Kau Tapen Lodge – Argentina
LODGING
Single and Double Occupancy Guest Rooms
SPECIES
Sea-Run Brown Trout
SEASON
December – April
RECOMMENDED FOR…
Adventure-Seekers, Couples, Solo Anglers, Destination Fly Fisher(wo)men, Experienced Anglers
EQUIPMENT
Fishing Gear Is Not Provided; A Gear & Tackle Shop Is On Site
Experience the ultimate fishing adventure on the majestic Rio Grande, where the thrill of reeling in colossal sea-run Brown Trout awaits!
Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey to one of the most remote and breathtaking places on Earth: Kau Tapen Lodge. With a legacy spanning nearly four decades, this legendary lodge proudly introduced the world to the wonders of Rio Grande fishing, forever etching its name into the angling history books.
Step into a world of unrivaled tranquility and seclusion, where the pursuit of trophy fish and the art of angling reach unparalleled heights. Explore over 20 miles of captivating and challenging fishing, with the Rio Grande and Menendez River at your fingertips. These legendary waters have earned the revered nickname “House of Fishing” in the local Ona language, a testament to their unparalleled abundance.
Indulge in the lap of luxury as you cast your line, as Kau Tapen Lodge caters to your every desire. Immerse yourself in the opulence of five-star accommodations, where comfort and style merge seamlessly. Equip yourself with top-of-the-line gear and embark on a fishing experience that will leave you breathless.
But it’s not just about the fishing; it’s an all-encompassing adventure that caters to your every need. Delight in the artistry of fine dining, where gourmet meals tantalize your taste buds after a day of reeling in extraordinary catches. Prepare to be dazzled by the unwavering commitment to customer service that has solidified Kau Tapen Lodge as an icon in the industry.
Every corner of this magnificent lodge reverberates with tales of epic battles fought and won against colossal trout throughout the decades. If only these walls could speak, they would regale you with countless stories of triumph and adventure. So, embark on this once-in-a-lifetime experience and become part of the illustrious legacy of Kau Tapen Lodge, where fishing dreams come true!
Unveil the epitome of luxury and immerse yourself in the lap of opulence at Kau Tapen Lodge, nestled within the enchanting banks of the Rio Grande River in Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina. Here, a world of unrivaled elegance awaits, setting a new standard by which all other lodges are measured.
Step into a realm of refined comfort, where Kau Tapen Lodge becomes your home away from home, year after year. As you cross the threshold, a sense of awe washes over you. This tastefully furnished lodge, standing strong for over 30 years, boasts an air of sophistication that is second to none.
Indulge in pure bliss within the ten single suite rooms, each meticulously designed to provide the ultimate retreat. Privacy and tranquility become your closest companions, while the harmonious fusion of classic and contemporary aesthetics creates an ambiance that exudes timeless charm. Allow yourself to sink into the embrace of king-sized beds or cozy up in rooms furnished with queen beds or two double beds, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
Every corner of the lodge is crafted with impeccable attention to detail. Unwind in the grandeur of the living room, overlooking breathtaking vistas of the Menendez and Rio Grande Valleys, transporting you to a world of natural beauty. Feel the warmth emanating from the roaring fireplace, casting a mesmerizing glow that sets the perfect ambiance for captivating conversations and unforgettable moments.
Immerse yourself in pure relaxation within the full spa, a sanctuary designed to rejuvenate your body and soul. Soak in the soothing waters of the Jacuzzi, surrender to the cleansing heat of the sauna, or experience the revitalizing power of the Finnish steam bath. This haven of tranquility becomes your personal oasis, allowing you to recharge after a day of adventure.
As you prepare for the angling escapades that lie ahead, rest assured that Kau Tapen Lodge caters to your every need. Discover the well-equipped fly table and gear rooms, where every essential is meticulously arranged for your convenience. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice seeking guidance, the lodge’s attentive staff is always at your service, ready to provide expert advice and assistance.
Delight in the convenience of a full fly and tackle gear shop, ensuring that you have access to top-of-the-line equipment and supplies. From rods to flies, clothing to tackle, every item has been carefully curated to meet the demands of even the most discerning anglers. Your journey towards angling excellence begins within these walls, where every detail has been considered to enhance your fishing experience.
Within the realm of Kau Tapen Lodge, gastronomic delights reign supreme. Experience a culinary odyssey that celebrates the finest flavors of Argentina and beyond. The lodge places a strong emphasis on the art of pairing meals, crafting an extraordinary farm-to-table cuisine experience that tantalizes the senses. Each dish is a masterpiece, meticulously prepared using fresh, local ingredients sourced from nearby farms. Be transported by the creativity of Argentine and international chefs, who artfully blend traditional and avant-garde culinary techniques to create a symphony of flavors that reflect the surrounding landscape. Indulge in succulent grass-fed Aberdeen Angus and Hereford steaks, sourced from the fertile Pampas region, where the quality and tenderness of the meat are unparalleled. Complement your meal with a selection of exquisite Argentine Malbec wines, sourced from the esteemed vineyards of the Mendoza region, or explore a curated collection of renowned international wines. From gourmet breakfast options to legendary asados, from superb lunch choices to delectable seafood and divine desserts, every bite is a journey to culinary perfection.
