Fishing in Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego Island

Large specimens and long daylight hours during the summer are two great reasons to practice sport fishing in Tierra del Fuego. Every year, anglers from around the world visit the island to test their skills in Fuegian rivers and lakes.

Internationally recognized as an excellent destination for sport fishing and fly fishing, Tierra del Fuego offers an extensive network of lakes and rivers where anglers can catch large specimens from November through May.

The species that dominate the island’s freshwater are brown trout, anadromous brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, and king salmon, also known as “Chinook.” The so-called “sea trout” is one of the most sought-after species, as it can exceed 12 kilograms after feeding in saltwater.

The best fishing areas are located in the northern and central parts of the province. In the north, the Río Grande has gained international fame among anglers for the quality of its trout. This area is also home to most of the private fishing preserves.

Tierra del Fuego has three main watersheds: the Río Grande basin in the north, the Lago Fagnano basin in the central area of the island, and the Central Atlantic Basin to the east. Rivers that flow into the Atlantic Ocean, such as the Río Grande, Menéndez, Irigoyen, San Pablo, and Ewan Sur, are frequented by professional anglers due to the quality and size of the specimens living in their waters. Other notable rivers for trout and bass include Ladrillero, Láinez, and Malengüena. Although the average weight of these salmonids is usually smaller than those in the Río Grande Basin, it is still possible to catch anadromous brown trout weighing up to 11 kilograms or bass up to 7 kilograms.

Near Tolhuin, the most recommended spots are Lago Fagnano and its tributaries (Río Valdez, Milna, Claro, and Tuerto), as well as the Palacio, Margarita, and Bombilla lagoons.

Although the sport fishing season opens during the austral summer, the weather in Tierra del Fuego is unstable. Therefore, anglers are advised to dress in layers to cope with temperature changes throughout the day. Waterproof, breathable, and removable warm clothing is highly recommended.

It is important to note that most fishing in Tierra del Fuego is done under the catch-and-release system. To practice sport fishing in areas under the jurisdiction of the province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica, and the South Atlantic Islands, a special permit is required. Registration can be done through the Sport Fishing Information System, the official site responsible for issuing and selling permits.

Recommendations for anglers:

• Fishing can be done in groups of up to 5 people, with a maximum of 3 people per vehicle.

• Night fishing is prohibited.

• All specimens must be returned alive to the water with minimal harm in all areas of the province.

Fishing in the Heart of Tierra del Fuego Island

The central area of the island is an ideal place for sport fishing, where anglers can catch trout in Lago Fagnano and its tributaries: the Valdéz, Tuerto, Claro, and Milna rivers.

There is also a wide variety of deep lagoons that host good specimens of salmonids. Notable examples include Lago Pescado, Lago Sutherland (or Hantuk), and Las Gemelas. Other similar environments are Laguna Negra, Varela, Bombilla, San Ricardo, and Margarita.

According to current regulations, only “spoon” or “spinning” and “fly” or “flycasting” equipment are authorized. In some areas, only fly fishing with mandatory catch-and-release is allowed. It is important that all sport anglers read the corresponding seasonal regulations to know which rivers are authorized and which fishing methods are permitted in each area, in order to preserve the resource and avoid any issues.

Fishing at Lago Yakush

Lago Yakush is located within the Provincial Reserve “Corazón de la Isla.” The surroundings are dominated by lenga and ñire forests, as well as grasslands and peat bogs that contrast with the surrounding hills. This lake is known for the quality of its trout, with specimens ranging from 1.5 to 4 kg, and an average weight of 2 kg.

To reach Lago Yakush, take National Route No. 3, and at the María Cristina Estancia, turn onto Provincial Route No. 18. Then drive 13 km along Provincial Route No. 107 to reach the park ranger station, where access to the Reserve begins.

From there, it is necessary to travel approximately 20 km to a parking area, followed by a 2.5 km walk along a marked trail that leads to the lake.

By regulation, only sport fishing is allowed at Lago Yakush, under the fly casting method, with mandatory catch-and-release. Navigation in motorized boats is prohibited.

Sport Fishing License

To practice sport fishing in areas under the jurisdiction of the province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica, and the South Atlantic Islands, a special fishing permit is required. It can be obtained at local fishing associations or fly shops.

Through the “Pesca Deportiva – TDF” app (available for iOS and Android), anglers can check points of sale for seasonal licenses, regulations, maps, authorized fishing locations, methods, recommendations, and a list of protected areas.

Clothing

Although the sport fishing season opens during the austral summer, the weather and temperatures in Tierra del Fuego are often unstable. Therefore, dressing in layers is ideal, so clothing can be added or removed as conditions change during the day.

As in extreme sports and mountaineering, technical clothing is recommended, including a base layer and a second layer. Breathable and insulating materials, combined with microporous waterproof jackets and sport neck warmers, will also help prevent your hat from blowing away and serve as an effective barrier against the cold. Fingerless fishing gloves, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also advisable.

The riverbeds are free of moss, but sturdy felt or rubber soles with studs are necessary for safe fishing. Gaiters are also recommended to prevent stones from entering wading boots.

Fishing in the Río Grande Area

Dominated by the Fuegian steppe and austral winds, the Río Grande basin concentrates the most renowned waters for sport fishing for sea-run trout (Sea Run), including the Río Grande and Río Menéndez. In this area, the average catch weighs around 7 kg, though specimens can reach up to 15 kg. These trout achieve such sizes because they spend most of their life at sea, gaining better nutrition than river trout. Other species found in these rivers include rainbow trout, Chinook salmon, and brown trout (Farios).

In addition to the possibility of catching magnificent specimens, anglers can find a series of authorized fishing lodges along the Río Grande, offering accommodation and exquisite Fuegian cuisine.

Sport Fishing License

To practice sport fishing in areas under the jurisdiction of the province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica, and the South Atlantic Islands, a special fishing permit is required. It can be obtained at local fishing associations or fly shops.

Through the “Pesca Deportiva – TDF” app (available for iOS and Android), anglers can check points of sale for seasonal licenses, regulations, maps, authorized fishing locations, methods, recommendations, and a list of protected areas.

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Clothing

Although the sport fishing season runs from the austral summer into early autumn (November to May), the weather in Tierra del Fuego is unstable. Dressing in layers is recommended to cope with temperature changes during the day. Warm, breathable, and waterproof gear is highly recommended. Sunscreen and sunglasses should also be used, as Tierra del Fuego experiences high solar radiation levels during summer.

Contact us for more information and to request a fishing package in Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego Island