Set in the heart of Nahuel Huapi National Park, Hess Lake is a glacial lake surrounded by native coihue and ñire forests. Reed beds line its shores, while the surrounding mountains and the imposing peak of Cerro Tronador provide a spectacular backdrop to a day on the water.
In the area known as The Channels, slow-moving currents wind through beds of aquatic vegetation before flowing onward as the Manso River. We fish both the lake and these channels from a raft or drift boat, targeting large brown, rainbow and brook trout on the fly.
Hess Lake offers fly fishing from November through April, with tactics evolving as the season progresses. From fishing streamers early in the season to targeting trout during summer dragonfly and damselfly hatches, its reed-lined shores provide exciting opportunities to connect with large fish. The Channels offer a different experience from the open lake. Small nymphs are a key part of the fishing in these gentle currents, while mayfly and caddis hatches create opportunities throughout the season. Here, reading the water, matching the hatch and presenting the fly with a natural drift are all part of the appeal.
Beginning of the season - November
Streamer Fishing in the flats and over Weed Beds
Early in the season, we fish streamers and dragonfly and damselfly nymph patterns on sinking lines, working our flies just above the submerged weed beds. The lake’s extensive reed beds and aquatic vegetation support healthy populations of these insects, making them an important food source for trout. In the shallow, flooded margins, we switch to floating lines to target trout feeding on nymphs among the vegetation. Fishing from a raft or drift boat, we adjust our presentation and retrieve to keep the fly at the right depth and imitate the naturals. The focus is on subsurface action, before summer brings the explosive surface takes that make this lake so exciting to fish.
Beginning of summer - Decembere & January
Dry-Fly Fishing with Dragonfly and Damselfly Patterns
As the days warm and summer arrives, Hess Lake enters one of its most anticipated periods: the dragonfly hatch. Dragonflies and damselflies become active over the water, bringing floating lines, big dry flies and explosive surface takes into play. Much of the excitement comes from sight fishing. We spot a cruising trout, place the fly in its path and watch for its response. Seeing a fish turn toward the fly and rise to take it is a thrill, made even more memorable by the lake’s clear water, reed beds and surrounding native forest. Anglers travel from around the world to experience this special time on Hess Lake. Join us for some of the season’s most exciting dry-fly fishing.
Throughout the season · November to April
Small Dry Flies and Nymphs in The Channels
The Channels offer a distinctive fishery within Hess Lake. With their gentle currents, clear water and lush weed beds, they have the feel of a large spring creek. Mayfly and caddis hatches provide opportunities to fish small dries and nymphs throughout the November – April season. This is water that rewards observation and careful presentation. We watch how trout are feeding, match the insects they are taking and work on achieving a natural, drag-free drift. It is a more subtle style of fishing that complements the larger attractor patterns we use on the open lake. During the dragonfly hatch, The Channels also lend themselves to fishing big dry flies along the reed edges and over submerged weed beds. Accurate casts close to cover can bring exciting surface takes, adding another dimension to this clear-water fishery.
Where Fishing Stories Begin
Discover the Hess Lake Fly Fishing Experience
The “Horney Damsel” and Its Real-Life Double
At One with the Water
Memories of a Great Day’s Fishing
Southern Rivers Patagonia · Hess Lake
Guided Fishing Trips and Lodge Stays
Choose how you would like to experience Hess Lake.
