Fish Patagonia › Guides › Río Chico Fishing Guide: Species, Months, Flows and Flies
In short: Río Chico is a wading river in the Futaleufú area of Palena province, Chile (Joins the Alto Futaleufú east of town). Species the app lists: rainbow trout and brown trout. Months by the app's general seasonal guide: Rainbow trout: November to May (peak: December to March); Brown trout: November to May (peak: December to March).
Guide updated October 27, 2026 · live data Oct 27, 2026, 1:59 PM (Chile)
Small tributary entering the Alto Futaleufú from the east, between the border and town. Light-rod water: short drifts, dries and small nymphs. No gauge — after heavy rain it colours quickly.
In Palena province (Res. Ex. 2428/2025): artificial lures with a single barbless hook only; one Atlantic, coho or Chinook salmon may be kept per angler per day and every other species must be released; no fishing from bridges or roads, and none between 22:00 and 06:00. Always confirm with Sernapesca. See season and rules.
According to the app's seasonal guide: Rainbow trout: November to May (peak: December to March); Brown trout: November to May (peak: December to March). This is a general guide: the real timing changes every year with weather and flow.
The app lists: rainbow trout and brown trout. In Palena province (Res. Ex. 2428/2025): artificial lures with a single barbless hook only; one Atlantic, coho or Chinook salmon may be kept per angler per day and every other species must be released; no fishing from bridges or roads, and none between 22:00 and 06:00. Always confirm with Sernapesca.
It has no gauge: the app rates it from weather only and caps the rating at "good". After heavy rain it colours quickly.
Provisional data and general guidance. Conditions change quickly: scout, check local rules with Sernapesca and use a local guide on big water.