Sea Trout Fishing in the Falkland Islands

Scattered across the South Atlantic, the Falkland Islands are a remote archipelago of more than 700 islands, renowned for their spectacular wildlife, rugged landscapes and exceptional sea trout fishing.

For the travelling angler, the Falklands offer something quite different. Numerous rivers, streams and estuaries support populations of hard-fighting sea trout, often in wonderfully peaceful surroundings. The fishing is varied, from intimate streams and winding peat-stained rivers to broad estuaries where fresh fish gather on the tides.

Go Fishing Worldwide has been arranging fishing holidays to the Falklands for many years. We offer bespoke itineraries combining fishing on some of the islands' best-known waters with comfortable accommodation and, for those interested, opportunities to experience the extraordinary wildlife.

The Fishing

The Falklands enjoy a cool maritime climate, with relatively mild winters and cool summers. Wind is a frequent feature, and conditions can change quickly. The rivers are generally shallow and meandering, with many flowing through peatland, giving the water its characteristic tea-coloured appearance.

Sea trout commonly weigh between 3 and 8 lbs, although double-figure fish are regularly encountered and considerably larger specimens are possible. The islands have produced sea trout exceeding 20 lbs.

The principal fishing season runs through the southern hemisphere summer and autumn, with the timing of the runs varying between rivers and according to conditions. Both single-handed fly rods and traditional sea trout techniques are well suited to the fishing.

The Rivers

Chartres River

One of the Falklands' most productive sea trout rivers, the Chartres is particularly renowned for its numbers of fish. Sea trout in the 3–6 lb range are common, with larger specimens also encountered. The river rises in the Hornby Mountains on West Falkland and flows for approximately 15 miles before entering the sea at Christmas Harbour. It offers varied and accessible fishing, with the possibility of excellent catches when conditions are favourable.

Murrell River

Situated close to Stanley, the Murrell offers excellent opportunities for sea trout in both the river and its extensive estuary. The fishing can be particularly rewarding when fresh fish are moving in from the sea, and its proximity to the capital makes it a convenient option for visiting anglers.

San Carlos River

The San Carlos is a broad, meandering river on East Falkland, flowing through open countryside before reaching Falkland Sound. With several miles of attractive fishing water and a substantial estuary, it offers a variety of opportunities for sea trout. Its relatively gentle character makes it an appealing river to explore.

Warrah River

Located on West Falkland, the Warrah is one of the islands' best-known sea trout fisheries. Approximately 20 miles long, it rises in the hills of northern West Falkland before flowing towards the coast. The river has a particular reputation for producing larger sea trout and is an attractive prospect for anglers hoping to encounter a substantial fish.

Frying Pan

Conveniently situated alongside the road between Mount Pleasant and Stanley, Frying Pan offers accessible sea trout fishing in a wider stretch of water. Bank fishing is straightforward, although waders are useful for covering the water effectively.

Swan Inlet

Located on the road between Mount Pleasant and Darwin, Swan Inlet provides interesting fishing in a shallow tidal environment. The water below the bridge can be particularly productive, with the movement of the tide influencing the fishing.

Estuary Fishing

The Falklands' numerous estuaries provide some of the most exciting sea trout fishing on the islands. Fresh fish move through these tidal waters, and anglers can often enjoy excellent sport even when conditions on the rivers are less favourable.

There are productive estuary fisheries around Port Howard on West Falkland, including Culverts Pool and Boundary Creek, while several tidal waters within reach of Stanley also offer worthwhile opportunities.

Fishing the tides can be particularly rewarding, and there is sometimes the added possibility of encountering mullet.

Accommodation and Travel

Fishing holidays to the Falklands are arranged on a bespoke basis, with accommodation and fishing locations selected according to the time of year, individual preferences and the duration of the trip.

Accommodation ranges from comfortable guesthouses to traditional island lodges and farm stays, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality for which the Falklands are known.

Travel to the islands can be arranged via the regular air service from RAF Brize Norton, which generally operates through Ascension Island, subject to the current flight schedule. We can also arrange internal travel and transfers between fishing locations.

Wildlife and Exploring the Islands

The Falklands are among the world's most remarkable wildlife destinations, and we strongly recommend allowing time to explore beyond the fishing.

The islands support enormous colonies of penguins, including king, gentoo, rockhopper and Magellanic penguins, alongside albatrosses, petrels and a remarkable variety of other seabirds. Sea lions, elephant seals and dolphins are also found around the coastline.

One of the great attractions is the opportunity to observe wildlife in relatively undisturbed surroundings, often at remarkably close quarters. Combined with the dramatic coastal scenery and fascinating history of the islands, these experiences make a visit to the Falklands memorable for anglers and non-anglers alike.

For those wishing to explore the wildlife of the islands in greater detail, our sister company, Windows on the Wild, can also assist with specialist wildlife itineraries.

Planning Your Trip

Go Fishing Worldwide can arrange tailor-made fishing holidays to the Falkland Islands, combining some of the finest sea trout waters with comfortable accommodation, local transfers and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Please contact us to discuss your preferred dates and interests, and we would be delighted to put together a suitable itinerary.