Aardark McLeod - Argentina and Chile

AardvarkMcLeod,ArgentinaandChile

We are proud to have one of the most extensive and impartial Argentine and Chilean fishing portfolios to offer. Without any financial stake in a lodge or a river lease, our unbiased advice is driven by experience and knowledge and not because we have a commitment to fulfil space. It is no secret that Argentina is a haven for sea trout lovers and anglers have been making the journey to Tierra del Fuego for decades. We are delighted to have the best of Tierra del Fuego to offer you. As it is a long way to go, why not add a visit to Mendoza’s vineyards or swap species altogether. Argentina’s golden dorado are a worthy adversary, as are the huge wild rainbow trout of Jurassic Lake. Sight fish for free rising rainbows and browns on central Patagonia’s famous rivers or immerse yourself in the many and varied experiences open to the travelling angler.

Sea Trout

Argentina is a mecca for sea trout anglers. No other destination in the world can equal the consistency of the Rio Grande and Rio Gallegos in terms of the number and size of fish. Sea trout of over 20lb are landed most weeks and fish of over 30lb are caught most seasons. If you want a realistic chance of landing a sea trout of a lifetime then this is the place to go.

With such an array of lodges, knowing where to be and when is key as different sections of the rivers fish better at different times. This is where our expertise comes into play as our advice is always tailored to your requirements.

Whether a single angler or an intact party, we offer a selection of lodges from large, 12 angler estancias to smaller, more intimate lodges that accommodate just four anglers per week.

We can arrange as much or as little of your trip as you wish, whether it be international flights, internal flights, transfers, hotels in Buenos Aires, or tailored itineraries.

It costs you no more to book through us than it does to book direct but you have the added comfort of knowing that you are financially protected.

Estancia Maria Behety

The vast cattle and sheep ranch of Estancia Maria Behety sits on a promontory nearly 29km from the main estancia entrance. It encompasses some 275,000 acres and not one, but two, of the Rio Grande’s premier sea trout lodges, Estancia Maria Behety and La Villa de Estancia Maria Behety. Offering access to more than 100 of the finest sea trout pools on the lower and middle Rio Grande, its prime location makes it one of the most consistent fisheries throughout the season, regardless of water and weather conditions.

Each week anglers at the main lodge will rotate through a series of beats. Given the sheer volume of water, anglers can focus on the areas that are fishing best in those conditions. Most weeks see sea trout in excess of 20lb are landed with an impressive average weight of 12lb.

The lodge is limited to just 12 anglers for each of the 14 weeks of the season. Guests are supremely well looked after by the lodge manager, chef and staff. There is a magnificent sitting room with a roaring log fire, dining room and a bar that is well stocked with wine from La Villa de Estancia Maria Behety’s wine cellar.

This beautifully appointed lodge houses 12 anglers in eight en-suite guest rooms and while shared rooms are standard, single rooms can be accommodated if availability allows.

La Villa de Estancia Maria Behety

La Villa de Estancia Maria Behety was once regarded as one of the most beautiful ranch mansions in South America. After painstaking restoration by local craftsmen and the addition of every modern convenience, the Menendez family home continues to welcome angling guests and is still one of the prettiest places in South America.

Guests share more than 100 pools with Estancia Maria Behety Lodge and enjoy old world charm in the beautifully restored, historic mansion. A maximum of six anglers will fish the premier pools of the lower Rio Grande from La Villa Maria Behety. These pools fill with silver, sea-lice covered sea trout with each high tide and are absolutely perfect for anglers who enjoy fishing double handed rods. The best of the fishing is usually in the morning, late afternoon and evening until dusk. There are three guides on the river, all of whom are superb and have an excellent grasp of English. Anglers at La Villa Maria Behety rotate through the premier pools of the lower beats of the river, which have historically been the most prolific. These are all found within the border of the estancia just a stone’s throw away from the lodge.

The rooms at La Villa are private, single occupancy rooms. Each is elegantly decorated featuring a spacious private bathroom with a glass walk in shower, Jacuzzi tub and large vanity and sink area. Other amenities at La Villa include radiant floor heat, 24 hour internet service, wader/ equipment room, designated fly tying areas and gift and tackle shop.

Villa Maria

Villa Maria has offered small private groups exciting fishing on some of the most productive pools in the lower river since 1994. A very different fishery to its sister lodge (Kau Tapen), Villa Maria is a double handed rod angler’s dream, enjoying private access on both banks and first crack of the whip at newly arrived sea trout. It commands 15km of prime sea trout fishing on the lower Rio Grande, with fish averaging 10lb and running up to 30lb.

