Rio Limay
Lake Nahuel Huapi to Neuquen
Neuquen, Argentina
Open live forecast →Target species: Rainbow and Brown.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: Nov–Apr (Southern Hemisphere season)
The Rio Limay in Argentine Patagonia drains Lago Nahuel Huapi through the northern Patagonian steppe to the Atlantic. The upper Limay above the dams supports wild brown and rainbow trout in classic Patagonian freestone character — large fish, dense aquatic insect populations, and the dramatic Andean foothills setting. The middle Limay through the embalses (impoundments) offers different character: trophy brown trout in still and tailwater conditions. The fishery is generally reached through estancia-based outfitter operations.
The Rio Limay drains Lago Nahuel Huapi — one of the largest lakes in the Andes — and the lake-run brown trout that move into the river produce some of the largest stream-resident browns in South America, fish exceeding 15 pounds caught annually.
January Outlook
January is prime season. The large brown and rainbow trout of the Limay are on dry flies daily. Hopper season begins in earnest. Fish averaging 4-8 lbs with trophy fish to 15+ lbs possible in this world-class fishery.
Productive Patterns
- Grasshopper Fly (large)
- Patagonian Caddis
- Royal Stimulator
- Foam Hopper
Tips
The Limay in January is some of the finest large-trout dry fly fishing in the world. Grasshopper falls bring the biggest fish to the surface. Cast to the banks and natural drop-off areas.
Water Notes
Water 56-64°F. Peak summer conditions. The Andean melt keeps water cold despite heat. Excellent for trout.
February Outlook
February continues outstanding Patagonian fishing. Hoppers, caddis, and attractor patterns all produce. The upper Limay has more remote sections accessible only by raft or horseback. Trophy browns in February are legendary.
Productive Patterns
- Grasshopper
- Patagonian Caddis
- Stimulator
- Streamer (late season)
Tips
Multi-day raft trips through the Limay canyon are available for serious anglers. Remote sections see very few anglers. Some of the largest Patagonian browns live in these wild sections.
Water Notes
Water 58-65°F. Late summer. Some sections run lower in drought years. Still excellent conditions.
March Outlook
March (late Patagonian summer) brings autumn conditions and some of the finest streamer fishing of the season. Pre-spawn browns are aggressive. The season ends March 31 on most sections.
Productive Patterns
- Large Streamer (olive/white)
- Muddler Minnow
- Sculpin
- Hopper (early month)
Tips
March streamer fishing for large pre-spawn browns is exceptional. These 5-12 lb fish aggressively strike large patterns. The season's last weeks often produce the trophy of the trip.
Water Notes
Water 54-60°F. Autumn cooling begins. Pre-spawn behavior in large browns. Last weeks of the season.
April Outlook
April — the Limay River season has closed (March 31) for most sections. The Patagonian autumn is arriving — cottonwood and poplar along the river are turning gold. Brown and rainbow trout are spawning in the tributary systems. The next season opens November 1. Booking for the following season should begin now.
Productive Patterns
- Post-season — book next November Limay trip
- Los Cedros or other Limay operations: contact for next season
- Patagonian autumn scenery is extraordinary in April
- Tie Patagonian caddis and hopper patterns for next season
Tips
The Limay River valley in April is stunning with autumn colors. The fishing season has closed but the landscape rewards a visit. Begin booking for November immediately — quality Limay operations have limited capacity and premium weeks fill quickly.
Water Notes
Closed season. Patagonian autumn. Season closed March 31. Brown and rainbow trout spawning. Season reopens November 1.
May Outlook
May — the Limay River and the Andean lake system that feeds it is in Patagonian late autumn. Cold temperatures, increasingly short days, and the river dropping to winter levels. The large browns and rainbows are post-spawn and recovering. Planning for the November opener is underway.
Productive Patterns
- Planning season — Limay season opens November 1
- Book guided float trips for December-February peak
- Research upper Limay wilderness float options
- Prepare Patagonian trout gear: 5-6 weight, long leaders
Tips
The Limay flows from Lago Nahuel Huapi through Bariloche — a spectacular Andean city accessible from Buenos Aires. Planning a November-March Limay trip can be combined with Bariloche's extraordinary Patagonian culture and scenery.
Water Notes
Closed season. Patagonian late autumn. River at winter levels. Season opens November 1.
June Outlook
June — Patagonian winter on the Limay River. The Andes above Bariloche receive significant snowfall. The Limay is running cold and clear from the Andean lakes. The extraordinary trout that define this fishery are in winter holding. The ski season in Bariloche is beginning.
Productive Patterns
- Planning season — Limay season opens November 1
- Bariloche ski season opens June (Cerro Catedral)
- Combine ski trip with November fishing booking logistics
- Research Limay River access and private estancia beats
Tips
The Bariloche area in June is Argentina's premier ski destination. Plan a November Limay fishing trip to follow the ski season — same logistics, same spectacular Andean scenery, completely different experience.
