For the fly-fisher seeking limitless angling opportunities, stunning scenery, and unmatched hospitality, South America ticks all the boxes. From the magnificent rivers and mountains of Patagonia to the virgin rainforest of the Amazon Basin, the South American subcontinent boasts more world-class angling destinations that one fly-fisher could get around in an entire lifetime.
The largest freshwater river system in the world, the Amazon is also home to more than 50% of the world’s tropical forests, along with a myriad of unique flora and fauna, including more than 3,000 fish species.
From Argentina’s Rio Grande to the Cayes in Belize, we look at seven of the most exciting fly-fishing destinations in all of South America.
1. Rio Emperador Guillermo – Chile
Beginning in the Andes mountain range and flowing westwards, this natural waterway is one of Chile’s best-stocked trout rivers. Here, anglers who are prepared to put on their waders are rewarded with beautiful rainbow and brown trout. Situated just north of Coyhaique, this 28-kilometer long stretch of river is strictly walk and wade, the river winding from Villa Ortega to the mouth, where it meets the Rio Manihuales and the Carretera. Surrounded by rugged mountains and jaw-dropping scenery, most of Rio Emperador Guilllermo is accessible by road and by foot, except the last 2 miles, which runs through a canyon. Abundant with insect life such as stone flies, caddis, and hoppers, the Rio Emperador Guillermo is a classic dry fly/nymph fishery where the fish may not be huge, but they are eager to bite.
2. Tierra del Fuego – Argentina
One of the most coveted fishing locations on the planet, the Rio Grande is located in southern Argentina and is frequented by some of the world’s wealthiest individuals. This is an excellent area to fish for sea trout, since it is here that trout occasionally head to the open sea to feed. Such specimens are typically much larger and stronger than regular trout, making them more of a challenge for anglers to reel in. With some brown sea trout in Tierra del Fuego topping 20 pounds, many local hotels have begun to cater to fishing-specific holidays in Argentina, enabling visiting fly-fishers to try their hand at landing one of these magnificent creatures.
3. Osa Peninsula – Costa Rica
Catching a roosterfish on a fly is a serious challenge that every fly-fisher should attempt at least once in their lifetime. The Osa Peninsula presents ample opportunities for experienced and novice anglers alike to fish for this extremely sought-after species. According to National Geographic, the Osa Peninsula is one of the most biodiverse regions on earth, encompassing pristine aquatic and terrestrial habitats, its jungle covered mountains serving as a refuge for toucans, scarlet macaws, tapirs, and jaguars. The region boasts some excellent inshore fly-fishing opportunities, with snappers, groupers, rainbow runners, jacks, and giant roosterfish frequently landed. Meanwhile, offshore species fished for locally include blue, striped, and black marlin, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, Pacific sailfish, and wahoo.
4. Coiba – Panama
From December to April, black and blue marlin and yellowfin tuna abound, with amberjack, grouper, rooster fish, and cubera snapper found year-round. The wahoo fishing season runs from September to November, while pacific sailfish stocks are at their highest from March to June. On Coiba Island, mahi-mahi are a common catch, and can be fished for in the morning and afternoon, the dazzling species putting up a formidable fight, characterized by its strong jolts and huge jumps. A very strong fish, mahi-mahi can be sizable too, measuring in at up to 1.5 meters, with some specimens weighing in at more than 88 pounds.
5. The Cayes – Belize
Belize is a tiny English-speaking nation that is best known for its diving, boasting the second largest offshore reef in the world. From an angler’s perspective, the Cayes is a paradise: a Grand Slam of permit, tarpon, and bonefish. Belize’s shallow waters are the only classic tarpon flats outside of South Florida, presenting the opportunity to sight cast a tarpon 12 months a year.
6. Lago Strobel – Argentina
Situated in southern Patagonia, the Lago Strobel region is home to some of the world’s largest rainbow trout, with 19-pound rainbows regularly caught. Whether you enjoy trout fishing by boat, on foot, or a combination of the two, Patagonia will not fail to live up to expectations, offering some particularly outstanding destinations for fly-fishers who enjoy walking and wading.
7. Cabo Blanco – Peru
Many world records have been broken at Cabo Blanco, which is South America’s westernmost point. Cabo Blanco was once a favorite celebrity haunt, attracting the likes of Ernest Hemingway, John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio, and Humphrey Bogart. Most came for the fishing, the town located just a few miles from the point where the warm Ecuadorian current converges with the cold Humboldt current. It was here that Alfred Glassell, a Texas oilman and Cabo Blanco pioneer, established a world record when he caught a 1,560 pound black Marlin, a record that still stands to this day.