Esquel and Rio Pico

This rural region of Patagonia, the center of the Welsh community in Argentina, retains the charm of its distant past. Esquel sits on the eastern edge of the Andes, nestled between the mountains and the arid pampa; the landscape is similar to that of the American West.

There is an amazing variety of quality trout water in the Esquel region with over 15 separate fisheries and a tremendous variety of fishing opportunities: the Rio Grande, "Big River", a large spring-creek like tailwater; the Arroyo Pescado, a desert spring creek with an abundance of birdlife including flamingos and black-necked swans; and the rivers and lakes of Los Alerces National Park, including the Rio Rivadavia and its spring creek tributary. The fishing is neither easy, nor is it technical. We match the hatch with a size 10 Royal Wulff or Woolly Bugger. There is challenging fishing for the most experienced angler, as well as great fishing for the "never ever" flyfisher.

Lago Futalaufquen, Los Alerces National Park