RIO ARRAYANES

Distance: 8 miles

Flow: 3,000 – 4,000 CFS

Location: Twenty-six kms from Esquel, Argentina - within Los Alerces National Park.

The Rio Arrayanes' most abundant species is the rainbow trout in the 16 – 18 inch class. Larger brown trout are found in the deeper pools in the late season and brook trout can be found as well throughout the entire season.

Draining Verde Lake, the wide Arrayanes River travels a short distance before its confluence with the Menendez River. Its banks are thickly vegetated with Arrayanes trees whose hanging branches and sunken trunks provide excellent shelter for fish. Not to mention these trees are incredibly interesting in their nature: orange limbs turning and twisting in all directions, reaching into the river to drink the gin-clear water. The Rio Arrayanes can only be fished from a boat and if the entire length is floated, you will be shuttled back to the mouth via a motor boat, since there is no vehicle access to the lower part of the river.

Fly Fishing in this river is done primarily with streamers and sink tips. Although you may get the occasional mayfly or caddis hatch to spice up the day.