The Best Lakes and Recommended Places for Fishing in Bariloche

San Carlos de Bariloche is much more than a tourist destination blessed with snowy mountains, freshwater beaches, and famous artisanal chocolate shops. In the heart of Nahuel Huapi National Park, the city is also one of Patagonia's most recognized places for sport fishing. Deep glacial lakes, meltwater rivers crossing native forests, and unique biodiversity make this place a paradise for those who enjoy casting a line into the water and letting themselves be carried away by the calm of the surroundings.

Fishing in Bariloche is an activity highly respected by locals and experts who travel there to test their knowledge and experience. It requires technique, intuition, and contemplation.

The season for this activity extends between November and April, when rivers and lakes reach their best level and the most sought-after species are active. But beyond the calendar, every corner of the region has its own rhythm and specific conditions. Knowing and respecting them is part of the charm of this sport. That is why, below, we will detail the most relevant information for you to prepare.

What to Fish in Bariloche

Nahuel Huapi National Park is home to several emblematic species of sport fishing, mainly trout and salmon. The most common are the rainbow trout, the brown trout, and the brook trout (fontinalis), introduced to the area in the early 20th century and successfully adapted to the cold and oxygenated waters of the mountain range. In some lakes, it is also possible to find landlocked salmon, a species coveted for its size and strength.

Each species exhibits different behavior depending on the time of year. Rainbow trout are usually more active during the summer when the waters reach temperate temperatures. Browns, on the other hand, offer the best challenges towards the end of the season, between March and April, when they migrate to the rivers to spawn. The brook trout, smaller but of great beauty, is found in streams and lagoons with cold and shallow waters.

Fishing in Bariloche also implies understanding the environment. Lakes Nahuel Huapi, Moreno, Gutiérrez, and Fonck are true natural reservoirs, with crystal clear waters reflecting Mounts López, Catedral, and Tronador. In them, different fishing modalities can be practiced, from traditional trolling to fly fishing.

Types of Fishing in Bariloche

The diversity of natural environments in Bariloche allows practicing different sport fishing techniques. Each has its particularities and requires different types of equipment, but all share the same goal: to have fun, learn, enjoy the Patagonian landscape, and respect the ecosystem.

Fly fishing is Bariloche's most emblematic modality. It is practiced in both rivers and lakes and consists of using artificial lures that imitate insects or small fish. It is a technique that demands precision and patience. In Bariloche, Best Bariloche Tours organizes specific fly fishing excursions on the Manso River, the Limay River, and various Patagonian lakes, adapted to each participant's experience level.

Another very popular modality is spinning, which uses metal or plastic lures and allows for longer casts. It is ideal for wide lakes like Moreno or Gutiérrez, where you can fish from the shore or a boat. Best Bariloche Tours proposes half-day fly fishing or spinning experiences on the Limay River, designed for those who want to make the most of their time without committing the whole day.

Trolling is a traditional technique consisting of dragging artificial lures from a moving boat. It is very effective for catching large trout in deep lakes, such as Nahuel Huapi. Trolling fishing trips organized by Best Bariloche Tours combine the excitement of navigation with the possibility of enjoying an imposing landscape.

Each modality requires specific conditions, and local knowledge makes the difference. The guides at Best Bariloche Tours not only accompany the experience but also teach techniques, recommend the best spots according to weather and flow, and promote responsible and sustainable practice.

Fishing tours in Bariloche

The appeal of fishing in Bariloche also lies in the variety of natural scenarios it offers. Each lake and river has its own personality, and exploring them is part of the adventure. Guided excursions by Best Bariloche Tours allow you to discover these places safely, with all the necessary equipment and expert guidance.

Lake Nahuel Huapi is the epicenter of activity. With its more than 500 square kilometers, it is the largest lake in Argentine Patagonia and one of the most challenging for sport fishing. Large trout inhabit its deep waters, and trolling is the most effective technique.

On the other hand, Lake Moreno, divided into two arms connected by a narrow channel, offers an ideal environment for fishing rainbow and brown trout. Surrounded by forests and with panoramic views of Mount López, it is perfect for practicing spinning or fly fishing. Best Bariloche Tours offers a spectacular fishing tour at Lakes Nahuel Huapi, Moreno, or Gutiérrez, acting as an excellent option for those who want to enjoy the activity without dedicating the whole day, with guides who accompany and assist participants with technical tips.

A few minutes from the city center is Lake Gutiérrez, with clear and calm waters. It is ideal for those looking for a relaxed day or starting in fishing. Its proximity to the urban area allows combining the activity with other excursions or a subsequent gastronomic visit, making this lake a perfect spot for short getaways.

Lake Fonck is a hidden gem within Nahuel Huapi National Park. Surrounded by intact nature, its cold and deep waters harbor abundant trout, and the tranquility of the environment creates the ideal setting for a full day of fishing. Best Bariloche Tours offers an exclusive fishing experience at Lake Fonck with a guide and lunch included.

Further south, the Manso River offers a different, wilder, and more natural experience. Its journey between mountains and Valdivian rainforest creates unique scenarios for fly fishing or spinning. The excursion on the Manso River, Lake Hess, or Lake Los Moscos allows you to make the most of the fishing day in an environment of absolute beauty and natural abundance.

The Pichi Leufú River, less known but highly valued by local fishermen, crosses a landscape of Patagonian steppe and offers clear and calm waters where trout abound. The fishing experience in Pichi Leufú with Best Bariloche Tours allows enjoying a day of serenity and observation, ideal for those seeking intimate contact with nature.

Requirements for Fishing in Bariloche

Sport fishing within Nahuel Huapi National Park is regulated by the National Parks Administration, which seeks to ensure the preservation of species and ecological balance. To fish in Bariloche, it is mandatory to have the Patagonian continental sport fishing permit, which can be obtained online through the official website. This permit is valid for different periods—from one day to a full season—and is personal and non-transferable.

In addition to the permit, it is essential to respect current conservation regulations. In most environments, the "catch and release" modality applies, which implies returning the fish to the water after capture, trying not to harm it, and avoiding the use of barbed hooks. There are also limits on size, quantity, and enabled zones, so it is always recommended to consult current regulations before each outing.

On the other hand, in some lakes, fishing with motorboats or specific techniques is prohibited. To avoid inconvenience, it is recommended to have the guidance of a local professional. Fishing days runned by Best Bariloche Tours, for example, include all necessary permits, equipment, and assistance, in addition to the company of experienced guides who know every stretch of river and every bay of the lake perfectly.

An Experience beyond Sport

Fishing in Bariloche is one of the least explored but most enriching sports activities. It is a way to enjoy nature from another place, observe the water with different eyes, seek the silence of the lakes, and learn to read the weather and environmental changes. In this sense, Best Bariloche Tours excursions not only guarantee a well-organized outing but also promote a responsible, safe, and environmentally respectful practice.

In addition, Bariloche is one of the Patagonian cities best prepared to exercise this activity, with a varied offer of accommodation, equipment shops, restaurants with a diversity of dishes, and good transport service to the main fishing spots.

If you are looking for a fishing getaway in Bariloche with all the comforts, be sure to seek our advice. Have a great trip!