The diversity of fishing found in this particular area of Northern Argentina's Patagonia region is perhaps the greatest attribute of Chime Lodge's location. While the lodge sits on the banks of the Chimehuin - the lodge's home waters - they also fish the Alumine, Malleo, Caleufu, and Collon Cura Rivers. Whether you are a novice angler looking to develop your fly fishing skills or an experienced angler seeking a well-balanced sample of the best that South America has to offer, you will find the guides and fisheries well suited for your specific needs.

All of the rivers found throughout this area fish differently during Argentina's varying seasons, as most of these rivers are attached to large lakes. That means that often-times you can find huge rainbow trout on the move in the spring, and trophy browns running in the fall. The peak dry fly fishing is usually found from mid-summer through early fall (Mid January through March). During this time-frame, both browns and rainbows look up for large attractor dry flies, such as the Gypsy King, Chernobyl Ants, large Hopper patterns, and big Beetles.

If you are a "Hog Hunter" looking for trophy trout, then throwing large, weighted marabou streamers with sink tip lines will provide exciting visual action for big trout. Most of the waters in this area are so clear that you can see the trout explode on your moving steamer. We would recommend the fall (April and May) for prime streamer action for huge browns around the Bocas (river mouths) of very specific rivers. You may also want to take a day to float the numerous and scenic lakes in the region. These lakes provide anglers with solid shots at sipping brown, brook and rainbow trout. When these quality trout are not always looking up for dry flies, the streamer action is very productive, especially for trophy sized trout. You will typically fish a different body of water each day at Chime Lodge!

The Chimehuin River lies just north of San Martin de los Andes, the area’s famous mountain ski town. The Chimehuin is a large freestone river similar in many ways to Montana’s Madison. It is the perfect fishery for float fishing, sight-fishing, and prospecting with streamers, nymphs, and large attractor dry flies. This river fishes the best from late December into early February, and late March into April. Since the lodge overlooks the upper section of this river, you can expect to fish the river at least once. This is easy to do, as it is truly one of our favorite rivers in Northern Argentina. The lodge is minutes from the famous Boca de Chimeuin, where Joe Brooks fished many days and caught mucho grande brown trout.

The Collon Cura is perhaps the most prolific trout fishery in all of Patagonia and is a must-see river for anglers visiting the area. The water is similar in appearance to Wyoming’s Snake River, but lined with willows and high sandstone cliffs. The river is fairly large, with a mild gradient and broad gravel riffles that make for easy wading. Streamers are effective throughout the season, as minnows are an important food source in the river. The river also offers excellent dry fly fishing with large attractors. January is an excellent streamer month, as the river is usually full of minnows. Collon Cura trout are exceptional fighters, with fish averaging in the 14 to 20-inch range. During the Argentine autumn, fall browns can run up to 28 inches.

Caleufu River - This is a medium-sized tributary of the Collon Cura River, born from the union of the Filo Hua Hum and the Meliquina Rivers. It is a great early and late season river due to the proximity to the Piedra del Aguila reservoir. It can be floated up until the end of February, but is mainly fished by wade fishing from rafts.

•Malleo River - Located in the northern portion of the San Martin de los Andes fishing area, the Malleo is a very consistent fishery with solid, hard fighting fish. The river is well known throughout the region for spectacular caddis and mayfly hatches, making this lodge a haven for dry fly enthusiast.

Alumine River - This is a slower spring-creek-type river with strong populations of healthy rainbow trout that love to look up for dries. We would compare this fishery to Montana's Missouri River, anglers usually fish hatch-specific flies when the bugs are coming off. The rainbows average around 16" but larger 20" are often found sipping dries. We would rank this river as a bit more suited for experienced anglers who know how to feed rising fish and those that enjoy the challenge of slow water dry fly fishing.

Tromen, Huechulafquen, Epulafquen, Verde, Curruhe Lakes - The still water fishing in this area is exceptional, and the lakes are all very visually different. Whether you are fishing to cruising fish looking for dry flies or prospecting with streamers, you will be pleasantly surprised with consistent action from brown, rainbow and brook trout.. These are wonderful bodies of water for beginner anglers and those seeking trophy trout. The crystal-clear waters make for fine sight fishing in the shallows and exciting action as fish pursue your fly.

For float trips, Chime Lodge utilizes rafts outfitted with full fishing frames and seats. These boats are designed specifically for fly fishing and are a pleasure to fish from. As far as transportation goes, the rivers and estancias are accessed with 4x4 vehicles - Toyota trucks. For the overnight floats, all of the tents, sleeping bags, and raised cots that are provided are brand new and is great shape. You can be assured that when camping with Chime, you will sleep in comfort with a dry tent!