Patagonia Outfitters

Estancia Pilolil

Estancia Pilolil is the premier destination for fishing adventures in the heart of northern Patagonia. The 23,000 acre private estancia is perfectly situated in the heart of this fish-filled region, conveniently located a short drive from the regional airport at San Martin de Los Andes. The lodge is perched on the west bank of the scenic Aluminé River, with ten miles of the most productive stretches of this famous river, and dozens of other excellent fisheries within easy striking distance. The Aluminé River is famous for its incredible hatches and dry fly fishing, while nymphs and streamer fishing can also produce very large rainbow and brown trout. There are daily options for either floating or wading.

This beautiful Pilolil Lodge accommodates up to 10 guests in deluxe comfort, including incredible cuisine and fine Argentine wines. Non-angling guests will enjoy daily options for horseback rides, hiking, sightseeing and shopping in the nearby towns, or simply relaxing with a good book.

Collon Cura Lodge

Collon Cura Lodge is centrally located on the banks of the Collon Cura River, on a 70,000 acre estancia owned by Ted Turner. The estancia provides exclusive access to the best spots for floating this prolific river, flowing through a landscape of huge open vistas and expansive panoramas reminiscent of the American West.

Willow lined banks, sand cliffs and rolling hills shape the Collon Cura River’s unique and attractive landscape, and create ideal conditions for incredible populations of very large rainbows, browns, and Patagonian perch. This vibrant river ecosystem features consistent hatches and constant fishing action using dry flies, nymphs, or streamers, both drifting and wading.

The quaint, cozy lodge accommodates up to eight guests in four double rooms, each with its own private, en suite bathroom. There is a wonderful “great room”, popular for guests gathering after a fish-filled day on the water to share a drink, some hors d’oeuvres, and plenty of stories. A beautiful, separate dining room is a mere minute’s walk away, allowing for serene evening after-dinner strolls beneath the star-filled Patagonian sky. The dining at Collon Cura Lodge is an experience all its own, with classic Argentine cuisine complemented by fine local wines.

Tipiliuke Lodge

Tipiliuke Lodge is conveniently located a mere 15 minutes from the town of San Martin de los Andes, on the 50,000 acre Estancia Cerro de los Pinos. The Larminat family founded the estancia in 1909, and continue to operate the historic working cattle ranch today. Gauchos – many of them the same families that helped start the estancia over a hundred years ago – still round up the cattle on horseback. The entire experience is a step back in time.

Fishing from Tipiliuke incorporates more than 17 miles of incredible trout streams, including private access to 9 miles of the famous Chimehuin River and 4 miles of the Quilquihue River. The Chimehuin was the first “famous” river in Patagonia, written about by Joe Brooks in the 1950s/60s. Clear waters and consistent hatches make for reliable dry fly fishing throughout the season. Both rainbow and brown trout here average 14-20 inches, with monster browns nearing 30 inches landed each season.

This five-star lodge is well-known for its distinguished service, accommodation, and cuisine. It is a perfect destination for non-fishing guests as well, offering horseback riding, hiking, and close to town for shopping and other local sightseeing. Tipiliuke accommodates up to sixteen guests, with a maximum of twelve anglers, in well-appointed rooms with en-suite bath. There are comfortable living room and social areas, a sauna and hot tub, even an outside fire pit for evening stories and tall tales of the “one that got away”.

The estancia also features the “River House”, a secluded private home just steps from the river and a great option for families or groups.

San Huberto Lodge

Estancia San Huberto is owned by the Olsen family, and operated as a 25,000 acre farm-to-table sporting experience. Their gardens are extensive, and their free-range beef and lamb are absolutely incredible, pairing perfectly with a local Argentine Malbec. Guests here often return just for the food!

Of course, the fishing from San Huberto is also world-class, with 25 miles of private access on the best stretches of the Malleo River. Jorge Trucco helped get catch-and-release legislation on the Malleo in 1985; with decades of protection the river has some of the highest trout populations in Patagonia. The Malleo is mostly spring-fed, with crystal clear waters perfect for sight fishing, reliable hatches, and dry fly fishing opportunities. It is the perfect-sized river for walk and wade fishing, a great location for novice, intermediate, or advanced anglers.

San Huberto was named after “Saint Hubert”, the patron saint of hunters, and began as a hunting lodge and the mid 20th Century. The lodge was completely renovated in 1999, is updated (and upgraded) annually, and is now exclusively operated for fly fishing. San Huberto features 10 guest rooms, and can accommodate up to 16 guests, with a maximum of 12 anglers. It’s a great destination for non-anglers. Guests here enjoy plenty of room to relax. A favorite “hang-out” is the upstairs fireplace, perfect for evening pisco-sours and stories of rising trout from the day’s fishing.

