Fishing
The Fishing
Among the trout, this river is home to several minnows and mid-size fish species that find a great environment to grow and survive on this river. These species such as pueyen, pejerrey, brage aterciopelado (similar to sculpin) and otuno are the main meals and the reason for these trout to grow this healthy and reach this tremendous size. The first two species, pejerrey and puyen, do every year a massive spawning migration by early summer from different parts of the river to the huge Reservoir where the river flows to. Later on by middle summer (early February) these minnows already spawned return to their home in the main river and generate a lot of migratory trout to follow these schools with millions of individual minnows.
All these are the reasons why when we fish Limay we are not fishing in a traditional spawning migration situation. We are fishing on migratory fish that are on the stream to feed and take advantage of incredible sources of food; generating very aggressive fish. This feature also makes the migration be a lot more predictable and not dependable on water levels and temperatures.
We will be targeting migratory brown trout in a range 6 to 18 pounds and migratory rainbow trout in a range 4 to 9 pounds. A resident population of rainbows and browns will be another very attractive reason that will keep our fun going with fish that average 18 to 24 inches and have the same spectacular strength than the migratory ones. Fun will be assured.
Waters we fish
Check the waters we fish from Spring Creek lodge here.
Accomodations
Our Deluxe Riverside Camps
SET Fly Fishing Deluxe Riverside Camps allows you to fully immerse yourself into the Patagonian experience. Imagine a day where you fish the river of your dreams and conclude the evening sitting by the campfire gazing into the southern night sky.
Our cooks have mastered the art of cooking over an open fire. Be ready to delight your taste buds with unique Argentine asados, roasted lamb prepared gaucho style, and much more.
Many years of providing this experience have allowed us to redefine camping. SET Fly Fishing dedicated camp staff will pamper you so that you never have to lift a finger!
Limay medio week float is a 7 nights program where you will spend the arrival night at a lodging in town, but once in the river you will spend the nights with the comfort of our deluxe riverside camp. After the last day floating, you will spend that last night in Neuquen, where we will also provide lodging as part of the program.
Program
Program
Our policy is to adjust the program to the guest preferences and fishing styles. However, here you will find an example what a typical program at Spring Creek lodge looks like.
Sample Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival Day – Fly to Chapelco Airport – Spring Creek Lodge – Casting Clinic at the Lodge ponds – Wine tasting & Welcome DinnerDAY 2 through DAY 7: Limay Medio River six (6) Days Float TripDAY 7: End of Limay River Float – Transfer to Neuquén City – Howard Johnson Hotel – Dinner at La Toscana RestaurantDAY 8: Transfer to Neuquén Airport – Fly to Buenos Aires and then back home
Rate
The cost for this 7 nights of lodging and 6 full days fishing as shown in the program is
$5400 per person, sharing one boat and guide every 2 anglers.Ask us about single angler rates.
Included
- All lodging as described on the itinerary
- All meals, beer and wine
- Full-time guide and coordinator during the trip
- Transportation between local airport and the lodges
- All the special services described on the itinerary
- Fishing license and fishing gear if needed
Not Included
- International and local flights
- Airport transfers in Buenos Aires from and the international airport and local airport.
- Laundry
- Gratuities
Season
Season and Weather
The seasons in northern Patagonia are opposite of those in North America. Our fishing season runs from November through May, which translates to late spring, summer and the beginning of autumn in the northern hemisphere.
December through early March
During the summer months, late December through early March, the average daytime temperatures vary between 66 F and 86 F. Nighttime and early morning temperatures are usually cooler so you may need an extra layer of clothing before the sun warms thing up.
November, March and April
Spring and autumn are a bit cooler with daytime temperatures reaching into the 70’s F with the morning and nighttime lows in the low 60’s F. Having a vest or jacket handy is typically suggested for the evenings and mornings.
Much like the mountain regions in the western US and Canada the weather in northern Patagonia can be unpredictable and has the possibility of changing throughout the day. For that reason we recommend that you have the ability to layer your clothing as weather conditions dictate. Packing a fleece or rain gear is always a good idea.
Gear
There is no way to predict every weather and fishing situation that you will encounter during your visit. However, from our years of experience we recommend the following:
Rods
You will be battling large fish in heavy current and wind we recommend the following 2 rods.
First will be an 8wt rod for swinging flies when targeting the migratory trout on the river.
Second will be a 6wt for regular dry flies and floating minnow techniqueReels
Matching reels for your rods with spare spools and be certain that they have good working drags you are probably going to see your backing a few times.Lines
The sinking lines are very specific and play a very large roll in your success. This sinking line will be used only when we are targeting the migratory trout and will be “only part of our fishing” every day.
Don’t forget you will be also doing regular dry flies fishing for resident trout in a range 17 to 24 inches).● 8 wt type Orvish HD Depth Charge 250 grains for your #8 rod or similar between 250 and 300 grians with a fast sinking tip between 24 to 28 feet● A high quality WF floating line for your #6 rodLeaders
These leaders are again very specific and will have a great impact on your success.● 9’ 0x or 1x Leaders for minnows and sinking line● 9’ 3x Regular trout leaders for your dry flies fishingTippet
● 1 Spool each 0x 1x and 2x Fluorocarbon Tippet for your 8wt● 3x and 4x for your Dry flies fishingOther Considerations
Other considerations for this program
The Limay river is at considerably lower elevation than the rest of the fisheries in Northern Patagonia which means always warmer temperature, during the months of January, February and part of March we likely wet wade on the river what means bringing a pair of neoprene booties is always a good idea. Anyway we are close to the Andes and front coming bye could bring strong wind and colder temperatures so having waders, a rain jacket and a flese is always a good idea.
We will be floating several days and you should plan on 2 or 3 set of clothes to pack on dry bags we will provide previous the float starts. At camp you will be provided with towels and toiletries for available daily hot showers.
Our camps will have electric generator so do not forget your electronic charger that you will be able to plug in during camps
