Sea Run Brown Trout
SEASON: December 30 – March 31
DURATION: 7 NIGHTS – 6 DAYS FISHING
GUESTS: 6
Villa Maria Lodge (Patagonia) is the second of the De Las Carreras family lodges to open on the Rio Grande, after Kau Tapen, and offers small private groups exhilarating fishing on some of the most productive pools in the lower river. Unlike Kau Tapen, which is located on the middle river, Villa María offers anglers the first opportunity at the newly arrived Sea Run Brown Trout on the lower Río Grande. This is a heavenly section of the river for fishermen who enjoy the challenges and rewards of two-handed rods.
Fishing at Villa Maria Lodge (Patagonia)
Villa Maria Lodge (Patagonia)has space for only 6 anglers and private access to 20km of the best fly water on the lower Rio Grande. This is an exclusive haven for small groups of anglers who appreciate the finer things in life.
Each week starts with an evening warm-up session and most anglers will catch a trout or two the first night they arrive.
To maximize your time on the river, there is a day cabin on the river bank for lunch and siesta. This house gets you off the river during the most windswept part of the day & offers a stunning view over the wilds of Tierra del Fuego.
Lighter two-hand rods are the most effective on the beats at Villa María. They aid in casting on particularly windy days but also make mending easier thanks to the extra length. We recommend bringing 12-15 ft., 8-10 wt rods. If you are new to two-handed rods, the expert guides will instruct you and help you learn quickly.
Top Tip: take a few spey casting lessons prior to arriving at the Río Grande & you will love yourself for it.
For single-hand rods, we recommend 9 foot 8 or 9-weights. They are ideal for covering the water using the prevailing southwest wind to help swing flies. They also have enough backbone to beat the wind when necessary. Given the Rio Grande’s moderate flow and generally even gravel bottom, you’ll find an 8 or 9-weight rod capable of handling the river’s largest Sea Run Brown Trout. (20 to 30 pounds).
Accommodation at Villa Maria Lodge (Patagonia)
The a la carte menu, five-star accommodations, and excellent facilities mean you will be fishing in both style and comfort.
Villa Maria lodge from the outside may look like a traditional Argentina estancia ranch, but make no mistake, Villa Maria Lodge is a modern, comfortable fishing lodge in every way. The lodge boasts six en suite double and single rooms. The communal living areas are spacious and comfortable with innovative furnishings.
Villa Maria cuisine is prepared daily by the lodge’s dedicated chef. These multi-course meals are prepared to provide energy for battle with the Rio Grande’s giant trout and shine with all the flavor you’d expect from the fine dining experience. Each evening a roaring fire and well-stocked bar will welcome you back from the day’s adventures.
The lodge has a tackle shop stocked with all the essential flies, terminal tackle & gifts. In addition, guests have full use of the lodge’s fly-tying table and gear storage rooms. And if one lodge was not enough, Villa Maria also boasts a day lodge on the river bank that is utilized to keep you fishing for longer, and driving less. Classic preparations and contemporary flavors characterize the kitchens at Villa Maria and Kau Tapen lodge. 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 black Hake. And don’t forget to save room for dessert. Villa Maria will have you covered, from homemade ice creams to classic sweets and pastries.
Getting to Villa Maria Lodge (Patagonia)
Guests fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina, and typically overnight there, with a day to spend touring the wonderful city. Arrival day at Villa María is set for Sunday. 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 30 minutes. On arrival at the lodge, guests are welcomed with cocktails by the entire Villa Maria staff.
Itinerary
Each week starts with an evening warm-up session -most anglers will catch a trout or two the first night they arrive.
- Each day begins with breakfast before taking a vehicle transfer 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 at the day house for lunch & a welcome siesta.
- The evening session begins at 6 pm. Your guide will put you on the most productive stretches of the Lower 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 you are met by the Villa Maria team & a welcome drink.
- Following a quick shower & freshening up, meet back at the bar for a chance to share stores of your day before being taken to the dining room for a spectacular meal.
The day of departure your guides will drive you back to the airport for your return journey home.
Rates
- December 30 – January 6:
POA - January 6 – March 10:
POA - March 10 – 31:
POA
Rates Include a single room and a shared guide.
Weekly rates include
Transfer from Rio Grande Airport to the lodge, 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), Laundry service.
Gallery
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
You 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.