The Rio Rosselot

The Rio Rosselot is a short river in comparison to most; it is only 10 miles in length. The river is of a medium gradient with an elevation drop of 11 to 12 feet per mile on average with one good whitewater section of a class III to IV, depending on water levels.It is a fairly large and deep river with little wading opportunities, and access is limited to the angler on foot so floating the river is the key to success.

A short five and half mile drive will bring you to the headwaters of the river which is the outflow of Lago Rosselot. Here there is a boat launch for accessing the lake or floating the river from bridge to bridge.

Floating the river, one finds the upper section above the rapids to run full, bank to bank, with huge submerged Coihue trees and boulders lining the banks, giving excellent cover to the browns and rainbows, and there are some nice ones! There is little to no water suitable for wading here –bangin’ the banks with big dries or streamers is the preferred method.

Approximately two miles from the put in is the big rapid. Here the rods are stowed and life vests donned before proceeding through the whitewater.

It’s all over in less time than it takes to strap everything down and put on the life vests but it’s better be safe than sorry. It’s a great little rush to break up the day’s fishing!

Once through the rapid life vests are stowed and fishing proceeds.

From here down, the river begins to widen. There are a few small braids to float, bars to stop and swing streamers or nymph and big back eddies such as the “Maytag” where you can sometimes nymph fish for hours.

To top it all off, at the end of the float, anglers are just a two minute drive from the hotel where hot showers and cocktails are available. This is yet another reason we like the Rio Rosselot!