The Lake District Feature

Fishing season runs November 15-May 1. In some areas, catch-and-release is allowed year-round; catch-and-release is usually compulsory, but in some places catches may be kept. Guides are available by the day or the week. Nahuel Huapi, Gutiérrez, Mascardi, Correntoso, and Traful are the most accessible lakes in the Lake District.

If you're seeking the perfect pool or secret stream for fly-fishing, you may have to do some hiking, particularly along the banks of the Chimehuín, Limay, Traful, and Correntoso rivers. Near Junín de los Andes the Malleo and Currihué rivers, and Lakes Huechulafquen, Paimún, and Lácar are good fishing grounds.

Direcciones Provinciales de Pesca. Fishing licenses allowing you to catch brown, rainbow, and brook trout as well as perch and salar sebago (landlocked salmon) are obtainable in Bariloche at the Direcciones Provinciales de Pesca. You can also get licenses at the Nahuel Huapi National Park office and at most tackle shops. Non-resident license fees are $120/day, $360/week, $480/season. Elfleín 10, Bariloche, Río Negro, 8400. 2944/425-160.

Baruzzi Deportes. Oscar Baruzzi at Baruzzi Deportes is a good local fishing guide. Urquiza 250, Bariloche, Río Negro, 8400. 2944/424-922. www.barilochefishing.com.

Martín Pescador. Martín Pescador has a shop with fishing and hunting equipment. Rolando 257, Bariloche, Río Negro, 8400. 2944/422-275. martinpescador@bariloche.com.ar.

Patagonia Fly Shop. Ricardo Almeijeiras, also a guide, owns the Patagonia Fly Shop. Quinchahuala 200, Av. Bustillo, Km 6.7, Bariloche, Río Negro, 8400. 2944/441-944. flyshop@bariloche.com.ar.