LIMAY RIVER RANCH

A custom-built lodge right on the banks of the river Limay, Limay River Ranch offers unparalleled access to the massive brown trout that make this river’s name. 

Miles of private access to the famed Middle Limay River.

If you’re serious about fishing the Middle Limay River, this is the place to come. Limay River Ranch offers comfortable, modern accommodation and an incredible location. The lodge is just minutes away from the hallowed waters of this incredibly productive river, which our expert guides know inside out.

fishermen with large trout limay river patagonia

Fishing.

The Middle Limay River is world-renowned for its astonishing population of large, strong brown trout and rainbow trout. Being a tailwater, it’s incredibly productive, while also providing a home for some of the largest and strongest fish you’ll find in the area. If you want to catch a big brown, Limay River Ranch is the place for you. The rainbow trout here average between 17-21 inches, and the browns from 20-30.

The best time of year to fish the Limay tailwater if you’re after a trophy ‘fish of a lifetime’ is around March to mid-May as our summer season ends and autumn begins. This is when the big brown trout population begins to migrate into this river from Ezequiel Ramo Mexía reservoir to spawn. This can result in some true monster brown trout and top class streamer fishing. If conditions are good, the sight fishing can also be hard to beat: there can be plenty of action casting to rising trout on the dries.

Given the Limay’s substantial width and rugged, remote location, winds can be high here, even by Patagonian standards. This means it’s generally better suited to experienced anglers. While we mostly float the Middle Limay in drift boats, dropping anchor to make the most of wading the river’s side channels can also produce some excellent trout.

Situated close to the Limay River, the transfers from the lodge to put-ins can be anything from 10 to 45 minutes.

Accommodation.

Unique among the fly fishing lodges that we work with, the Limay River Ranch is comprised of well-appointed individual guest cabins and a larger shared communal dining room, bar and living area in a separate building.

Benefitting from being a relatively new lodge, the carefully thought-out and well-executed design gives guests privacy in their own comfortable en-suite cabin within the property, which is located in a beautifully remote region of the Patagonian steppe.

twin bedroom in limay river ranch patagonia argentina
dinner plate and wine limay river ranch

Dining.

The team at Limay River Ranch serves great traditional Argentinian food, paired with some excellent local wine in the lodge’s shared bar and dining room every night. Guests are treated to generous breakfasts, while three-course lunches don’t disappoint. Dinners combine the traditional local beef with modern takes on Argentine classics.

Off the water.

Limay River Ranch is ideally positioned to fish the Middle Limay River, and for that it is unbeatable. Its remote location means that the fly fishing program here is designed around fishing as much as you can. It’s the ideal destination for keen fishermen looking to fish every last second of their stay here, rather than those planning to take some time off the water.      

aerial view limay river patagonia

Any questions about Limay River Ranch? Get in touch if you’d like some more details by following the link below.

FAQs about Limay River Ranch in Argentina.

Whether you’re curious about the fishing experience, travel or accommodation, we’ve gathered all the information you need to plan your stay at Limay River Ranch.

How do I get to Limay River Ranch?

You can fly into Chapelco Airport in San Martín de los Andes or Bariloche Airport. Both airports are easily accessible on regular flights from Buenos Aires. Once you’re there, our team does the rest. We’ll pick you up at the airport ourselves and take you straight on to the lodge.

What species can I fish for at Limay River Ranch?

Primarily, brown and rainbow trout. These species thrive in the Limay River’s crystal clear waters, offering exciting opportunities for fly fishing. The Limay is a tailwater, and is renowned for its healthy trout population. It provides a great opportunity to catch large, trophy-sized fish, especially browns.

How many guests can Limay River Ranch accommodate?

Limay River Ranch can accommodate up to 12 guests in six individual cabins, each with double occupancy.

When is the best time of year to visit Limay River Ranch?

Limay River Ranch offers excellent fishing throughout the season. However, the prime time for the trophy browns is during our Autumn, from March through to May.

