Exploring PRG North: The Legendary Waters of San Martín de los Andes
Discover the rivers, lakes, and hidden creeks of Northern Patagonia, from the iconic Limay to secluded spring creeks perfect for dry-fly fishing.
Welcome to PRG North: Patagonia’s Trout Country
Few regions in Patagonia capture the imagination of fly anglers quite like the San Martín and Junín de los Andes area, home to PRG North. This corner of Northern Patagonia feels more like Montana than anywhere else in Argentina, with wide valleys, snowcapped peaks, and a network of rivers that seem made for the fly rod. Every stream here eventually feeds into the mighty Limay River, forming an interconnected system of classic riffles, deep pools, and long dry-fly glides that define the experience of fishing PRG North.
The Limay: Patagonia’s Powerhouse River
The Limay River has earned its reputation as one of the finest trout fisheries in the world. While the upper reaches near Bariloche can draw crowds, PRG guides focus on the lesser-pressured middle section (Limay Medio) near the town of Piedra del Águila, about an hour and a half south of San Martín de los Andes.
Here, anglers drift through immense, open landscapes with the chance to target brown trout that often push or exceed 30 inches. The Limay fishes well with dries, nymphs, and streamers, offering a diverse mix of techniques across its vast channels. For those looking to truly unplug, PRG offers two- to three-day camping floats through its most remote stretches. These “PRG Unplugged” adventures deliver solitude, endless water, and nights around the fire with asado under Patagonia’s open sky, the perfect blend of wilderness and world-class fishing.
The Malleo: Patagonia’s Dry Fly Paradise
If the Limay is Patagonia’s powerhouse, the Rio Malleo is its soul. Flowing southeast from Lago Tromen for more than thirty miles, the Malleo is the epitome of classic trout water. It’s a mid-sized freestone river that shifts in character as it winds through forests, meadows, and volcanic foothills.
In the meadow section of San Huberto Ranch, the Malleo takes on the feel of a spring creek, with fine gravel, crystal clarity, and prolific hatches that demand precision. Dry flies reign supreme here. Matching the hatch and presenting a perfect drift can bring explosive takes from rainbows and browns ranging from 16 to 20+ inches. A pure, technical experience that keeps anglers returning year after year.
The Collón Curá: Endless Variety
The Rio Collón Curá offers something for everyone. Famous for its minnow runs, willow worms, and pancora crabs, it also produces strong hatches and supports one of the healthiest trout populations in Argentina.
From Estancia Quemquemtreu to the Alicura Reservoir, anglers can expect fast-paced fishing and incredible variety, with 15 to 25 fish per rod per day being common. Browns and rainbows in the 16–18 inch range are the norm, but bigger fish always lurk in the deeper runs. The Collón Curá is a quintessential drift river, and days here often feel like a highlight reel of Patagonia’s best fishing in one stretch of water.
A Network of Rivers, Lakes, and Hidden Creeks
Part of what makes PRG North so remarkable is the sheer amount of fishable water. Beyond the Limay, Malleo, and Collón Curá, anglers have access to rivers like the Chimehuín, Aluminé, Traful, and Filo Hua Hum, as well as intimate spring creeks and small freestone streams tucked away within private estancias or deep inside Lanín National Park.
Exclusive waters such as the Arroyo Quemquemtreu or Rio Huaca Mamuil offer solitude and pristine conditions, while public gems like the Rio Aunquinco or Malalco Spring Creek provide world-class fishing with almost no pressure. During the midsummer months, the lakes of the region such as Lago Tromen, Lolog, Filo Hua Hum, Curruhue Grande, and Falkner come alive with dry-fly sight fishing for large, cruising trout.
A Classic Patagonia Experience
From the rivers to the lodges, the San Martín and Junín de los Andes region embodies the timeless charm of Patagonia fly fishing. The landscapes are dramatic, the town of San Martín is one of the most charming in all of South America, and the fishing variety is unmatched.
Whether you’re floating the vast Limay, matching hatches on the Malleo, or wading a hidden spring creek in the shadow of the Andes, PRG North delivers a fly fishing experience that feels both wild and refined — a true classic in the heart of Patagonia.
Plan Your PRG North Adventure
Ready to experience the legendary rivers of Northern Patagonia? Learn more about PRG North or contact our team to start planning your customized trip to the San Martín and Junín de los Andes region.
✉️ info@patagoniariverguides.com
📱 WhatsApp Rance directly: +54 9 2945 54‑8104