Meet Your Host: Brian Oakland

Brian is the owner here at Got Fishing, and he’s excited to visit Argentina Waters for the first time. He’s looking forward to connecting with anglers and fishing a multitude of different waters!

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Combine the finest fly fishing with a bucket list destination, Patagonia, and add in incredible food and hospitality – the result? Paradise on Earth!

This exceptional experience invites you to explore a vast array of rivers, lakes, creeks, and streams within Los Alerces National Park, Trevelin, and Equel regions, where Rainbows, Browns, and Brook Trout await. The Argentina Waters program is designed to be fully customizable, tailored to your specific preferences.

The Argentina Waters lodge and program were established by Laura and Gonzalo more than two decades ago. Their vision was driven by a passion for serving others through culinary excellence, fly fishing, environmental stewardship, and a profound love for the outdoors. After traveling from France to Patagonia and thoroughly exploring the region, they discovered their perfect spot – a 26-hectare haven right on the border of Los Alerces National Park. This location makes their lodge the only one with such close proximity to the park and its surrounding waters. Alongside their professional team of fly fishing guides, assistants, chefs, and housekeepers, Laura and Gonzalo are dedicated to delivering an unforgettable fly fishing experience of a lifetime.

The pristine waters of Patagonia, teeming with diverse trout, the majestic snow-capped Andes, and untouched landscapes will leave you yearning for more adventures with Argentina Waters. Picture yourself fly fishing along the banks of the Andes during magical hours or catching the largest brown trout in the area on the beautiful Laguna Larga, the lake surrounding the lodge. Alternatively, explore the vast regions of Rivadavia, Arrayanes, Futaleufu, Lago Verde, Kruger, Frey, as well as the national park and its surrounding waters.

Even if you’re not an angler, Argentina Waters has plenty to offer. Embark on horseback riding, kayaking, rafting, guided trekkings, glacier tours, birdwatching, bicycling, cooking classes, cultural tours, national park excursions, or indulge in an all-day BBQ/Gaucho horseback riding adventure! Every activity can be customized to match your desires – just let them know your preferences.

Argentina Waters promises an unparalleled fusion of nature, adventure, and hospitality that will undoubtedly leave you wanting to return time and time again.

When you choose to stay at Argentina Waters, you have two lodging options, each offering a unique experience. Depending on the timing of your fly fishing trip, you can spend half of the week at the main lodge, Le Fario, and the other half at “Brookie Land,” a secluded area perfect for targeting 20-22″ Brook Trout, with the possibility of even larger 26-28″ specimens!

Le Fario Lodge, constructed in 2016, provides an intimate and boutique environment. Here, you can expect a comfortable and visually pleasing atmosphere, world-class cuisine, and exceptional service from the proud and hands-on owners and staff. The lodge’s friendly ambiance has won the hearts of countless anglers, who return year after year not only for the exceptional location and fishing opportunities but also for the close relationships the owners have cultivated with their guests, creating a true home away from home. You will always be treated with the same care and attention that the service-oriented owners and staff themselves desire. This lodge is not merely a workplace; it is a way of life!

Situated within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Los Alerces National Park, Le Fario Lodge can accommodate a maximum of 8 people (double occupancy). The close-knit and intimate setting provides numerous advantages for both the owners and guests. Keeping the lodge small allows for a truly personalized experience, featuring four spacious bedrooms, each equipped with a king-sized bed and a luxurious en suite bathroom with a view of the lake and Andes mountains. The grand living room, centered around a wood fireplace and adorned with expansive windows, offers elegance and comfort, along with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. After a long day on the water, you can unwind by changing in the wooden wader room and indulging in the nearby sauna, relax with a drink in the grand communal space, or soak in the outdoor jacuzzi while marveling at the awe-inspiring scenery.

Food is a major highlight of the Argentina Waters experience, showcasing the rich culture of Argentine cuisine. The lodge’s chefs are highly skilled in both traditional Argentine dishes and international culinary techniques. Each meal is meticulously prepared using fresh, local ingredients, with many sourced from the lodge’s own garden. Every detail is carefully considered, even your midday lunch, which is gourmet and extraordinary, providing nourishment and energy to sustain you through the rest of your fishing adventure. On the water, you won’t settle for a simple sandwich; instead, you’ll enjoy a delightful table setting, accompanied by wine, tantalizing entrees, and perfectly paired desserts. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the lodge’s emphasis on a top selection of Argentine wines, all stored in a well-equipped wine cave. At the end of each day on the water, upon your return to the lodge, you’ll be greeted with world-class appetizers and beverages. Take a moment to relax, share fish stories, or perhaps venture outside for one last encounter with a Brown Trout before dinner.

Le Fario Lodge serves as the heart of the program, nestled on the banks of Laguna Larga. Gonzalo, your go-to fly fishing guide, possesses exceptional knowledge of the area, while Laura manages the lodge and oversees corporate affairs. Both are skilled chefs and masters at creating a welcoming environment where you’ll feel right at home.

Prepare yourself for an experience that encompasses high-quality cuisine, exquisite wine, exceptional service, and luxurious lodging. Le Fario Lodge is the epitome of excellence in every aspect.

