"On a hill by the far end of the earth lies a wooden villa that contains everything an angler could wish for. 42 km of top fishing waters, breakfast, lunch and dinner is served in a quality that takes your breath away."
For more information about RIO GRANDE contcat Mr Jorgen Berggren. Phone +46 70 350 6802 or
jorgen@fishingnorth.com
The river has a moderate flow and meanders through the open area causing deep cut-banks that are ideal spots for big trout. The fishing is private and is run from nearby lodges along the Rio Grande with a strict no kill policy.
The angler who has got a varied, solid technique with a cast from both shoulders will of course thrive. The key to success is controlling the line, leaving the fly a bit longer on the other side of the river, free of drift, will generate more strikes. The fly-selection varies from small rubber-legged nymphs, wolly buggers, green machines to big leeches in bright colours. An additional bonus (depending on what lodge you are fishing) is the Rio Menendes. A smaller spring-fed tributary in the area that is mostly clear as gin, seldom fished and ”littered” with big sea-run trout!
From Europe you usually get a flight via London or Madrid to Buenos Aires. After an overnight at a hotel (and a big steak!) in the Argentine capital you will need to get a domestic flight (3 hours) to the small town of Rio Grande.) At the airport you are met by the guides and the transfer takes 25-55 min depending on lodge. Along the Rio Grande there are five lodges to choose from during December to April. We would recommend the following: Villa Maria, Maria Behety and Kau Tapen.
Itinerary including travel and fishing as follows:
Day 0: Departure to Buenos Aires, transfer to city and overnight at hotel.
Day 1: Transfer to domestic airport and flight to Rio Grande. Meet and greet by staff, transfer to lodge, information, evening fishing and dinner.
Day 2-7: Full fishing-days with guide in 4x4 from 9.am to 1 .pm–Lunch–4 pm to 8 pm. Dinner from 9 pm.
Day 8: Check out and transfer to Rio Grande airport, flight to Buenos Aires and overnight at hotel.
Day 9: Transfer to international airport and departure from Buenos Aires.
Regardless of lodge the accommodation, food and service is second to none. The description of Kau Tapen lodge from one of our clients says it all:: ”On a hill by the far end of the earth lies a wooden villa that contains everything an angler could wish for. 42 km of top fishing waters, breakfast, lunch and dinner is served in a quality that takes your breath away. The staff spoils you with a cocktail and snacks cocktail and snacks after a windy fishing-day. All meals are 3-5 courses both international and Argentine specialties and accompanied with exquisite wine. The stay in double accommodation with private WC and shower is very comfortable.
The lower parts of the Rio Grande (Villa Maria Lodge) is wider and the pools are deeper. The migrant fish will get to this area first and the chance for fresh fish will increase. These parts will suite the more experienced angler with a good technique with two-handed rods. The upper part (Kau Tapen lodge/Maria Behety) is slightly more shallow and narrow thus inviting for a more technical fishing. The guides are generally very competent and will adapt each fishing spot to the skill of the angler.
During the summer-season (Dec – Feb) the water-level is normally low and single-hand rods #7-8 are used with full floating or intermediate lines. Autumn (March – April) gives higher and colder water so two-handed rods #8-9 with multi-tip or full sinking lines will work better. The wind is always a factor over the whole season with morning and evening usually calm but with 10-15 m/s during the daytime.
Rods used are as follows: Single-hand rods in # 7-8 9-10 ft. Two-handed rods # 8-10 12,5 – 14 ft. We would recommend to bring at least one spare rod. A robust reel with a good drag is a must and a minimum off 175 yards 30 lb backing. Lines ranges , depending on season, from full floating-lines to full sinking lines with float or intermediate belly and interchangeable tips mostly used. In short: Bring everything!
Also the fly-selection varies a lot over the season and from pool to pool. Here are some patterns you should not be without: Large and small Sunray Shadows on tube. Bunny or String Leech in black, purple, chartreuse and pink. Girdle or Yuk bugs in size 6-12. Gold-headed nymphs like Princes or Peacock in size 10-14. Some Bombers or foam-flies in size 4-8. Green machine in size 6-10. Heavy weighted nymphs like Copper John in size 8-12.
December to April. Price from 5500 USD depending on season and lodge. Contact us for rods and current price.
Included in the price: Meet & greet at Rio Grande airport, transfer to lodge (round trip), 7 night in shared accommodation, all meals incl. wine and free bar. 6 days fishing with guide and transportation.
Not included in the price: International air-ticket, domestic flight, fishing equipment, fishing-license, travel-insurance, tips tip staff and guides.