect place for a remote fishing trip, casting your rod under the watchful gaze of the national park’s famous jagged peaks. From brown trout to the mighty chinook salmon on its midsummer runs, the fly-fishing here is truly epic.

Where to Fish Types of Fishing Trip Where to Stay FAQs

Why go fishing in Torres del Paine?

The calm waters of Lake Toro offer a perfect experience for beginners wanting to experience a peaceful day fly-fishing in the wilderness
The fast-flowing Serrano River is a great challenge for experienced fishers, with the chance to catch the mighty chinook salmon
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 Patagonian waters
Fishing excursions can easily be added on on to a hiking trip, either in Torres del Paine or the rivers around Puerto Natales

Fishing in Torres del Paine

Where to fish

Fishing in Torres del Paine centres on the wide, shallow Serrano River. It has great fishing for resident brown trout throughout the fishing season of October through to April, but its biggest draw is the chinook salmon which migrate through its waters from mid-December to February.

Serrano River is exposed and windy, so experienced anglers will get more out of their time here. Double handed rods and stamina while wading are the key to success. Lake Toro and smaller creeks nearer Puerto Natales have calmer conditions and are better suited to beginners and more casual anglers. Rainbow trout, brook trout, king salmon and sea run brown trout can all be fished in the region.

Fly-fishing in below the Paine Massif

Peter says

The Serrano River offers a true challenge to the keen angler, with a double-handed spey casting rod needed to punch through the often high winds. But the rewards are great – few trout in the world can surely rise in such spectacular surroundings.

Peter StanleyJones Patagonia Specialist

Day fishing trips

If you're looking to top off your Torres del Paine adventure with a day or two fishing, the Hotel Remota and Singular Patagonia Hotel near the gateway to the national park both offer dedicated fishing programmes with experienced guides who can take you to all the best spots. All fishing gear is provided.

Outings vary from half day to full day, often visiting a few different rivers, streams, pools and lakes to encounter brown trout, brook trout or rainbow trout, as well as the possibility of the mighty chinook salmon when migrating up river at the height of the Patagonian summer.

Talk to us about day fishing in Torres del Paine

Expert fishing guides

Spend a day in the company of the passionate experts who know exactly what Torres del Paine's rivers and lakes can offer. Our local guides take the time to understand what's important to you from your fishing experience and can inspire you with their favourite spots, and the best places for stunning views.

No matter where you’re staying, our fishing guides can show you a large variety of locations, to help you target the fish you’re dreaming of catching – all overlooked by one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world.

Fishing for the chinook salmon

Big game fishing

Challenge yourself with a day or more spent fly fishing Torres del Paine's most coveted prizes, from sea-run trout to a 30kg Chinook salmon. The winds on the Serrano River means that these can be challenging waters, but the fish here are more than worth the chase.

From mid-December, the chinook salmon here can be of an enormous size: catches from 22 to 44 pounds (10-20 kg) aren’t uncommon, with fish even up to 66 pounds (30 kg) not unknown.

Multi-day trips

Two or more days fishing

Take a few days to really immerse yourself in the dramatic landscape, and experience the variety that Torres del Paine and Puerto Natales have to offer – and really getting to learn the fish that run here. Multi-day itineraries let you experience the best of the region, even travelling as far south to the rivers around Punta Arenas.

Alternatively, it's possible to combine your time fishing in Torres del Paine with a few days in some of Patagonia's other fishing spots in the region. Options include the Chilean Lake District, with the prospect of casting under the shadow of Osorno Volcano, or along Junin de los Andes, the spiritual home of Patagonian trout fishing, or in Aysen, with the Baker River full of rainbow trout and some delightful fishing lodges.

Talk to us about multi-day fishing trips

Where to stay

You can join a fishing excursion from almost anywhere in the park, but these hotels offer specific fishing excursions, or hire out fishing equipment for you to spend an hour on their nearby lakes. Ask our specialists about how to design your itinerary to be able to fish from one of these hotels.

Hotel Remota

On the shoreline of the Esperanza Fjord, Hotel Remota occupies an old agricultural building ...although you wouldn't guess that from inside! A visually stunning hotel that …

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The Singular Patagonia

Steeped in history and perched on the shores of Last Hope Sound, this Chilean national monument not only takes you back in time but it spoils you with views of the fjords that …

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Patagonia Camp

Situated just outside the Torres del Paine National Park, with spectacular views across Toro Lake to the whole Massif, these beautifully finished yurts let you be at one with …

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Explora Torres del Paine

The original luxury lodge in Patagonia, Explora is nestled in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park and enjoys incredible views of the entire Paine Massif. Its location means…

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Fishing in Torres del Paine: FAQs

When is the best time to go fishing in Torres del Paine?

The fishing season in Southern Patagonia runs from late October to mid-April. You cannot get a licence to fish outside of these dates.
The peak of the migratory chinook salmon runs is from 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 hotels – our specialists will be able to provide you with more detailed information.
Can I add on a day's fishing to my hiking trip?

Yes. It's easy to arrange a half or full day fishing in the national park alongside your hiking itinerary. Take a day at the end of your hike to do a fishing excursion in Torres del Paine, or break up your journey out of the park by stopping off at the stunning fishing spots in Puerto Natales.
Can I go out fishing on my own?

You can fish unguided in the Serrano River and Lake Toro in Torres del Paine, 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. In practice, fishing with a guide is more enjoyable as they know the waters and runs intimately, so can help you get the most out of your experience.
All fishing is catch and return only.
What are the weather conditions like for fishing?

The weather is unpredictable, and you should be prepared for strong winds and changing conditions. Many experienced fishers have compared the experience in Torres del Paine to fishing in an Alaskan summer, but windier. Patagonia is famous for offering up all four seasons in a single day, so you should always dress accordingly.