Salmonidae
Salmonidae were introduced into Argentina at the beginning of the 20th century, through fertilised eggs brought from the North Hemisphere. This successful initiative was carried out by the pioneer Francisco Moreno and spread quickly through all of the Argentine territory; the species adapted very well to the different climates and terrain. Nevertheless, of all the species introduced, some didn’t survive.

In Patagonia there are four species of salmonidae most coveted by fishers: Rainbow trout, brown trout, Brook trout (fontinalis) and Atlantic Salmon. These species are not native but were bought to Argentina in the 19th century –they adapted quickly and prospered greatly, reaching a population density the exceeded those of the countries they were brought from.

The new species of salmon that have been found lately, coming from the rivers that flow into the Pacific Ocean, are Coho Salmon and Chinook Salmon. The native fish are the Perch and the Southern Smelt (Patagonic Smelt), and are great for sportfishing.

The perch -sometimes wrongly called Creole trout- does not belong to the Salmonidae family and can be divided into three subfamilies that, because of their skills and plasticity, people often mistake one for the other: the Perch bocona, the Perch de boca chica and the Perch espinuda. The smelt is one of the most beautiful fish in the region due to its slender and hydrodynamic body.

The grass carp was brought to the region in order to get rid of communities of submerged plants in channels and was traditionally restricted to the channels of Videma. The common carp is not a native fish but was brought to the Colorado River accidentally, by the floods of the Salado River. This is why it is recommended to kill all the specimens found south of the Colorado. All along the Patagonia there are endless numbers of rivers, lakes and brooks with important populations of salmonidae.

The average weight varies according to the environment and the species. The rivers Chimeuhuín or Correntoso have achieved world records of rainbow and brown trout. Wild, voracious and aggressive trout densely populates all the rivers. There is a series of fishing regulations and some places are to be used exclusively for fly-fishing.

Dry Fly-fishing - Advice for beginners
Fly-fishing is perhaps the most difficult angling method, as it demands effort and constant practice. Fly-fishing differs in the casting techniques, which in some way are completely different from the ‘common’ ones, as the fly is extremely light and no concentrated ‘weight’ is used: in this case, the weight needed to cast a fly is ‘distributed’ in a special line used only in fly-fishing. To dominate this distributed weight, a rod that can balance the force of the cast is needed.

The angler must possess skills and techniques to ultimately reach the main purpose: the presentation of the must be performed in such a way that it appears natural and at the right distance. In fly-fishing, this is essential, as it is the only way to catch the fish.

Besides being an expert on casting techniques, fly anglers must learn to ‘read’ the waters they’re fishing in. Fly-fishing is in most places strictly catch-and-release fishing, as this type of fishing is great to put the techniques into practice.

Regulations and some advice
Rules require that the anglers use artificial lure (flies) in most waters. In the majority of these environments catch-and-release fishing is mandatory.

The tackle used in fly casting vary according to the environment and the species, but we recommend on average a rod and a reel for a line #5 or #6, with a floating line and a sinking line. There are many rivers and brooks in which it is possible to catch good specimens of trout with an average weight of half a kilogram.

In these places it is better to use a line #3 #4, to improve the catches. On the other hand, as in Grande River it is easy to catch sea brown trout averaging 10 or 11 Kg. and the winds are strong, it is necessary to use at least a #8 or #9.