Undoubtedly the most productive
sea trout river in the world, the
Rio Grande needs little in the way of introduction. Nestled at what is commonly referred to as the “end of the earth”, the Rio Grande begins in the rugged Andes across the border in Chile, and then quietly meanders east across a rolling prairie reminiscent of Wyoming and teeming with wildlife such as llama-like guanacos, Andean condors and Patagonian foxes. Of course, the main attraction to anglers who ply the storied waters of the Rio Grande is the explosive
sea-run brown trout, which ascend the river each summer in the tens of thousands to spawn and range between 4 and 30 plus pounds. An average fish on the Rio Grande is the fish of a lifetime most anywhere else, and every discerning angler should experience this unparalleled fishery at least once in their life.
World-class fishing deserves a world-class lodge, and there is no better way to fish the Rio Grande than where it all began, at Kau Tapen Lodge. Kau Tapen (“house of fishing” in the native Ona language) is the original fishing lodge in Tierra del Fuego and the standard of elegance by which other lodges are measured. What started as the brainchild of Jorge Donovan and Jacqueline De Las Carreras over twenty years ago has revolutionized the way in which the fishing world views big trout.
Fishing Program
Located on the sprawling sheep ranch, estancia la Retranca, Kau Tapen has private access to 16km of river on both banks in the middle reaches of the river. It is staffed by an expert team of international and Argentine guides equipped with 4×4 Toyota vehicles to get you to the rivers edge and give you all the instruction necessary to tie into these elusive behemoths.
Somewhat of a misnomer, the Rio Grande really isn’t all that grande. Even though it’s the biggest river in Tierra del Fuego, a proficient caster can easily reach the opposite bank in many places. Low gradient, relatively shallow, and with a riverbed of fine gravel, the Grande is also extremely easy to wade under most conditions.
The fishing schedule typically includes 9 hours of fishing time. The day is comprised of two fishing sessions, one in the morning and another in the evening, separated by a gourmet lunch and siesta during midday. During the height of the austral summer – December and January – it is often possible to fish until nearly midnight, so the afternoon session starts later during these months to take advantage of the “magic hour” at dusk. Kau-Tapen is a strictly catch and release fishery. Guides are equipped with nets and will assist guests in weighing and releasing fish without damaging them.
Most fishing is accomplished with a series of the classic “down and across” swing, the same technique employed on other anadromous species such as Atlantic salmon and Steelhead. 7-9 weight single handed rods or a variety of double handed rods are ideal for this style of fishing. Lines range from full floating to heavy shooting heads, depending on river conditions. The flies used on the Rio Grande are even more varied, and range from small nymphs and dries to giant leeches and tube flies.
The season runs from December – mid April.
Designed to offer the discerning angler the utmost in comfort and easy access to the best pools, Kau-Tapen Lodge accommodates up to 12 guests in 8 twin rooms and one double bedroom. Guests enjoy a large living room area overlooking the Menendez and Rio Grande valleys, wood fireplaces, and a well-stocked bar to welcome you after every fishing session. A spa complete with a sauna and Finnish steam bath, as well as phone, internet, laundry and maid services, a fly tying table, and a fully stocked fly shop are additional amenities available to guests.
Kau Tapen offers wonderful cuisine based on local meats, fresh vegetables, and delicious desserts. A traditional Asado (BBQ) will be held once during your stay, and you can sample different cuts of meat and wonderful salads. A full cooked breakfast is available, together with fresh fruit, yogurts, home-baked bread and jams, and a selection of cereals. Kau Tapen’s cellars feature a wonderful selection of fine wines from the Luigi Bosca Bodega, which will be served during lunch and dinner.
2022 Rates
January 1st – 8th $ 9,350 + fishing License: $495 per person.
January 8th – March 5th $ 10,350 + fishing License: $495 per person.
March 5th – 12th $ 9,750 + fishing License: $495 per person.
March 12th – 19th $ 8,750 + fishing License: $495 per person.
March 19th – 26th $ 7,950 + fishing License: $495 per person.
March 26th – April 2nd $ 6,950 + fishing License: $495 per person.
April 2nd – 9th $ 6,950 + fishing License: $495 per person.
Occupancy: 12 anglers – 10 rooms (but 10 anglers within January 8th March 5th)
Check-in After 4PM / Check out Before 10AM
Non-Fisher: $650 per night per person
* Saturday to Saturday weeks within January 1st and March 19th includes:
? 1 night at Delta Eco Lodge (shared rooms), with one day of guided dorado fishing (subject to availability; first-come first-take basis) with lunch, dinner & breakfast included – open bar.
? Does not include transfer from Ezeiza (EZE) Intl. Airport to Marina & Marina to Aeroparque (AEP) Domestic Airport.
Included:
? Accommodations based on a single room (subjected to availability)
? Transfer from Río Grande Airport (RGA) to the lodge
? All meals, wines, beer, and local and international spirits
? Professional guide services (2 anglers per guide/boat)
? Loaner fishing equipment (Rods, reels & lines)
Not Included:
? International & domestic airfares
? Fishing Licenses
? Laundry service
? Dayroom (if needed) at Río Grande hotel on arrival date
? Gratuities for guides and house staff
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