For many years, fly fishing lakes has been something of a marginal alternative to river fly fishing. But as fly fishing became more popular, in particular in the last two decades, many river fishermen tired of competing for a good spot on their favorite streams, have migrated to lakes looking for solitude and quality trout. Many of us, in the transition from rivers to lakes have discovered that we’ve been missing out on a source of pleasure and good times, especially when a bunch of brown and rainbow trout swim beside us in a crystal clear water. Or when a big one takes our fly cutting the surface with a tight line, before exploding in a spectacle similar to fireworks, challenging the reel drag and thrilling us as if we were fishing in a river. Today, stillwater fly fishing has become a fully developed discipline with its own techniques and strategies. If you haven’t cast a fly on a lake, you have definitively missed quite an exciting experience that defies even the most skilled fisherman.

Fly fishing creates all kinds of emotions, ranging from deep frustration to full satisfaction and joy.

In Patagonia’s national parks there are more lakes than rivers, and as with rivers, lakes vary from very productive to less productive. Typically the trout in these lakes reach a size which is uncommon in rivers. Learning and understanding the productivity of lakes can guide us to those lakes that produce trophy trout, or those where the number of trout compensates for their size.

Bad weather on a big lake can ruin the entire fishing experience. However, weather on smaller lakes, although sometimes tough, can be dealt with by taking a few precautions. Many larger lakes particularly those of a glacier or tectonic origin, have shorelines that are not friendly during a squall. The chances of finding a sandy beach are virtually nonexistent. Fly fishers are more prone to look for small lakes which can be easily accessed and fished from a float tube or portable boat.