Maullin River | Puerto Montt

The destination

Born from Llanquihue,
flowing to the Pacific

Born from the pure waters of Lake Llanquihue, the Río Maullín meanders 86 kilometres to the Pacific Ocean. This riverside ecosystem is world-renowned for sport fishing, attracting experts from around the globe in pursuit of rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon.

Fishing in Chile is regulated — a valid sport fishing licence is required, available from Sernapesca. Riverside villages have basic supplies; stock up on fuel and provisions in Puerto Montt before setting out.

Its course has two souls: the upper Maullín, dynamic with currents and pools ideal for fly fishers; and the lower Maullín, a tranquil estuary perfect for kayaking and birdwatching.

The place

Río Maullín aguas cristalinas bosque ribereño pesca deportiva trucha salmón

Amanecer Río Maullín praderas patagónicas sur de Chile Los Lagos

Río Maullín aguas cristalinas bosque nativo pesca deportiva trucha sur Chile Patagonia

What to do

Activities &
trails

Sport fishing

A world-renowned fly fishing and spinning hotspot. Large rainbow trout and salmon lurk in the runs and pools. Hiring local drift boat guides is strongly recommended to access the best spots.

Pesca deportiva — km Medio día o día completo

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Kayaking on the Maullín

Peaceful paddling on the lower river and estuary. Slow, wide, safe waters for beginners, offering an excellent waterbird photo safari.

Kayak — km 2–4 hrs

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Riverside walk

Walks along the quiet rural roads flanking the river course. Ideal for soaking up the open Patagonian landscape, photographing rural life and finding secluded spots to cast a line from the bank.

Easy — km 1–2 hrs

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Nature

Wildlife, flora &
natural highlights

Rainbow Trout

The undisputed queen of the river; a ferocious, wild salmonid present throughout the entire river course.

Atlantic Salmon

A huge migratory species that ascends the estuary and lower Maullín, offering epic battles for sport fishers.

Huillín (River Otter)

The endemic endangered southern freshwater otter, which finds shelter in the dense, dark riverside thickets.

Kingfisher

Colourful bird of fast, low flight, commonly seen perched on dry branches before plunging swiftly after small fish.

Cocoi Heron

Chile's largest heron, elegant and solitary, frequenting the calm stretches and reedbeds in search of food.

Red-gartered Coot (Tagua)

Dark-plumaged waterbird with a white frontal shield; very abundant, territorial and noisy in slow-water sections with reeds.

Before you go

What you need
to know

Practical tips

→A valid sport fishing licence is MANDATORY — purchase online at Sernapesca before your trip.

→The river is extensive with limited public access due to private land — hiring a local guide with a boat is the best investment.

→General trout season runs from November to April. Salmon has more specific windows depending on the section.

→Choose your section: upper Maullín for the best fly fishing; lower Maullín for kayaking and birdwatching.

→Stock up on fuel and provisions in Puerto Montt — riverside villages have only basic rural supplies.

How to get there

From
Apart Hotel Colón

Take Route 5 Norte a few kilometres and turn towards Maullín (Route V-90). The river crosses and follows the road at several points. Approximately 40 minutes by car.