Fishing is from both banks, and the river offers easy wading with fine gravel banks. Fishing the lower Rio Grande is usually an all-day affair; you will leave the ranch each morning, spending the day on the water before returning after dark, enjoying lunch and siesta in a specially designed building overlooking the river.

The lodge can accommodate six rods on a single en-suite basis. It is equipped with a dining room, sitting room, bar, wading room, and fly tying table. While at Villa Maria you will experience gourmet dining, with Argentina’s famed beef and fine wines, traditional asados (Argentine BBQ) and delicious desserts.

Kau Tapen

Kau Tapen has made the Rio Grande a household name for fly anglers the world over. It is the original fly fishing lodge in Tierra del Fuego and what started as the brainchild of Jorge Donovan and Jacqueline De Las Carreras over 30 years ago has revolutionised the way in which we fish for large sea trout.

The fishing on Kau Tapen’s 16km of prime middle Rio Grande has been described as the finest fly fishing for sea trout in the world. The lodge has access to both banks of the Rio Grande as well as the exciting and smaller Rio Menendez. The sea trout average 12lb but can reach over 30 lbs so every cast has the potential for a fish of a lifetime. This stretch of the Rio Grande and Rio Mendendez offer fantastic holding pools and easy wading on fine gravel.

Kau Tapen Lodge has spectacular views overlooking sweeping grasslands that are punctuated by the jagged spires of the Andes that separate Argentina from Chile miles upriver.

The lodge has a maximum capacity of 10 rods per week, accommodated in en-suite bedrooms with maid and laundry service. It offers amenities such as massage, sauna, steam room and a drying room for wet gear. There is also find a fully equipped tackle shop with flies, rods, reels, lines, and clothing.

Fine Argentine wines are chosen to complement each meal, and menus will delight even the most discriminating palate.

Aurelia Lodge

Aurelia offers anglers the opportunity to fish some 12km of the Rio Grande and 24km of the Rio Menendez, normally for four rods but the lodge can accommodate up to six rods. After an enjoyable day on the river fisherman return to the comforts of the warm, welcoming lodge in the evening.

The fishing at Aurelia is on the prime middle reaches of the Rio Grande and is located immediately above Kau Tapen and Estancia Maria Behety. The sea trout average close to 10lb and do reach weights in excess of 30lb.

The lodge has access to huge variety of pools on the Rio Grande and extensive double bank fishing on the Rio Menendez. As such, the water is well rested throughout the week and anglers regularly cover fresh water. Both rivers offer easy wading, with the riverbed being mainly fine gravel.

The original estancia house has been fully renovated and converted into the current fishing lodge. Guests enjoy four spacious rooms, large fully appointed private bathrooms, a warm and welcoming reception area, and a comfortable dining room with great views. There is also a small tackle shop, a separate asado room, wader room and lounge.

Cameron Lodge

For some, a solid week fishing the same river is too monotonous and they look for other alternatives, species and locations. For a long time, this has remained on the wish list as fishing on the Argentine side of the Rio Grande couldn’t offer either the flexibility or the variety of fishing. The answer to the conundrum lies at Cameron Lodge, a short hop across the border in Chile.

The lodge has no set itinerary, allowing you to pick and choose as the conditions dictate. From this base you have access to the upper Rio Grande for sea trout as well as lakes that have brown trout, rainbow trout, sea trout and brook trout. In addition, there are river systems to explore, some of which remain unaffected by rain as they drain from lakes. If you are looking for a little variety in your week, then this is the one for you.

Located in the south of the estancia, on a cliff with great views of the Darwin range, Cameron Lodge is less than 100yards from the Rio Grande. It offers a very friendly and intimate environment from which to enjoy and experience Tierra Del Fuego.

Anglers will enjoy comfortable single en-suite rooms bank-side lunches, hearty evening meals, and breakfasts that really fill you up for the day ahead. There’s never a dull day with the staff at the lodge, who really give the finishing touch to the whole experience. Offering flexible lengths of stay, Cameron Lodge fits in very well with a wider ranging itinerary.

Las Buitreras

Estancia Las Buitreras, on the Argentine mainland, comprises the most prolific sea trout stretch on the Rio Gallegos, consisting of over 40km of private water and more than 50 named pools.

