While the proper term would be a “minnow run,” we still like to call it a “hatch” because when we see the feeding action from a distance, the first thing that comes to mind is trout eating caddis flies during a big hatch, with very hard and splashy takes. When we get closer and see there are no bugs flying around, we naturally suspect that the trout are taking caddis pupae hatching right below the surface. But we soon realize that’s not the case either! If we take our time to observe the situation, we eventually notice very small minnows jumping out of the water to escape from the trout, the same minnows we often see in good numbers gathered along the banks, where they are usually safe from trout looking to prey on them.
This minnow is native to the region’s rivers, but began spawning in certain manmade reservoirs once they were filled with water. Spring is when the minnow adults migrate downstream to spawn in the reservoirs. Once the eggs hatch, the juveniles of this species, puyen chico (Galaxias maculatus) and pejerrey patagonico (Odontesthes hatcheri), gather along the shores of the reservoir to then swim up river to repopulate the waters their parents came from.
For anglers, this presents a special opportunity to see trout feed very aggressively. It is truly spectacular to witness rainbows and browns splash and break the surface to attack these minnows at strategic places of the river. The strength and power of these trout after feeding for a while on minnows is mind-blowing. They become very muscular, allowing them to put up an intense fight and make long, fast runs.
We fish floating lines with a very specific, sparsely tied streamer to match the minnow “hatch.” A good example is this fly pattern is the Baby Fat Minnow designed by our friend “Cheech” Clark Piece from Fly Fish Food.
This minnow run usually happens during the last part of the summer, typically around March. There are better years than others, in terms of the numbers in the run. It only happens in three rivers in Patagonia (Caleufu, Collon Cura and Limay), and they are all in the same area, making this a very unique event of the northern Patagonia region. It is the best combination of dry fly and streamer fishing, with very aggressive takes. It is a unique fishing situation that requires a technique like no other in the trout fishing world.
Every angler should have the chance to experience this fishery! We invite you to contact us to learn more.
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