Fishing Spots: San Martín de los Andes
San Martín de los Andes offers exceptional fly fishing amid the stunning scenery of Argentina's Lake District. Set on the shores of Lago Lácar within Lanín National Park, this charming mountain town provides access to world-class rivers and lakes teeming with rainbow and brown trout.
5 min readUpdated for 2025–2026 SeasonOverview
San Martín de los Andes is a premier fishing destination in the heart of Patagonia's Lake District. The town sits beautifully on the eastern shore of Lago Lácar, surrounded by ancient Araucaria forests and snow-capped Andean peaks. Anglers here enjoy access to an extraordinary network of rivers and lakes within Lanín National Park. The Río Quilquihue, Río Meliquina, and Río Hermoso offer diverse fly fishing experiences from intimate stream fishing to wide-river drift boat excursions. Lago Lácar itself provides excellent shore and boat fishing for large trout and landlocked salmon. The region's combination of stunning natural beauty, well-maintained infrastructure, and abundant fish populations makes it one of the most complete fishing destinations in South America.
Fishing Spots
Lago Lácar
lakeSpecies
rainbow trout, brown trout, landlocked salmon
Technique
Trolling, shore casting, streamer fishing
Season
November to April
Permit
Included in provincial license
A deep glacial lake surrounded by mountains and native forest. Excellent trolling for landlocked salmon and large trout. Shore fishing productive at river mouths and drop-offs, especially early and late in the day.
Río Quilquihue
riverSpecies
rainbow trout, brown trout
Technique
Dry fly, nymph fishing
Season
November to April
Permit
Included in provincial license
A beautiful medium-sized river flowing between Lagos Lolog and Lácar. Crystal-clear wadeable water with excellent populations of rainbow and brown trout. Ideal for sight fishing with dry flies during summer hatches.
Río Meliquina
riverSpecies
rainbow trout, brown trout
Technique
Dry fly, nymph, streamer
Season
November to April
Permit
Included in provincial license
A productive freestone river flowing from Lago Meliquina. Varied water with deep pools, fast riffles, and gentle runs. Known for consistent fishing and good-sized rainbows throughout the season.
Lago Lolog
lakeSpecies
rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout
Technique
Trolling, fly fishing from shore
Season
November to April
Permit
Included in provincial license
A quieter, scenic lake north of San Martín offering good fishing with less pressure than Lácar. Surrounded by pristine forest with several stream inlets that attract feeding trout.
Río Hermoso
riverSpecies
rainbow trout, brown trout
Technique
Small stream dry fly fishing
Season
December to March
Permit
Included in provincial license
A beautiful small river living up to its name ("Beautiful River"). Intimate fishing through lush forest with wild trout that eagerly take well-presented dry flies. A hidden gem for those seeking solitude.
Lago Meliquina
lakeSpecies
rainbow trout, brown trout, perch
Technique
Trolling, shore fly fishing, spinning
Season
November to April
Permit
Included in provincial license
A scenic lake surrounded by mountains, known for consistent fishing year-round. Good-sized trout near the river inlet and outlet. Also holds populations of introduced perch.
Regulations
Season
November 1 to April 30
Permits
Neuquén provincial fishing license required. Available at local shops and online. ~$25-40 USD/day.
Catch Limits
2-3 trout per day, minimum size 25 cm. Many sections catch-and-release only.
Catch & Release
Mandatory on premium waters. Single barbless hooks required in C&R zones.
Rent a Car in Patagonia
Browse Car RentalsGear Recommendations
Guides & Outfitters
- 1Patagonia Fly Fishing San Martín — experienced local guides
- 2Río Dorado Lodge — luxury fishing lodge with expert staff
- 3San Martín Outfitters — full-service guided fishing trips
- 4Fly Dreams Patagonia — specialized fly fishing operations
- 5Lago Lolog Fishing Lodge — lakeside lodge with guided excursions
Best Season to Fish
Season runs November through April. December-January offers warm weather and consistent hatches on rivers. February is peak tourist season but fishing remains excellent. March-April provide cooler temperatures, fall colors, and aggressive pre-spawn fish with notably fewer visitors.
Rent a Car in Patagonia
Explore this destination at your own pace. Find the perfect rental car for your Patagonia adventure.
