Kau Tapen Lodge – Argentina

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!