Rainbow & Brown Trout Fishing - Argentina

The Fishing 

 

Fly-fishing in Argentina put this first-class lodge on the map more than two decades ago. Considered by most anglers to be one of the world's finest fly-fishing destinations. Located in Northern Patagonia, it inhabits 17 miles of the finest trout waters in the world, along with a 3-mile private creek. 

Trout fishing season runs from early November through May. There are two different but equally impressive rivers, the Chimehuin and Quilquihue, running through the heart of our 50,000 acres.  Most of the fish are caught using dry flies but occasionally we use a “dropper” in conjunction with dry flies.  During late December through February, the Tipiliuke waters are known for their prolific hatches of yellow mayflies, offering some of the most thrilling dry fly-fishing in the world. 

In addition to world class fly-fishing, the property also boasts some of the best free-range Red Stag hunting you can only dream of. California Quail hunting is also available, starting April 15th. With the endless options at this Lodge, you can enjoy the once in a lifetime opportunity to complete a Patagonia "Grand Slam" with a rainbow and brown trout, trophy Red Stag, a dozen California Quail, and a Russian Boar. 

Anglers typically return to the lodge around 2:30 PM for lunch in the shaded tree grove. In the late afternoon, we will usually return to the river around 6:00 PM, depending on the time of year, and fish until sunset. During the last 30 minutes of light we often use a large streamer to coax out one of the monster browns from the Chimehuin River. Typically the fish average 14-20 inches, but each season we catch enormous browns measuring up to 30 inches. Most of the fishing is mostly wading; however, we also offer the option of fishing from custom drift boats on the upper and lower Chimehuin. 

 

FLY FISHING GEAR LIST for Northern Patagonia

• For most of the season we use a 5-weight rod, if the waters are high we might use a 6-weight
• A 3- or a 4- weight are great for fishing the private creek
• Floating lines. We rarely use sink or shooting heads
• Polarized Glasses
• Quality Breathable Waders
• Gravel Guards
• Quality felt soled wading boots (spiked boots are a plus)
• Wading staff (optional but recommended)
• Quality breathable rain gear (Mid-weight and expedition weight)
• Fleece for insulation under waders and for upper torso
• Fleece jacket(s)
• Quality heavy duty wading socks
• Long sleeved fishing shirts
• Wide brimmed hat, and/or baseball cap for sun
• Sunblock
• Leaders, 7 1/2 and 9 feet, 3x, 4x and 5x
• Tippet, 2x through 6x
• Fingerless fishing gloves, fleece and/or sungloves
• Personal medications
 

Dry Flies

• Stimulator, sizes 8 - 16; yellow, olive, orange
• Elk hair caddis, size 10 - 16
• Goddard caddis, size 10 - 16
• Parachute Adams, size 12 - 16
• Turck's Tarantula, size 8 - 12, yellow, olive, and natural
• Madam X, size 8 - 14, yellow
• Chernobyl Ant, size 8 - 12, black/tan, black/black and black/orange
• Parachute Ant, sizes 14 - 18
• Parachute Hopper, sizes 6 - 14, tan and olive
• Black Beetles, size 8 - 16
• Dave's Hopper, size 8 - 12
• Hexagenia mayfly adults and cripples, sizes 6 and 8 (Dec - mid Feb. only)
• Cicada, sizes 8 - 12
• Royal Wulff, sizes 10 - 16
• Humpy, standard or royal, sizes 12 - 16, Yellow, Red, Olive
• Trudes, black, royal, or peacock, sizes 10 - 14
 

Nymphs

• Bead Head Prince, sizes 10 - 16
• Bead Head Pheasant Tail (flashback or natural), sizes 10 - 16
• Bead Head Hare's Ear (flashback or natural), sizes 10 - 16
• Bead Head Red Fox Squirrel nymphs; sizes 10 - 16
• Bitch Creek nymph, weighted, sizes 8 - 12
• Soft Hackles, size 12 and 14, olive, tan, and orange
• Montana Stone, weighted, size 8 and 10
• Bead Head caddis larva and pupa, size 12 - 16, olive and tan
 

Streamers

• Black, Olive, White weighted Wooly Buggers, sizes 6 - 10
• Matukas, olive and black, sizes 6 and 8
• Spruce fly, Natural and Furnace, sizes 8 and 10
• Kiwi muddler, natural and olive, sizes 6 and 8
• Muddler minnow, natural, sizes 8 - 12
• Double Bunny, olive/white, sizes 4 and 6

 

SEASON RUNS FROM NOVEMBER 15th - MAY 31ST

 

Accommodations - Tipiliuke Lodge

 

• Tipiliuke features 9 private "en-suite" bedrooms comparable to some of the finest resorts around the world. 

• Wi-Fi is available throughout the lodge as well as in the outdoor seating areas where guests lavish in magnificent scenic views.

• Large wood-burning sauna and available masseuses are ready to help you relax after a long day of fishing.