Immerse yourself in the vast, untouched, and pristine waters of the national park and its surrounding areas, where you can take your time and enjoy the thrill of fishing for fat, long Brookies, Browns, and Rainbows. The nearby Lage Vinter and Corcovado River offer abundant runs of Brook Trout, accompanied by Rainbows, presenting an incredible opportunity for a grand slam!

As evening approaches, a hatch occurs, luring the fish to the surface, eagerly awaiting your presence. If your goal is to pursue strong and healthy Brook Trout, this program is tailor-made for you. The Gin waters surrounding the awe-inspiring Patagonian scenery provide abundant opportunities to fish from two different lodges, located in two distinct areas, all within an epic week of fly fishing. It’s important to note that this region exclusively features wild trout; there are no stocked fish to be found. With four guides per group of anglers (maximum eight anglers, with a guiding ratio of 1:2), you can expect a hands-on and intimate experience. If you desire a one-on-one fishing experience, this can be arranged upon request.

The fishing program is flexible and can be adjusted daily to accommodate fishing conditions, weather, and your personal preferences. Typically, your fishing journey will commence at 8 am and conclude at 8 pm, varying slightly depending on the month. Daylight duration undergoes significant changes throughout the six-month fishing season, resulting in different programs and itineraries tailored to your interests.

All the guides possess authorization from the Chubut province and the National Parks, and they possess extensive knowledge of the local waters. Their ultimate goal is to ensure your fly fishing experience in Patagonia is nothing short of unforgettable! Each guide is equipped with professional fishing tackle, rafts, oars, and all the necessary equipment for the fishing journey.

Although the schedule generally runs from 8 am to 8 pm, the actual fishing day typically spans around 10 hours. The guides adapt to your schedule, allowing for a leisurely or more advanced pace, and they can accommodate shorter or longer fishing sessions, depending on your preferences and how you feel on any given day.

Season 

The entire season runs from November to May, with the first months being mostly done with dry flies and the second half of the season being primarily done with hopper dropper nymphs and streamers. A so-called magic hour occurs at the banks of Le Fario Lodge from late January to the end of the season, which is the best place in the mountains and a fantastic time to catch Brown Trout up to 24” long!

In January through February, dry flies, Parachute Adams, Hoppers, and Hopper Droppers all perform well. A bonus to December and January also brings a unique opportunity to spend the holidays with Argentina Water’s family and friend program.

Your trip begins with an international flight into Buenos Aires, Argentina (1), followed by another 2 hour direct flight to Esquel (2) (flights daily except Tuesday). From Esquel, a lodge representative will greet and drive you on a 1 hour ride to Argentina Waters – Le Fario Lodge (3). Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the staff and lodge owners, with an appetizer while you settle into your room before dinner and drinks. 

After your stay, you’ll spend half of your last day fishing, before you’re shuttled back to the Esquel Airport. We suggest staying in a hotel in Buenos Aires on your flight back, but you may be able to fly back to the states same night.

LEGEND

(1) Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza Airport) (EZE)

(2) Aeropuerto de Esquel (EQS)

(3) Argentina Waters – Le Fario Lodge


Weather in Argentina can be unpredictable and we recommend thoughtfully packing a layering system. A comprehensive gear list will be provided upon booking, but we suggest your bring:

  • Passport
  • Layers for under waders
  • Waders
  • Wading boots
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Gore-tex rain jacket
  • Sunscreen
  • #4 or #5 rods for non windy days
  • #6 or #7 rods for windy days
  • Sinking, shooting head, and floating lines
  • 3x, 4x, 5x, 9-12 ft. long leaders 
  • 0x, 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, 6x tippets
  • Strike indicator 
  • Flies
    • Streamers, size 4-6-8 and 10: Zonkers, Wooly buggers, Matukas and Marabou muddlers (in white, brown, black, green, olive, red and yellow)
    • Nymphs: Prince, Pheasant tail, Hare Ear, Damsell Nymphs and Dragonfly and Attactors in size 10 to 16, Caddis Pupa, and a variety of Midges in # 20 and # 22
    • Dries: Caddis Adults, Addams, Humphyrs, Wullf (in similar sizes than nymphs), Hoppers, Dragons, Damsels, Beetle, and Ants.

TRIP INCLUDES

  • Fishing license
  • All lodging
  • Beer and wine
  • Full time guide and coordinator 
  • Transportation to/from Esquel airport and lodge
  • Lended equipment: Waders, boots, rods, and reels
  • Highly experienced and friendly guides
  • All the area fishery options from a strategic location (rivers, spring creeks, and lakes) 
  • Carefully curated cuisine
  • Hospitality and personalized service

DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • Lines, leaders, tippets, and flies (available for purchase)
  • International and Local Flights
  • Hotel (if staying in Buenos Aires)
  • Laundry
  • Suggested Gratuity for guides and staff ($100 per guide per day and about $30 per day for lodge staff)

Rate is based on 7 nights and 6.5 days guided fishing and double occupancy.

$6,850 per angler

For single occupancy pricing, please contact our team.

THIS TRIP IS FULL.

If you’re interested in talking to a consultant, please contact our team at info@gotfishing.com