At Kau Tapen Lodge, every aspect of your stay has been meticulously crafted to exceed your expectations. The impeccable service, the elegant accommodations, the gourmet cuisine, and the extraordinary fishing opportunities intertwine seamlessly, creating an experience that transcends ordinary notions of luxury. It’s no wonder that 80% of guests can’t resist the allure, eagerly returning to bask in the splendor of this remarkable lodge.
Allow yourself to be engulfed by the enchanting world of Kau Tapen Lodge, where indulgence meets adventure, and every moment is an exquisite celebration of life. Join us on this remarkable journey and immerse yourself in a symphony of elegance, comfort, and culinary excellence that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Immerse yourself in the heart of the legendary Rio Grande watershed, where angler’s dreams come alive in the best pools of the most inviting river you’ll ever wade! Picture a gravel-bottomed paradise with a gentle, even flow, making it a breeze to navigate. The pools and riffles unveil themselves effortlessly, beckoning you to explore each beat. The fish seem within arm’s reach, lazily holding onto current lines or seeking refuge against the inviting cut banks, all within your casting range. And here’s a secret: the notorious Argentine wind actually works in your favor on this river! Glide your flies over resting lies with the grace of a skilled skater, or entice sea-run brown trout near the tantalizing cut banks. Brace yourself for an angling experience that surpasses your wildest imagination.
The story of this remarkable fishery is nothing short of profound. In just a decade, through meticulous access control and catch-and-release regulations, the average catch rates have soared from less than a fish a day in the early 80s to the exhilarating realm of multiple fish per person per day. While trout numbers may fluctuate with the ebb and flow of ocean variables, tides, and other environmental factors, this hallowed ground remains the pinnacle of productivity for sea-run brown trout fishing on a global scale.
Prepare to be guided by a harmonious blend of the world’s finest fishing experts, combining local wisdom with world-class techniques. This fusion of expertise has birthed an experience unparalleled in the pursuit of sea-run brown trout, resulting in an astonishing five world records set at Kau Tapen Lodge! Brace yourself for an immersive journey of learning and skill refinement as you engage in epic battles with browns weighing up to an astonishing 27-35 pounds, with awe-inspiring 20+ pounders caught on a weekly basis! A plethora of pristine waters awaits, with this lodge granting you access to the most pools per angler per day.
While some may opt for sinking lines to explore the depths, the floating lines and floating flies hold their own allure, successfully enticing countless trout. Your days will be filled with exhilarating short walks and wading adventures, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who shares the beat with just one other angler. With four to eight pools per beat, each morning and evening will present a fresh canvas for exploration. Your journey begins with an evening warm-up session upon arrival, where the trout often eagerly welcome your presence, testing your skills with a 7-8 weight single or double-handed rod.
The rhythm of the day is as captivating as the fishing itself. Fishing hours may vary slightly depending on the season, but a typical week unfolds with a post-breakfast departure from the lodge around 9 am, embracing the river until 1 pm. After indulging in a sumptuous lunch and a rejuvenating siesta, you return to the water in the mid-afternoon, fishing until the golden hues of sunset paint the sky. Back at the lodge, a warm welcome awaits, accompanied by your favorite cocktail or beverage of choice, setting the stage for a gourmet dinner that tantalizes the taste buds. Whether you choose to unwind or visit the fly tying room to spin tales of the day’s adventures, you know that tomorrow promises a fresh chapter in this enthralling saga.
Seasons
There are 3 seasons, and each season produces a big run of fresh fish: the end of November (the opening season), the end of January (mid-season), and Mid-March (end-of-season).
Opening Season: December-January
During the opening season, Brown Trout begin making their way into the river system from the sea; Fishing begins to warm up as the medium-sized, colorful trophies (mainly females) enter the river in this early run! Trout actually enter the river in November and distribute all along the midsection, where Kau Tapen is situated. There are abundant numbers during this time and they uniformly distribute in most of the pools. In early January, the river tends to be flowing high, but it’s still very safe to wade and fish. The river drops throughout January and reaches its lowest point during the first two weeks of February. You’ll have lots of water to cover in this early season!
