Limay River Ranch

The Lower 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 Rainbow Trout

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.

Due to the massive size of the ranch and the outfitter's exclusive lease, anglers have access to over 30 miles of river for floating and 12 linear miles for wading small side channels. There’s enough water to offer each cabin its own solitary float for six days of fishing without repeating water. The Lodge is also conveniently located on the water, so you spend less travel time.

Limay River Browns

Season:  Peak fishing runs from November through April.
Private Access:  Chocolate Lab has private access to 35 miles of the Limay River.
Ground Transfers:  A short drive from the property puts you on some of the world's finest fly fishing water.
Group Size:  Limited to 8 anglers per week.

The Fishing Program

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 bilingual local guides with extensive knowledge of the rivers and all aspects of fly fishing.
Methods:  The Limay is a large river that is ideal for those who want to use two-handed rods. Trout Spey rods allow anglers to cover vast amounts of water and potentially get flies in front of more fish.
Equipment:  The guides provide all flies and, upon request, they can supply fly rods, reels, and wading boots. A $100 breakage fee applies per damaged rod. A detailed tackle list is included in our confirmation packet.
Fishing License:  Your fishing license is included in the package.

Limay River Ranch

Limay River Ranch offers 6 high-end cabins for a maximum of 12 guests, with incredible cuisine and an authentic Patagonia experience. The main lodge has a dining room, bar, and a living room. Laundry service is available for $10 per load.

Meals and Beverages

Meals:  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, featuring beer, wine, and a moderate selection of liquor.

Cabin Bedroom

Each cabin has approximately 360 square feet of interior space, with a private bathroom, air conditioning and heating, and a woodstove. Each cabin also has an outdoor deck.

Six Deluxe Cabins

Communications:  Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi is available at the Lodge. If you want to make phone calls, we recommend downloading the WhatsApp app.

Limay River Brown Trout

Getting to the Lodge:

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 Chapelco airport near San Martín de los Andes. Upon arrival, you'll be met by the Chocolate Lab team and driven 2.5 hours to Limay River Ranch.
On Departure Day:  You'll be driven to Chapelco airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires. After landing, you'll transfer by ground to Ezeiza International Airport. Please allow at least 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 / 2027 USD Rates

Season:  November through April
7 nights / 6.5 days $8,850 per person

The Package Includes:

• Ground transfers between Chapelco airport and the Lodge
• 7 nights Lodging
• Starlink Wi-Fi at the Lodge
• Meals and an evening open bar at the Lodge
• 6.5 days guided fishing
• Use of fly outfits and wading boots 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
• Expenses due to itinerary changes beyond the outfitter’s control
• Global Rescue coverage
• Mandatory travel health insurance
• Trip cancellation insurance
• Anything not listed under inclusions.