Upper Limay River - End of the Season Report 2026

A Season of Trophy Browns, Powerful Rainbows, and Unforgettable Days on the Water

Overview

The 2025 fall season on the Limay River was defined by changing weather patterns, strong migratory runs, and excellent fishing conditions throughout much of the autumn. From the first fish entering the system in March to the final days of May, anglers enjoyed productive fishing, healthy river conditions, and memorable days on the water.

The following report summarizes the season’s weather, river conditions, fish movements, and the techniques that proved most effective during the final months of the year.

Weather and River Conditions

March started hot and dry, raising concerns about extremely low water levels. Fortunately, a significant rainfall event during the second half of the month replenished the watershed and stabilized river levels. Several windy periods also occurred, triggering strong movements of migratory brown trout into the river.

April remained cool and rainy, with ideal river levels for both fishing and fish migration. Strong winds throughout the month continued to push fish into the system, producing some of the season’s best fishing days.

May was noticeably calmer, with little rain and less wind than normal. While these conditions made fishing comfortable for anglers, they likely slowed the migration. Even so, the river remained clear, stable, and productive through the final day of the season.

Fish Runs

March marked the arrival of the first significant waves of migratory brown trout. Numbers increased steadily throughout the month and peaked during April, which produced some of the best trophy brown trout fishing of the season.

By late April, increasing numbers of migratory rainbow trout began entering the river. During May, rainbow trout became the dominant species, providing exceptional action and hard-fighting fish throughout the system.

One of the most notable observations was the strong relationship between wind and fish movement. Windy periods, especially when the Nahuel Huapi Lake became rough, consistently coincided with major pushes of brown and rainbow trout entering the river. Even at the end of the season, hundreds of fish remained staged near the river entrances waiting for favorable conditions to move downstream.

Techniques and Effective Methods

Streamer fishing was the dominant technique during March and most of April since the Brown Trout was very reactive to the stripped flies and swung as well. Anglers primarily used single-hand 8-weight rods from drift boats and Spey rods while wading. Sinking shooting heads with sink rates between 4 and 6 inches per second and long leaders proved highly effective. The First and Second Sections of the Limay were particularly productive for migratory brown trout.

As rainbow trout numbers increased in late April, Euro nymphing became a very productive option, especially for fish traveling close to shore. Streamer fishing remained equally effective for rainbows and was often preferred by anglers looking for aggressive takes and powerful strikes.

By May, Euro nymphing and streamer fishing both produced excellent results, with large numbers of fresh rainbow trout throughout the river.

Season Summary

The 2025 fall season combined strong brown trout migrations, excellent rainbow trout runs, and favorable river conditions. March rains helped preserve water levels, April delivered peak brown trout fishing, and May produced exceptional rainbow trout action.

With brown trout averaging 7 to 10 pounds and rainbow trout averaging 6 to 8 pounds, the Limay once again proved why it is one of Patagonia’s premier migratory trout fisheries. The large numbers of fish still waiting to enter the system at season’s end suggest a healthy and thriving fishery for years to come.

About Faraway Fly Fishing

At Faraway Fly Fishing, we have been fishing and guiding on the Limay River since the late 1990s. Our decades of experience allow us to understand the river’s seasonal patterns, migratory runs, and productive water better than most.

We offer access to private put-ins and exclusive stretches of river that receive less fishing pressure, increasing opportunities to find fresh migratory fish while enjoying a more private experience.

Our goal is simple: provide memorable days on the water with professional guides, premium equipment, and genuine Patagonian hospitality. A typical day includes world-class fishing, breathtaking scenery, and a hearty riverside lunch accompanied by Argentine beer or wine.

Whether you are looking for a single day on the river or a fully customized all-inclusive fishing adventure, we can tailor the experience to your needs. We also work with a carefully selected range of lodges, ranches, boutique hotels, and luxury properties throughout Patagonia, allowing us to accommodate a wide range of budgets and travel styles.