Estancia Arroyo Verde

Estancia Arroyo Verde is one of the most unique experiences in all of Patagonia. It is located near the town of Bariloche, where the Traful river runs through a secluded valley of incredible wind-and-water sculpted rock formations, breath-taking views of the crystal clear Lake Traful with the backdrop of the white-capped Andes and lush forests. The estancia has a deep history, family-owned and operated by the Lariviere family for decades.

Guests staying at Estancia Arroyo Verde enjoy exclusive access to the Traful River, first made famous by the pioneers of Patagonia fly fishing: Joe Brooks, Mel Krieger, Ernest Schwiebert, and Jorge Trucco. The Traful is unique, flowing between two lakes and receiving runs of giant brown and rainbow trout as well as landlocked Atlantic salmon. This is perhaps the best place in northern Argentina to catch true trophy-sized trout.

The traditional wood and stone built lodge overlooks the beautiful river valley and gin-clear Traful River. The main lodge is defined by graceful, elegant accommodations and sophisticated service punctuated by 5-star dining experience, featuring a sun-lounge, bar, living-room and dining-room. There are six spacious, comfortable and well-appointed guest rooms, each with private en suite bath.

Estancia Quemquemtreu

Patagonia Outfitters first started working with Estancia Quemquemtreu in 1993. This historic, working ranch encompasses nearly 200,000 acres, and is one of the largest estancias in northern Argentina, Patagonia.

Fortunately, the estancia is home to nearly as many trout as cattle. Guests staying at Quemquemtreu have exclusive access to over 30 miles of the very productive Collon Cura River, as well as rare access to the small, intimate Quemquemtreu Creek. The Collon Cura has some wonderfully scenic float trips, as well as excellent wade-fishing opportunities. All manner of fly fishing techniques work well here, including dry flies, nymphs, and streamers.

A stay at Estancia Quemquemtre is a step back in time to a 100 years ago, the true spirit of rural Patagonia and the ranching life. It's not be missed...

Tres Rios Lodge

Set on a scenic bluff, Tres Rios Lodge offers spectacular panoramic views of both the Chimehuin and Collon Cura Rivers, which converge at the base just below the lodge. It is also ecologically sustainable, generating its own electricity through solar panels and windmills.

Tres Rios Lodge boasts private access to 10 miles of what most agree to be the best, most productive waters of the Chimehuin River. These sections can be floated, while there is also plenty of great wade-fishing opportunities that are only available to guests of Tres Rios Lodge. In addition, the lodge enables access to an additional 20 miles of the Collon Cura River, and several lagunas that hold some seriously large trout.

Rates

Each trip with Patagonia Outfitters is fully customize-able, with rates varying depending on length of stay and which estancias or lodges are incorporated into your à la carte reservation.

Pricing is usually from $750 - $1,250 per person, per night.

Included in Your Package:
• Reception at Patagonia Outfitter's Fly Fishing Center
• Welcome Gift
• All Fly Fishing Gear, including rods, reels, waders, boots and flies
• Deluxe double occupancy accommodations (single supplement available upon request)
• Fly fishing license
• All food and drinks at the estancia and on the river with fine wines, beer, and open bar
• Professional fishing guides (1 guide per every two fishermen)
• Most ground transfers from close by regional airports (excluding in Buenos Aires)
• Wi-Fi internet at the lodge

Not Included in Your Package:
• International and domestic airfares
• Hotels, transfers, tours in Buenos Aires (we have some excellent transfer companies we can refer you to for help with transfers, tours, etc. in Buenos Aires)
• Gratuities at the lodge for guides and lodge staff
• Extras at lodge such as “lodge shop” purchases, phone calls, etc.
• Travel insurance

Seasons

Spring: November and December
The fishing season officially opens in Argentine Patagonia on November 1st, although most Patagonia outfitters don’t open their doors until the first of December. Spring is a special time to visit Patagonia as the Andes Mountains still hold a large amount of snow and valleys are covered with spring flowers. Precipitation decreases throughout the month of December and average temperatures rise along with the length of day until the summer solstice on December 21st.

Since the water is higher this time of the year, the largest fish tend to be more aggressive and accessible. Fishing is generally spectacular but flexibility is a must as streamers, dry flies, and nymphs are all used depending on the river levels and daily weather conditions.

Large flies tied with rubber legs, long hackles, bunny fur, and foam (Chernobyl’s, Bichos, Mutant’s, Fat Alberts, etc.), are very effective this time of the year due to the aggressive nature of the fish and lack of pressure. You can leave your 5X at home but be sure to bring some 0X and even a sink tip to go down and dirty. Your guide will be as anxious as you are as they have been waiting for the season to begin.

Normal tourism season begins after Christmas and the New Year, so this area is much more relaxed and the fish are very willing. Imagine a Christmas where it is light until 10:30 pm and you can sit on the deck enjoying a glass of Malbec instead of watching snowflakes. If you’re looking for a great place to spend the holidays, imagine long days, great fishing, energetic guides, and a very relaxed atmosphere with few people.

