Limay River
The section of Limay River that we float, the Limay Medio, is large sized tail water. It drains from the bottom of the 700 foot tall Pichi Picun Leufu Dam. As a tail water it provides very stable water temperatures and gin clear water that creates an ideal environment for fish populations.
The Medio section of the Limay is home to several species of minnows and mid size fish that thrive and survive in this environment. These species, such as pueyen, pejerrey, brage aterciopelado (similar to sculpin) and otuno, are the main food source for the trout that inhabit this water. Early each summer the first two species, pejerrey and puyen, have a massive annual spawning migration from the river to a downstream reservoir. After completing their spawn in mid February these minnows return upstream to the main river. During this period migratory trout depart the reservoir to follow and feed on these incredibly large schools of minnows. This rich food source is the reason why the brown and rainbow trout in this stretch of river are extremely healthy and grow to such tremendous size.
When we fish the Limay Medio we are not fishing a traditional spawning situation. We are fishing for very aggressive migratory fish that are heading upstream to feed and take advantage of this incredible source of food. The annual seasonal spawning migration cycle is usually predictable and not dependent on water levels and temperatures.
We will be targeting migratory brown trout that range in size from 6 to 18 pounds and migratory rainbow trout that range in size from 4 to 9 pounds. The resident population of rainbows and browns is another reason to fish this water. These resident fish are healthy and as hard fighting as their migratory cousins with the average size being 18 to 24 inches.
We will be combining two different fishing techniques when we pursue Limay Medio trout. First, we will be covering pools and runs with shooting heads while swinging slim minnows pattern that imitate the migratory minnows. Second, we will be covering drop-offs and riffle edges with floating lines. Here we will be using floating minnow patterns, with a tinny minnow trailer, while popping the surface. This last technique is really visual and is as exciting as its gets.