Mid-season: February
Mid-season is prime season! During February, the pools start to flow more slowly, the water gets clearer and warmer, and the big mid season run comes through. This is also the warmest month of the year in Tierra del Fuego. You’ll tend to wade and cast more carefully, using lighter rods and lines, and longer, thinner leaders. You’ll also start using smaller flies, as the fish tend to get more skittish; using heavy line with big profile flies can be counterproductive. At the end of February, seasonal rain begins and with that new water, a larger movement of fish happens from the lower sections of the river. This new water also gets the trout that were settling along Kau Tapen’s stretch to start moving from pool to pool, trying to find better places as new arrivals of fish stir up their locations. This rainfall and increased river flow will continue until the end of the fishing season. Trout become much more aggressive during this time, as they begin fighting over fresh, egg-laden, trophy-sized females arriving from the lower river. The trout are very tide dependent, so paying attention to high tide cycles as well as full moons can prove to be very effective.
End-Of-Season: March-April
April tends to be the month that produces some of the biggest catches. You’ll most likely land the higher than average size fish during this time and the smaller fish don’t typically drive any activity. The water will be colder, due to snowmelt in the Andes and freezing nights, and the seasonal changes won’t drive much fishing activity in the morning or late afternoon. Noon through early afternoon will be the best chances for landing trophies. April can be difficult, because of weather conditions, but if you can fight through the weather, the prize could be a trophy sea run brown trout that you’re sure to remember for a lifetime!
The Rivers
Rio Menendez
Prepare to be astounded by the awe-inspiring Menendez River, a hidden gem that has garnered international acclaim and stands shoulder to shoulder with the legendary Rio Grande. As new roads trace their way alongside this magnificent waterway, the seasoned guides now possess unparalleled accessibility, granting you the privilege of exploring a plethora of pools that were once shrouded in mystery. The Menendez has become an integral part of the beat fishing rotation, solidifying its position as a permanent fixture in Kau Tapen’s angling adventures.
Fishing the Menendez is an absolute delight, a symphony of exhilaration where every encounter with a mighty Trout unfolds in a distinct and captivating manner. Born from the icy embrace of the Andes, this remarkable river flows from the south, imbued with the purity of snowmelt. The shallow depths and intricate river structure bless the Trout with an unparalleled agility, as they dart with lightning speed between the depths of pockets and hidden underwater structures. Engaging in battle with these spirited creatures becomes an experience that transcends the ordinary, offering a glimpse into their unique fighting style and adding an extra layer of excitement to your angling pursuits.
The Menendez reveals its true glory through its remarkable stability, boasting minimal fluctuations in water levels compared to its grandiose sibling, the Rio Grande. It emerges as an exceptional alternative when the Rio Grande becomes temporarily unfishable due to surges in water levels or shifts in color caused by heavy rainfall or snowmelt. Witness firsthand the dramatic impact of these natural phenomena as a surge of magnificent Trout rushes into the welcoming embrace of the Menendez, adding another layer of adventure to your angling odyssey. During the opening season, the Menendez meanders with a gentle flow, presenting you with the perfect playground to commence your angling journey. As the season progresses, the river swells with life, fueled by the rhythmic rainfall, and maintains its heightened state until the finale. It is during the mid to end of the season that the Menendez boasts its most remarkable feat—the capture of record-breaking fish from its enticing pools. The trout seem to favor these hallowed waters, flocking to them in abundance, creating an exhilarating atmosphere of anticipation and a prime opportunity for anglers seeking to conquer trophy-sized challenges. In fact, the last three record-breaking trout caught by our esteemed clients at Kau Tapen were reeled in from the depths of the Menendez during the second half of the season.
Through diligent biological studies conducted in the Rio Grande Basin, facilitated by our lodge, it has been revealed that the sections we bring you to fish serve as the principal spawning grounds for the majestic sea trout of the system. These sacred waters are home to an extraordinary congregation of record-sized males and females, immersing you in a realm teeming with natural wonders. Immerse yourself in the crystalline clarity of the water, as multiple runs of fish grace your presence, offering the perfect balance between the two rivers. Each day presents a multitude of opportunities to engage with a bountiful quantity of fish, while embracing the diversity of captivating spots that unfold before you. The Menendez River promises a symphony of angling experiences, where the pursuit of trophy-sized triumphs intertwines harmoniously with the thrill of reeling in a multitude of trout.
Prepare to be captivated by the untamed beauty of the Menendez, as it weaves its tale of aquatic wonders and unveils a world where angling dreams come true.
Rio Grande
The Rio Grande is a magnificent river that winds its way from the majestic Andes to the vast expanse of the Atlantic, traversing over 60 miles of breathtaking Argentine territory. Step into a world reminiscent of the untamed landscapes of Wyoming or the serene lowlands of Scotland—a land adorned with sweeping vistas of untouched wilderness, sprawling sheep farming estancias, and an abundance of fascinating wildlife. Prepare to encounter graceful herds of llama-like Guanacos, elusive red foxes, regal condors, and a myriad of other captivating creatures that call this rugged terrain their home.