The area features varied terrain ranging from deep pools with steep banks to fast moving stony runs and flowing streams atop shingle beds. The variety of pools and fishing techniques, in combination with the visually inspiring mountainous landscape, makes this part of the Rio Gallegos one of the most spectacular stretches of fly fishing water in Patagonia. Estancia Las Buitreras offers a perfect blend of luxury and rustic living.

The cozy lodge is just a 10 minute walk from the river’s edge and offers guests a haven from the expansive windy plains. The lodge is equipped with six double and two single rooms, all with private bathrooms with showers. Although it can accommodate up to 14 guests travelling as an intact party, the lodge generally welcomes a maximum of 12 fishermen per week.

El Rincon

El Rincon is the upper most lodge on the Rio Gallegos in the province of Santa Cruz in southern Patagonia. The estancia covers 57,000 acres and has private access to 20km of the Rio Gallegos and 35km of the Rio Penitente.

The fishing at El Rincon is for both sea trout and resident brown trout. Despite its location further up the Rio Gallegos, the lodge sees runs of fresh sea trout up to 20lb. In addition, anglers can enjoy spectacular fishing for brown trout averaging three to four pounds, with specimen fish reaching 10 lb+. Fishing the two rivers, anglers can enjoy a great variety from large shingle pools to deep rock pocket runs.

Accommodation is at the Estancia Rincon De Los Morros, a lodge imported from England in 1902. It stands some 150m from the beautiful Rio Penitente with uninterrupted views over the surrounding countryside. All accommodation is based on single occupancy unless couples wish to share. El Rincon offers a rounded Patagonian experience for those looking to experience southern Argentina.

World’s End Lodge

The Rio Irigoyen flows into the ocean some 180km south of Rio Grande, winding its way through the lower reaches of the Andes. More sheltered than the Rio Grande, the Irigoyen is an exciting fly fishing river for specimen sea trout and robalo (Falklands mullet) and offers a unique experience best fished with a single hander. Most of the river is set against a beautiful background of Antarctic and lenga beech trees. Towards the coast it emerges from this sheltered forest into the barren coastal plain for a couple of kilometres.

With five different beats, from the Atlantic Ocean to 24km upstream, the many fantastic fishing spots include deep pools, logjams, and underwater structures, providing fish with the perfect habitat. The lodge accommodates just four rods per week in four beautifully appointed en-suite single rooms.

Estancia Laguna Verde

There is no place on earth like Estancia Laguna Verde, it is truly unique. If wild, hard fighting, beautifully proportioned rainbow trout in one of the world’s most remote and intriguing environments appeals to your sense of adventure, look no further than the Jurassic Lake system.

The estancia offers access to giant rainbow trout on Largo Strobel as well as a number of smaller lakes and interlinking streams and rivers. This huge fishery offers a diverse experience at different points of the season, from nymph fishing on the lakes to large foam dry flies in tumbling river pocket water.

The spacious living room overlooks Laguna Verde, a small lake with a healthy population of rainbow trout and brown trout. The living room has a TV with satellite connection, a fly tying desk and a well stocked bar. Along with a weekly asado, evening meals are served with excellent Argentinian wines. Estancia Laguna Verde accommodates ten anglers per week in seven double bedrooms, each with two single beds and en-suite facilities. Single angler occupancy can be accommodated.

Rinconada Lodge

Patagonia is known for some the world’s best trout fishing with good reason. Stunning scenery, crystal clear waters, fantastic fly hatches and rivers teeming with life. Rinconaada Lodge offers a fantastic base from which to explore and discover the area.

A varied fishing experience awaits, including two very prolific floating stretches on the lower Aluminé River, outstanding stretches on the Collon Cura River, two very exciting stretches on the upper Chimehuin River, and the productive lower Malleo. Fishing each day can be tailored depending on whether you want to float and cast or wade in these beautiful waters.

The working cattle ranch features 10 spacious double rooms all with private bath, an impressive club house (the original Estancia main house) and a huge and attractive barbeque place. All set within one of the most strikingly beautiful parts of Patagonia. Other activities include horse riding, as well as photography tours, bird watching, rafting and exploring the nearby local towns.

Estancia Tipiluke

Estancia Tipiluke first opened as a top class trout lodge in Patagonia over 20 years ago and has since evolved into a lodge offering incredible service and comfort within a spectacular setting. Fly fishing remains at the fore of this operation, but it has so much more than that now, and is one of our best combination lodges, offering an array of non fishing activities.

