The Falklands fishing experience

Few places can offer true wilderness fishing like the Falklands. Remote, unspoilt locations, pristine waters, stunning backdrops and strong runs of fish makes the Falkland Islands one of the last great wilderness fishing experiences in the world. Anglers can choose an itinerary of coastal estuaries, deep, isolated rivers and fast running streams.

The fish

Brown trout (salmo trutta), common to northern Europe, was introduced to the Falklands less than fifty years ago.  This fast growing migratory fish quickly adapted to local conditions and now provides some of the finest fishing around. Fish in excess of 10 pounds are regularly caught each season, with an average catch weight of 5-8 pounds. The current record (22lbs 12.5 ozs) is held by Alison Faulkner, her specimen caught in the San Carlos River in March 1992. There are distinct seasons for fishing the trout, outlined below.

It is also likely you will encounter the Falkland mullet if fishing in tidal waters. Displaying similar behaviour to the European species (though unrelated), Falkland mullet follows the tide into the shallows where it can be seen moving, usually with an obvious wake. However Falkland mullet is a much larger, stronger fish than its European counterparts, with catches recorded in excess of 20lbs. Locally it's valued as a game fish, often surprising unsuspecting trout anglers.

The season

The fishing season runs from 1 September to 30 April, with two distinct seasons for brown trout:

• September, October and mid-November
• Mid February, March and April
  

In addition,

• Falkland mullet can be fished all year round

• Zebra trout and Falklands minnow are protected by law and cannot be fished at any time

Catches in the rivers are heavily influenced by rainfall, with ideal spate conditions likely in September/October and March/April. At these times (and during the intervening months), the sea creeks and estuaries become good locations - especially as the tide starts to flood.

The rivers are well suited to fly fishing with treeless banks, however a strong wind often blows and medium or tip action rods rated AFTM 7, 8 or 9 are recommended. This also enables long casts in low water and bright conditions or when fishing the estuaries. The usual sea trout fly patterns are effective. Should you be inclined, a spinning rod for tidal work and mullet fishing would be a useful addition to your gear.

Bag limits 

No licence is required to fish in the Falklands, however the general daily bag limit is six fish per fisherman per day.  Visitors are also encouraged to return all fish to the water and to use spinners with a single, barbless hook. Rivers are generally privately owned and a catch and release policy should be assumed unless the owner has indicated otherwise. Always seek permission prior to fishing a private river.

• Fishing is not permitted off the culverts or withihn 100m of the crossing on either side
• The daily bag limit is 3 trout and each trout must weigh over 1.5lb or 0.5kg
• Fishing is not permitted upstream from the area known as Drunken Rock

For other river specific limits contact the FIG Environmental Planning Department, Stanley (p. +500 27390).

Locations 

Warrah (West Falkland): Here you're accommodated in comfortable Port Howard lodge in the heart of the settlement. Your guide transports you north-west approximately 12 miles away to the Warrah River, winding its way through spectacular scenery. You can also fish its main tributary, Green Hill Stream, or make a short journey to Many Branch Creek to the north. There is excellent opportunity for success in the creeks nearby not only for brown trout but also for mullet.

Chartres (West Falkland): Little Chartres farm is your starting point. There is accommodation at either Little Chartres or this river can be fished from the Port Howard base, being some 1.5 hours drive away.

San Carlos River (East Falkland): This river can be fished from Stanley (2 hours by road) or more comfortably from Port San Carlos (20 mins) where there is a growing range of accommodation for fishermen, both fully catered and self-catering. Although night fishing is not a common practice in the Falklands, conditions on this river are ideal for you to try it. 

Murrell (East Falkland): Located just 20 minutes drive of Stanley, this river was one of those stocked originally and provides excellent fishing for those on short itineraries. Special daily catch limits apply.

In addition to the main rivers and estuaries above, there are various tidal locations within easy reach of Stanley well worth a visit should your time permit.

Booking your adventure

Contact one of our Falklands travel operators who have intimate knowledge of local conditions and access to the best local guides. Falklands operators can organise your entire adventure - from international flights to domestic transfers and meals.  Alternatively, locate an independent guide and create your own itinerary! 

Protect Falklands recreational fishing 

The Falklands are free of all invasive freshwater algae and fish diseases and we want to keep it that way! If you're bringing in tackle, waders or boots that have been used elsewhere, please Check, Clean and Dry before you let fly.

CHECK: Hopefully before you left the river or lake where you last used your fishing gear outside the Falklands, you checked it for contamination with debris (eg, weed, dirt). If you find any debris on your gear on arrival in the Falklands, please dispose of it in a rubbish bin. Do not wash it down the sink or clean it in a natural waterway.

CLEAN: Regardless of how clean your fishing gear looks, it should be disinfected before use in the Falklands to ensure that algae/microbes are not introduced.  There are several ways to do this, including soaking or spraying all surfaces for at least one minute in 5% dishwashing detergent or nappy cleaner (500ml with water to make 10 litres), or soaking or spraying all surfaces for at least one minute in 2% household bleach.

DRY: The item must be completely dry to the touch, inside and out, and then left to dry for a further 48 hours before use.

Please report any dead/dying/diseased fish, new/unusual freshwater fish or algae sightings in Falklands waters to the FIG Environmental Planning Department (p. +500 27390). Most native algae are brown or green, slimy and easily fall apart when rubbed.

Enjoy our beautiful fishing environment!