The Three Rivers Package
Chimehuin, Limay, and Collon Cura Rivers, Neuquén Province, Patagonia, Argentina
Experience a week-long fly fishing adventure on three of Patagonia’s most prolific rivers. Begin on the crystal-clear Chimehuin River with its willow-lined banks, home to trophy brown trout. Next, fish the powerful Limay River tailwater for some of Patagonia’s hardest-fighting rainbow trout. Finish your journey on the action-packed Collon Cura River, ideal for both wading and floating. Stay at three private estancias, each offering exclusive river access and authentic Patagonian hospitality, for an unforgettable week of world-class trout fishing in southern Argentina.
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Chocolate Lab Expeditions has guided fly anglers in Patagonia since the mid-1990s, earning a strong reputation on the Chimehuin, Limay, and Collon Cura Rivers. Their experienced, long-tenured guides bring deep local knowledge to Patagonia’s premier trout waters.
The team is also known for excellent English-speaking guides, making the program ideal for international anglers and ensuring clear instruction, effective communication, and a more successful fishing experience.
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Fly fishing only on the Chimehuin, Limay, and Collon Cura Rivers to match the technical nature of Patagonia’s premier trout waters and deliver a high-quality angling experience.
These clear rivers feature selective rainbow and brown trout, making precise fly presentations with dries, nymphs, and streamers far more effective than spin or bait fishing. Fly fishing also mirrors the trout’s natural feeding on insects and baitfish, showcasing classic Patagonian techniques.
A fly-only approach supports catch-and-release conservation, helping maintain healthy trout populations, while allowing Chocolate Lab’s expert guides to focus on technique, water reading, and personalized instruction for anglers of all skill levels.
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Rainbow Trout
The most common species across all three rivers. Rainbows are known for strong fights, consistent surface activity, and excellent dry-fly and nymph fishing, especially on the Chimehuin and Collon Cura.Brown Trout
Widespread throughout the system, particularly in deeper runs, undercut banks, and slower pools of the Limay and Chimehuin. Browns are prized for their size, wariness, and aggressive takes on streamers.Brook Trout
Less common but present in select sections, tributaries, and spring-influenced waters. Brookies add variety and provide great sight-fishing opportunities in smaller or cooler stretches.
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Three Rivers Package, guests stay at a collection of estancias (ranch lodges) along the Chimehuin, Limay, and Collón Cura Rivers, carefully chosen by Chocolate Lab Expeditions to match the fishing itinerary.
Each lodge offers comfortable double rooms with private bathrooms, providing a relaxing retreat after a full day on the water.
The accommodations showcase authentic Patagonian ranch style, combining classic Argentine charm, inviting communal spaces, and hearty meals for a warm and welcoming experience.
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The fishing season extends from mid‑December to April, with peak conditions typically from late December through March.”
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2026 Rates
Peak Season: Mid-December through April
Accommodations: Two anglers per room with a dedicated guide
Three Rivers Package – Chimehuin, Limay & Collon Cura
8 nights / 8 days of guided fly fishing
$9,100 per person
Two Rivers Package – Limay & Collon Cura
6 nights / 6 days of guided fly fishing
$7,200 per person
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8‑Weight Fly Rod
Primary choice for Patagonia trout fishing on these rivers.
Excellent for streamer fishing and casting larger flies in wind or current.
Offers a great mix of power and delicacy for both sight fishing and deep presentations.
6‑Weight Fly Rod
Best all‑around trout rod for dry flies, nymphing, and lighter presentations.
Works particularly well on clear, technical water where precision is key.
7‑Weight Fly Rod (Optional but useful)
Ideal if you want a single rod that bridges dry fly accuracy and streamer muscle.
A good backup for windier days or larger runs.
Guides provide all flies. Upon request, they can supply fly rods and reels. Plan on bringing boots, waders, leaders, and tippets.
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Group sizes are capped at 8 anglers per week, providing an intimate fishing experience with personalized guide attention and greater access to private river stretches.
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Fish in style with Chocolate Lab Expeditions’ high-end, custom-built drift boats—the only outfitter in South America to offer a fleet refreshed every other season.
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Fly into Buenos Aires: Most anglers arrive at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) for international flights. Plan at least one overnight in Buenos Aires before heading south.
Domestic Flight to Chapelco: The following day, take a ~2 hour 15 minute flight to Chapelco Airport (CPC) near San Martín de los Andes, the closest airport to the fishing lodges.
Meet the CLE Team & Transfer: Upon arrival, the Chocolate Lab Expeditions team provides a ~20 minute ground transfer to your first lodge or estancia.
Onward Travel During the Trip: Transfers between river properties (Chimehuin, Limay, Collón Cura) are arranged by the outfitter via short ground drives.
Return Travel: At trip’s end, guests are driven back to Chapelco Airport for the return flight to Buenos Aires. Allow several hours between domestic and international flights for traffic and airport logistics.
Travel Notes:
Hotels and transfers in Buenos Aires are not included and must be booked separately.
Domestic flights in Argentina often have lower baggage limits than international carriers—check restrictions before flying.
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The Packages Include:
• Ground transfers between Chapelco Airport (San Martin) and lodging
• Lodging
• Meals at the Lodges
• Open bar in the evening
• Guided fishing
• Use of fly outfits upon request
• Flies
• A fishing license.The Packages Do Not Include:
• Airfare to and from Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Hotel nights and meals in Buenos Aires
• Ground transfers in Buenos Aires
• Domestic airfare between Buenos Aires and San Martin
• Waders and boots
• Leaders and tippets
• Gratuities to guides and Lodge staff
• Additional costs due to itinerary changes
beyond the outfitter’s control
• Mandatory Global Rescue (or similar medical evacuation coverage)
• Mandatory health insurance—the policy (must include medical care, hospitalization, and 24/7 emergency assistance during your visit).