Tipiliuke, located in northern Patagonia, is home to more than 27km of some of the finest trout water on the planet. This includes 14km of the Chimehuín River and the Quilquihue. The local lodge guides are fantastic, know the area better than anyone and can plan the days to suit the requirements of each angler.

Located just minutes from San Martín De Los Andes airport, Tipiliuke Lodge is nestled at the heart of a 50,000 acre working cattle ranch. It has just nine stunningly appointed en-suite guest rooms that lead to a number of indoor and outdoor communal guest areas. The onsite wellness centre compliments the wonderful array of outdoor activities available including horse riding, hiking, and golf.

Rio Manso Lodge

The impressive Rio Manso lodge sits in northern Patagonia, on Argentina’s border with Chile. Like much of Patagonia the area is a fly fishing paradise with a huge variety of water, from small streams and large rivers to intimate spring creeks and productive lakes where monster browns, hefty rainbows and beautifully marked brook trout swim.

Fly fishing from Rio Manso Lodge offers access to miles of little fished water throughout Nahuel Huapi National Park. These waters offer a complete variety of types of fishing, from big dry flies and weighted streamers to tiny emergers, nymphs and spent mayflies. On the larger Rio Manso the best fishing is often from drift boats with heavy streamers and nymphs, but guides know the best spots throughout the season for those who prefer dry fly action.

Smaller rivers and streams offer fantastic wade fishing or, in some cases, can be fished as a drift boat and wading combination.

The lodge was rebuilt in 2004 and features nine guest rooms each one offering spectacular views of Lago Hess and the Andes Mountains. Each room is comfortably appointed with either king size or twin beds and private bathrooms. Some of the rooms are also equipped with a Jacuzzi.

For those guests looking for things to do besides fishing the area around the lodge is a paradise for hikers, horse riders and birders. The lodge’s team of guides are on hand to assist as you explore this beautiful part of Patagonia.

Tres Valles Lodge

Surrounded by astounding natural beauty, Tres Valles Lodge offers some of the finest trout fishing from one of the most memorable locations. Whilst primarily a fishing lodge, the personal service makes it a wonderful choice for those looking to take a day away from the water or for those travelling with non-fishers. Like much of Patagonia, it is the sheer variety of water that appeals so much to trout anglers. Fishermen can enjoy spring creeks, freestone rivers and wild lakes all from the comfort of one lodge base. The experienced guide team know the area extremely well and will make sure to organise your fishing depending on your preferences, weather and best fishing conditions of the rivers and lakes.

The lodge combines style, elegance and comfort in tranquil surroundings. Situated right on the foot of the Andes the four bedroom lodge offers stunning views overlooking Laguna Vilches. All areas of the lodge feature large windows to appreciate the surround stunning natural beauty. For non-fishing days guests can enjoy activities like trekking, bird watching, and tours of the local flora and fauna.

Futa Lodge

Futa Lodge sits in Chile, just across just across the Argentine border close to Esquel, and is surrounded by the dense coihue forests. Within its grounds you will find the mighty Futaleufú, its name meaning “Big River” in the native Tehuelche language. And it’s an apt description for this glacial-fed giant that houses a renowned rainbow and brown trout fishery.

The high gradient and trout rich Futaleufú River flows right in front of the lodge. Wild brown and rainbow trout here can range up to five pounds or more. Through the season anglers can enjoy success on a range of methods including streamers, dries, and nymphs, depending on the conditions. The summertime terrestrial fishing is the mainstay, a time when big fish take ultra-buoyant foam flies. Most fishing is done by raft, but it is possible to visit smaller streams for those wanting to wade.

The lodge can host up to eight guests in three bright and comfortable cottages and two main lodge rooms. The cosy main lodge also offers a communal dining area and living room. There is much more than fishing on offer and the lodge can arrange horse riding, hiking, rafting and kayaking tours.

Suindá Lodge

On the Upper Paraná River in Corrientes, Suindá Lodge is on one the most productive sections of the river. It is a clear water fishery that consistently produces good numbers of large golden dorado.

With fast flowing runs over rocky sections, it is the structure of this section of water that is key to its success. When conditions are right, and the Sabalo baitfish are congregating, the sandbank zones can be sight fished.

