Set Fly Fishing

Set Fly Fishing represents one of the most established and respected fly fishing operations in Northern Patagonia. Headquartered in San Martín de los Andes, this operation has designed an experience that transcends the simple act of fishing, integrating river ecosystem conservation, high-end hospitality, and a deep knowledge of the Neuquén province’s hydrologic geography. Its primary operational base, Spring Creek Lodge, is strategically located on the banks of the legendary Chimehuin River, offering a privileged starting point to explore the region’s most iconic waterways.

The environment in which Set Fly Fishing operates is a mosaic of rivers, lakes, and streams born in the Andes Mountains. The Chimehuin River, considered by many to be the heart of fishing in the area, flows for nearly 50 kilometers from its source in Lake Huechulafquen, at the foot of the Lanín Volcano, to its junction with the Collón Curá River. This river is famous for its large brown and rainbow trout and the diversity of its reaches, which allow for both float trips and wading in its lower sectors. The proximity of the Lanín Volcano not only provides an unparalleled scenic backdrop but also guarantees the purity of the waters feeding these systems.

Beyond the Chimehuin, the experience extends to other internationally renowned destinations. The Malleo River is another pillar of their program, world-recognized for the quality of its dry fly fishing. It is a smaller river that allows for a more intimate contact with the surroundings, ideal for those who enjoy insect hatches and the technical challenge of presenting small flies to selective trout. The operation also reaches the Aluminé, Collón Curá, and Caleufu rivers, each with unique characteristics ranging from open stony valleys to volcanic rock canyons, allowing the fishing day to be tailored according to the season and each angler’s preferences.

The target species are primarily rainbow and brown trout, along with brook trout in certain sectors of lakes and meltwater streams. Set Fly Fishing actively promotes a catch-and-release philosophy, with a rigorous focus on responsible fish handling to ensure the sustainability of the wild population. Techniques range from using streamers to hunt for larger fish to the delicacy of dry flies during summer afternoons. The guides, local experts with years of experience on these waters, provide not only the necessary equipment—rods, lines, and a curated selection of flies—but also personalized instruction that enriches the day.

Lodging at Spring Creek Lodge complements the technical activity with an atmosphere of Patagonian comfort. The lodge features cottages distributed across a six-hectare estate, designed to provide privacy and a constant connection with the landscape. The clubhouse serves as the social center, where stories of the day are shared by the fireplace, and guests enjoy a cuisine that highlights regional products and the culture of the Argentine asado. This attention to detail in hospitality makes Set Fly Fishing an attractive option not only for avid anglers but also for companions who wish to explore Lanín National Park through horseback riding, hiking, or birdwatching, thus integrating a complete vision of life in the Andean mountains.