Welcome to Argentina

Location, Type of Fishing:

With a bounty of extraordinary trout waters at hand in Southern Patagonia, and extensive first-class options in luxury lodging across three scenic regions of Argentina, Patagonia River Guides is the most comprehensive fly fishing program in Argentine Patagonia. Custom fly fishing packages can be crafted especially for you with enough variety and great fishing opportunities, you’ll never have to fish the same water twice. From prairies to the mountains, there is an enormous selection of water from which to choose. Whether it be rivers, spring creeks or lakes, the ideal program can be fashioned to fit your individual needs and desires. For close to two decades, Patagonia River Guides has combined the highest level of service with top-notch accommodations and the most magnificent fly fishing you’ll find anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere. They have also added upland bird shooting with cast and blast programs to their superb menu of fly fishing packages. Extending from the technical waters of San Martin de los Andes in the north to the remote and expansive territory of the Rio Pico Region in the south, they are centrally located in one of the most coveted areas for fly fishing in all of Patagonia, near the south entrance of the Los Alerces National Park. With over two dozen rivers to choose from and twice as many lakes, the fishing in the region resembles that of the American West, but largely unpressured and uniquely Argentine. It is a destination highly sought-after by guests from all around the globe. Trust in Patagonia River Guides to put you on the best water, all while creating the perfect combination of phenomenal fishing, deluxe lodging and the finest, gourmet cuisine that Patagonia offers.

 

• Season: December through May
• Species: Rainbow, Brown, Brook Trout, and Land-locked Salmon
• Rods: 5-8wt. Freshwater, Medium-action
• Rates: 7 night/ 6 days fishing $6650.00

 

 

 

 

What Makes It Special:

The Chubut Providence of Patagonia in Southern Argentina is the perfect location from which to launch a fly fishing adventure on a variety of distinctive waters, all while witnessing first-hand the incredible scenery and stunning landscape of this renowned region each day of your trip. From the temperate rainforests of the Los Alerces National Park, to the dry, windswept grassland of the Patagonian Steppe, guests often find themselves fishing on some of the most beautiful and diverse trout streams in South America. With access to plenty of unique and diverse waters, Patagonia River Guide’s philosophy is simple: fish the best water, at the best time. You may find yourself wading a small freestone or spring creek one day, and floating a vast tailwater on a raft the next. Stalk rising fish in the gin-clear waters of a free-flowing trout stream, or sight fish to ten pounders on the stillwaters of one of the region’s many lakes. With so many options, you won’t want to leave until the end of the season. The quality, diversity and unparalleled beauty of this fishery does not disappoint. Owned and operated by fly fishing prodigies

and guides from Montana, Rance Rathie and Travis Smith have assembled the perfect grouping of ambassadors, having surrounded themselves with a loyal and experienced staff of consummate hosts and guides for close to 20 years. They offer state-of-the-art equipment, available for use by their guests every day of their stay. Incredible service and regional cuisines, along with the most access to water of any outfitter in Argentina, on both public and private, will have you wanting to come back before the trip is even over. Signature programs offer a great mix of wading and floating, blending incredible fly fishing so seamlessly, you don’t have to do anything except suit up, cast and set the hook.

 

PRG North:

Patagonia River Guides is proud to offer several destinations in the renowned San Martin and Junin de los Andes Regions. One of the most diverse fisheries in all of Patagonia, these regions offer the best dry fly fishing in country, quite simply because their waters are so rich with bugs. Famous rivers such as the Chimehuín, Aluminé, Collón Cura, Limay, and Malleo offer anglers some of the finest fly fishing there is in the Southern Hemisphere. Classic hatches of mayflies, caddis, and stoneflies are prevalent with seemingly out-of-this-world marvels such as world-renowned minnow runs, unique pancora crabs, and unforgettable willow worms that hatch at different times during the season. Hundreds of miles of productive rivers and open space await, with guests choosing to float and fish from drift boats or wade on private access. Like all their signature programs, PRG North provides their guests with the finest equipment, gear, tackle, guides, and service that have set them apart for more than 10 years. Each destination is staffed with a group of talented, professional guides to superbly host each of these remarkable adventures. Drives to the fishing can be as short as five minutes, and guests often prefer to return to the lodge for lunch and have a short siesta before finishing up the day with the evening hatch. Classic stays at area estancias can be easily combined with two or more lodges, and it is highly recommended. Their signature program, fish a different river daily is possible from select ranches and lodges. Each trip is custom-built based on guest’s desires for accommodations, fishing opportunities and skill levels. Trips as short as three days can be arranged with any estancia, and are easily combined with a unique wilderness camp better known as PRG Unplugged.

