DEEP PATAGONIA FLY FISHING 

NORTHEASTERN SANTA CRUZ PROVINCE, ARGENTINA

RATES | TRAVEL | PHOTOS | TRIP DETAILS/GEAR

The fishing takes place in the spawning streams between two remote lakes and in the spring creeks that flow into the lakes. The fishery is situated on a 25,000-acre private ranch, which ensures only our anglers have access to the waters.  

Large feeding rainbow trout can be seen patrolling the inlet and outlet streams of the lakes. Anglers have opportunities to sight cast to trophy rainbows. Fish average 22 to 24 inches, with some fish up to 10 pounds.  Other great fisheries are available from Arrowhead Lodge, with trout exceeding 14 pounds.

Temperatures range from the mid-30s at night, to the mid-60s in the afternoons during the season (mid-October through mid-February).

Fishing

Casting six- to eight-weight flyrods, anglers average 50 plus trout per day during the October to December spawning run. Chernobyl Ants and large Stimulators with Egg-Pattern droppers are productive. Fat Alberts, and olive and black Wooly Buggers also work well.

Wading conditions are relatively easy with small gravel underfoot in thigh-deep waters and moderate current.

The daily schedule is quite civilized. Your day starts with a 7:30 am wakeup call and coffee. Breakfast is served at 8:00 am. You fish until 1:00 pm then back to the base camp for lunch and a short siesta. Fishing resumes in the afternoon and continues until 7:30 pm, or dark.

Accommodations

The fishing program can be customized, staying at two different lodges.

The Fly Fishing Base Camp offers six private bedrooms with baths. Propane heaters provide warmth against the cold Patagonia nights.

The more spacious Arrowhead Lodge has six private bedrooms with baths.

The food is classic Patagonian cuisine with Argentine asado lamb and beef, trout, and pasta dishes—all complimented with Argentine wines.

SEASON & RATES

SEASON: Mid-October through mid-February

Rates: $5,995.00 for 5-1/2 days fishing. Includes an overnight hotel in El Calafate, Argentina, and ground transportation to and from the base camp.

Included: Hotel overnight in El Calafate, ground transportation to and from the base camp, 5-1/2 days guided fishing, base camp accommodations and meals, open bar, fishing license and flies. We recommend you brings some of your own flies. Call JW Smith or Randy Flickinger for recommendations.

Not included: Commercial or charter air travel, Buenos Aires airport transfers, additional overnight accommodations before or after the trip, gratuities for guides and staff (recommended $400 to $500 for the week), hotel meals and expenses in El Calafate, fly rods or reels (6- and 8-weight rods with floating and mid-sink-tip lines), miscellaneous personal or travel expenses.

Travel

United, American, Delta, Aerolíneas Argentinas, and LATAM have non-stop service to Buenos Aires from Miami, New York, Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston. Your flights should be booked from your city of origin to Buenos Aires.

The town of El Calafate, in Santa Cruz Province, is served by several flights a day from Buenos Aires and Cordoba. Patagonia Fly Fishing Base Camp and Arrowhead Lodge are a seven-hour scenic drive, in comfortable vehicles, from El Calafate. Charter flights can be arranged from a nearby landing strip at an additional cost.

You may opt to visit the magnificent glaciers in the area. After an early morning departure aboard the Maria Turquesa 115-foot motor yacht, you settle into the private lounge for the day and visit three glaciers: Pirito Moreno, Upsala and Spegazzini. The yacht covers 110 miles during the day and returns to dock about 5:00 pm. Transfer to your hotel for cocktails and dinner.

Download important pre-trip details here:

PHOTO GALLERY