An Extreme Float Trip
on the Trocoman River
By Gustavo Hiebaum
Northern Patagonia is a true paradise for those who enjoy trout fishing float trips.
The region features small rivers, large rivers, tailwaters, and some rivers that you can only fish in spring. The incredible diversity of the rivers means there are many different options on the menu when planning your next trip to fish with us.
After exploring Northern Patagonia’s streams and rivers for more than twenty years, I thought I had seen it all and there was nothing new for me to experience. But that all changed when I traveled to Chochoy Mallin Lodge, our newest destination. During my stay, we decided to venture into the unexplored canyon of the Trocoman River in a raft.
This untamed river starts in the highlands of the Andes where multiple creeks merge after being fed by springs, snow melt, and the natural drainage of a few small high altitude lakes. Through the first several miles the river runs across a flat valley, meandering as a modest stream that lacks enough flow to be floated. However, as the wetlands drain, more and more water joins the river, generating enough flow to carry a boat downstream, especially during the spring months and through early summer.
To prepare for the trip, we studied satellite images to determine the length of the float and possible rough waters sections that might make the adventure a risky one. After careful consideration, we decided to attempt a 28-mile float trip over the course of three days. We packed only basic camping gear in order to keep our two boats, carrying two people each, light and easy to maneuver.
We’d been told by a few experienced locals that the stream held a prolific population of rainbow trout of medium and small sizes. But we were in for a big surprise when got downstream.
The canyon is lined with amazing rock walls over 500 feet tall and holds countless runs packed up with large boulders, making it difficult to find a safe path for a boat.
We identified ahead of time at least two spots where we would need to use rope to lower the boats down in order to go through. In fact, we needed to use this technique five times during our three-day journey.
The scenery was truly breathtaking and changed with each meter we drifted. The river itself was spectacular and diverse. The Trocoman seemed to combine into one single river the best features of all the rivers we regularly float. The variety of fishing situations and types of holding water make the Trocoman a river you want to fish each yard of. We were surprised to find rainbows that were larger than we expected and had remarkable strength. Most fish we caught were in the 18 to 23 inch range. We also encountered brown trout that were introduced only recently, but are already populating the river very well.
Our team of four seasoned Patagonian guides concluded that this was the most beautiful and varied float trip we have ever done in our lives. It was truly the adventure of a lifetime and we plan to float the Trocoman many more times!