What fishing equipment is provided at your trout fishing lodges in Patagonia?

We provide our guests with all necessary fishing gear, including fly rods, reels and flies. Travel light and let us kit you out with the best gear for fly fishing in Patagonia to really maximise your chances of netting the big trout. Of course, if you would like to bring your own equipment, you’re more than welcome to.

What kind of boat do you use for floating?

At Fish Patagonia, all of our guides use drift boats equipped with knee braces, as these provide the best stability and comfort for long days on the water. Hard-sided drift boats provide more stability than inflatable pontoons, which can be helpful in the Patagonian winds! This is especially important on the Limay River, where the famous Patagonian gusts can be even stronger than elsewhere in the area.

When does the Patagonia fly fishing season officially begin?

The fishing season in Northern Patagonia opens on 1 November and closes on 31 May. We work throughout the season, which provides world-class fishing the whole way through. The ideal time to come for each particular guest depends on many factors, like your experience and the size and type of fish you want to catch. Get in touch, tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll recommend the trip that would suit you best.

You can also take a look at our page about the best seasons to fish in Patagonia for more information.

Is a fishing licence required to fish the Middle Limay River?

Yes, a fishing licence is required to fish in the Limay River. But no need to worry about that: all of our trips include your fishing licences as standard, which we organise for you prior to your arrival.

Can I expect to see wildlife while fishing at Limay River Ranch?

Yes, the Middle Limay River area is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Keep an eye out for native bird species like the majestic Andean condor and the Southern Crested Caracara. You may also float past other native animals like guanacos, deer and foxes.

Fish Patagonia: Premium fly fishing
outfitter based in San Martin de los Andes.

At Fish Patagonia, we specialise in bespoke fly fishing trips for groups and individuals looking for world class fishing in South America. Based in San Martin de los Andes, just a couple of hours away from Buenos Aires, we offer anglers the opportunity to explore the huge variety of crystal clear rivers and lakes of Northern Patagonia. The Middle Limay River is just one of those rivers, boasting exemplary trout fishing and great lodging at Limay River Ranch.

What sets us apart is our passionate team of expert local guides and our determination to deliver first-class service. We treat our guests like family, and share with them our unparalleled local knowledge and passion.

Experience world-class fly fishing at Limay River Ranch. Book your trip with Fish Patagonia today. 

OTHER LODGES

Arroyo Verde

The only way to fish the crystal clear waters of the Traful River, Arroyo Verde provides a luxury estancia experience like no other.

Limay River Ranch

A custom built lodge right on the banks of the river Limay, offering unparalleled access to the monster browns that make this river’s name.

Collón Curá Lodge

An intimate trout fishing lodge with unrivalled access to the lower Collón Curá, the lodge provides 30 miles of private access to fish for rainbow and brown trout.

Estancia Tres Lagos

A family-run treasure nestled in one of the most magical, remote valleys in Patagonia, Filo Hua Hum.

Mamuil Malal

As authentic and unique an estancia experience as they come, with private access to 15 miles of the Malleo.

Quemquemtreu

An enormous self-sufficient estancia with buckets of history and character, also boasting some of the finest private access to the Collón Curá.

River House

A stand-out among Argentina’s fishing lodge options is, this beautifully appointed lodge boasts rare river frontage on the Chimehuín, within striking distance of plenty more excellent fishing.

San Huberto

A famed local institution since 1976, San Huberto offers superlative brown and rainbow trout fishing with private access to the Malleo.

Tipiliuke

World-renowned for both its 5-star fishing and hospitality, Tipiliuke is the ultimate luxurious yet authentic estancia experience with private access to the Chimehuín.

Tres Rios

A remote yet polished lodge with enviable views and fishing, overlooking the confluence of the Chimehuín and Collón Curá rivers.

Fish Patagonia | Bespoke fly fishing trips