Kooi Noom Southern Patagonia’s Untouched Wilderness Fly Fishing Adventure
Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
Fish small winding spring creeks, an impossibly steep freestone river, and flats-like lagunas without ever seeing another angler.
Argentina’s ultimate sight fishing experience
Unmatched Solitude and Angling Variety
Kooi Noom offers anglers the
opportunity to fish small winding spring creeks, an impossibly steep freestone river, flats-like lagunas, and the impressive Lago Quiroga without ever seeing another angler. Moreover, this is all within close proximity of your comfortable base at Estancia El Capitan. For sight fishing enthusiasts, pocket water fans, lovers of small creeks or anglers in search of rainbows in the 10, 15 or even 20 pound class, this surreal estancia has it all.
The Region The rugged splendor of the Argentine mainland’s southernmost Santa Cruz province is, and will remain, the essence of true Patagonia. Accessed through the mountain town of El Calafate, Santa Cruz is home to the iconic skyline of the Fitz Roy massif from which the Patagonia clothing company fashioned its logo in the early 70’s. This is the land of true adventurers, hardened gauchos, granite towers, condors and the endless wind-swept expanse of the arid Patagonian Steppe.
Spring Creeks, Still Waters, and a Wild River Spring Creeks - The unsung heroes of Kooi Noom are
the multiple sections of the petite and productive spring creek that first flows into Lago Toro, then out and later snakes discretely by the lodge. This system is tailor made
for ultra-light fly rods and tenkara style fishing for gorgeous hard-bodied surface oriented wild rainbows. Recalibrating for this sheltered creek fishing experience is a highlight not to be missed. Lakes and Lagunas - Rich lakes fuel Kooi Noom’s
biological engine. The enormous Lago Quiroga (located less than 30 miles as the crow flies from Jurassic Lake) produces the region’s largest fish, many of which downmigrate into the unique Rio Capitan. Additionally the property has two smaller lakes (lagunas), the favorite of which, Lago Toro, has a cozy day shelter and incredible walk and wade sight fishing for super-charged rainbows in the 3 to10-pound class.
The River - Kooi Noom’s most unique fishery is the Rio Capitan, which drains the massive Lago Quiroga. Dropping as much as 250 feet per mile this is the steepest and most unique pocket water system in the world. Offering nymph and dry fly opportunities, this crystal clear river is totally private, physically demanding and rewarding beyond compare. It offers three distinct walk and wade beats with large fish hiding in unimaginably small swift pockets.
Meals and Accommodations
At its core Kooi Noom’s Estancia El Capitan is a warm, welcoming, understated working estancia that features three remodeled double-occupancy rooms with private baths. Delicious meals are served in the main lodge with
a spectacular weekly asado served in their neighboring quincho. Share your hors d’oeuvres with the big trout beneath the spring creek’s footbridge, watch the gauchos ride in from their day’s work and enjoy fine regional wines and an open bar.
Your Hosts
If you have spent much time fishing in Argentina you may have met or heard of the Trochine twins, Alex and Nico. Though young in years they have a vast amount of international angling and guiding experience between them. Originally from Bariloche they have guided throughout Argentina, Iceland and Bolivia and they are respected angling explorers and entrepreneurs. They, with assistance from Untamed Angling, have assembled a fun and well-rounded team of guides and hospitality professionals to ensure the experience of a lifetime.
Reservations: 1-800-552-2729
www.flywatertravel.com
SEASON November–April. There are two distinct seasons within the Kooi Noom season. November–December: This is the early season and the fishing focuses on trophy rainbows in the outlet of Lago Quiroga. January–April: This is considered the main season where guests will be able to experience all the variety Kooi Noom has to offer.
ITINERARY OPTIONS Saturday to Saturday, Saturday to Wednesday, or Wednesday to Saturday. All trips start and end mid-day in Calafate.
2015-16 RATES 7 night/6 day (Sat-Sat): $4950 4 night/3 day (Sat-Wed): $2750 3 night/2 day (Wed-Sat): $2150 Included: Accommodations and meals at the lodge, guided fishing, transfers to/from Calafate to the lodge, wine/beer/alcohol, and fishing license. Not Included: International and domestic airfare, transfers/food/hotels in Buenos Aires and Calafate, fishing equipment and staff and guide gratuities.
RECOMMENDED EXTENSIONS Jurassic Lake trophy trout, Las Buiteras sea trout, Rio Santa Cruz steelhead and Chile’s Remota Adventure Lodge with trout and hiking.
These lakes host some of the largest and fastest-growing trout on Earth.
Sight f ish pocket water on the world’s steepest trophy trout system.
There is little gap between meeting your hosts, the Trochine twins, and liking them.
For Reservations
1-800-552-2729 www.FLYWATERTRAVEL.com www.KOOINOOM.com
Photo Credits: Ken Morrish, Kyle Kolodziejski, Val Atkinson, Alex and Nico Trochine.