We are very excited about this destination that offers untouched, remote waters off the beaten path of the rest of Argentina to the south.
Nestled in the heart of the Cordillera del Viento in Northern Patagonia (Neuquén Province), Estancia Chochoy Mallín spans 15,000 hectares of untouched rivers and streams. The Estancia is a traditional Patagonian ranch with more than 100 years of history, now transformed into a fly fishing operation. Crossed by three crystal-clear rivers — the Reñi Leuvú, Trocomán, and Ñireco — plus access to other spring creeks and nearby waters, this is a destination defined by variety, privacy, and authentic local hospitality.
The lodge is owned by the Creide family, a fourth-generation Neuquen clan, and now running under the umbrella of Dream Waters Angling, one of the top outfitters in Argentina which started back in 2008 at Estancia Laguna Verde, Jurassic Lake, in southern Patagonia. Their mission has always been simple; to offer authentic, world-class fly fishing adventures in Argentina’s most iconic and remote waters—crafted and hosted with heart, professionalism, and a deep respect for nature. Dream Waters and the Estancia Chochoy Mallín owners will ensure smooth operations and the same high standards of service found in all the programs that they run in Argentina.
This hidden gem of northern Patagonia is a breathtaking estancia surrounded by miles and miles of crystal-clear rivers and classic dry fly water. It is like the Junín de los Andes or San Martin area, 40 or 50 years ago.
Rates
Shared Room & Shared Guide:
• 3 nights/2 1/2 fishing days - USD $2700
• 4 nights/3 1/2 fishing days - USD $3600
• 5 nights/4 1/2 fishing days - USD $4500
• 6 nights/5 1/2 fishing days - USD $5400
• 7 nights/6 1/2 fishing days - USD $5950
Inclusions
Included in your Estancia Chochoy Mallín package are: Accommodations, driving transfers between either San Martin or Neuquen and the lodge, all meals, all drinks, local transportation, professional guide for each two anglers, flies and leaders.
Non-Inclusions
Not included in your Estancia Chochoy Mallín package are: Gratuity, fishing license ($60USD, purchase on arrival to the lodge), fishing gear (loaner wading boots, and rods and reels can often be available on request), laundry.
Travel Insurance
The Fly Shop® is not in the insurance business, but we recommend Travel Guard coverage as a service with a desire to see your best interests protected. It is impossible to know when an unfortunate situation (loss of luggage, fly rods, illness in the family, or an accident) may occur. However, such things can and do happen, and this insurance can provide a means of recourse against non-refundable financial losses.
• Travel Insurance Information
Seasons
The season runs from early December to early April. It is a rather short season, with every month considered prime time. They concentrate on the core of the season, so as to offer the best fishing possible.
Getting There
Getting to Patagonia is not difficult. It is actually very simple: Take an overnight flight to Buenos Aires from one of several major cities in the U.S, catch some sleep during the flight and awake in Argentina. At that point you can transfer to your hotel, or if you are not overnighting in BA, drive to the domestic airport for an immediate departure to Patagonia.
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Buenos Aires has two airports, an international and a domestic. You will arrive from your country of origin at Ezezia (EZE) and depart to Patagonia from the domestic airport, Aeroparque (AEP). It is necessary to transfer by ground from the international airport to the domestic airport for your flight to Patagonia. Holdy Tours can set up your transfers. Depending on the time your international flight lands, you might be able to travel directly to Patagonia on the same day (if you want to travel directly to Patagonia, you should plan at least one hour to clear immigration and customs, one hour to transfer between airports, and to arrive at the domestic airport at least one hour before your flight to Patagonia, a total of 3 hours between arriving in Buenos Aires and flying down to Patagonia, minimum).
Flying to either San Martin de Los Andes, or Neuquen, and transferring to Estancia Chochoy Mallín
Both San Martin de Los Andes (CPC) and Neuquen (NQN) are currently serviced by multiple daily flights to and from the domestic Jorge Newbery AEP Airport in Buenos Aires (because Neuquen is a bigger city it normally has more flight options).