While the Rio Grande may not boast the grandeur of a colossal river, it generously presents you with an array of opportunities to indulge in a multitude of fishing styles and techniques. However, Brown Trout, the coveted denizens of these waters, possess a unique temperament that adds an element of intrigue to the pursuit. These enigmatic creatures spend a significant portion of their lives in the vastness of the ocean, yet retain the mercurial nature of their freshwater counterparts. As an angler, you must master the art of understanding their moods, presenting flies with exquisite precision at the precise moment when they are most receptive. Flexibility is key, as you navigate the ever-changing landscape of techniques, ready to adapt to the whims of these magnificent trout. The arsenal of your angling endeavors will predominantly consist of 7-9 weight rods, boasting lengths of approximately 12-15 feet, ensuring you have the perfect instrument to conquer the challenges that lie ahead.
When venturing into the depths of the Rio Grande, it becomes paramount to experiment with a plethora of presentations in each pool, patiently unlocking the secrets that unlock its hidden treasures. As you delve deeper into this aquatic realm, heed the wisdom of your experienced guide—a guardian of knowledge who will offer invaluable advice, empowering you to entice and triumphantly land more fish. During the middle of the day, Brown Trout often seek solace near the protective embrace of the cut banks, basking in the tranquil beauty of their surroundings. However, in periods of low water, they reveal a penchant for the swifter currents that grace the necks of pools, adding an extra layer of intrigue to your angling pursuits.
Prepare yourself for an extraordinary encounter with the Rio Grande, where the delicate balance between angler and trout creates a symphony of anticipation and triumph. In these hallowed waters, every cast becomes a testament to your skill and adaptability, as you unlock the secrets of a river that has captivated the hearts of anglers for generations.
Sea Run Brown Trout
The story of how Sea Run Brown Trout found their way to the Tierra del Fuego area begins in 1935, when English angler John Goodall first stocked the river. 60,000 eggs were shipped from Puerto Montt, Chile, surviving the long and arduous journey and were planted in the Candelaria and McLennan rivers, both tributaries of the Rio Grande. The fish found their way to the sea, following the nourishment found within the estuaries. These descendants of the original 60,000 now complete annual migratory cycles, spawning during the fall in freshwater, and remaining in the river up to 4 years, before they begin their first ocean migration. Their ocean journey is only about 6 months, before they return to the river, where they have grown to be about 3-6 lbs. Brown trout can spawn up to 6 times and complete about 4 cycles of returning to freshwater, weighing over 20 lbs!
Your trip begins with an international flight to Buenos Aires (1) and then to Rio Grande (2), where a Kau Tapen Lodge shuttle driver will greet you and pick you up (depending on arrival time, it is typical that you may need to get a hotel on the evening you fly in). You’ll then take a 1 hour car ride to the Kau Tapen Lodge (3). The typical day to fly in is Friday, with your first arrival day to the lodge being Saturday. On the day of your arrival at the lodge, you’ll be welcomed with cocktails and a friendly meet n greet by the entire Kau Tapen staff. You’ll enjoy your week stay with exceptional service, lodging, food, and fishing, before departing back to the airport and heading home.
LEGEND
(1) Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza Airport) (EZE)
(2) Hermes Quijada International Airport (RGA)
(3) Kau Tapen Lodge
A comprehensive gear list will be provided upon booking and there is a full fly and gear shop at the lodge, but here are some recommended equipment to keep in mind:
- Passport
- Personal items & toiletries
- Comfortable, warm & weather-proof layers
- 7wt. – 9wt. Spey Rods and Reels (12-15 ft.)
- 7wt. – 9wt. Fly Rods and Reels (12-15 ft.)
- At least 3 different lines for varying water levels and conditions (weight forward line recommended)
- 10 – 15lb Test Leader
- Assorted Flies
TRIP INCLUDES
- 6 Full Days of Guided Fishing
- 7 Nights Single Occupancy in the Lodge (subject to availability)
- Transfer to/from Rio Grande Airport to the lodge
- Chef Prepared Meals
- Wine, beer, and local and international spirits
- Professional Fish Processing (and Flash Freeze)
- Loaner fishing equipment (Rods, reels & lines)
DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Travel to Rio Grande Airport
- Fishing Licenses
- Laundry service
- Day room (if needed) at Río Grande hotel on arrival date
- Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
Rates are based on 7 nights and 6 days guided fishing and includes a private, single room (subject to availability).
2024 Rates:
- Dec. 30-Jan. 13 – $11,950
- Jan. 13-Mar. 16 – $13,950
- Mar. 16-Apr 6 – $11,950
Fishing licenses will be an additional $550 per person. Any non-angler may accompany an angler for rates of $650 per night per person.
ADVENTURE AWAITS
If you’re interested in talking to a consultant or booking this adventure, please complete this form.