Quick answer: the 2026/2027 season runs from November 1, 2026 to May 1, 2027. To fish Lake Traful you need the Patagonian continental fishing license (bought online) and must follow the regulations: in November, single barbless hooks only and a maximum of 1 rainbow trout under 40 cm (16 in); from December to March, up to 2. On the Traful, Minero and Pichi Traful rivers it is fly fishing only and strictly catch and release.
Last reviewed: November 2026, against the current fishing regulations. This article contains affiliate links: if you book through them, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Lake Traful is one of the quietest fly fishing destinations in Patagonia: crystal-clear water, forested shores and far fewer anglers than around Bariloche. It lies inside Nahuel Huapi National Park, so the rules are strict and change every season. Here is what you need to know before you go: dates, licenses, prices, lake and river rules, and how to plan the trip.
2026/2027 season at a glance in Villa Traful
| Water | Dates | Method | What you can keep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Traful | Nov 1 to Nov 30, 2026 | All methods, single barbless hook | 1 rainbow trout under 40 cm per day |
| Lake Traful | Dec 1, 2026 to Mar 31, 2027 | All methods | 2 rainbow trout under 40 cm per day |
| Lake Traful | Apr 1 to May 1, 2027 | Check the April rules in the current regulations | |
| Traful River | General season | Fly only, no boats | Nothing: catch and release only |
| Minero River | Nov 15, 2026 to Apr 1, 2027 | Fly only | Nothing: catch and release only |
| Pichi Traful River | General season | Fly only | Nothing: catch and release only |
Any fish outside the daily limit must be released carefully. In practice, the only fish you can keep on Lake Traful is a small rainbow trout: large trout, brown trout and salmon always go back in the water.
Special Lake Traful rules worth knowing
- Sunken forest: fishing is banned within 100 meters (about 330 ft) by any method. It is a protected area and a popular boat-trip spot.
- Wading boots: felt soles are banned in all waters covered by the Patagonian regulations.
- Didymo algae: the lake is under alert for Didymosphenia geminata, an invasive microalga. Clean and dry your gear before and after fishing, following the instructions in the regulations.
- Traful River: boats are not allowed, and the only public access is at its confluence with the Minero River.
Fishing license: where to buy it and how much it costs
You need the Patagonian continental license, valid in Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut and the southern national parks. Buy it online at permisosdepesca.com.ar and it arrives by email. At an inspection you must show the license (on your phone or printed) and your ID (passport for foreign visitors).
| License | Residents of Argentina | Non-resident foreigners |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | $12.500 | $50.000 |
| 10 days | $25.000 | $140.000 |
| Season | $50.000 | $280.000 |
| Minors aged 13 to 17 (season) | $25.000 | — |
| Under 12, over 65, retirees, pensioners and people with disabilities | Free | — |
| Trolling add-on (on top of the license) | ARS 25,000 daily · ARS 50,000 for 10 days · ARS 100,000 season | |
What you can catch in Traful and when to go
The lake holds rainbow trout, brown trout and landlocked salmon, the species Traful is famous for among anglers. November opens the season, with stricter rules on the lake. From December to March the weather is more settled and days are long; the wind usually picks up in the afternoon, so early morning and sunset are the most comfortable times to fish from shore or from a kayak.
If it is your first time, hiring a licensed fishing guide is worth it: they know the access points and the rules for each stretch, and save you days of trial and error.
Fishing near Bariloche: if you have a day in Bariloche, about 100 km (62 mi) from Traful, you can book a private guided fishing trip on the Limay River, offered in English. Keep the rules in mind: on the upper Limay, from Lake Nahuel Huapi down to Rincón Chico, it is fly fishing only and strictly catch and release.
How to plan a fishing trip to Villa Traful
- Getting there: Villa Traful is about 100 km (62 mi) from Bariloche and 60 km (37 mi) from Villa La Angostura on Provincial Route 65, which has gravel sections. See our guide on how to get to Villa Traful.
- Car: without a car it is hard to get between the lake and the river access points.
- No car? if you want to see Villa Traful in a day, there is a day tour from Bariloche to Villa Traful and the Enchanted Valley, offered in English.
- Fuel and cash: there is no gas station in the village and many places only take cash. Fill up before driving onto Route 65.
- Cell signal: it is weak. Buy your license and download the regulations before you arrive so you have them offline.
- Accommodation: options are limited and fill up in January and February, so book early. See the options in where to stay in Villa Traful.
Frequently asked questions
When does the fishing season start in Villa Traful?
The 2026/2027 season opened on November 1, 2026 and closes on May 1, 2027. The Minero River has its own dates: November 15, 2026 to April 1, 2027.
Can I keep the fish I catch on Lake Traful?
Only rainbow trout under 40 cm: 1 per day in November and up to 2 per day from December to March. Everything else is released. On the Traful, Minero and Pichi Traful rivers it is always catch and release.
Can I fish at the sunken forest?
No. Fishing is banned within 100 meters of the sunken forest. You can visit it by boat or snorkeling with local operators; see things to do in Villa Traful.
Is a Río Negro fishing license valid in Traful?
Yes, if it is the Patagonian continental license: it is valid in Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut and the southern national parks. It is not valid in Santa Cruz or Tierra del Fuego, which have their own licenses.
Do children need a license?
Children up to 12 get a free license (you still need to request it). Teenagers aged 13 to 17 have a discounted season license.
Keep planning
- How to get to Villa Traful from Bariloche, Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes
- Where to stay in Villa Traful: cabins, inns and campsites
- Plan your trip: services, weather and what to pack
- Things to do in Villa Traful: activities and excursions
Sources: Patagonian Continental Sport Fishing Regulations (Nahuel Huapi National Park waters) and permisosdepesca.com.ar. Always check the current regulations before fishing: the rules change every season.