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Fishing Spots: Lago General Carrera

Lago General Carrera is South America's largest lake, straddling the Chile-Argentina border. Its turquoise waters, famous Marble Caves, and remote tributaries offer outstanding trout fishing in one of Patagonia's most dramatic landscapes.

4 fishing spotsBest Season: Season October to May. November-March is prime time. The lake's size means conditions vary greatly. Calmer mornings are best for shore fishing. Summer offers the warmest weather and longest days.

Overview

Lago General Carrera (known as Lago Buenos Aires on the Argentine side) is the second-largest lake in South America, covering over 1,850 km². Its extraordinary turquoise color comes from glacial flour suspended in the water. The lake and its tributaries hold excellent populations of rainbow and brown trout, with some reaching trophy proportions. The Chilean side, accessed via the Carretera Austral, offers the most diverse fishing opportunities with rivers like the Río Ibáñez and Río Murta feeding into the lake. The famous Marble Caves add a stunning visual element to any fishing trip. Remote and uncrowded, this is frontier fishing at its finest.

Fishing Spots

Lago General Carrera

lake

Species

rainbow trout, brown trout

Technique

Trolling, shore casting, streamer

Season

October to May

Permit

SERNAPESCA license

A vast turquoise lake with trout throughout. Trolling covers the most water and targets larger fish in deeper sections. Shore fishing is productive at river mouths and rocky points, especially early and late in the day.

Access: Via Carretera Austral, multiple towns along the shore

Río Ibáñez

river

Species

rainbow trout, brown trout, chinook salmon

Technique

Streamer, nymph, dry fly

Season

November to April

Permit

SERNAPESCA license

A major river feeding the lake from the north. Good wade fishing in lower sections with larger fish near the river mouth. Chinook salmon enter the system seasonally.

Access: North shore, near the town of Puerto Ibáñez

Río Murta

river

Species

rainbow trout, brown trout

Technique

Dry fly, nymph, wading

Season

November to April

Permit

SERNAPESCA license

A productive river on the lake's western shore. Clear water with consistent trout fishing. Less pressure than more famous rivers in the region.

Access: Near the town of Puerto Murta

Marble Caves area

lake

Species

rainbow trout, brown trout

Technique

Casting from boat, trolling

Season

November to April

Permit

SERNAPESCA license

The stunning Marble Caves area where fishing can be combined with cave viewing. Trout patrol the clear waters around the marble formations. A unique fishing-and-sightseeing combination.

Access: Boat from Puerto Río Tranquilo

Regulations

Season

Oct to May

Permits

SERNAPESCA license. ~$15-25 USD/season.

Catch Limits

2-5 trout/day, min 25 cm.

Catch & Release

Increasingly common. Barbless recommended.

Gear Recommendations

5-weight fly rod (9 ft) for rivers
6-weight fly rod for lakes and wind
Floating fly line with sink-tip option
Leaders 9-12 ft, tippet 3X to 6X
Breathable waders and wading boots
Dry flies: Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Royal Wulff
Nymphs: Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, Prince Nymph
Streamers: Woolly Bugger, Zonker, Muddler Minnow
Polarized sunglasses
Landing net with rubber mesh

Guides & Outfitters

  • 1Carrera Lake Fishing — specialized lake guides
  • 2Puerto Tranquilo Outfitters — fishing and marble caves tours
  • 3Aysén Adventure Fishing — multi-day lake excursions

Best Season to Fish

Season October to May. November-March is prime time. The lake's size means conditions vary greatly. Calmer mornings are best for shore fishing. Summer offers the warmest weather and longest days.

Drive to Patagonia's Best Fishing Spots

A rental car gives you the freedom to reach remote rivers and lakes, fish at dawn, and explore pristine waters most anglers never find.

Drive to Patagonia's Best Fishing Spots

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Frequently Asked Questions

How big is Lago General Carrera?

It is the largest lake in Chile and second-largest in South America at over 1,850 km². It straddles the Chile-Argentina border.

Can I combine fishing with the Marble Caves?

Yes! The Marble Caves near Puerto Río Tranquilo are a must-see. Fishing guides can combine a cave boat tour with fishing in the surrounding waters.

How do I get there?

Fly to Balmaceda/Coyhaique (GXQ), then drive south on the Carretera Austral. Puerto Río Tranquilo is about 4 hours from Coyhaique.

Is the fishing pressure low?

Yes, the lake's enormous size and remote location mean very low pressure. You can often fish all day without seeing another angler.

Lago General Carrera

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