Meet Your Hosts
Join Tess Weigand, a founding member of the U.S. Women’s Fly Fishing Team, and Steve Haigh of The Destination Angler Podcast for an exclusive, first-of-its-kind hosted adventure at Patagonia’s newest fly-fishing destination: Estancia Chochoy Mallin, January 17–24, 2026.
LODGING
5 Double Rooms, 1 Single Room
SPECIES
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
DATES
January 17 – 24, 2026
RECOMMENDED FOR…
Adventure-seekers, Couples, Families, Groups
EQUIPMENT
Some Loaner Gear Provided, But Plan To Bring Your Own
Be among the first to experience Patagonia’s newest fly-fishing frontier, Estancia Chochoy Mallin, on a hosted adventure with Tess Weigand and Steve Haigh, January 17–24, 2026. Tess, a standout angler on the U.S. Women’s Fly Fishing Team, and Steve, host of the popular Destination Angler Podcast, are teaming up to lead a small group of six anglers on an exclusive week of exploration, connection, and world-class fishing. This is your chance to fish alongside two passionate, highly skilled, and inspiring hosts while discovering wild trout waters of Chochoy Mallin – before the rest of the world does!
January 16
January 17
Fly to Nequén (NQN) airport in the morning; lodge shuttle will pickup guests.
Scenic transfer (approx. 6 hours by van or 4×4).
Welcome reception at the lodge with local wines and a traditional Patagonian dinner.
January 18 – January 23
Early breakfast at the lodge.
Depart with your guide to one of the estancia’s three private rivers, nearby spring creeks, or freestone streams.
Full day of guided fishing, typically wade fishing with a streamside picnic lunch.
Return to the lodge for an evening aperitif, farm-to-table dinner, and fireside relaxation.
Schedule is flexible and tailored to conditions and guest preferences.
January 24
Breakfast at the lodge.
Transfer back to the airport for onward travel to Buenos Aires.
The lodge at Estancia Chochoy Mallín is a destination in itself: a beautifully designed retreat that blends rustic Patagonian character with modern comfort. Built with impeccable taste, it features elegant décor, top-quality furnishings and materials, spacious guest rooms with en suite bathrooms, and central heating to ensure comfort throughout the season. After a day on the water, the inviting bar naturally becomes the gathering place, where stories from the river are shared over handcrafted cocktails or a glass of Malbec.
Dining is an experience to remember. The estancia is a working ranch with more than 1,000 cows, and the menu highlights this connection to the land. Guests enjoy grass-fed beef, lamb, and goat raised on the property, paired with fresh vegetables from the garden. Meals are prepared by a talented chef from the province of Chaco (a well-regarded culinary figure in Argentina) whose dishes transform every meal into a highlight of the day.
To complement the cuisine, an exceptional wine program awaits. The cellar features selections from the Creide/Mabellini family winery as well as carefully chosen boutique producers from across Argentina. Guests can look forward to variety at every meal, guided tastings, and the opportunity to sample both established labels and hidden gems from Argentina’s renowned wine regions.
What truly sets the lodge apart, however, is its warm, family-run atmosphere. Operated by the Creide family, who have lived on and cared for this land for generations, Estancia Chochoy Mallín embodies authentic Patagonian hospitality. It’s a place where guests instantly feel welcome.
The fishing at Estancia Chochoy Mallín is as diverse as it is rewarding. With three private rivers flowing through the property and additional streams and freestones nearby, anglers enjoy exclusive access to waters that see very little pressure, meaning healthy populations of wild trout and endless opportunities to explore!
Ñireco Spring Creek
An absolute jewel, this technical spring creek winds for more than 10 km through the estancia before meeting the Reñi Leuvú. Crystal-clear water, sight-fishing opportunities, and abundant insect life make it a true highlight. This creek alone is worth the trip!
A versatile, larger river that lends itself well to both float and wade fishing. Its mix of riffles, runs, and pools provides a variety of water types for different styles and conditions.
Comparable to the famed Malleo River, but without the crowds. Thanks to new entry points, riverfront access, and permissions from neighboring properties, guests now enjoy over 20 km of fishable water. Widely regarded as one of the finest fisheries in Northern Patagonia, the Reñi Leuvú offers both numbers and size.
A small, private-access stream that produces both brown and rainbow trout. Known as a “trophy fishery” by local standards, this intimate river rewards patience and precision.
The largest in the area, reminiscent of the Aluminé. With its broader flows, this river is ideal for floating and provides yet another layer of variety to the fishing program.
Across these waters, anglers can expect a “numbers fishery” with opportunities for 20+ trout per day. Average fish run 14–18 inches, with many in the 18–24-inch class and the chance for even larger specimens. Wild rainbow, brown, and brook trout all thrive here, and fishing is primarily done by wading, with float trips offered on the larger rivers. The variety here ensures every day feels like a new adventure!
Getting to Estancia Chochoy Mallín is part of the adventure. First, guests will fly into the international airport in Buenos Aires (1), after which they’ll transfer to the domestic airport (2).
The lodge is located in Northern Patagonia’s Neuquén Province, a region known for its rugged beauty and remote charm. Guests will fly into Neuquén (NQN)(3), where they will be greeted for a scenic transfer of about six hours by comfortable van or 4×4, depending on group size. Along the way, travelers are treated to sweeping views of the Andes and wide-open Patagonian landscapes – a fitting preview of the fishing that awaits!
Daily commercial flights from Buenos Aires to Neuquén take just two hours, making connections straightforward for both domestic and international guests. The estancia (4) is also located just 25 kilometers from the Chilean border at Pichachén, giving it a unique position close to both countries. Once on site, guests can relax knowing that every detail of their stay is carefully organized.
LEGEND
(1) Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza Airport) (EZE)
(2) Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery Domestic Airport (AEP)
(3) Neuquén Airport (NQN)
(4) Estancia Chochoy Mallín
A comprehensive gear list will be provided upon booking, but the list below should give you a good idea of what gear will be needed for this adventure.
Rods & Reels
5–6 wt rods for most rivers.
3–4 wt rods for spring creeks and technical fishing.
Reels with smooth drags and spare spools.
Lines & Leaders
Floating lines (primary setup).
Sink-tip or intermediate lines optional for streamers.
Leaders: 9–12 ft, 3X–6X depending on conditions.
Ample tippet material (fluorocarbon and nylon).
Flies
Dry Flies: Parachute Adams/Olive #16–20; Elk Hair Caddis #14–18; Stimulator #12–14; CDC Baetis #18–20; X-Caddis #16–18.
Attractors: Parachute Madam X #14–16; Foam Beetle #12–14; Hopper foam #8–12; Beetle foam #12–14; Inchworm #10–14.
Nymphs: Pheasant Tail #14–20; Baetis olive #16–20; Caddis Pupa #14–16; Perdigones #16–20.
Streamers: Woolly Bugger olive/black #6–8; Sculpin-style #4–6.
Clothing & Gear
Breathable waders and sturdy wading boots (felt or rubber with studs).
Layered clothing for variable weather (temperatures range 45–85°F).
Rain jacket/windbreaker.
Sun protection: hat, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, buffs.
Fingerless gloves (optional for sun or wind).
Other Essentials
Daypack or chest pack.
Water bottle.
Personal medications and toiletries.
Lodge provides flies, tippets, caps, and shirts for purchase; loaner tackle is available if needed.
$5,950 per person
If you’re interested in talking to a consultant or booking this adventure, please complete this form.
