More Pics Accommodations: 4 dbl. occ. rooms with private bath Cost: $5000/person dbl. occ Dates: January - mid April Duration: 7 nights/ 6 days fishing Location: Tierra del Fuego, Argentina Phone Number: 1-800-410-1222 (ask for Gary) Species: Brown trout

Estancia Despedida - Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

Most fish grab a streamer or nymph on the swing, and your first notion is you’ve hooked a snag. But there are damn few snags in the Rio Grande. It’s about this time when the three-foot long “snag” starts violently shaking its head, and its time to plant your feet and get ready for a fight.

The Fishing:

This impressive fishing ranch is separated upriver from the world famous Kau Tapan by the Rio Menendez (the only significant spawning tributary of the Rio Grande) and on the downstream side is flanked by the granddaddy of all Tierra del Fuego land holdings, Estancia Jose Menendez. Despedida Lodge prides itself on access to many of the finest pools on the Rio Grande.

Though most of the Rio Grande is on the Chilean side of the border, nearly 80% of the prime spawning habitat and all of the Rio Grande’s best fishing is on the Argentina portion of the island, much of it in the first 45 miles above where the river enters the sea. The estancia alternates daily the use of more than 50 kilometers (102 pools) with the three lodges on the opposite side of the Rio Grande in a friendly and well-organized rotation that insures a quality, private fly fishing experience for everyone.

The big sea-run brown trout start to return to the pools of the Rio Grande in significant numbers around Thanksgiving. Less than a month later the river is loaded with fish and it is estimated that by the first day of each New Year, nearly 80% of the escapement has reached their annual family reunion.

Early season fish are very aggressive, full of fight, and acrobatic. They move readily to dries, and three of the largest sea trout ever recorded were caught and released in January. The most productive weeks of the season shifts each year and can’t be consistently targeted on the calendar.

The Accommodations:

Despedida Lodge accommodates only a half dozen fly fishermen each week during the 14 week long season. The lodge features four tastefully decorated and spacious guest rooms each with two double beds, nights stands, dressers and a full closet. Each guestroom has its own private and full bathroom complete with sink and vanity, shower and toilet.

The great room at Despedida Lodge offers panoramic views of the countryside and is the gathering spot for cocktails and hors'dourves after a full day of fishing. The dinning room sits right off the great room as does the bar and “Wall of Fame” where if you land a sea-trout over 20 pounds you will get your framed picture put up.

Meals at Despedida Lodge center around two fishing secessions per day fishing schedule. Usually anglers are up at 7:00 a.m. and fresh coffee and hot tea is available. In the dining room a sideboard is topped with fresh fruit, hand-squeezed juices, yogurt, cereals, toast and pastries. For those that prefer a more traditional American breakfast, cook to order eggs, omelets, potatoes, bacon and ham are available from the kitchen. As is typical in South America the midday meal is grand, a full sit down meal with great wines, delicious desserts and good strong coffee. Dinners are served later than what most are accustomed to in order to accommodate the late evening fishing secession typical on the Rio Grande. Dinners are usually lighter than the midday meal and a perfect night-cap before heading off to bed and starting all over again the next morning.

Rates:

2010 Season: