PRG North
Fly Fishing the Heart of Northern Patagonia
A Different Side of Patagonia
Northern Patagonia feels different the moment you arrive. The rivers feel bigger and more alive. The landscape stretches wide, then suddenly folds into valleys lined with willows, lava rock, and snowcapped peaks. This is the San Martín and Junín de los Andes region, and it is home to PRG North, PRG’s most diverse fly fishing program.
PRG North delivers everything anglers associate with PRG’s reputation: elite guiding, thoughtful logistics, and access to world class water. What sets it apart is variety. Northern Patagonia offers some of the most dynamic river systems in South America and without question the best dry fly fishing in Patagonia, thanks to nutrient rich waters and prolific insect life.
From classic freestones to broad steppe rivers, and world-class walk and wade water to legendary float fisheries, PRG North is designed for anglers who want options and the freedom to shape their days on the water.
A Region Defined by Water
The San Martín and Junín de los Andes area sits at the crossroads of Patagonia’s most famous trout rivers. Names like the Chimehuín, Aluminé, Collón Cura, Limay, and Malleo are spoken with reverence for good reason. These rivers are productive, varied, and visually stunning, each offering its own personality and fishing style.
Hatches are the backbone of the experience. Mayflies, caddis, and stoneflies drive consistent dry fly fishing throughout the season, while unique regional events like minnow runs, pancora crabs, and willow worm “hatches” create unforgettable windows of opportunity for anglers who time it right. The result is fishing that rewards observation, patience, and adaptability.
With hundreds of miles of fishable water and wide open landscapes, anglers never feel boxed in. Drives can be as short as five minutes, and on many days guests can return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest before heading back out for the evening hatch.
Walk and Wade or Float, Your Call
PRG North is built around choice. Walk and wade anglers have access to both public and private water suited to every skill level. Whether the goal is steady action or targeting the fish of a lifetime, guides match water and approach to the angler, not the other way around.
For those who prefer to cover water, floating options in Northern Patagonia are among the best in the world. Rivers like the Chimehuín, Collón Cura, Limay, and Aluminé offer everything from technical dry fly fishing to aggressive streamer eats for large trout. PRG’s RO drift boats are comfortable and spacious, and the guide team knows when to slow things down and when to push forward.
Each float is different. A minnow run on the Collón Cura can produce some of the most exciting streamer fishing in Patagonia. The Limay is famous for throwing large flies to equally large brown trout. No matter the objective, PRG North’s floating program is dialed, deliberate, and flexible.
Custom Trips, Endless Combinations
PRG North trips are never one size fits all. Guests can choose classic stays at private estancias or combine two or more lodges for a deeper look at the region. PRG’s signature “fish a different river every day” program is possible, allowing anglers to experience an extraordinary range of water in a single trip.
Trips can be as short as three days of fishing and run from November through May. Every itinerary is custom designed based on fishing preferences, accommodation style, and experience level. For those looking to disconnect even further, estancia stays can be combined with PRG Unplugged wilderness camping trips for a true backcountry experience.
Rinconada Lodge: A Cornerstone of PRG North
One of the defining experiences within PRG North is Rinconada Lodge, located east of San Martín de los Andes on the historic Estancia Huechahue. Set within the high desert steppe and spanning roughly 20,000 acres, Rinconada offers a deeply authentic Patagonian experience rooted in both culture and access.
From Rinconada, guests can explore a different river each day. The Aluminé, Collón Cura, Malleo, and Chimehuín are all within reach, along with stillwaters like Lakes Tromen, Huechulafquen, and Lolog, where sight fishing with dry flies unfolds against dramatic volcanic backdrops. For anglers willing to venture further, the Filo Hua Hum, Limay, and Caleufu expand the possibilities even more.
The lodge itself is warm, spacious, and thoughtfully designed. A main house hosts breakfasts, cocktails, and dinners, while accommodations are spread between the main lodge and two private cabins. Each of the nine rooms features a private bathroom and the comforts expected from a top tier fishing lodge. When availability allows, guests often enjoy single occupancy at no additional cost.
Evenings at Rinconada are a highlight. Traditional asados are hosted in the quincho around an indoor fire pit, while an outdoor fire pit sets the scene for drinks and conversation after dinner. A sauna and spa area offer welcome recovery after long days on the water.
More Than Fishing
Northern Patagonia is rich in culture, and PRG North embraces that fully. Many lodges sit on working estancias where gauchos carry on daily traditions, and guests often witness ranch life up close. Birdlife is abundant. Landscapes feel alive. Non angling activities are not an afterthought but an integral part of the experience for guests and traveling companions alike.
Why PRG North
PRG North brings together everything Patagonia does best: diversity, wild beauty, and exceptional fishing, delivered with PRG’s hallmark service and attention to detail. From dry fly focused rivers to legendary floats, from refined estancia stays to unplugged wilderness camps, this program offers unmatched flexibility in one of Patagonia’s most compelling regions.
Planning a Trip to PRG North
PRG North trips are built around flexibility and customization. Each itinerary is designed based on guest preferences, experience level, and the type of water they want to fish. Time can be spent walk and wade fishing, floating, or combining both throughout the week, with guides adjusting daily plans to match conditions and opportunities.
With access to a wide range of rivers, estancias, and lodging options, PRG North makes it easy to tailor each trip for pace, variety, and personal goals. Patagonia River Guides handles all logistics and planning details, allowing guests to focus on fishing well and experiencing Northern Patagonia at its best.
✉️ info@patagoniariverguides.com
📱 WhatsApp Rance directly: +54 9 2945 54‑8104