Argentina Fly Fishing – The Rivers
The Sea Trout fishing in Southern Argentina is legendary and for many the Rio Grande epitomizes this. Situated in Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire), it is in as remote and isolated an area as you can imagine. Apart from the other fishing lodges there is little in the way of human habitation with sheep being the primary inhabitant of this part of the world.
The Rio Santa Cruz is over 380kms long from its source in the huge glacier fed Lagos Argentinos to the Atlantic Ocean at Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz is a grand and powerful waterway moving blue and inexorable through the sere brown Patagonian landscape of Estancia and semi-desert.
The Rio Grande
The Rio Grande needs little by way of introduction, with fish averaging 10 lbs in weight and specimens over 30 lbs caught each season. Although the winds in this part of the world can be strong so are the Sea Trout in equal proportion. Almost all the pools can be covered well with a single-handed rod although the use of a double-handed rod is an advantage. Guests have access to almost all the prime fishing on the Rio Grande whether it is on the upper, middle or lower stretches.
Kau Tapen Fishing Lodge
Kau Tapen was the first fishing lodge to be established on the Rio Grande and it occupies a prime position on the middle stretch of the river. Kau Tapen sets the standards of comfort for fishing lodges worldwide. It is as exclusive as any 5 star boutique hotel you are likely to find with every aspect of this lodge designed and tailored to ensure that this will be a holiday to remember. Huge open-faced wood burning stoves, deep sofas, crisp linen, deeply polished wooden floorboards, an all inclusive and comprehensive bar alongside an innovative and delicious Argentinean menu ensure the whole experience is second to none.
Best Times to Go
The season lasts from December to April with the runs of fish being sustained throughout. Sea trout will enter the river during all these months, dependent primarily upon local conditions. During the months of Dec and Jan the Rio Grande will be at its highest with the water typically dropping away in March, although a rise in the river can come at any time during the season.
The Rio Santa Cruz
The unique and special thing about Santa Cruz is the fact that between 1906-1909 steelhead rainbow trout from California’s McCloud river (Now barred by the Shasta Dam) were transplanted and forgotten about by unknown and unsung pioneers. The result of this selfless activity is nothing short of a modern phenomenon, a huge and self-sustaining run of Atlantic steelhead trout in a waterway lightly touched by the hand of man.
Until quite recently the fishing on the Santa Cruz was been confined to the huge estuary area and absolutely no effort directed to exploring the over 380 kms of the river from its source in Lagos Argentinos close to the Chilean border. Throughout the extensive area of the upper river are chrome-bright steelhead between 6-20lbs, ready to strike hard with all traditional fly fishing methods, including surface fly – remarkable given the often cloudy nature of the water.
The Santa Cruz is an awesome glacial river running at a rapid pace through a high desert environment. This is emphatically not a river for the beginner or inexperienced fly fisher. Whilst wading and bank fishing are less intimidating than they first appear, nobody should underestimate the power and challenge of fishing for large sea-run rainbows in this environment.
Lodge Accommodation
Located in the midst of Estancia San Ramon the lodge is part of a working sheep station and as such was designed with practicality and simplicity in mind to serve the needs of the Gauchos. Whilst not offering the luxury of a purpose-built fishing lodge it provides all the practical comforts required after a day on the river.
The lodge itself consists of four twin bed rooms and a dining/sitting room. A chef will provide a hearty breakfast to send you off to the river along with a packed lunch, snacks and drinks to keep you going throughout the day. On return a typical Argentinean meal will await you, which you can help wash down with a selection of good house wines and beer from the cellar. As usual treat is the special Asado (Argentinean Barbecue).
Best Times to Go - The season is from the mid March, Saturday to Saturday for 9 weeks.
Whilst in Argentina
Argentina is a sportsmen’s paradise with almost endless opportunities. Some of the alternative activities that we can arrange both or after your trip are listed below:
- Dorado fishing in the North
- Native Trout fishing in Patagonia
- Dove shooting in Cordoba
- Wine tasting in Mendoza
- Polo close to Buenos Aires
Getting There
Anglers fly to Buenos Aires international airport and from there take the 3 hr flight to Rio Grande. Guides will collect you on arrival at the airport and transfer you by four-wheel drive vehicle to the lodges.
About the Author
Justin Maxwell Stuart has a decade of experience in organising fly fishing trips to the most inaccessible places on earth, and a wealth of experience in fly fishing for steelhead & sea trout in Argentina. Ph: +44 (0)7711 519 857 – E: justin@wherewisemenfish.com
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