 

Fishing:

The waters around Chubut are as intriguing and wide-ranging as the vast and awe-inspiring landscapes in which they are found. There are a multitude of creeks, rivers and lakes, all with vast quantities of wild fish. Rivers vary from large swaths that carry substantial volumes year-round, to intimate, more seasonal runs that require a good bit of stealth and presentation. Half of the area can be floated while the other half is perfect for wading. With such a wide selection of waters, both large and small, flowing or still, anglers can choose to wade or float any day of the week. There are miles of rivers and streams that can be walk-waded, and the guides very much enjoy watching their clients fish with large attractor patterns. Enjoy as much sight fishing, match the hatch, terrestrial, streamer and spot nymphing as you wish. Whether a novice or the most seasoned of anglers, you will be thrilled by the level of sophistication in their outfitting as well as the overall diversity of fly fishing that is available. Guides specialize in fishing many different waters throughout the season and have the necessary flies and tackle that are

required to change tactics daily. Each one has an assistant, so that guests who enjoy wading have a helpful guide all to themselves the entire day. Guides are required to have a comfortable, safe, and rugged 4×4, with most choosing the Toyota Hilux, the preferred truck of the region. They also travel with a boat every day that is purposed for the area you’re going to fish.

 

Lodging:

Trevelin Lodge sits atop a hill overlooking the Rio Percy, just outside of the small community of Trevelin, about 165 miles south of Bariloche. Accommodating no more than 12 visitors at a time, guests enjoy the privacy of their own room as single occupancy comes at no additional charge. Private rooms are tastefully arranged, and include daily cleaning service and a private en-suite bathroom. 9 bedrooms compliment the main lodge, with 3 more spacious rooms housed in a guest cabin just a fly line length away. At the lodge, 6 bedrooms are housed upstairs, with 3 more on the main floor that have direct access to a beautiful wrap-around deck. From the deck, witness extraordinary views of the valley floor and surrounding mountain vistas. This is the place you’ll want to be at the end of the day, sipping drinks and sharing stories as you take in the incredible 360-degree views. Meals are taken in the dining room, and afterwards feel free to unwind in two adjourning relaxing areas in addition to the bar. Just off the dining room, there is an indoor wood-fired parilla, Spanish for barbeque grill. The common areas of the lodge are always kept immaculate and unblemished. Guests have access to an equipment room, accommodating anglers with all the gear they may need for their stay, including waders, boots and rod outfits. But so much more than just a fishing lodge, couples and non-anglers alike will feel completely at home at Trevelin Lodge, enjoying the posh amenities, as well as its proximity to the Los Alerces National Park and the numerous attractions that are close by. Week-long programs are the standard, but shorter stays of 3 days or more can be easily arranged.

 

 

Dining:

Patagonia River Guide’s approach to cuisine is as authentic an experience of Argentina as one could hope for. Under their programs, meals are an all-inclusive affair, and include Malbec wines and non-alcoholic beverages. The menu offers a distinctive blend of gourmet meals, showcasing the region’s local and organic meats, cheeses and produce. Argentina is renowned for its superb quality of beef and lamb, but you will also experience a thoughtful and varied assortment of offerings while staying as a guest of the lodge. Their specialty are world-famous Patagonia asados, a uniquely Argentine experience that is sure to delight and is sure to occur at least once during your stay. The menu changes daily, and you will be informed of the featured entrée and side on a chalkboard when you return from fishing at the end of the day. The evening meal is a late supper to allow for any guests overdue to the lodge because of fishing, and the meal follows appetizers and cocktails served on the deck or inside at the bar. Pork, chicken and fish regularly make the rotation of dishes coming out of the kitchen during the week, and always includes a vegetarian option, in addition to a side dish of fresh vegetables from the garden. An assortment of fine wines compliment the meal and is always on the house. The meal is complete with a unique and delectable creation that can come only from their kitchen, and following dessert, many guests choose to relax and sip an appertif before