Summer: January through March
Summer is the most popular month for fishing and tourism in Patagonia. The kids are on vacation and tourists abound. The weather is the best this time of the year with decreasing precipitation and the warmest temperatures. Some snow remains on the highest Andes peaks but almost all the spring flowers are already gone. The grass is getting long, and with warmer temperatures - you guessed it - hoppers and terrestrial insects are prolific and you will enjoy dry fly fishing almost exclusively. There are uncountable species of beetles, ants, hoppers, crickets, wasps, and other unidentified flying objects this time of the year and the trout are looking up for them. And particularly in the month of January, some of the trees that overhang the river are loaded with small green “gusano” inchworms, devouring the foliage…and on a windy day hundreds might blow off into the water. You can imagine the trouts’ reaction! A South American phenomenon: the hottest, brightest, and clearest days are the best dry fly and fishing days! Yes, it’s true, a bluebird-fisherman’s dream! You might have to drop down to 3X, 4X, and occasionally even 5X and use a dropper to attract fish in the crystal clear water. You will have lots of sight-fishing opportunities daily, and wet wading is possible a majority of the time.

Water levels continue to drop and water temperatures rise this time of the year. Every fishery is open and in perfect shape giving you the most options. This is prime time and finding an open spot can be difficult.

Fall: April
Fall is the favorite of many anglers, and is a great time to visit Patagonia. Summer tourist traffic drops off completely and the outfitters have most of the fisheries to themselves. Temperatures decrease and precipitation rises this time of the year, which normally brings on the fall feeding frenzy of trout with cooling and rising rivers. Browns and brook trout are getting ready to spawn and many of the larger fish which swam back into the lake during the middle of summer, are migrating back to the river to feed or spawn. Fall colors in Patagonia are spectacular and if you are lucky enough to be able to come and enjoy the fall, you will probably become addicted to the beauty, the tranquility and the fishing.

Although the days are not as long as the spring and the summer, you still get plenty of time on the water; in fact, you might actually get more fishing as the guides are extra excited to fish this time of the year! You will enjoy the coziness of the lodge, the fall foods, and the fireside conversations with some of the most passionate fishermen in the world. You’ll be thrilled to wake up to foggy mornings, fall colors, and snow-capped peaks while getting ready for the ultimate fly fishing adventure.

Getting There

Traveling to Argentina is relatively simple and painless. There is a wide choice of convenient, daily flights from Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Miami, and New York. Most flights are direct, departing the States in the afternoon or early evening and arriving the next morning.

Almost all the international flights into Argentina arrive at the Ministro Pistarini Ezeiza (EZE) International Airport of Buenos Aires, 35 km from the Federal Capital. First you will clear immigration (Passport Control) then you will retrieve your luggage, and clear customs.

Arrival Buenos Aires:
Anglers will take an overnight flight to Buenos Aires from one of several major cities in the U.S, get a good night's rest and awake in Argentina. If you have so pre-arranged, you will be met by our professional agents at the airport and transferred to your hotel or to the domestic airport for immediate departure to Patagonia.

Buenos Aires has two airports, an international and a domestic. You will arrive from your country of origin at Ezezia (EZE) and depart to Bariloche 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. Our Buenos Aires agents 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. Or you can opt to spend a night or two in Buenos Aires, the Paris of South America, and relax and enjoy the city.

Arrival Day:
Flying to San Martin de los Andes (CPC), Bariloche, (BRC) or Neuquén (NQN) depending on what estancia you are are fishing with.

When you arrive a representative of Patagonia Outfitters will meet your flight, assist you with luggage and provide auto transfer to the lodge where you’ll begin your trip.

When you arrive to the lodge, your luggage will be taken to your room and you will have a chance to get un-packed, settle in and organize your fishing gear. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served at approximately 7:00 PM., and dinner at around 9:00 PM.

During cocktail hour the lodge manager and head guide will provide a comprehensive orientation on the days ahead and answer any questions you might have.

Departure Day:
Anglers will be transported to their departure airport to connect back to Buenos Aires to begin their journey homeward. Flights bound for the United States usually depart Buenos Aires (EZE) late in the evening for an easy and comfortable connection home, arriving the following morning.

Patagonia Outfitters

Estancia Pilolil

Collon Cura Lodge

Tipiliuke Lodge

San Huberto Lodge

Estancia Arroyo Verde

Estancia Quemquemtreu

Tres Rios Lodge

Rates

Seasons

Getting There

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Patagonia Outfitters

Estancia Pilolil

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Collon Cura Lodge

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Tipiliuke Lodge

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San Huberto Lodge

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Estancia Arroyo Verde

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Estancia Quemquemtreu

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Tres Rios Lodge

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Rates

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Seasons

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Getting There

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Contact Our Travel Specialists

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