Overview – March to May period

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

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

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Weather & River Conditions vs Fish runs

-March

March began with unusually hot and dry conditions, and water levels steadily dropped, raising concerns that the Limay could reach some of its lowest levels on record.

Fortunately, weather patterns shifted during the second half of the month, bringing significant rainfall across the watershed. The rainfall, which was close to historic levels, replenished the system and stabilized river flows. Without it, the Limay River would likely have experienced one of its lowest seasons ever recorded.

March also brought several periods of strong wind. On the Limay, windy days and rough lake conditions are closely related to the arrival of fresh migratory fish. Some of the strongest pushes of brown trout into the river occurred immediately after these weather events.

This month marked the arrival of the first significant waves of migratory brown trout. Fresh fish entered the system steadily throughout the month, with the strongest pushes occurring toward the end of March as April approached.

-April

April remained cool and rainy, with healthy river levels that provided excellent migration conditions while still allowing comfortable wading throughout much of the Limay River

Several windy periods continued during the month, producing some of the season’s best movements of fish. Historically, strong winds on the lakes trigger the entry of large schools of migratory trout, and this season was no exception.

Many of the best fishing days followed these weather changes. Migratory brown trout entered the system consistently throughout the entire month, while the first migratory rainbow trout began to appear toward the end of April, marking the transition into the next phase of the season. Large migratory fish occupied classic holding water throughout the river and rewarded anglers willing to cover water with streamers.

-May

May brought a very different pattern on the Limay. Rainfall became scarce, and there was very little wind. While these calm conditions made for comfortable fishing, they likely slowed the migration. Traditionally, rough lake conditions encourage fish to leave the lakes and enter the river. Despite the calmer weather, the Limay remained in excellent condition, with clear water, stable flows, and productive fishing until the final day of the season.

During May, migratory rainbow trout became the dominant species. Fresh fish entered the river daily and provided consistent action throughout the system. Even at the end of the season, hundreds of rainbow trout—and smaller numbers of brown trout—remained staged near the river entrances waiting for favorable weather to continue their migration.

In a few words

One pattern was especially noticeable throughout the season: windy periods consistently coincided with major pushes of fish entering the Limay River.

Local guides have observed this relationship for decades, and the 2025 season reinforced it once again.

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Techniques & Effective Methods

-March

March was primarily a streamer month, focused on fresh migratory brown trout.

The most productive methods combined 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 proved ideal for covering different runs, while long leaders provided a more natural presentation.

Fly patterns varied according to each run, but streamers consistently produced aggressive strikes from newly entered.

The First and Second Sections of the Limay were the most productive areas throughout the month.

-April

April remained largely a streamer fishery. Long casts, heavy sinking shooting heads, and methodically covering water continued to produce trophy Brown Trout.

Towards the end of the month, Euro nymphing became extremely effective as migratory rainbow trout entered the system and traveled closer to the banks than the brown trout.

Streamer fishing also proved highly effective for rainbow trout. Many anglers continued fishing streamers simply because of the explosive takes and the unforgettable grab that only fresh migratory fish can produce.

May

By May, Euro nymphing became one of the most productive techniques, although streamer fishing remained the preferred choice for anglers seeking aggressive takes and powerful fights. The combination of stable water conditions and large numbers of fresh rainbow trout made May an outstanding month to finish the season.

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Season Summary

The 2025 fall season will be remembered for strong brown trout migrations, an exceptional late-season rainbow trout run, and river conditions that remained favorable despite dramatic changes in the weather.

Migratory Brown Trout

• Size range: 4 to 16 pounds
  
• Average size: 7 to 10 pounds

Migratory Rainbow Trout

• Size range: 4 to 12 pounds
  
• Average size: 6 to 8 pounds

Perhaps the most encouraging sign was the number of fish still waiting to enter the system when the season ended, confirming once again the remarkable health and strength of the Limay’s migratory trout fishery.

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About Faraway Fly Fishing

At Faraway Fly Fishing, we have been guiding and fishing the Limay River since the 1990s.

More than 30 years on this river have given us an intimate understanding of its seasonal patterns, migratory runs, productive water, and ever-changing conditions. Our philosophy is simple: spend quality time on the water, fish hard, enjoy good company, and experience Patagonia at its finest.

Whether you are looking for a single day on the river or a fully customized all-inclusive fishing adventure, we can create the perfect itinerary. We also work with a carefully selected range of lodges, ranches, boutique hotels, and luxury riverside properties throughout Northern Patagonia. From comfortable accommodations to exclusive lodges, we can tailor every trip to suit your style of travel and budget.

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Our Services

• Full-day guided float trips
• Wade fishing excursions
• Multi-day fishing adventures
• Fully hosted all-inclusive programs
• Customized itineraries for individuals and groups
• Private launch sites and exclusive river access
• Accommodation options to suit every budget
• Trophy migratory brown trout and rainbow trout fishing

We look forward to welcoming returning friends and new anglers alike and sharing the fishery that has been our home water for more than thirty years.

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Faraway Fly Fishing

Experience Patagonia through the eyes of those who know the river best.