PATAGONINA (ARGENTINA) HOSTED TRIPS
PURE CLEAN WATER OF THE FILO HUA HUM RIVER
For over a decade, we have been spending our winter season fishing the freestone rivers, spring creeks, tailwaters and lakes of the Andes mountains in the infamous Patagonia region of Argentina.
The numerous rivers and lakes dissecting the snow-capped peaks and windswept grasslands of the Patagonia, produce a variety of angling opportunities for trout not dissimilar to what we see in Montana, Alberta and British Columbia. That being said; it’s hard to think of a place in North America that offers this kind of variety within a few hour drive and for this reason we feel that the San Martin & Junin de los Andes area of the Argentina, has to be one of the finest trout destinations on the planet
A BEAUTIFUL STICK OF RIO CHIMEHUIN BUTTER
The Patagonia region lives up to the billing as one of the most impressive mountain scapes on the planet. The mountain valleys and rivers remain mostly untouched by industry as mining and logging do not encroach on the natural beauty of the region. The Argentines have a great love and spiritual connection to their mountains and they likely remain in their natural state due this reverence. One thing that did change here was the fish that swim in their waters. Early in the 20th century, trout from Europe and North America were stocked by European immigrants hoping to recreate their fisheries back home. Their efforts were extremely fruitful as browns, rainbows and brooks established themselves as wild populations throughout the lakes and rivers of the region.
The high mountain freestones tumble through lush green valleys and feature classic mountain river features like boulder gardens, undercut banks and plunge pools. They often collect then continue in gorgeous gin clear lakes that provide excellent dry fly opportunities as well. As they make their way out of the tree filled mountain valleys and into the steppe, the conifers that line the banks turn more to willows which provide excellent cover and bug habitat. The hatches in these rivers are the same as what we have here with the addition of a few types of beetle and a green worm. Caddis and mayflies predominate the hatches and the dragging willow branches froth up just enough water to create perfect foam feed lines below the bright green trees.
THE RIVERS AND HOW THEY FISH
CHIMEHUIN RIVER
The river originates at the outlet or ‘boca’ of Huechulafquen Lake before meandering south towards its confluence with the Colon Cura. This is one of the original destination rivers of the regions and is home to some famous and exclusive lodges such as Patagonia River Ranch and Tipiluke. The riverbanks are thick with willows through much of its course and casting into the pockets with streamers and dries is the plan of attack while the boat is in transit. There is a mix of rainbows and browns here with a size of 15” – 20” on average. Rainbows definitely predominate the catch throughout the day. A beautiful river with lots of variety, we use drift boats to fish these freestone gem.
ALUMINE RIVER
This beautiful piece of trout heaven starts at the outlet of Lake Alumine and follows a similar path as the Chimehuin. After it’s confluence with the Catan Lil River, it becomes the Collon Cura river. A little more open than the Chimehuin, the river has some great boulder runs and rock bluffed banks. The fish composition is similar to that of the Chimehuin, with rainbows being the dominant species. The hatches here are of mayflies and caddis and due to it’s warmer climate, can have a green worm hatch as early as December.
ONE OF THE MANY TROUT FILLED SIDE CHANNELS OF THE COLLON CURA
COLLON CURA RIVER
One of our favourite early season rivers that offers a variety of floats with the possibility of overnight camping. The Collon Cura is a wide river that features a mix of holding water types. Willow banks, side channels, cobbled riffles, rock bluffs, side channels, boulder gardens, provide great trout habitat and are featured throughout its course. The lower float seems to hold a larger population of browns with some reaching mid twenties in length. A mix of dries and streamers are the weapons of choice here with a dropper attached to big foam during slower feeding periods. It’s easy to do all floats within a day and return to the lodging, however; the lower float requires a 135 minute drive back.
A ‘FOOLED BY FOAM’ BROWN TAKEN ON THE LOWER COLON CURA
THE LIMAY RIVER
Another gem of a river, this tailwater has some of the hardest fighting browns and rainbows in the game. This river is a bit of a distance from our lodging in San Martin de Los Andes so it is done on a 2 day excursion with an overnight camp. The world class browns swimming within it will test the skills of any angler who locks into one. The rainbows can also grow to a large size and are built for speed and aerial shows. Early season has us throwing large foam dries into the various riffles, runs and bank deflections as well as streamers and mayfly or caddis imitations but twitched foam proves to be the more consistent producer.
