Lago Hess/Canais
$650/every 2 anglers
Price: $650
Duration: 9/10 ours - Full Day
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Hess Lake, located in the southwestern part of Nahuel Huapi National Park about 35 miles from Bariloche, is a small yet stunning and highly productive body of water. Its scenery is truly breathtaking: reed-lined shores create natural structures that provide excellent habitat and outstanding dry-fly fishing, especially during the height of summer.
This intimate lake offers two standout highlights: spectacular views of Mount Tronador—permanently capped with snow and glaciers—and a network of channels that combine incredible scenery with excellent opportunities for fishing dries and nymphs. On good days, it’s possible to land catches well into the double digits. Like other waters in the basin, Hess Lake also offers the rare chance to achieve a Patagonian Grand Slam—catching brook, rainbow, and brown trout all in the same day.
In midsummer, Hess comes alive with the famous Dragonfly Hatch. This is one of the most exciting times to fish here, when large trout rise aggressively to strike big, foamy terrestrials such as Fat Alberts, Chernobyl Ants, or realistic dragonfly imitations. Throughout the season, we adapt our gear and techniques to make the most of every outing.
What’s Included
• Transfers to and from the agreed meeting point
• All fishing gear and boat (rods, flies, and wading gear if needed)
• A traditional Argentine lunch featuring steak and Malbec wine
• Refreshments throughout the day (water, soft drinks, and beer)
What’s Not Included
• Fishing license: We can arrange this in advance if needed. Current rates for foreign visitors (2026):
• Day license: USD 30
• Weekly license: USD 90
• Full season license: USD 180
• Gratuities for guides and/or drivers
Hess Lake is located about 35 miles from Bariloche. Part of the journey follows gravel roads, making the drive roughly an hour and a half. We typically meet between 7:00 and 8:00 AM at a designated point in Bariloche before heading to the lake to begin our day.
Once the boat and gear are ready, we fish from about 9:00–10:00 AM until 1:00 PM, when we pause for a well-deserved riverside meal. After lunch, we return to the water and continue fishing until around 4:00–5:00 PM, before heading back to your accommodation or the agreed meeting point.
FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t own fishing gear. Do you provide it?
No worries—we provide everything you need. All equipment is included and tailored to the waters you’ll be fishing, including rods, reels, lines, and flies.
Do I need to know how to fly fish?
Not at all. Our guides love introducing newcomers to this fascinating sport and will do their best to help you land your first trout on your very first fly-fishing experience. Alternatively, most of the waters we fish are also suitable for conventional spinning gear.
I’m vegetarian/vegan. Do you offer alternative food choices?
Absolutely. We’re happy to adapt meals to your dietary needs. Just let us know about any preferences or restrictions in advance, and we’ll make sure you enjoy the food as much as the scenery and the fishing.
What personal gear should I bring?
We provide all fishing equipment, food, and beverages. You should bring:
- Sunglasses (essential for both safety and comfort while fishing)
- A warm layer, as Patagonia’s weather can change quickly
- A hat and sunscreen for sun protection
My partner doesn’t want to fish. Can they come along?
Of course! They can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery and delicious food. And who knows—after a day surrounded by Patagonia’s beauty, they might even be tempted to give fishing a try.