retiring at the end of the evening. The bar is stocked with a wonderful assortment of whiskies, offering guests an opportunity to sample a variety of Scotches, along with Brandy and Cognac. While the wine served with dinner is free, alcohol from the bar may be purchased by the glass.

 

How to Get There:

Travel to Buenos Aires is relatively easy from most major international airports in the United States, and is not much different than travelling to many of Alaska’s lodges, for example. Depart from 1 of 6 major US cities on direct flights to Buenos Aires in the late afternoon or evening of your scheduled departure. The flight time may be as short as 9 hours, and you will wake up the next day at the Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires. Clear immigration, retrieve your luggage and pass through customs before making the short transfer to the domestic airport, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) to connect to your domestic flight to Patagonia. You will be met on the ground by a representative of the lodge after passing customs, who will assist you with the ground transfer to the airport for the direct flight to Patagonia. Flights to the region take about two hours once you’re in the air. A representative of Patagonia River Guides will be there to meet you when you land and assist with your transfer to the lodge in trucks. Lodges are typically within 30 minutes from the airport, and usually no more than an hour’s drive. Arriving at the lodge, you will be shown to your room, where you will have a chance to unpack and settle in before a quick orientation in the afternoon. Lodge hosts will provide you with direction about the week ahead, go through your equipment with you, help you set up your gear, discuss your expectations and answer any questions you may have. Orientation wraps up before cocktail hour, and is followed by a late supper.

 

Typical Day:

Patagonia River Guides has no set schedule, but most trips choose to head-out from the lodge whenever the guests are ready, usually between 8:00am and 8:30am. Upon awakening, you may head to the dining room when you’re ready for some coffee and breakfast in the morning. Breakfast is made to order, and includes eggs any way, breakfast meats, breads and fresh fruits. Lighter breakfasts of cereal and yogurt are also available. After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at the lodge before heading out to your designated water. Most often, guests fish a different river daily, so they must be driven to a different lake or river each day. Drive times range between twenty minutes to a little over an hour in most cases, unless specifically going “off the beaten path” to get to the more remote areas, like Rio Pico. Guides carry VHF radios to keep in constant communication with each other, a tackle bag loaded with hundreds of dozens of flies, tippet, leaders, extra reels and lines, a first-aid kit, and extra clothing that may be available in case of inclement weather. You should only have to pack a rain jacket, hat and sunscreen. Guests are encouraged to bring their own rods, reels, and waders, but the lodge may provide you gear, if needed. A picnic lunch is served riverside with refreshments and a complimentary bottle of wine around midday. Expect to return to the lodge after fishing sometime in the early evening between 6:00pm and 7:00pm. Appetizers and cocktails will be served at the bar or on the deck. A late supper will be plated in the dining room beginning sometime between 8:30pm and 9:00pm each night.

 

What’s Included:

Packages include all lodging or camping, meals, non-alcoholic drinks and water, guided fly fishing, ground transportation, fishing license, and park fees. An assistant guide will be provided on wade trips. Loaner rod outfits, waders and boots are complimentary for guest use. A minimum three-days stay is required. Not include: Roundtrip international airfare to/from Buenos Aires, roundtrip domestic airfare, alcoholic beverages purchased from the bar, and gratuities for the staff and guides. Ground transportation between regions can be arranged and will be provided for an additional charge.

 

Non-angling Activities:

There are excellent opportunities for hiking, biking and birdwatching all over Patagonia in Southern Argentina. Arrangements may be made through the lodge for guided tours in the park, cultural visits, whitewater rafting, golf and cooking classes. Spa treatments are available, and may include massage, yoga classes and mediation.