When planning a fly fishing trip to Northern Patagonia, one of the first decisions you will make is whether to wade fish, float fish, or combine both. Each approach offers a different experience on the water and suits different types of anglers. For the full destination overview, see our complete guide to fly fishing in Northern Patagonia.
What is Wade Fishing?
Wade fishing means walking into the river on foot and casting from within the water or from the bank. It is intimate, physical, and often technical. The Malleo is the most celebrated wade fishing river in Northern Patagonia. The Quilquihue, Filo Hua Hum, Meliquina, Hermoso, and Traful are also primarily waded rivers.
What is Float Fishing?
Float fishing means fishing from a drift boat or raft as it moves downstream with the current. You cover far more river in a day than you would wading and access stretches of water impossible to reach on foot. The Chimehuin, Collon Curá, Aluminé, and Limay are all floated in drift boats.
Key Differences
Distance: A wading day covers 3 to 5 km of river. A float covers 15 to 25 km. Access: Floating opens up remote sections surrounded by private land. Physical demand: Wading requires more effort. Float fishing is more accessible for anglers with limited mobility. Fish size: The bigger floated rivers produce the largest brown trout in the region.
Which Rivers to Wade vs Float
Wade: Malleo, Quilquihue, Filo Hua Hum, Meliquina, Hermoso, Traful. Float: Chimehuin, Collon Curá, Aluminé, Limay. Mixed: Caleufu, sections of the Chimehuin. All of these rivers are accessible from San MartÃn de los Andes.
Which Should You Choose?
For beginners: Start with a wade day on the Quilquihue or Malleo. For experienced dry fly anglers: A wade day on the Malleo in January or February. For big water and trophy fish: A float day on the Chimehuin or Collon Curá. For a complete week: Combine both — two or three wade days and two float days. See our cost guide for what wade and float days run per person.