Bariloche is one of the top destinations for anglers thanks to the variety of species and the unmatched natural surroundings framing its waters. The Limay River is just 45 minutes from the civic center, and along with the majestic Nahuel Huapi Lake, it's one of the most popular fishing spots in the area.
Both waters are home to fish species such as rainbow, brown and brook trout, alongside other native species like the small-mouthed perch, Patagonian silverside, torrent catfish, the small and large puyén, and freshwater blennies. So it's no surprise that when it comes to where to fish near Bariloche, the answer always comes back to the Limay or the Nahuel Huapi.
- Distance from Bariloche: 45 minutes by car to Corral de Piedra
- Fishing season: November 1 to April 30 (exact dates by zone are confirmed each year in the current regulations)
- Permitted methods: spinning, fly casting and trolling
- Fishing mode: mandatory catch-and-release across most of the river
- Permit required: yes, a sport fishing license valid throughout Patagonia
- Best stretch for fly fishing: north of the Limay, up to its confluence with the Traful River
The Limay River originates at the eastern end of Nahuel Huapi Lake and flows roughly 500 kilometers northeast through forests of willows. Its tributaries are the Traful, Pichileufú, Collón Curá and Picún Leufú rivers, before it eventually meets the Neuquén River. The Limay drains a vast basin of 63,700 km² and runs for about 500 km.
The best spot to fish the Limay is along its left bank, a short distance from the lake. That's where you'll find the largest numbers of rainbow and brown trout, averaging between 700 grams and 2.5 kilos. Meanwhile, fly-fishing enthusiasts in Bariloche prefer the northern stretch of the Limay River, up to its confluence with the Traful River.
Below you'll find everything you need to plan your fishing getaway. And if you'd rather travel with transfers included and top specialized guiding, check out our fishing excursions in Bariloche.
Fishing Season and Regulations on the Limay River
As throughout Patagonia, the 2026 fishing season on the Limay River runs from November 1 to April 30. These waters suit both beginner and advanced anglers, and are ideal for dry fly fishing.
The Limay River has mandatory techniques in place to protect the fish. You must always fish with a lure, and live bait such as worms or shrimp is not allowed. Treble hooks, trotlines and nets are all prohibited.
The accepted methods are: spinning (with a small spoon lure), fly casting and trolling (a trailing technique using various lures). All of these can be practiced from the shore, a boat, or a motorboat.
Another key point of the sport fishing regulations is the catch-and-release rule, since trout in Patagonia reproduce entirely naturally. This is one of the ways their populations are preserved and kept from declining. As a result, the trout stay wild, elusive and acrobatic in their leaps, which raises the challenge for anglers of every skill level.
What's the best time of year to fish the Limay?
The general season runs from November 1 to April 30. For dry fly fishing, the months from November to March tend to give the best results.
Fishing Permit for the Limay River
Before heading out to fish, keep in mind that you'll need a sport fishing license, mandatory for anyone fishing the Limay, whether a resident or a visitor. The permit is personal and non-transferable, and you must carry it with you at all times: enforcement authorities can ask to see it at any moment, along with a valid ID.
The process is done online at permisosdepesca.com.ar, and it's worth noting that the fishing license issued in Bariloche by the province of Río Negro is valid throughout Argentine Patagonia: Neuquén, Chubut, Santa Cruz and the National Parks, with the sole exception of Tierra del Fuego. This matters if, besides fishing the Limay, you're planning to head further out to spots like Picún Leufú or Piedra del Águila, already in Neuquén province, because you won't need to apply for a second permit.
Since the regulations and season dates can shift slightly from year to year, we recommend confirming the current rules in the Patagonian Continental Sport Fishing Regulations before your trip.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Across most of the Limay River, mandatory catch-and-release applies, so no fish can be kept. The goal is to preserve the local wild trout population.
Fishing Gear for the Limay River
To fish the Limay River you'll want to bring small spoon lures, and for "trolling" anglers use larger spoons or plugs with leaded lines. For wading, which is done on foot in the river, the recommended gear for colder days is a neoprene wader. To round out your kit, it's also a good idea to bring at least one spare reel.
As for the rod, we recommend using a 6- or 7-weight, fast-action rod with extra-fast-sinking ST lines. Dry flies work best here, whether Irresistible and Yellow Humpy patterns, Goddard Caddis, Sparkle Dun, or grasshopper and Madame X imitations.
You can also choose streamer-style flies such as Rabbit, Woolly Bugger, Matuka and Marabou Muddler patterns in sizes 2 to 6, preferably with wool heads in olive green, brown or black combined with pearl or orange tones.
If you're interested in fishing but don't have the necessary gear with you on your trip, your best option is a full-day fly fishing or spinning tour on the Limay River, which includes hotel transfers, all the gear you'll need (waders, boots, rods, reels, lines, flies or lures, etc.), plus a guide who'll prepare a delicious lunch out in nature.
How to Get to the Limay River from Bariloche
To reach the Limay River from downtown Bariloche, drive east along Route 237 for 45 minutes until you reach the Corral de Piedra sign, where you'll find fishing access points.
Keep in mind that the Limay River has several access points for fishing. Other spots farther from the city are very popular for their water flow and trout variety, such as the mid-Limay at Picún Leufú, 250 kilometers from downtown (reached via Route 237).
Another popular access point is Auca Cayin, marked along Route 237 toward Piedra del Águila. This is the best spot to fish brown trout on the Limay.
Do I Need a Guide, or Can I Fish on My Own?
You can fish on your own if you already have the gear and the appropriate permit. If you don't have gear or would rather go with a guide who knows the best spots for the day, there are half-day fishing tours on the Limay with transfer, gear and lunch included.