Fly Fishing Patagonia’s Wild Waters: A Guide’s Secrets to Trophy Brook Trout
With : juann_zalazar
I had the chance to catch up with Juan, a seasoned fly fishing guide based out of Trevelin, Patagonia — one of the world’s most legendary places for chasing wild trout. Growing up with a stepfather who showed him the ropes, Juan’s passion for fly fishing runs deep. We talked shop about the hunt for trophy brook trout in those stunning Patagonian waters, the biggest mistakes anglers make, and what a perfect day on the river looks like through his eyes. Juan’s stories and tips give a real feel for the raw beauty and challenge of fishing in Patagonia — and the thrill of hooking those iconic brook trout.
Juan, growing up in Patagonia, one of the world’s most iconic fly fishing destinations, how did you first get into fly fishing? Was there a specific moment or person that sparked your passion?
I was first introduced to fly fishing through my stepfather at the time. He was a passionate angler and seasoned guide, and his enthusiasm for the sport was infectious. From the moment he handed me a fly rod, I was hooked. His deep respect for the water, the fish, and the craft of fly fishing left a lasting impression on me and set me on the path I’m still walking today.
As a seasoned guide in Trevelin, what are your top 3 tips for landing a true trophy brook trout in the waters of Patagonia?
First off, you’ve got to be in the right place to find them. Around here, we’re lucky to have a range of spots where you can chase brook trout—from small streams to alpine lakes that hold some surprisingly big fish. When it comes to flies, they can definitely make or break your day. Sometimes flashy, oversized streamers will trigger aggressive takes, while other days you need to go small and subtle, like micro buggers or tiny streamers. And don’t count out big dry flies—brookies can be bold, and throwing something large on top can bring them up in the right conditions.
Brook trout can be elusive and unpredictable — what’s one mistake you often see anglers make when targeting big brookies, and how do you coach them through it?
The way you strip the fly is often the most critical part of the presentation—it’s not just about the fly itself. Too fast or too slow can kill your chances, so it really depends on the mood of the fish that day. One thing I always tell people: never stop stripping too early. Keep working that fly all the way to the boat or the bank—brook trout will often follow it a long way before finally committing to the take.
Juan, your Instagram feed shows some incredible fish and wild landscapes — what does a perfect day on the water in Chubut look like for you?
A perfect day of fishing in Chubut, for me, is when the dragonflies start hatching and the fish go absolutely wild on the surface. There’s nothing like watching big trout explode on topwater takes. That’s when you tie on a chunky, foamy dry and start hunting—because the bites get serious and the fish don’t hold back.
You've spent countless days guiding others — what’s been one of your most memorable moments helping a client land a trophy brook trout?
One of the most memorable moments guiding and fishing for brook trout is seeing the look on a client’s face when they can’t believe the size of those gorgeous brookies. That mix of surprise and pure excitement is what makes it all worth it.
What’s next for you, Juan? Are there new waters you’re hoping to explore, projects you’re working on, or goals you're chasing in the fly fishing world?
Right now, I’m guiding at El Encuentro Lodge during our season here in Patagonia, and in the offseason, I head over to guide for golden dorado at the renowned Tsimane Pluma Lodge—two incredible destinations that offer totally different, yet unforgettable fishing experiences. Down the road, I’d love to expand my horizons by guiding and fishing for Atlantic salmon and exploring saltwater fly fishing as well. Those would be amazing new chapters in my guiding journey.
