Master the Patagonia Swing: 5 Tips for Fly Fishing Migratory Brown Trout

With: quieropatagoniaa

We caught up with Gastón somewhere between the tail end of one season and the scramble to prep for the next — the man barely slows down. Born with a rod in hand and raised on the waters of Córdoba before finding his true calling in Patagonia, Gastón’s story reads like every angler’s daydream. From chasing silversides as a kid to guiding on the legendary rivers of Tierra del Fuego, he’s built a life around big water, bigger trout, and the kind of sunsets that make you forget what day it is. We talked migratory browns, fly setups, and what it means to turn wild country into a classroom — and a career.

Gastón, how did you get started in fly fishing, and what inspired you to make the wild rivers of Patagonia your school and career?

My career as a fisherman began very young when I was 7/8 years old with my uncle who was the one who introduced me to fishing, not in Patagonia but in central Argentina, in the province of Córdoba, I started fishing for silverside, a freshwater and saltwater species. I was very young and from then on my passion for fishing never ceased, on the contrary, it grew. Years went by and due to family circumstances I had to move to Rio Gallegos, Santa Cruz, Patagonia, Argentina. At only 15 years old, I would discover the magical world of migratory brown trout fishing and that was a one-way trip. I went crazy for this species. I started fishing with spinning (lures) and at 16 I started fly fishing, which today has not only become a passion but also my professional career. In 2001 I started working as a guide, and to date I can say that I have achieved all my goals, fishing for each and every one of the species in Patagonia such as Also in British Columbia as a guide

Argentine Patagonia envelops you with the magic of its landscapes, the quality of its waters, and its breathtaking sunsets, combined with the fishing experience, make it a true paradise for any angler in the world.

Without a doubt, if I were born again, I would love to do it in these lands!

There is something uniquely magical about brown trout fishing. What makes catching them in Patagonia such a special experience, for both you and your clients?

I think brown trout are one of the most aggressive species to fish for, but if we add to that the fact that they're migratory when they rise from the sea, they're explosive. And as I mentioned before, fishing for them in such an incredible environment makes Patagonia one of the most sought-after places for anglers from all over the world.

This past season was my eighth time fishing the Rio Grande and the Rio Menéndez, and every year I fall more in love with them. Their brown trout are incredible, and this year we caught a record 16kg, something I've never seen before. That's why I say fishing for migratory brown trout is a dream for any angler.

When my clients come to Patagonia for the first time, they are amazed by the immensity and the way their gaze stretches to the horizon. The steppe, the wildlife, and the skies are undoubtedly synonymous with Patagonia. If we add to that the average catch of 6kg, it makes QUIERO PATAGONIA a very good option for their trip.

For anglers looking to catch these powerful fish, what are your top five tips for fly fishing for brown trout in Patagonia?

I'll mention four rivers with different structures and waters. These are the rivers I guide and, in my opinion, make fly fishing, in all its techniques, a great attraction:

SANTA CRUZ RIVER: This is a glacial river, whose waters are home to populations of migratory brown trout, mainly steelhead. Chinook salmon also use it during the months of September through November to complete their reproductive cycle. This river is ideal for fishing with large streamers and two-handed tackle. A fast-flowing river with turquoise waters, it's a real challenge for any angler. O GALLEGOS River: This is one of my favorites. A meandering, shallow river that allows for a variety of fishing techniques, from light tackle for freshwater browns to single-handed size 8 tackle for large sea trout. Early in the season, it's also possible to fish with two-handed tackle. What I love most about this river is that it's great for fishing with floating lines, intermediate lines, and small nymphs. It's definitely a place to visit and fish! RIO GRANDE: It is undoubtedly the most internationally famous, with incredible migratory brown trout, a river that changes from November to April, allowing you to use large streamers as well as tiny nymphs, where all fishing techniques are applied, from fast-sinking to floating lines, and single-handed to double-handed rods. This river puts all your knowledge to the test.

RIO MENENDEZ: A silent giant that houses gigantic migratory brown trout within its meanders that ascend the Rio Grande to spawn. It is a small river that is fished with single-handed equipment, fast-sinking and floating lines, from small nymphs to medium-sized streamers, the perfect combination for achieving incredible catches.

My five tips:

1- It is essential to find the correct configuration in terms of line and tippet length.

2- Rubber-legged flies are the best option for this type of species.

3. It's very important  to always make your first casts from outside the water.

4. When entering a pond without fishing pressure, it's always a good idea to make a pass with a floating line and tube flies like the Sunrise Shadow.

5. Migratory trout are known for not feeding, so you have to try to irritate them, persist, and never stop trying every option available.

6. The first and last hours of the day are the best option for a good catch!

You wear multiple hats: fly-casting instructor, guide, and local ambassador. How do you adapt your approach as a guide to help people connect with this fishery and succeed with their swing?

Personally, I first certified as a guide, and then as an instructor. Both positions allow me to better serve clients, making corrections and improving techniques so they can achieve their goals.

As a guide, I apply all my knowledge to find and reach trout. As an instructor, I correct and improve casting.

As a person, I promote conservation, catch-and-release practices, and environmental stewardship, and showcasing Patagonia from the most incredible locations.

What do you have in mind, Gastón? Upcoming trips, new waters, or goals for QuieroPatagonia?

Today we're closing out a new season and already getting everything ready for the next one. Everything points to another year in Tierra del Fuego, the start of the season in Rio Gallegos, and if all goes well, April on the Santa Cruz River to fish for the powerful Atlantic steelhead.

QUIERO PATAGONIA is a family business, so this year we're going to add the sale of tying materials, and during the winter, fly-tying courses and casting instructions for new anglers!