Accomodations: The lodge has four bedrooms, each beautifully appointed. Continent: South America Cost : Call/email for current prices Country: Argentina Dates: December through March. Detail_Image1: detail_villamaria01.jpg Detail_Image2: detail_villamaria02.jpg Detail_Image3: detail_villamaria03.jpg Duration: 7 nights, 6 days of fishing-Shorter Stays Avail Location: Lower Rio Grande River, on the south bank, Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego. Physical : Moderate Provided: All transters (based on party of 2), hotel in Buenos Aires; dinner wines; all fishing services including guiding, transportation, and fishing license where applicable. Species : Sea-run Brown Trout Technical: Some experience needed. Technique : Fly Fishing (Fresh)

Villa Maria Lodge, Tierra del Fuego

With the continued fishing success of the Rio Grande, there has naturally been a demand for additional fishing on the river but, until 1996, there were few comfortable options. Those available usually meant a base in town and long drives or on lesser-caliber sea trout water far upriver. The river changes dramatically along its length, with the upper reaches difficult to fish in all but the highest water years and the lower river quite accessible but difficult to reach. However, as a logical extension to the Kau-Tapen lodge, Fernando and Jorge Carreras have arranged a unique fishing program at the Estancia Jose Menendez, located directly downstream from Kau-Tapen. Although the river is larger, the waters here have fished well in recent seasons, particularly from December to March when usual low-water conditions make the Rio Grande more accessible.

The Fishing The lower Rio Grande is larger than the waters 40 to 50 miles upstream and is also closer to the sea. Fishermen will encounter nickel-bright sea-run browns in the pools here. Access is strictly controlled by the ranch, so beats are assigned and the river is patrolled to ensure adequate water. The Lower Rio Grande will appeal particularly to the confident casters, and those anglers familiar with the two-handed rod should do well. Like the water farther upriver, the Rio Grande here is easy to wade, though deeper in places, and the big sea-run trout respond well to a variety of techniques and fly presentations. Depending on water conditions, sinking lines may be the order of the day or floating lines and even dry flies. Fishing the lower Rio Grande is usually an all-day affair; you’ll leave the ranch each morning, spending the day on the water.

The Accommodations The lodge has four bedrooms, each beautifully appointed. It also features a cozy dining and living area. The house will accommodate only four anglers per week and is available on a limited basis, due to high demand by repeat parties.

How To Get There By air from Buenos Aires to Rio Grande (4 hours approx.) Serviced by Aerolineas Argentinas or LAPA.

Length of Stay The standard package at Villa Maria is 7 nights with 6 days of fishing and includes one overnight in Buenos Aires and transfers en route.