CALEUFU RIVER
This may be one of the prettiest rivers we’ve seen. The river forms in the mountains after the confluence with the Filo Hua Hum and Meliquina Rivers. It runs a torrent path through the worn down rock bluffs for it’s first descent before landing in the steppe where it widens out and slows its frantic pace. Despite the cool fast, tumbly water; the river is home to a predominantly brown trout population. The rock formations obstruct the path of the river creating large pools and eddies that are home to opportunistic, quick to react browns. Streamers and large foam dries are tossed tight to the bank while the guide rows hard to slow the boat down. The hits are sudden and determined as the trout do not get much time to think about the quick moving food offerings.
CHROMIE BROWN FROM THE CALEAFU
The river is best done on a 2 day excursion that includes an overnight camp. Most of the river is flanked by large estancias (ranches) so there is only one access point to float this section of river and it is only passable during the month of December. Little bit of white knuckle rowing out of the gates, but the guides know the path.
WALK AND WADE STREAMS
There is some excellent wade fishing in the area as well. The Filo Hua Hum, Malleo and Meliquina are all excellent wading fisheries when the flow rates are proper. Often times in early season, these rivers are a bit high and make it difficult to present flies properly. When they do come into shape, they provide anglers with excellent fishing for a mix of browns and rainbows on dry flies due to their abundant hatches and lack of pressure. Flow rates vary from year to year but typically the Malleo begins fishing in early December. The other 2 will fish at that time only during low water years as many fish will post up in the lakes until conditions are right.
LAKES
Although lakes are not a personal favourite of many fly fisherman in North America, the Patagonia lake fishing offers something so enticing it’s become a regular part of our angling experience while down there. The formation of reeds and large presence of dragon and damsel flies, creates a predator/prey relationship that should be considered by any angler who visits the region. The lakes are located in the mountains and are lined with a mix of conifers and petrified deciduous trees that fall in the shore of the lakes with enough regularity to create ample structure/fish habitat. The lack of fish eating birds is comforting to the cruising trout and they have no problem feeding throughout the day on the surface as long as there is a slight breeze or ripple.
A LARGE SURFACE FED BROWN FROM LAGO TROMEN
We throw large foam patterns in purple, blue and black while wind drifting the reed beds and wood littered banks. Twitching the fly is important in order to imitate a struggling damsel or dragon and the strikes are often visual and aerobatic. The lakes we fish are within a 90 minute drive of our lodging so overnight camping is not necessary. The main lakes we fish are Tromen, Falkner and Nonthue
LODGING AND SAN MARTIN DE LOS ANDES
San Martin is a small lakeside town on the shores of Lake Lacar. It boasts a ski hill in the winter and is a major tourist destination in the summer months due to its ‘gateway to the mountains’ location. Because of this tourism driven economy, there are a multitude of café’s, restaurants, craft beer pubs and wine bars. During the month of December, the town has a comfortable rate of tourism and it is easy to dine within the towns downtown center. Come January, the town is ‘ravaged’ by tourism and restaurant lineups and parking can become impossible at times. This is one of the reasons we choose this time of year (aside from the better fishing) to visit.
We have 3 accommodation options to choose from with each offering something unique and each having different pricing.
APART HOTEL LA BORA
This ‘Patagonia’ style apart hotel is situated on the main street of San Martin but is sheltered by a large tree row and garden space. The units here are set up as either 1 or 2 bedroom villas. This is a family owned business and they do an excellent job of maintaining the property, it is very well kept and rooms are cleaned and turned daily. There is also breakfast of assorted breads and sweets provided daily but often departure for fishing precedes this. The pool area is surrounded by flowered gardens and is a great place to cool down at the end of the hotter days of fishing. Restaurants, bars etc are all withing walking distance of the hotel.
There is a common area that has a bar and parilla grilling space for meals upon request. We can order grass fed, free range lamb for example.
For more information on the accommodation you can visit their website here
APART AMONITE
Located closer to Lake Lacar on the east side of town is this boutique apart hotel. Definitely a little fancier and more modern than Apart La Bora, it is also a bit more expensive. It is also a short walk to the local restaurants, bars etc. and features a heated outdoor pool in the courtyard. There is also a dining area, wine shop and parilla cooking area.
There are a variety of room options that can be viewed on their website
ROTUI APARTMENTS AND CABANAS
Tucked away on the outside of town atop a hill is this well maintained 10 hectare property that features 3 large modern apartments with full kitchens overlooking a mountain stream (not a fishing situation). There is a falls on the stream creating a peaceful background noise for your sleep at night. The heated, tiered pool sits beside the condo apartment units and is a great place to soak sore shoulders at days end.
HEATED POOL OVERLOOKING CREEK THE CREEK AND FALLS
There is a parilla grill available to use and a dining area on all the decks overlooking the creek on each unit.
On the same property there are 2 large ‘Patagonia’ log home cabanas. The cabanas are grand and contain 4 bedrooms. There is a big common area and kitchen in both cabanas and one features saunas, hot tubs, fitness and games rooms. There are also outdoor pools close to each separate cabana. We will do all inclusive trips from the Cabanas if chosen and will be based on a group of 6 to 8. All meals and transfer from the local airport will be provided as well as beer, wine and cocktails.
FREE RANGED HALF LAMB ON THE ASADO
The following are the links to each:
SUGGESTEED ITINERARIES
After years of recon we have connected with some of the best local and independent guides and they have shown us the best waters available for this time of year. They are all extremely hard working, speak good English and have an arsenal of techniques and fly patterns to keep you on fish throughout the trip.
They are masters of their craft and based on what they have showed us we suggest the following sample itinerary.
DAY 1 Arrive at Chapelco airport and depending on arrival time, fish the short section of the Chimehuin or check into the lodging. Transfers from the local airport (Chapelco) can be arranged for those not on an all-inclusive package. We can also arrange for a vehicle rental (with a preferred rate) that can be picked up at the airport. They have an excellent selection of newer, well maintained vehicles
DAY 2 Float Alumine or Upper Collon Cura River and re-aquaint yourselves with casting on the more gentle flows of these sections of river
DAY 3 & 4 Chose an overnight camping destination such as the Limay, Lower Collon Cura or Caleafu.
DAY 5 Hit one of the lakes for a day of casting to dries to large rainbows and browns
DAY 6 Wade one of the local rivers such as Malleo if conditions are good.
DAY 7 The up to you day based on conditions and your preferred fishery
DAY 8 Begin your journey back to Buenos Aires from Chapelco
COST:
Cost will be listed based on accommodation chosen. Everyone gets their own bedroom and in some cases, private bathroom.
Apart La Bora (based on double occupancy in 2 bedroom villa) 7 nights accommodation and 6 days of guided fishing @ $2800.00 USD per person.
Ammonite Apart and Spa (based on double occupancy in a 2 bedroom unit) 7 nights accommodation and 6 days of guided fishing @ $3300.00 USD per person.
Rotui Executive Apartments (based on double occupancy in a 2 bedroom unit) 7 nights accommodation and 6 days of guiding fishing @ $3400.00 USD per person.
Rotui Patagonia Styled Mountain Chalets (based on group of 6 in chalet on all inclusive plan) 7 nights accommodation, 6 days of guided fishing, all meals and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included @ $4000.00 USD per person.
*Aside from the all-inclusive package, all trips can be adjusted to suit scheduling by either shortening or lengthening the trip. Rates will be adjusted on a per days cost average basis.*
INCLUDED IN THE COST:
All lodging, guiding and airport transfers from the local Chapelco airport once you arrive in San Martin de Los Andes. If the all-inclusive package is chosen; all
meals, drinks, wine and alcoholic beverages will be provided. Your fishing license is also included in the cost of the guided trips.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
Your flights to arrive in San Martin de Los Andes. Your hotel in Buenos Aires if you choose to spend a few days there (we have some great recommendations on hotels there.
The flight to San Martin De Los Andes departs from Buenos Aires’ AEP domestic airport twice a day at the moment. Delta lands in this airport internationally but all other carriers land in EZE international airport. There are a few flights that depart from EZE to San Martin per week if you wish to pass on visiting Buenos Aires or incurring a transfer fee between the 2 airports The flight to San Martin de Los Andes is a little over 2 hours and if booked early is around $200 USD return including baggage.
All overnight camping excursions require and extra $600 per 2 anglers/boat.
Here is a link of one of the camping services we use: Patagonia Outdoor Logistics
(they only use insta) These camps are first class setups with all the food, wine etc you could possibly want and the settings are magical!
RECOMMENDED GEAR:
Dry Flies, Nymph and streamers all have their place in this fishery. We recommend a fast action 6 weight rod to cut through the wind and handle the large foam flies and streamers. A mid flex 5 weight is suitable for the Malleo River walk and wades. A 12 type 4 sink tip is a great option for streamer fishing on the rivers and running dragon nymphs on the lakes. Otherwise, weight forward floating lines are the ticket. Sunglasses, raingear, warm layers, wading boots and wading socks are essential while waders are a good idea for the cooler days but take a lot of space in the luggage and are not essential as most of the fishing is done from the boats. The usual sort of stuff we use up here in the PNW. If anything is required for the trip let us know and we may be able to order it for you.