Rainbow trout

The gear is matched to the setting and the size of trout you are after, but these setups cover most situations in Argentina:

Spinning (general use, trout of 1 to 3 kg):

• Rod: 1.80 to 2.10 m, medium to medium-fast action, light to medium-light power (casting lures of roughly 3 to 12 g).
• Reel: front-drag, size 1000 to 2500, with a progressive, smooth drag—key to withstanding the runs and jumps without breaking off.
• Line: fine braid of 8 to 15 lb for its sensitivity and lack of stretch, or nylon/mono of 6 to 10 lb if you prefer something more forgiving for the hookset.
• Leader: a section of fluorocarbon of 0.20 to 0.28 mm; fluoro is less visible underwater, which matters in Patagonia's crystal-clear water.

Fly:

• 5-6 weight outfit: the most versatile for river rainbows in Patagonia (dries, nymphs, and small streamers). A 9-foot rod.
• 7-8 weight outfit: recommended for big-trout waters like Strobel/Barrancoso, heavy streamers, and strong wind.
• Leader and tippet: a 9-foot tapered leader finished in 3X to 5X tippet depending on the fly size and how selective the fish is.

For trophy specimens (5-10+ kg at the Strobel): step up the power—medium/medium-heavy spinning with 15-20 lb braid and a robust fluoro leader, or a 7/8 fly outfit—because these are fish with strength and runs far superior to the average trout.

In every case: a well-adjusted drag, sharp hooks (barbless if you are going to release), and a rubber net to handle the fish with the least possible harm.

The rainbow trout is caught with several methods, and all of them produce depending on the setting:

Spinning (the most widespread and accessible). Cast your spoon or minnow upstream or across the current and retrieve, keeping the lure working near the bottom or at mid-depth. In rivers, cast to the head of the pool and let the lure drop with the current before retrieving; strikes usually come in the transition between the rapids and the calm water. In lakes, fan the area with casts in different directions until you find the fish.

Fly fishing. The star method of Patagonia. With a dry fly, look for surface activity and present the fly upstream, letting it drift without drag. With a nymph, work a dead drift along the pool, following the line with the rod tip. With a streamer, cast across, let it sink, and retrieve with short strips to imitate a baitfish—a key technique for the big trout of the Strobel and the Barrancoso.

Trolling and drifting in lakes. In large lakes and reservoirs it pays to troll spoons or minnows at low speed behind the boat, varying the depth until you hit the layer where the fish is holding. Drift fishing from a boat, casting toward the shorelines and stream mouths, is very effective in the early hours.

Guide tips:

• Timing: get up early or fish the dusk, especially in summer; these are the windows of greatest activity.
• Fine presentation in clear water: long leader, gentle movements, and avoid casting your shadow over the water.
• "Read" the river: food and oxygen rule; focus on confluences, back-eddies, and pool tail-outs.
• Set the hook firmly but fight with patience: the rainbow jumps a lot, so keep constant tension and drop the rod tip when it clears the water so it doesn't throw the hook.
• If you plan to release it, wet your hands, minimize time out of the water, and use barbless hooks to release it healthy.