Fishing in the Peruvian Andes
Altitude & Purity - Guide

From glacial lakes to tumultuous rivers, the Peruvian Andes offer a unique diversity of high-altitude fishing spots. Each site combines technical challenges and breathtaking panoramic views.

Lake Titicaca, on the Peru-Bolivia border, offers a unique fishing experience found nowhere else in the world. Its waters are home to both endemic species like karachi and suche, and trout (trucha) that were introduced and have perfectly adapted to this extreme altitude. Exceptional cultural setting with Uros communities on floating islands.

The rivers of the Sacred Valley of the Incas offer a unique combination of sport fishing and cultural richness. Between the archaeological sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, the cold waters are home to robust rainbow trout, perfect for fly fishing in spectacular landscapes.

The White Cordillera, with its snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes, offers the most spectacular high-altitude fishing in Peru. The Llanganuco and Parón lakes, at over 4,000 meters, are home to trout adapted to cold, crystal-clear waters, in a preserved and wild environment.

The Arequipa region offers unique fishing spots dominated by the Misti and Chachani volcanoes. The Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, is home to rivers populated with native trout, while the high-altitude lagoons around the volcanoes offer extreme and rewarding fishing conditions.

The cold waters of the Andes are home to unique and combative fish species. From robust trout to endemic species of Titicaca, each catch offers a unique experience in spectacular natural settings.

The rainbow trout is the most sought-after species by sport fishermen in the Andes. Introduced at the beginning of the 20th century, it has perfectly adapted to the cold, oxygenated waters of mountain rivers. Its fighting spirit and spectacular jumps make it the star of fly fishing in the Peruvian Andes.

The brown trout (Salmo trutta) was introduced to Peru and has perfectly adapted to Andean conditions. This species can reach impressive sizes, forming true trophies for sport fishermen. Its fishing is particularly valued in the rivers and lakes of the Andes, where it offers powerful fights thanks to its diet that includes other fish. The brown trout is one of the jewels of Peruvian Andean fishing.

The rainbow trout was introduced to Lake Titicaca in the 2000s and has remarkably adapted. Unique feature: it is raised at 4,572 meters altitude in the Peruvian Andes, making it one of the highest fish farms in the world. These extreme conditions produce particularly robust fish. The Andean rainbow trout is now raised on a large scale and constitutes a common but always appreciated catch in the waters of Titicaca.

The suche is an endemic catfish of Lake Titicaca, unique to the Peruvian Andes. This smooth-skinned, scaleless species can reach impressive sizes. Its fishing is part of the ancestral traditions of Aymara and Quechua communities. The suche is an iconic trophy for fishermen seeking an authentic and cultural experience in the high Andes.

The Orestias genus, represented by about 40 species of karachi, is endemic to Lake Titicaca. These small fish adapted to high altitude (3,812m) represent a unique catch for fishermen. Although modest in size, their capture is highly valued for their rarity and unique character in the world. Karachi are often used as live bait to fish for the larger species in the lake, thus perpetuating thousand-year-old traditional Andean fishing techniques.

High-altitude fishing techniques require a specific approach adapted to Andean conditions. From river fly fishing to traditional Titicaca methods, each technique offers a unique experience in these preserved environments.

Fly fishing is the preferred technique for trout in the Peruvian Andes. In the crystal-clear waters of the Sacred Valley and White Cordillera rivers, this method requires precision and knowledge of local insects. Dry flies imitating mayflies and caddisflies are particularly effective in summer.

Spinning fishing is ideal for exploring large Andean lakes like Titicaca. This active technique allows prospecting large areas in search of trophy fish. Medium-sized spinners and spoons are particularly productive for brown and rainbow trout in the cold waters of high-altitude lakes.

The traditional fishing techniques of Aymara and Quechua communities are a living heritage. On Lake Titicaca, fishermen still use ancestral methods: plant fiber nets, bone hooks, and the famous totora reed boats. These techniques, passed down from generation to generation, allow catching endemic species like suche and karachi.

High-altitude fishing requires equipment adapted to the extreme conditions of the Andes. Between technical equipment for fly fishing and gear adapted to mountain climate, good preparation is essential. Most local guides provide fishing equipment, but here's what we recommend for your fishing experience in the Peruvian Andes.