Sea Run Brown Trout
SEASON: December 31 – April 8
DURATION: 7 Nights – 6 Days Fishing
GUESTS: 10
Kau Tapen Lodge (Patagonia) was the first fishing lodge on the Río Grande. The lodge opened its doors to the fishing world in 1984. Kau Tapen means “House of Fishing,” and based in the heart of the Río Grande live the best pools of the river. You’ll fish most days with the wind at your back or over your shoulder for prime casting angles, allowing anglers to skate a bomber over a resting lie, or float a nymph next to a cut back for Sea Run Brown Trout you’ve only seen in your dreams.
Fishing days are spent shallow wading and walking the banks. Single or two-handed rods are both equally effective and make the lodge a fantastic place to visit for those without spey experience.
Kau Tapen Lodge (Patagonia), like Villa Maria, offers anglers multiple pools per angler per day. Only two anglers and their guide per beat with four to eight pools per beat – no beat repeated to ensure a productive & sustainable fishery. But that all means one thing… there is a lot of water to cover each day!
Fishing at Kau Tapen Lodge (Patagonia)
Guests can easily fish Kau Tapen Lodge (Patagonia) with a 7 or 8-weight rod or a two-hander.
Each week starts with an evening warm-up session -most anglers will catch a trout or two the first night they arrive.
The Rio Grande features a natural design and instream architecture suited for Spey rods. Mending and controlling your line is easier with a 2-hander, and we recommend using 7- to 9-weights rods from 12 to 15 feet long. If you’re new to Spey casting, the guides are expert instructors and will help you learn quickly.
Top Tip: take a few spey casting lessons before arriving at the Río Grande & you will love yourself for it.
Single-handers in 9 foot 7- to 9-weights are also very effective in lighter-wind conditions on the Rio Grande or for technical, close-range nymphing on the Rio Menendez tributary. For that in-between option, many anglers are now choosing switch rods. They are becoming increasingly popular and allow anglers to cast a comfortable line with less effort, particularly on windy days.
Accommodation at Kau Tapen Lodge (Patagonia)
Kau Tapen Lodge was designed to offer guests maximum comfort during fishing trips and easy access to the best pools on the world-famous Rio Grande. The lodge accommodates up to 10 guests (occasionally 12) in en-suite single rooms to ensure privacy and comfort. The lodge has Ten en suite single rooms; room layout varies between king-size bed, queen-size bed, and two doubles.
The kitchens at Kau Tapen and Villa Maria lodges are characterized by classic preparations and contemporary flavors. So enjoy fresh pasta and fire-roasted meats like famous Patagonian lamb, roasted gaucho-style over charcoal embers, alongside ocean-fresh flavors such as King crab and savory sea bass or black hake. And don’t forget to save room for dessert. From homemade ice creams to classic sweets and pastries, the Kau Taupen chefs have you covered.
Getting to Kau Tapen Lodge (Patagonia)
Guests fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina, and typically overnight to enjoy a day touring the wonderful & vibrant city. Arrival day at Kau Tapen is set for Saturday. Commercial airlines fly from Buenos Aires to the airport of Rio Grande (a 3-hour flight), where we will arrange for a lodge representative to meet you. The transfer from Rio Grande airport to the lodge takes 50-60 minutes. The entire lodge staff welcomes guests upon arrival with cocktails.
Itinerary
Guests will leave the lodge around 9 o’clock after breakfast, fishing till around 1 pm. Following lunch and a siesta (the duration depends on the season), guests return to the river in the late afternoon and fish until dark. Fishing hours will change slightly depending on the time of year.
- Each day begins with breakfast before taking a vehicle to the river at approximately 9 am.
- The morning session is spent exploring productive pools for fresh, silver Sea Run Brown Trout.
- At approximately 1 pm, the fishing party meets for lunch & a welcome siesta.
- The evening session begins at 6 pm (season dependant). Your guide will put you on the most productive stretches of the Middle Rio Grande & assist you in your casting if required.
- The fishing day ends at last light, approximately 10 pm & you make the journey back to the lodge, where guests are met by the Kau Taupen team & a welcome drink.
- Following a quick shower & freshening up, meet back at the bar for a chance to share stories of your day before being taken to the dining room for a spectacular meal.
Each week starts with an evening warm-up session -most anglers will catch a trout or two the first night they arrive. Then, on the day of departure, your guides will drive you back to the airport for your return journey home.
Rates
- December 31 – January 14
POA - January 12 – March 18
POA - March 18 – April 8
POA
Rates per person are based on a shared guide.
Weekly rates include
Transfer from Rio Grande Airport to Kau Tapen, Lodging, Meals, all wines, beer, and local spirits at the Lodge, Professional guide services & loaner fishing equipment (Rods, reels & Lines).
Weekly rates exclude:
Gratuities for guides and house staff, Airfares, Fishing License ($495 per person), and Laundry service.
Non-Fisher Rate: $650 per person per night
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Extra Info
Passports and Visa Requirements
Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, The United Kingdom, South Africa, New Zealand, and other Western European nations do not require a visa for tourist trips of up to 90 days to Argentina. They must, however, travel with a valid passport from their country of residence. Those carrying passports from other nations should check with their local consulates for specific regulations.
On Arrival
Guests will complete a two-part landing card and be issued a stamp for 30, 60, or 90 days. Staple the duplicate of the landing card into your passport, next to your entrance stamp. You will need it to leave the country.
