Flyfishing Patagonia
Chocolate Lab Expeditions
Two- and Three-River Fly Fishing Packages
Chocolate Lab Expeditions has guided anglers in Patagonia since 1996, offering customized fly-fishing adventures on the Chimehuín, Limay, and Collón Curá Rivers. You can choose from two- and three-river packages, allowing you to tailor your trip to your schedule, budget, and fishing preferences. Shorter floats can also be arranged if you prefer to spend more time wade fishing. Chocolate Lab is known for its outstanding English-speaking guides and renews its fleet of RO Drift Boats every two years, ensuring you'll fish from modern, well-maintained boats.
2026/2027 Rates: start at $7,850 per person for 6 nights / 6 days guided fishing.
The Three-Rivers and Three-Lodges Package
SAMPLE ITINERARY: For the Three Rivers package, you'll enjoy the convenience of staying "on property" throughout your trip. During the week, you'll stay at three expansive estancias, each offering 10 to 40 miles of private river access. Your first estancia is located just 20 minutes from Chapelco Airport.
Day 1: You'll arrive at Chapelco Airport near San Martín de los Andes, where you'll be welcomed by the Chocolate Lab Expeditions team. After a 20-minute transfer to the Chimehuín River put-in, you'll begin your first float of the trip. Enjoy a riverside picnic lunch before continuing downstream to RiverHouse Lodge. In the evening, relax with appetizers and wine before dinner.
Days 2: You'll float the Chimehuín, a classic crystal-clear freestone river with willow-lined banks and emerald-blue pools. Rainbow and brown trout average 15 to 20 inches, with good numbers of browns reaching up to 24 inches. You'll return to RiverHouse Lodge for dinner and your second night's stay.
Day 3: You'll float the lower Chimehuín to its confluence with the Collón Curá, then take out and transfer to Limay River Ranch, where you'll stay in deluxe riverside cabins.
Days 4 and 5: You'll fish the middle Limay, a legendary tailwater known for some of Patagonia's hardest-fighting rainbow trout and opportunities to catch brown trout measuring up to 30 inches.
Days 6 and 7: You'll move to the Collón Curá, one of Patagonia's most productive trout rivers and an excellent destination for both floating and wade fishing. You'll spend your final two nights at Estancia Collón Curá.
The Fishing Program
For All Three Rivers:
Season: Peak fishing runs from mid-December through April.
Group Size: A maximum of eight anglers per week.
Boats: Fish from high-end, custom-built drift boats. Chocolate Lab is the only outfitter in South America to renew its entire fleet every other season.
Guides: Professional English-speaking guides with extensive knowledge of the rivers and all aspects of fly fishing.
Equipment: Your guides provide all flies and, upon request, can supply fly rods and reels. A $100 breakage fee applies per damaged rod. Guests should bring wading boots, waders, leaders, and tippet. A detailed tackle list is included in our confirmation packet.
Fishing License: Your fishing license is included in the package.
A Typical Fishing Day:
8:00 a.m. - You’ll have breakfast, then head out to fish.
Noon - Picnic-style lunch riverside.
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.)
Testimonial: "The thing that impressed me the most about Ron’s operation is the network he has developed over twenty years of guiding Patagonia and the private access he has. Logistics are one of the toughest things to negotiate down there with limited public access, and Ron has it all dialed. His guide staff is excellent as well. They are all well-versed in English, and there are no communication problems.
- Dane Huzarski
Chimehuin River
The Chimehuín River is a classic freestone trout stream with willow-lined banks, emerald-blue pools, and healthy populations of rainbow and brown trout. Its classic pools, runs, and riffles are often compared to Montana's Madison River. In places, the river braids into a maze of willow-lined side channels, creating the feel of intimate small-water fishing. Rainbow and brown trout typically measure 15 to 20 inches, with good numbers of brown trout reaching up to 24 inches.
Watch the Chimehuin River Video on Vimeo.
Chimehuin Fly Fishing Methods
Chimehuin Fly-Fishing Methods: Nearly every fly-fishing technique can be effective on the Chimehuín, including streamers, nymphs, large attractor dry flies, sight fishing, and matching the river's often-prolific hatches. The caddis hatch begins in early December, peaks later in the month, and continues into early January. Cahill mayflies hatch throughout January, tapering off in early February, while large size 8 and 10 yellow drakes emerge most evenings during the same period, often bringing big brown trout to the surface.
Terrestrial fishing becomes increasingly productive during the summer afternoons, with the best action from late January through early March. As cooler fall temperatures arrive, mahogany duns, speckled-winged greys, and blue-winged olives (BWOs) once again keep trout looking up. Streamer fishing produces larger trout throughout the season, with spring and fall offering the best opportunities to target trophy brown trout. Each year, anglers land a handful of brown trout weighing 10 pounds or more.
You'll Stay Two Nights at RiverHouse Lodge
Shore Lunch Along the River
The Lower Limay River
Limay River: The lower Limay River is a tailwater fishery, flowing from the Pichi Picún Leufú Dam for approximately 60 miles before emptying into the vast Chocón Reservoir. Flows typically range from 7,000 to 16,000 cubic feet per second (CFS), depending on electrical demand. The cool, crystal-clear water released from the dam supports a rich and diverse aquatic ecosystem, making the lower Limay one of Patagonia's premier trout rivers.
