Rainbow Trout

Habitat Distribution

• Introduced, now naturalized; distributed from Antofagasta (23°S) south through Patagonia to Tierra del Fuego (55°S) — one of the broadest ranges of any introduced salmonid in South America.
• Resident fish occupy cold, clear rivers and glacial lakes throughout the Aysén and Los Lagos regions; the Coyhaique area and Río Baker drainage are particularly productive.
• A sea-run form uses the coastal fjords and river mouths of southern Chile, entering rivers to spawn and growing to exceptional size in the ocean.
• Northern populations in the Elqui and Limarí basins represent the arid-climate edge of the range and are genetically distinct from Patagonian fish.

Key Locations

• Río Baker (Aysén Region) — one of Chile's largest rivers, with strong populations of resident rainbows holding in seams, eddies, and along forested banks below Lago Bertrand.
• Coyhaique area rivers — the Paloma, Azul, Simpson, Nireguao, Cisnes, and Manihaules rivers all hold good numbers of rainbows within a roughly 100-mile radius of Coyhaique.
• Coastal fjords near Cisnes River mouth — the lower Cisnes and adjacent fjords are known for sea-run rainbow trout of exceptional size.
• Northern Patagonia around Puerto Montt — glacial lakes and rivers in the Los Lagos region provide accessible trout fishing with strong infrastructure.
• Torres del Paine area — the far south holds rainbows in rivers and lakes within and around the national park.

Specific Spots

• Seams and current breaks where fast water meets slow — rainbows hold here to intercept drifting food without burning energy fighting the main current.
• Undercut banks and shelves along densely forested river edges on the Río Baker and similar rivers; fish tuck tight to structure, especially larger individuals.
• Large eddies below rapids or lake outlets, where food concentrates and fish can feed with minimal effort — the enormous eddy below Lago Bertrand on the Baker is a classic example.
• Shallow riffles and runs during surface-feeding activity, particularly as afternoon water temperatures rise; sight-casting to individual rising fish is a hallmark of Chilean Patagonia fishing.