• Travel insurance
• Anything not covered under inclusions.
On Patagonia’s Chimehuin River, all fly fishing techniques can be highly effective, including streamers, nymphs, large attractor dry flies, spot fishing, or matching the river’s prolific hatches. The caddis hatch begins in early December, peaking later in the month and continuing into early January. Mayfly hatches, including scattered Cahill hatches, occur through January, tapering off by early February. Large yellow drakes in sizes 8 and 10 emerge most evenings, often triggering aggressive strikes from trophy brown trout. Afternoon terrestrial fishing is productive throughout the summer, with peak action from late January to early March. As fall brings cooler temperatures, mayfly hatches restart with mahoganies, speckled-winged grey, and BWOs keeping trout feeding on the surface. Streamer fishing is productive for larger fish year-round, with spring and fall offering the best opportunities for stripping big brown trout, including occasional 10-pound fall browns
A Typical Fishing Day:
8:00 a.m. - You’ll have breakfast, then head out to fish.
Noon - Picnic-style lunch on the shore.
6:30 p.m. - Wrap up fishing and return to the Lodge.
8:00 p.m. - Open bar and appetizers at the Lodge.
9:00 to 9:30 p.m. - Dinner is served. (Late dinners are typical for Argentina.)
The Chimehuin River
The Chimehuin River in Patagonia is a classic big freestone river with willow-lined banks, offering world-class fly fishing for large brown and rainbow trout. Its true pools and runs are reminiscent of Montana’s Madison River, while braided sections create a maze of willow-lined channels with the charm of small water. Anglers can expect rainbows and browns ranging from 15–20 inches, with plentiful brown trout reaching up to 24 inches, making the Chimehuin River a premier destination for trophy trout fly fishing in southern Argentina.
Limay River
The Lower Limay River in Patagonia is renowned for its world-class rainbow trout fishery, offering some of the hardest-fighting trout in the region. Concentrations of trout are impressive, averaging 17–21 inches, with rapid growth fueled by abundant aquatic insects and minnows year-round.
Chocolate Lab Expeditions has been guiding anglers on the Lower Limay since 2004, providing expert fly fishing trips for trophy rainbow trout in this premier Patagonian tailwater.
A Typical Fishing Day:
8:00 a.m. - You’ll have breakfast, then head out to fish.
Noon - Picnic-style lunch on the shore.
6:30 p.m. - Wrap up fishing and return to the Lodge.
8:00 p.m. - Open bar and appetizers at the Lodge.
9:00 to 9:30 p.m. - Dinner is served. (Late dinners are typical for Argentina.)
The Lower Limay River in Patagonia, Argentina is a world-class tailwater, flowing 60 miles from the Pichi Picun Leufu Dam to the vast Chocon Reservoir. With flows ranging from 7,000 to 16,000 CFS depending on electrical demand, this massive river offers cool, crystalline waters ideal for trout fishing. The rich and diverse ecosystem makes the Lower Limay one of the most dynamic fly fishing rivers in the province, providing excellent opportunities for targeting trophy rainbow and brown trout in a variety of habitats.
The Collon Cura River
The Collon Cura River in Patagonia is one of the region’s most prolific trout fisheries, offering action-packed fly fishing in a remote and uncrowded setting. Reminiscent of the Snake River near Jackson Hole, the Collon Cura flows through a high desert valley lined with willows and dramatic sandstone cliffs. Its mild gradient and broad gravel riffles provide comfortable wading and floating for anglers. Approximately 80% of the river is contained within a scenic canyon before opening into a broad valley, making it ideal for overnight fishing trips. The river fishes well throughout the season and is a favorite destination for both beginner and expert trout anglers seeking trophy fish in Patagonia.
On Patagonia’s Collon Cura River, all fly fishing techniques can be highly effective, with streamer fishing being the most productive method throughout the season. Large dry flies, including Chernobyl Ants, Madam X’s, and rubber-legged hoppers, work well when twitched along riffles and runs. On calm mornings, rising trout can be found in tailouts, eddies, and softer water, often feeding on mayfly spinners, and guides may provide an extra rod to target these selective fish. Evening caddis hatches are typically excellent, and an elk hair or Goddard caddis skittered across the surface often produces explosive strikes from trophy brown and rainbow trout.
A Typical Fishing Day:
8:00 a.m. - You’ll have breakfast, then head out to fish.
Noon - Picnic-style lunch on the shore.
6:30 p.m. - Wrap up fishing and return to the Lodge.
8:00 p.m. - Open bar and appetizers at the Lodge.
9:00 to 9:30 p.m. - Dinner is served. (Late dinners are typical for Argentina.)
Accomodations
Three Rivers Package, guests stay at a collection of estancias (ranch lodges) along the Chimehuin, Limay, and Collón Cura Rivers, carefully chosen by Chocolate Lab Expeditions to match the fishing itinerary. Each lodge offers comfortable double rooms with private bathrooms, providing a relaxing retreat after a full day on the water. The accommodations showcase authentic Patagonian ranch style, combining classic Argentine charm, inviting communal spaces, and hearty meals for a warm and welcoming experience.