Spring (late September to October) on the Upper Paraná sees the river marked by higher flows and clearer water. Dorado feed hard to pack on weight before spawning at the end of the year. As the water temperature rises after spring, the dorado become more active as do pirá pitá and pacú. Post spawning through January—April the dorado hunt around structure and as summer progresses, the fishing focus moves on to pirá pitá and pacú. Regardless of season, the upper Paraná is a fishing and naturalist’s paradise.

The central lodge emulates traditional local buildings with its hardwood design and high ceilings. There is a fully stocked bar, dining area, fly tying spot and a shop. The lodge is also able to provide loaned equipment if needed.

The lodge itself accommodations ten guests at a time in stilted living quarters that have been built nine feet above the jungle floor. All have views of the river, two double beds, en-suite facilities and wi-fi.

Pirá Lodge

Pirá Lodge is located in Argentina’s Iberá wetlands, one of the most rare and fascinating wetlands in the world. The area covers some 1.3 million hectares – twice the size of the Everglades as a comparison. The incomparable variety of wildlife found in this immense wetland area allows anglers to combine fishing with bird watching.

The freshwater dorado is a hard fighting and acrobatic fish known for its strong runs and relentless jumps. This complex and challenging fish can be found near confluences, on the edges of eddies, riffles, sharp bends in the current, and close to overhanging carpets of water hyacinth. It can be fished for in narrow runs or in skinny water edges and large fish are hooked in a multitude of differing locations. Your guide will help you adjust your tactics accordingly.

The lodge sits right on the edge of a channel providing direct access to the marsh system and to the Corrientes River, which is 15 minutes south of the lodge. Built in a typical Corrientes style, the lodge enjoys a spectacular panoramic view of the vast wetlands.

It accommodates up to ten guests in five large rooms, each with a private entrance, private bath, two double beds and air conditioning. A separate building, attached by covered galleries, accommodates the spacious living room, bar and dining room, each with tall doors which open up to the wide veranda.

Delta Eco Lodge

The lodge is located less than an hour away from downtown Buenos Aires, on the lower Paraná Delta in the north-eastern Buenos Aires province.

Few cosmopolitan cities have such an abundance of wilderness right on the doorstep. Thousands of creeks, streams, channels, islands, and rivers of all sizes make up this extensive 90,000-hectare ecosystem. In addition to great fishing, the area is home to incredible birdlife and was designated a UNESCO Biosphere in 2000.

For those staying in Buenos Aires for a day/night before heading to a fishing lodge elsewhere in the country, there is the day trip programme. A private car will pick you up at your hotel and in just 35 minutes you’ll be on board a custom-made skiff - ready to go after dorado and tarariras on fly. For those able to spend one or two more days, the lodge in the secluded islands and surrounded by wildlife will be home for the duration of your stay.

The lodge offers four stilted cabins housing up to eight guests and has been constructed of wood in the traditional delta style. Each cabin has en-suite facilities and is linked to the central communal areas and dining cabin by a wooden walkway.

Each day the kitchen produces wonderful cuisine consisting of local meats, fresh fruit and vegetables, and delicious desserts.

Golden Dorado River Cruiser

Golden Dorado River Cruiser is the only mothership operation in Argentina and gives unparalleled access to the upper delta of the Paraná River. Easily accessible and close to Buenos Aires, shorter trips are also possible, making this destination ideal to add on to a longer trip.

The mothership travels throughout the Paraná River system to follow the migration of dorado throughout the season. Guests staying on the mothership will access the most remote waters, which hold unpressured dorado. Not only do these waters offer substantial numbers of golden dorado, but there’s also pirá pitá, pacú and wolfish to target. Each day you will be fishing new water and will work different features, like runs, inlets/outlets of lagoons, small side channels and tributaries. Casting to structure, this is exciting and explosive fishing.

All of the boats have been recently built. They are designed specifically for fly fishing. Two casting platforms allow comfortable casting and for two anglers to fish at the same time. Fishing with both spinner and fly is permitted.

The mothership is simple but very comfortable and provides all the amenities for a great fishing trip. Superb Argentinean food paired with a fine selection of renowned Argentinean wines.

After dinner, reflect on the day of fishing in the mothership’s living area with a drink in hand or admire the views of the Paraná River from the boat’s veranda.

Aardvark McLeod on

El Rincon

Villa Maria Kau Tapen

Estancia Laguna Verde

Pira Lodge

Pira and Suinda combination

Cameron Lodge

Aurelia