Fishing in Chile

Chile lies on a narrow strip of land stretching along the southwestern coast of South America, between the Pacific Ocean to the west and the majestic Andes Mountains to the east. With its overseas territories, namely Easter Island in Oceania, and the Chilean territory of the Antarctic, it lies on three parts of the world. In relation to the overall land area, Chile probably has the longest coastline in the world. The Pacific Ocean off the Chilean coast is home to several iconic species of fish such as tuna. However, it is the freshwater fishing opportunities that draw most visiting anglers to Chile. Between wild and desolate Tierra del Fuego, tranquil Patagonia, crystal-clear waters of the Lake District, peaceful lakes of the Araucanía region and fast-flowing rivers of the Andes, Chile promises an unforgettable angling adventure. The country's climate is highly varied, from the arid Atacama Desert in the north to the Mediterranean of the coastal areas to temperate rainforests and glaciers of the south. In the warmer northern parts of the country fishing is possible all year round, while trips to the colder southern areas are better confined to warmer times of the year. Citizens of the USA, Canada, the EU and several other countries do not need a visa to enter Chile for short-term tourist stays, however, filling in an online entry form is required for Easter Island. Fishing in Chile is regulated by the National Fisheries Service (SERNAPESCA), which ensures sustainable fishing practices and the conservation of fish populations. Anglers must have a valid fishing license, which can be purchased online or at authorized vendors within Chile. The country's regulations include specific rules on bag limits, size limits, and seasonal restrictions for various fish species. Always check the latest regulations before your trip to ensure compliance and to help preserve Chile’s rich aquatic ecosystems. Chile’s rich fishing opportunities and diverse environments make it a top destination for recreational anglers. Whether you’re drawn to the expansive waters of the Pacific Ocean, the serene lakes of the Lake District, or the dynamic rivers of Patagonia, Chile offers an exceptional fishing experience that caters to all preferences and skill levels. Plan your fishing adventure in Chile today and explore the angler’s paradise that awaits in this beautiful South American country.

While some fishing charters in northern ports like Valparaíso offer offshore and nearshore fishing in Chile, as far as recreational anglers that arrive in Chile as tourists are concerned, the most popular type of fishing in the country is backcountry fishing. The Lake District, with its clear, glacial-fed lakes and rivers, the rivers and streams of the Andes, including the Baker and Futaleufú rivers, the wild Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego provide excellent opportunities for anglers looking both to catch big trout and to get away from it all.

Saltwater fishing in Chile is mostly commercial and focused on species like the hake. Recreational fishing opportunities center around members of the salmon and trout family. Brown trout, sea trout, rainbow trout have been introduced to and found a new home in Chilean rivers and lakes. This goes all the way up to gigantic sea-run brown trout, Chinook salmon, and a kind of salmon that in some sources is known as Austral King Salmon. Called so after the Austral, the southernmost part of Chile, it is said to originate from fish that escaped from fish farms, and is following the regular salmon circle of life, providing anglers with exciting chances to land a fish as big as 50 lb. (23 kg.) in the pristine waters of this region.

It’s all about the fly in Chile. Of course, various other techniques are possible, from bottom fishing and trolling in seafaring charters on the Pacific Coast, to simple handlining methods preferred by residents of Easter Island since long before Magellan, to spinning for those that can’t cast a fly. But most of the international recreational anglers come to Chile for fly fishing. Nymphs, dry flies, or mouse-like lures, casting from the shore, wading, or rafting down the rivers, you can have the time of your lifetime in Chile.