Rainbow, Brown & Lake Trout, King Salmon, Large Mouth Perch and Patagonian Silversides.
Deep Patagonia, land of dinosaurs, ancient cultures, harsh winters and stunning landscapes.
Its natural lakes and rivers hold a very healthy population of indigenous fish and scuds which has been a fertile environment for the introduction of trout and salmon decades ago. Due to this massive food source the number, size and vigor of the fish in our area is unmatched through the rest of Patagonia.
Of the beaten path, where very few fishermen have ventured, our team of scouts have gained access to what is today the best fishery of Argentina.
Complex logistics have become easy due to modern satellite communications and the construction of strategically located landing strips. Opening areas to traveling anglers that were virtually inaccessible just a few years ago.
Under Dickie’s experienced guide the Deep Patagonia team prides itself in not only discovering new fisheries but organizing logistics, reaccommodating existing lodges, building camps and landing strips so visiting anglers can enjoy fabulous fishing in style.
El Arco this gorgeous region high in the steppes is blessed with many rivers and lakes full to the brim with hungry, healthy trout. Some of the rivers are an absolute dream for dry fly anglers, below beautiful waterfalls you can find smooth water with easy long drifts and pickable water pockets bursting with aggressive trout.
El Arco itself provides a unique opportunity to fish for perca (largemouth perch) and the delicious pejerrey (Patagonian silversides). Beyond the fishery you will also see a variety of outstanding birds including the largest flying land bird of the Americas, the Andean condor.
The lodge can accommodate up to 8 anglers in great comfort, the chef delights us every meal with a combination of Argentina and European dishes in the great company of Mendoza Malbecs and Patagonian Chardonnays.
The landing strip is 15 minutes away from the lodge.
La Flecha lodge is located strategically to access three lake systems with their rivers, streams and sprig creeks. With 8 bedrooms with private bathrooms, we can accommodate up to 8 fishermen in great comfort, with our outstanding chef we are delighted every night with his combination of local and international cuisine. Range of size of the fish in this area is from 20 to 32 inches.
Base camp sits right by the most productive rainbow trout waters in Argentina today, with six bedrooms with private bathrooms and all the comforts of a small lodge, we also have a brilliant chef to prepare the most delicious meals, of course in the company of our renowned malbec wines. Range of the fish in this area is from 20 to 26 inches and you can expect to catch between 50 to 100 trout a day, so remember to fill your fly boxes because we really go through a lot.
Gear list Patagonia is known for its wind, having appropriate layers like a beanie, a rain jacket, a puffy jacket and base layers are highly recommended also having a few lighter shirts is recommended for warmer days. A hat with a brim and sunglasses are also of utmost importance.
Trout
· 3-4wt 7’5ft with floating line for dry fly and dry dropper and a 6 or 7wt with floating and sinking line for larger waters
· Trout leaders and tippet from 4x to 0x is recommended
· Large terrestrial dries, foam bodies, damsel flies and streamers from small to medium intruders and dolly lamas are great for swinging and articulated trout patterns for stripping are a must.
· Scuds, stones, and attractor nymphs should be on hand as well.
Lake fishing for pejerrey and perca
· 3 or 4wt with floating line for pejerrey
· 7wt floating or sinking for perca
· Small stripped nymphs will provide a bonefish like experience with the strong but skittish pejerrey
· Small to medium slow stripped streamers will do the job for perca
Deep Patagonia Chinook
Every spring in south Patagonia Chinook Salmon start their run up the Santa Cruz River from the Atlantic ocean to their spawning areas in the heart of the continent. We have access to different locations where at different times of the season we can catch these magnificent fish. Their brutal power is a challenge even for the most experienced anglers. The size of the Salmon is quite respectable ranging from 20 to 50 pounds in average with some exceptional specimens happening every year.
La Leona lodge strategically located to access three very productive rivers for chinook and trout fishing, an hour and fifteen minutes from Calafate airport. It accommodates 8 anglers in great comfort. As with all our loges we consider a top culinary experience as part of the trip, with a chef of international skill that will delight us every meal. From empanadas to Italian style pasta and his fabulous desserts.
Wanaco River A river medium in size and in a pristine setting as you look upriver you will see high peaks of the Andes and downstream the river courses through boulders and bends into steep cliff walls. With exceptional wildlife including high numbers of guanaco and elusive puma it provides an absolutely world class king salmon fishery for anglers of all skill range. As this young fishery ages, the trout fishing for both rainbow and brown will continue to grow, producing larger trout and more trout in years to come.
Gear list
As with all Patagonian adventures a beanie, a rain jacket, a puffy jacket and adequate layers are a must. Occasionally the weather can be nice so having a few lighter weight options is also recommended. A hat with a brim and sunglasses are also of utmost importance.
Chinook
· 9wt-10wt single hand rod with floating line and a spare spool with sinking line
· 8 to 10 weight spey or switch can also be fished
· A stout mono leader and 25to 40lb flouro or mono for tippet
· Intruders, dolly lamas and other classic swing flies for kings
· Rigs for nymphing large egg patterns also produce fish, particularly later in the run
Trout
· 7wt single hand with floating line
· Trout leader with 3x to 0x tippet
· Egg patterns, smaller intruders and swing flies will find trout
Santa Cruz River
The daunting waters of the Santa Cruz may be overwhelming upon first sight but once you find yourself on the banks its grand waters become more familiar. Every anadromous fish in the Lago Argentino, Lago Viedma drainage comes in through this river, making it an unparalleled fishery at times. Depending on the season and your target species its large pools, massive eddies, and almost endless inside bends to the rapid rocky pockets, and wonderous braided sections accommodating water can be found for whatever fish you seek. Options for smaller creeks can also be found nearby providing a break from the gargantuan Santa Cruz.
Gear list
The weather we face here is generally windy, packing a good rain jacket and multiple layers ranging from long sleeve to a puffy jacket for cold weather is a must having a beanie for particularly cold days is also highly recommended. A hat with a brim and sunglasses are also of utmost importance.
Chinook Salmon
· 10wt single hand rod with heavy sinking line or 8wt - 10wt spey or switch with 600 grain heads and assorted tips for desirable depth.
· Flies like Dolly lamas, large intruders and other classic swing flies will produce fish.
· Leader and tippet bring a few spools of 20 to 25lb mono for your leaders and tippet.
Trout
· 7wt single hand rod provides the best range of coverage for trout here bring both a floating line and a sinking line
· 3wt rod for days on smaller creeks in the area is a must. Lengths of 7’5ft for dries and dry dropper or a 10ft for high-sticking if that’s something you like
· Most weighted streamers can be stripped or swung here colors like black and blue, pink or chartreuse work best
· Large dries like foam body chubby chernobyls, large terrestrials and other large body dries can provide action
· Nymphs are also good to have on hand, larger attractor nymphs like princes and big stones with rubber legs will do
· Trout leaders and tippet from 4x-0x will cover the variety here
Steelhead and sea run brown
· Single hand 8-9wt with a floating line for nymphing and a sinking line for swinging
· switch and spey rods from 7 to 9wt with 600 grain heads and an assortment of tips will cover these fish
· Most fishing for sea run browns and rainbows here is done by swinging intruders on sinking lines
· Having a floating line and appropriate nymphing rigs for anadromous fish could also provide action
· 12-15lb short mono leaders will be a match to these fish
A full gear list will be provided upon booking the trip.
SEASON: Mid October to April.
