South America
Fishing in
Chile 2026.
Fishing License & Permit · Fishing Times · Waters & Fish Species · Cost Overview
🌙Fishing Times 2026Best fishing times
·Chile-35.68°, -71.54°
01
Fishing License & Permit
- License required?
- Yes
- Where to apply?
- Online at Servicio Nacional de Pesca (SERNAPESCA) or at local fishing shops.
- Cost
- Tourist license: From 15,000 CLP (~15 USD). Seasonal card: From 25,000 CLP (~25 USD).
- Validity
- Daily, monthly or seasonal cards (Season: October-May)
- Available online?
- Yes
Chile has a simple licensing system via SERNAPESCA. Freshwater fishing always requires a license. Saltwater fishing from shore is partially free. Patagonia offers some of the best trout waters in South America!
Buy fishing license for Chile online
Official authority website
Book fishing tours in Chile
Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals
02
Rules & Regulations
- Closed seasons
- Trout and salmon: May to September/October (closed season). Varies by region.
- Catch limits
- Trout: 3-5 per day depending on region. Salmon: 2-3 per day. Observe minimum sizes.
- Prohibited methods
- Live bait fish prohibited. On many rivers only fly fishing or single hook permitted.
- Catch & Release
- Widely practiced and recommended, especially for large trout and in premium waters.
Chile has excellent trout waters populated by introduced rainbow and brown trout. Native fish species are strictly protected!
03
Waters & Fish Species
Top waters
- —Rio Simpson (Patagonien, Rainbow Trout)
- —Lago Llanquihue (Vulkan-Kulisse, Trout)
- —Rio Palena (remote, huge Forellen)
- —Futaleufu (Wildwasser + Forelle)
- —Chiloe-Coast (Salmon, Sea fishing)
Target fish
Freshwater
Volcanic lakes, glacier-fed rivers and pristine Patagonian wilderness. Huge trout in crystal-clear water.
Saltwater
6,400 km Pacific coastline. Less developed than freshwater, but growing.
Starting from500 USD / day
Best season: November to April (Freshwater season). December-March optimal. Saltwater: Year-round.
04
Practical Information
- Equipment
- Good fishing shops in Pucon, Puerto Montt and Coyhaique. Recommended to bring fly fishing equipment.
- Fishing guides
- Patagonia guides: 300-500 USD/day. Lodge packages: 400-800 USD/day. Heli-fishing possible!
- Transport
- Flights to Santiago, then domestic flight to Temuco, Puerto Montt or Balmaceda. Car rental in Patagonia.
- Safety
- Patagonia: Extreme wind! Weather changes quickly. UV radiation high even in the south.
- Customs & taking fish home
- Fishing equipment easily imported. Fruit and food strictly controlled!
05
Cost Overview
License fees
15-25 USD for tourists (daily or seasonal card)
Guide prices
300-500 USD/day. Premium lodge: 500-1,000 USD/day (all-inclusive).
Daily budget
Budget: 80-150 USD (camping, own equipment). Premium: 400-1,000 USD/day (lodge).
Read blog article →
Detailed guide: Fishing in Chile
Equipment
Recommended fishing equipment
View equipment for Chile →
Flights
Compare and book cheap flights to Chile with Kiwi.com
Compare flights →
Airport Transfer
Pre-booked transfer from the airport to your hotel or fishing charter
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Mobile Data
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