Water Notes
Closed season. Patagonian winter. River cold. Bariloche ski season underway. Season opens November 1.
July Outlook
July — deep Patagonian winter. The Limay flows cold through the steppe below Bariloche. The fish are in winter holding. The season is 4 months away. This is the heart of the Patagonian ski season. Planning for the November fishing season is in full swing.
Productive Patterns
- Planning season — November opener 4 months away
- Book upper Limay wilderness float trips immediately
- These float trips have very limited capacity
- Prepare dry fly tackle: 5-weight, floating line, long leaders
Tips
The upper Limay wilderness float trips are among Patagonia's most exclusive experiences — limited launches, remote canyon access, and extraordinary fishing for large wild trout. These trips book well in advance. July is the time to confirm November availability.
Water Notes
Closed season. Patagonian winter. Cold river. 4 months to November 1 opening.
August Outlook
August — the Patagonian winter is beginning to moderate. The Limay Valley is transitioning toward spring. The season is 3 months away. The large Patagonian caddis and hopper patterns that drive the Limay's famous surface fishing need to be tied and ready. All bookings should be confirmed.
Productive Patterns
- Planning season — 3 months to November opener
- Finalize Limay River estancia and guide bookings
- Prepare Patagonian caddis patterns: sizes 8-10
- Large hopper patterns: Patagonian hoppers are enormous
Tips
August is the final comfortable preparation phase for November Limay. Confirm all bookings, prepare appropriate gear, and research the specific sections you'll be fishing. The Limay's character changes significantly from the upper canyon to the lower river near Neuquén.
Water Notes
Closed season. Patagonian late winter. Season 3 months away. All preparations underway.
September Outlook
September — Patagonian spring arrives on the Limay River valley. The cottonwood and willow along the bank are starting to green. The season is 6 weeks away. The trout are becoming more active as water temperatures rise from winter minimums. Final preparations are completing.
Productive Patterns
- Planning season — season opens November 1 in 6 weeks
- Monitor Limay flow data (high snowmelt possible in November)
- Confirm all logistics: Bariloche flights, estancia transfers
- Final tackle check: all reels greased, lines in good condition
Tips
September Patagonian spring is beautiful. A late September arrival in Bariloche to scout conditions and meet guides before the November season opener is worthwhile for those who can manage the timing.
Water Notes
Closed season. Patagonian spring. River warming. Season 6 weeks away. Spectacular valley scenery.
October Outlook
October — the Limay River season opens November 1 and final preparations are in last-minute mode. The river is clearing from early spring runoff. Trout are becoming active in the warming water. The extraordinary Patagonian caddis and surface activity that will define November is approaching.
Productive Patterns
- Planning season — season opens November 1 in weeks
- Final fly selection: large Patagonian caddis and attractor dries
- Confirm all November arrival arrangements
- Prepare for wind: Patagonian wind affects casting significantly
Tips
October is the final preparation month for the Limay season. Confirm all bookings, finalize flies and tackle, and prepare for the extraordinary experience of large Andean lake-run trout on dry flies in the spectacular Limay valley.
Water Notes
Season opens November 1. October: clearing from spring runoff. Fish active. Season weeks away.
November Outlook
November opens the Patagonian season (NZ-style spring) on the Limay. Large rainbow and brown trout are in the deep runs and are beginning to take dry flies. This is the start of a legendary six-month season.
Productive Patterns
- Parachute Adams
- Royal Wulff
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Woolly Bugger (streamer)
Tips
Early season Limay fish are aggressive after a long winter. The river is cold and clear. Streamers work well early before the hatches begin in earnest.
Water Notes
Water 48-56°F. Spring flows. Clear snowmelt-fed water. Hatches beginning in November.
December Outlook
December is excellent on the Limay with dry fly hatches of Patagonian caddis and mayflies. Brown and rainbow trout to 10+ lbs are regularly caught. The Limay is one of the finest brown trout rivers in South America.
Productive Patterns
- Patagonian Caddis (large)
- Royal Wulff
- Stimulator
- Hopper (December)
Tips
The Limay has large Patagonian caddis — sizes 8-10 are appropriate. Sight-fish to specific rising fish in the clear Andean water.
Water Notes
Water 52-60°F. Summer warming. Long Patagonian days allow extended fishing hours.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive (Patagonian) Baetis spp. |
Jan, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec | #18–22 |
|
| Caddis Hydropsyche spp. |
Jan, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec | #14–18 |
|
Access & Approach
Bariloche and Junin de los Andes, AR are the main bases. Most fishing is through outfitters with estancia access. Argentina fishing license required.
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About Current
Rio Limay conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
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