The Sea Trout fishing in Southern Argentina is legendary and for many the Rio Grande epitomizes this.
Situated in Tierra del Fuego is the famous Rio Grande, which is an area as remote and isolated as you can ever imagine. Apart from the other fishing lodges there is little in the way of human habitation with sheep being the primary inhabitant in this part of the world. One of these fishing lodges, the second of the de las Carreras family operations to open on Rio Grande, is Villa Maria; providing small private groups exciting fishing on some of the most productive pools in the lower river since 1994.
The Rio Grande needs little by way of introduction with fish averaging 10 lbs in weight with specimens over 30 lbs caught each season. It flows from West to East, from the Andes to the Atlantic Ocean, through 70 km of Argentine territory. The real beauty of this lodge compared to others is its location on the river, commanding 15km of prime Sea Trout fishing on the lower Rio Grande and enjoying private access on both banks. Being the first lodge gives its guests the first opportunity to cast to newly arrived Sea Trout, and the exclusive access to the wide stretches of the lower Rio Grand makes it a double-handed anglers’ dream.
The success of the fishery on the Rio Grande is a modern-day fisherman’s Cinderella story. In just a decade, through access control and the diligent promotion of catch and release, average catch results have risen remarkably. The season lasts from December to April with the runs of fish being sustained throughout. Unlike salmon, the fish will enter the river during all these months in equal numbers dependent primarily upon local conditions. Fishing is from both banks, and the river offers easy wading with fine gravel banks. Fishing schedule allows approximately 9 hours of fishing. Lunch is taken at the river and is followed during the early season by a siesta in conveniently placed and comfortable trailers. The afternoon session starts later during the months of December and January to capitalise on the magical dusk fishing hours. Villa Maria is a strictly catch and release fishery.
FISHING METHODS
Freshwater Fly Fishing.
SPECIES TO CATCH
Sea Trout
Season: Oct to April
Peak: Jan to March
Weight: 5lb to 30lb
Average Weight: 8.5lb |
Brown Trout
Season: Oct to April
Peak: Jan to March
Weight: 1lb to 6lb
Average Weight: 2.5lb |
Note: these figures are complied with catch reports over 5 years, however they can be effected by adverse weather.
TOUR INCLUDES
Flights (WT) International return flights, Internal flights (E) Airport transfers, 6 days full fishing as indicated on itinerary, 2 nights accommodation in Buenos Aires B/B, 7 nights accommodation at lodge F/B.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
Holiday insurance, personal items, local tips, fishing licence.
OPTIONS
Add on Pira Lodge Golden Dorado Fishing.
Seat upgrades available with British Airways.
VISA
A machine-readable passport with at least 6 months before expiry, no visa for UK citizens required.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Hepatitis A and Typhoid
PLEASE NOTE
All details of visa and medical requirements are correct at time of press. However, please check these requirements for changes.
DEPARTURE TAX
There is departure tax of around $18 however this can change regularly.
FLIGHT ROUTE AND FLIGHT TIME
UK - Buenos Aires (approx 16hrs) Buenos Aires - Rio Grande (approx 3 hours).
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
(WT/E) 2 checked in items 23 kg (C/B/F) 3 checked in items 23 kg. Most airlines permit each passenger to check in one piece of sporting luggage i.e. a rod holdall, but must not exceed 23 kg.
TRANSFER TIME
Rio Grande - Villa Maria Lodge (approx 2 hours)
HIKING AND TREKKING
Hiking is a sport that is very popular and widely available in many different regions in Argentina. Explore the Andes in Mendoza, the Lake Region in Patagonia, or the beautiful landscapes in Salta.
HORSE RIDING
Argentina has a rich Gaucho, or cowboy culture. The horseback riding in Argentina is excellent and a number of ranches offer unforgettable day trips and tours.