When you arrive at the San Martin or Neuquen Airport, a representative of Chochoy Mallín will meet your flight, assist you with luggage and provide transfer to the lodge. The auto transfer from Neuquen is about 5 hours, or close to 6 hours from San Martin. When you arrive to the lodge, your luggage will be taken to your room and you will have a chance to get unpacked, settle in and organize your fishing gear. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served at approximately 7:30 PM, followed by dinner in the dining room at around 9:00 PM. During cocktail hour the head guide will provide a comprehensive orientation on the week ahead and answer any questions you might have.
Lodging
The lodge itself is stunning, featuring beautiful décor, top-of-the-line furniture and materials, spacious rooms with en suite bathrooms, central heating, and a fantastic bar that naturally becomes the gathering place after a day on the water. The folks at Dream Waters have an outstanding reputation for putting out amazing cuisine, built around grass-fed beef, lamb and goat from the estancia (it is a working cattle ranch), plus fresh vegetables from the garden. The chef is very accomplished in the kitchen – he is from the province of Chaco, and very well known in Argentina. A true highlight is their "Chivito Criollo del Norte Neuquino", a regional goat specialty with designation of origin, cooked slowly over an open fire. This is a fantastic culinary experience.
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Excellent wines from the Creide/Mabellini family winery, matched with Beto and Lucho’s personal selection of boutique Argentine producers. Lots of variety, lots of different wines to try every meal, wine tastings, etc. A warm, family-run atmosphere that feels authentic and welcoming…the concept around which Dream Waters has built all of their programs.
Fishing
At Chochoy Mallín you will find mostly rainbows and browns, with a chance of brook trout. Certain high altitude creeks outside the estancia that are options have good population of brookies. A little out of the way, but a great adventure for someone that wants to go really remote.
Ñireco Spring Creek – An absolute jewel, running more than 10 km through the estancia before meeting the Reñi Leuvú. This creek alone would justify the trip.
Trocomán River – A larger, versatile fishery perfect for both float and wade fishing.
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Reñi Leuvú River – Think of the Rio Malleo, but without the crowds. The lodge has extensive access: the river borders a dirt road, and they’ve built multiple new entry points to the estancia’s riverfront. As well, they recently secured their neighbor’s permission for an additional 20 km of the stream. For those familiar with the area, this is arguably the best fishery in the region.
Beyond the estancia (all within an hour):
Lileó River – A small, private-access brown and rainbow trout stream, known as a trophy producer.
Nahueve River – The biggest of them all, reminiscent of the Aluminé, and perfect for floating.
Why We Endorse This Destination:
Estancia Chochoy Mallín
• Proven Outfitter – Arguably one of the best and most capable outfitters in Patagonia, and perhaps all of Argentina. Operated by Dream Waters, who run 5 other operations in Argentina, they have a stellar reputation for bringing first class guides, world class service to remote top tier angling destinations.
• Luxurious Accommodations – The lodging at Chochoy Mallín is spacious and comfortable with world-class cuisine a varied selection of fine Argentine wines and attention to detail by the lodge staff. The things that are controllable are always taken care of so you can assure you are taken care of after a long day on the water.
• Variety - Spectacular array of diverse, private water trout fisheries. Guests have a daily choice of waters, from stalking tiny spring creeks, to floating larger rivers, and everything in between. Whatever kind of fishing you like, they can provide, and much of it is located on huge ranches where they have arranged private leases. You will have lots of water all to yourself each day.
• Excellent Guides – An experienced, well trained and seasoned guide and lodge staff will take care of everything while fishing at Chochoy Mallín. The seasoned guides are hand selected by Roberto and Luciano Alba and have years of experience guiding anglers to trophy trout. Put your worries to rest, relax and let the capable staff at Chochoy Mallín take care of the logistics and mechanics of the trip, you’re on holiday!
• The Works – This is an all-inclusive package that includes everything, open bar, round trip ground transfers, guided fishing and gourmet meals…the works; outfitted by one of the most respected and successful outfitters in Argentina. You don’t have to worry about a thing and focus on your fishing and enjoying your experience at Chochoy Mallín.
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