Limay River Rainbows and Browns
The Limay River is home to one of Patagonia's finest populations of hard-fighting rainbow trout, with exceptional numbers of fish averaging 17 to 21 inches. These fast-growing trout feed year-round on aquatic insects and baitfish, providing consistently productive fishing throughout the season. Chocolate Lab Expeditions has guided anglers on the lower Limay since 2004.
Watch the Limay River fly-fishing video on Vimeo.
Limay River Estancia
Limay Cabin Bedrooms
Limay River Cabins: You'll stay three nights in deluxe cabins along the Limay River.
Collon Cura River
Collón Curá River: The Collón Curá is one of Patagonia's most productive trout rivers, offering outstanding fishing in a remote setting with very few other anglers. It resembles Wyoming's Snake River near Jackson Hole, flowing through a broad high-desert valley framed by willow-lined banks and towering sandstone cliffs. Its gentle gradient, expansive gravel riffles, and abundant wadeable water make it ideal for both float and wade fishing.
Nearly 80 percent of the river winds through a scenic canyon before emerging into a broad valley, making it especially well suited for overnight float trips. Fishing remains productive throughout the season, and the river's forgiving nature makes it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced anglers.
Collon Cura Fly-Fishing Methods
Collon Cura Fly-Fishing Methods: Nearly every fly-fishing technique can be effective on the Collón Curá, although streamer fishing is generally the most productive throughout the season. Large attractor dry flies, such as Chernobyl Ants, Madam Xs, and rubber-legged hoppers, are highly effective when drifted along grassy banks or twitched through riffles and runs. On calm mornings, rising trout often feed on mayfly spinners in tailouts, eddies, and other soft water, and guides frequently carry an extra rod rigged specifically for these opportunities.
Evening caddis hatches are common, and an Elk Hair Caddis or Goddard Caddis skittered across the surface often triggers explosive strikes. For anglers with limited mobility, guides are happy to step out and walk the boats through shallow sections, making it easier to access productive water.
Watch the Collon Cura River fly fishing video on Vimeo.
Bedroom at Collon Cura Estancia
Meals at the Lodges: Chef-prepared dinners feature Patagonian specialties, including renowned local dishes, grilled meats, and traditional Patagonian lamb, complemented by Argentine wines.
Beverages: Bottled water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee are included throughout your stay.
Alcohol: The package includes an evening open bar after you return from the river, featuring beer, wine, and a moderate selection of liquor.
Two Nights at the Collon Cura Estancia
Communications: Starklink Wi-Fi is available at The Chimehuin Riverhouse and Limay River Lodge. Estancia Collon Cura has limited Wi-Fi. If you want to make phone calls, we recommend downloading the WhatsApp app. Both you and the person you're calling must have the app installed. WhatsApp uses Wi-Fi (VoIP) and works very well. If you plan to use your cell phone for regular calls, texts, or mobile data, be sure to add an international calling and roaming plan through your cellular provider before you travel.
Quick Facts Summary: Getting There
• Arrival City: Buenos Aires (Ezeiza International Airport – EZE)
• Domestic Flight: 2 hrs 15 min from Buenos Aires (AEP) → Chapelco airport (CPC – San Martín de los Andes)
• Alternative Route: Buenos Aires → Bariloche, then a 3-hour ground transfer to San Martín ($120 per person roundtrip, subject to change)
• Transfers in Buenos Aires: Allow several hours between EZE and AEP (28 miles). Private transfer service is strongly recommended.
• Departure: Return flight from Chapelco → Buenos Aires. Allow at least 4 hours for transfer to EZE before your international flight home.
Baggage Limits:
• Domestic: (Argentina) 33 lbs (15 kg) checked + carry-on + personal item
Getting to the Trip Start:
Getting to the Trip Start:
You'll fly into Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires, then take a 28-mile ground transfer to the domestic airport. (A private transfer company is recommended due to Buenos Aires traffic.) From there, you'll board an approximately 2-hour, 15-minute domestic flight to Aviador Carlos Campos Airport near San Martín de los Andes. The airport is commonly known as Chapelco Airport because of its proximity to Chapelco Ski Resort. Upon arrival, you'll be met by the Chocolate Lab Expeditions team and driven to the starting point of your fishing adventure.
On Departure Day: You'll be driven to Aviador Carlos Campos Airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires. After landing, you'll transfer by ground to Ezeiza International Airport. Please allow a minimum of four hours between flights, as traffic in Buenos Aires can be unpredictable. Most travelers can book an overnight flight to the U.S. that same evening, making a hotel stay in Buenos Aires unnecessary.
2026 and 2027 USD Rates:
Rates are valid through April 2027
Season: Mid-December through April.
Two anglers per room and guide
Three Rivers Package:
The Chimehuin, Limay, and Collon Cura
8 nights / 8 days guided fishing
$10,350 per person
Two Rivers Package
The Limay and Collon Cura
6 nights and 6 days guided fishing
$7,850 per person
Non-Angler rates are available upon request.
Information Packet.
The Packages Include:
• Ground transfers between Chapelco airport (San Martin) and the Lodge
• Lodging
• Starlink Wi-Fi at two lodges and limited Wi-Fi at one lodge
• Meals and an evening open bar at the Lodges
• Guided fishing
• Use of fly outfits upon request
• Flies
• 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 wading boots
• Leaders and tippet
• Gratuities for guides and Lodge staff
• Additional expenses due to itinerary changes
beyond the outfitter’s control
• Mandatory medical evacuation coverage (such as Global Rescue)
• Mandatory travel health insurance
• Trip cancellation insurance
• Anything not listed under inclusions.