• World-class cuisine, personalized service and unsurpassed attention to detail makes Tipiliuke
the ultimate travel destination.

Cuisine

• Discover the secrets of Northern Patagonia's extensive flavors, produced from our own organic garden. 

• All dishes reflect the country-style cuisine of the native region, carefully prepared by culinary chefs who strive to make your trip the ultimate culinary experience. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location - Tipiliuke Lodge Patagonia, Argentina

 

The Tipiliuke Lodge is located in the southwest corner of the Neuquén province in the region of Patagonia, 1000 miles southwest of Buenos Aires. It is located in the lower Chimehuín River valley, a 10 minute drive from the Chapelco airport, and in between two towns; 22 kilometers (or 13.7 miles) from the town of Junín de los Andes and 35 kilometers (or 21.7 miles) from the town of San Martín de Los Andes.

Our guests usually arrive at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires. To get to Tipiliuke, you take a two-hour flight from the downtown airport (Aeroparque, or AEP), to the San Martin de los Andes airport (Chapelco) in the Patagonia region. You will be met by a member of our staff who will assist you and drive you to the lodge (approx. 10 minutes). 

Another alternative is to fly from Aeroparque to the Bariloche (BRC) Airport (a 2-hour flight) located in the Patagonia region, where you will also be met by a lodge representative. This option, however, will involve a 3-hour drive through our scenic Patagonian roads.

 

 

Species - Rainbow & Brown Trout

 

Rainbow Trout

The rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a favorite among fly fisherman because of its beautiful coloration, hence the reason for its name. Wild rainbow trout typically have green olive-colored backs, tails with dark spots, and silvery sides with a pink and crimson shimmer. 

The rainbow trout is a member of the Pacific salmon family, and has been stocked on six continents. It can be found in freshwater streams, rivers and lakes, also in saltwater bays and open ocean as steelhead (the sea-run form of the fish, which returns to freshwater to spawn). Trout prefer cold, well-oxygenated moderately moving creeks and streams with plenty of cover and pools, although they also do well in food-rich backcountry lakes and rivers.

A rainbow's size generally relates to the size of the water they can be found in, as well as the available forage base. Smaller creeks are usually home to smaller fish, while bigger rainbows inhabit bigger watersheds. Generally speaking, a three-year-old rainbow trout in a general trout stream grows to 12 inches but can exceed 20 inches if food is abundant and water temperatures are stable throughout the year.

Brown Trout

Brown trout are originally from Europe and Asia but migratory forms may have allowed them to circum-navigate the globe. Brown trout prefer (60-65 °F, or 15.5-18.3 °C), well-oxygenated waters, especially large streams in mountainous areas. Cover is important for the brown trout. They are most likely found under submerged rocks, undercut banks, and overhanging vegetation.

Browns are medium-size fish, having the ability to grow to more than 9 lbs. Although in most small rivers, mature browns average 2 to 3 pounds. The sea-run variations of Argentina are another story, and consistently push the 20-30 pound envelope—a challenge for flyfishermen seeking the biggest browns on the planet.

Brown trout are active both by day and night and are opportunistic feeders. While in freshwater, diet typically includes invertebrates, small fish, frogs, wayward mice, and insects flying. A brown’s penchant for insect larvae, pupae, nymphs, and adult insects is what makes this trout a flyfishing favorite.

Gallery - Tipiliuke Lodge

 

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Videos - Tipiliuke Lodge Patagonia, Argentina

 

Download Pre-trip packets - Packing list

 

Tipiliuke Lodge - Client Testimonials

 

What a delightful place Tipiliuke was - from start to finish. We were enchanted with the hospitality, adventures, scenery and the people we encountered. Already making plans to our return. ~
Al & Lynn Holland,   Florida

Three words... HEAVEN ON EARTH! Tipiliuke is the most beautiful place I have ever been with the most incredible people I have ever met!!! Thank you for being the most amazing hosts and making sure that we were smiling the entire time! Thank you for the impecable service and everything you did to make our stay perfect! Spectacular food! Thanks for the wonderful ride! You all are the best staff!
Kathleen Ryan, Charlie Seiders, Kay Andrews,   Texas

Tipiliuke is simply an amazing place that exceeded all our expectations. The pastoral setting at the foothills of the Andes, with snow capped volcanoes, sets the mood for a delightful stay where the staff of Tipiliuke has virtually thought of everything possible one might need or want. Fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and shopping in the nearby quaint village of San Martin are just some of the nonstop activities. A stand out is definitely the culinary experience. Tipiliuke's cook of 20 years hand makes daily all the breads, desserts, pastries, and everything else on your plate is uniquely prepared. Definitely one of those special places that demands a return visit.
Roger E. Lambourn,   Dallas, Texas

The hunting and fishing were a unique experience, unlike any I have ever experienced on the planet. Each minute was filled with exhilarating memories of adventures in this amazing place. 
Mr. Mankin,  USA, March 2013