We are home to one of the most exclusive fly fishing rivers in Patagonia – the Quillen River. Famous among dry fly fanatics for brown and rainbow trout, the wide variety of water structure and bottoms provide a perfect habitat for a good population that actively surface feed through most of the season. The upper section is very wader friendly, while the lower reaches offer pocket water conditions.
The Malalco stream, also found at Caballadas, is a tributary to the Quillen River that comes down from the Andes mountain range. It runs cold and flat at the top, where wading is as easy as walking on a rug! On on the lower section, as it flows into the Quillen, it drops fast over huge boulders where you enjoy some of the most exiting pocket water fishing ever! Here you can sight fish for 18 plus inch rainbows and browns with light rods and tackle.
While lake fishing may not be what first comes to mind when you think of fly fishing, Lago Quillen is a lake everybody will certainly enjoy. In December and January, the early season, the dragonfly hatch comes off and the fish go on a feeding frenzy! We hop in a boat and row the reed lines at the end of the lake, throwing dragonfly imitations at rainbows and browns. Who knew lake fishing could be one or the most exciting fly fishing experiences you’ve ever had? Imagine fish coming 3 feet out of the water with your fly in their mouth before you even have a chance to set the hook!
Additional Fishing Areas
We also offer fishing with private access to 15 additional world-famous rivers in the region, including the Malleo, Chimehuin and Quilquihue, Collon Cura, Filo Hua Hum, and Traful. The Rio Malleo is not only the most famous for dry fly fishing in South America, but one of the best in the world.
The Chimehuin and the Quilquihue, two of Argentina 's most famous rivers, and run 25 miles due east of San Martin de los Andes. A trip on the Collon Cura River consists of floating an average distance of six miles, during which you will experience the most versatile fishing in the area, while the Filo Hua Hum is a classic freestone river that runs between two lakes, and also offers extremely versatile fishing.
And finally, the Rio Traful is known all over the world for the size of the fish and its technical difficulty. Depending on the river, the average measure for seasonal trout is 15 to 18 inches, although fish over 22-25 inches are not uncommon. Some of these rivers are available as day trips from the lodge, while others are accessible from the additional private lodges that we have available. If you would like more information on fishing these additional rivers or lodges, please contact us.
Fishing Equipment, Tackle, & Flies
Equipment
- Waders (breathable)
- Wading Boots
- Gravel Guards
- Wading Belt
- Long Johns and/or Fleece Pants
- Socks (warm)
- Quick dry fishing shirts
- Fleece jacket or warm sweater
- Warm jacket
- Raincoat or waterproof poncho with hood
- Fishing vest
- Fishing hat
- Sunglasses (polarized)
Fishing Tackle
- Fishing Rod – 4 to 8 weight. An action (3-5 pieces) 4-6 weight travel rod should take you everywhere and are the best choice for an all-around rod in Argentina.
- Reel – a quality reel with a reliable drag and 75-100 yards of backing should be sufficient
- Leaders – 7.5 to 9 feet tapered 0X to 5X, 2 of each
- Tippet material – 0X to 6X
- Floating Lines – any weight, mossy green, olive or grey
- Sinking Lines – 200 grain
- Forceps
- Fly desiccant
- Scissors
- Line cleaner
- Nippers
Flies
- Terrestials and attractors (sizes 6-14)
- Dries (sizes 8-12)
- Small Dries (sizes 14-20)
- Nymphs (sizes 10-20)
- Streamers (weighted, sizes 4-10)
We will send you a detailed equipment and clothing list when you reserve your trip. We recommend you bring new equipment to prevent the spread of whirling disease and New Zealand mud snail.
CABALLADAS is operated by Dolomite Mountains srl • European Office: +39 0471 840005 • info@caballadas.com
Credits: Italian Boulevard