Explore more: San Martín de los Andes
🎣 More Fishing Spots
Explore More
Discover more guides and resources for this destination
Destination Guide
Planning
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit San Martín de los Andes 2026 — Month-by-Month Guide
How to Get There
How to Get to San Martín de los Andes 2026 — Flights, Driving & Transport
Budget Guide
San Martín de los Andes on a Budget 2026 — Costs, Tips & Money-Saving Guide
Seasonal Guide
Autumn in San Martín de los Andes 2026 — Weather, Activities & Tips
Seasonal Guide
Spring in San Martín de los Andes 2026 — Weather, Activities & Tips
Seasonal Guide
Summer in San Martín de los Andes 2026 — Weather, Activities & Tips
Seasonal Guide
Winter in San Martín de los Andes 2026 — Weather, Activities & Tips
Travel Tips
Essential Travel Tips for San Martín de los Andes (2026)
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in San Martín de los Andes (2026) — Neighborhoods & Hotels
Weather & Climate
San Martín de los Andes Weather Guide (2026) — Monthly Climate, Temperatures & Best Time
Adventures
Activities
Fishing in San Martín de los Andes 2026 — Best Spots, Tips & What to Expect
Activities
Hiking in San Martín de los Andes 2026 — Best Spots, Tips & What to Expect
Activities
Horse Riding in San Martín de los Andes 2026 — Best Spots, Tips & What to Expect
Activities
Mountain Biking in San Martín de los Andes 2026 — Best Spots, Tips & What to Expect
Activities
Skiing in San Martín de los Andes 2026 — Best Spots, Tips & What to Expect
Camping Guide
Camping in San Martín de los Andes 2026 — Campsites, Tips & Gear Guide
Day Trips
Best Day Trips from San Martín de los Andes 2026 — Distances & Driving Guide
Hidden Gems
Hidden Gems in San Martín de los Andes (2026) — Secret Spots & Local Tips
Family Guide
Family Travel Guide to San Martín de los Andes (2026) — Kid-Friendly Tips
Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails in San Martín de los Andes (2026) — Best Hikes, Difficulty & Maps
Hot Springs
Hot Springs near San Martín de los Andes | Thermal Baths Guide
Ski Guide
Ski Guide to San Martín de los Andes & Chapelco | Patagonia Hub
Culture & Nature
Road Trips
Car Rental
Car Rental in San Martín de los Andes 2026 — Prices, Tips & Road Guide
Road Conditions
Road Conditions in San Martín de los Andes (2026) — Driving Guide & Fuel Stations
Driving Routes
Driving from Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes (Seven Lakes Route) 2026 — Road Guide, Distance & Tips
Driving Routes
Driving from San Martín de los Andes to Junín de los Andes 2026 — Road Guide, Distance & Tips
Driving Routes
Driving from Villa La Angostura to San Martín de los Andes 2026 — Road Guide, Distance & Tips
Road Trip Itineraries
10-Day Lake District Road Trip — Complete Itinerary 2026
Road Trip Itineraries
14-Day Family Patagonia: Kid-Friendly Road Trip — Complete Itinerary 2026
Road Trip Itineraries
21-Day Patagonia Grand Tour — Complete Itinerary 2026
Road Trip Itineraries
5-Day Lake District & Seven Lakes Route — Complete Itinerary 2026
Road Trip Itineraries
7-Day Cross-Border Lake District: Bariloche to Pucón — Complete Itinerary 2026
Road Trip Itineraries
7-Day Fly Fishing Lake District Road Trip — Patagonia Itinerary 2026
Road Trip Itineraries
7-Day Lake District & Northern Carretera Austral — Road Trip Itinerary 2026
Compare
Destination Comparison
Aluminé vs San Martín de los Andes 2026 — Which Is Better for You?
Destination Comparison
Bariloche vs San Martín de los Andes 2026 — Which Is Better for You?
Destination Comparison
El Bolsón vs San Martín de los Andes 2026 — Which Is Better for You?
Destination Comparison
Ruta 40 vs Seven Lakes Route 2026 — Which Is Better for You?
Destination Comparison
San Martín de los Andes vs Junín de los Andes 2026 — Which Is Better for You?
Destination Comparison
San Martín de los Andes vs Villa La Angostura 2026 — Which Is Better for You?
Destination Comparison
Seven Lakes Route vs Carretera Austral 2026 — Which Is Better for You?
Explore More Guides
View all →Fishing in Aluminé — Remote Fly Fishing in Araucaria Country
Fishing in Bariloche — Fly Fishing on Río Limay & Nahuel Huapi
Fishing the Carretera Austral — Ultimate Patagonia Road Trip
Fishing in Chile Chico — Warm Microclimate on Lago General Carrera
Fishing in Cochrane — Trophy Brown Trout on the Río Baker
Fishing in Coyhaique — World-Class Fly Fishing in Chilean Patagonia
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of fish can I catch in San Martín de los Andes?
Primarily rainbow trout, brown trout, and landlocked salmon. Brook trout are found in smaller streams. Perch are also present in some lakes.
Do I need a guide?
Not required, but highly recommended, especially for first-time visitors. Guides know the best spots, current conditions, and can provide all equipment. Many waters are on private land requiring guide access.
Can I fish from shore on Lago Lácar?
Yes, shore fishing is productive at several spots around the lake, especially near river inlets and rocky points. Early morning and late evening are best for shore fishing.
What is the closest airport?
Chapelco Airport (CPC) is about 25 km from town with daily flights from Buenos Aires. Transfer services and car rentals are available at the airport.
Is it possible to combine fishing with other activities?
Absolutely. San Martín offers hiking, mountain biking, skiing (winter), kayaking, and excellent restaurants. It's a perfect destination for families where some members fish while others enjoy other activities.