Kau Tapen
THE FISHING
Unlike some anadromous fish, sea-run Brown Trout tend to ascend the river in small schools, not in one or two large defined runs, so the fishing is productive throughout the season. In recent years, early weeks have typically produced 175 or so trout for 6 rods; on the high side, 400-600 to 8 or 12 rods, however, it should be noted that like steelhead or Atlantic salmon, these are anadromous fish, cycles of weather and conditions at sea still strongly affect fishing productivity. Several days of hard rain could make the river unfishable, but it can heal itself very quickly, often overnight.
At Kau Tapen, it’s all about fishing for sea-run trout. Sea-run Brown Trout populate these 16 km of the Rio Grande, averaging 12 pounds in size, running up to 30+ pounds. The Lodge has private access to both banks of the Rio Grande. The rivers also offer easy wading on a fine gravel bottom. The fishing day usually lasts 9 hours. Lunch is taken at the Lodge and is followed, during the early season, by a siesta. The afternoon session starts later during the months of December and January, to capitalize on the magical fishing hours around dusk. Kau Tapen is strictly a ‘catch and release’ fishery. Guides are equipped with nets, and will assist guests in weighing and releasing fish without damaging them. There are first-class professional international and Argentine guides. All of the guides are able to give casting lessons with single and double-handed rods (Spey casting). For non-anglers, there is unparalleled bird watching and rich wildlife (flamingos, emu, foxes, and the llama-like guanacos).
BOATS AND EQUIPMENT
Comfortable 4-wheel drive trucks fitted with rod racks and VHF radios. Fly fishing only
GETTING THERE
Guests will fly to Buenos Aires on Friday and typically stay overnight there, relaxing and enjoying the day touring the city and its nightlife. Arrival day at Kau Tapen is set to Saturdays, so the following morning guests depart Buenos Aires for the flight south. Commercial airlines fly from Buenos Aires to the airport of Rio Grande (3 hour flight), where all guests will be met by a lodge representative. The transfer from Rio Grande airport to the lodge by four wheel drive vehicle takes 1 1/2 hours. On arrival at the lodge, guests are welcomed with cocktails and the entire Kau Tapen staff.
Slipstream is a full service travel company that can handle a variety of services relating to your trip. For assistance, please contact us directly at 1 866 644-7703.
RATES FOR 2024
December 30 to January 13 $11,950 USD
January 13 to March 16 $13,950 USD
March 16 to April 6 $11,950 USD
Prices are based on single room with shared guide
- EZE - Argentina
- November to April
- Rainbow and Brown Trout
- 12 anglers per week guests
- Wifi: Yes
- Language: English/Spanish
- Physicality: Low
- CC Payment at Facility : Yes
From our gallery
Kau Tapen
Tour Location
LOCATION
PRIMARY SPECIES
SEASON OF OPERATION
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE LOGISTICS
ACCOMMODATIONS
First opened in 1985, Kau Tapen has been improved each and every year by the De Las Carreras family who enjoy a loyal, even fanatical, clientele. Near the top of the list of the world’s best fishing lodges, Kau Tapen’s central Chalet boasts eight spacious guest rooms in addition to convivial living and bar areas, it’s here that guests will find an elegant refuge from the conditions out of doors. This award-winning lodge offers amenities such as massages, spa, sauna, steam room and drying rooms for wet gear. The acclaimed chef and house staff are experienced and anxious to serve. Fine Argentine wines are chosen as a complement to each meal and the menus will delight even the most discriminating palate.
Guests enjoy the exclusivity of an attractive wood-paneled lodge that is warm and beautifully appointed. Located within minutes of the best pools on the Rio Grande, Kau-Tapen offers eight comfortable bedrooms, each with private bathroom and is limited to twelve anglers per week. During “off” hours and between fishing sessions, guests congregate in the attractive living area where stories are told, cocktails are served and the productive flies of the day are discussed in comfort near a central fireplace. The dining schedule revolves around the most productive fishing hours and fine meals are served, exemplifying the hospitality of gracious Argentine hosts.
Kau Tapen Lodge was designed to offer anglers maximum comfort during their fishing trip. The lodge accommodates up to 12 guests (9 bedrooms with private baths) and includes a dining room, sitting room, bar, wading room and fly-tying table. There is a spa complete with sauna, Finnish shower, and relaxation and massage areas. Internet access and telephones are available. You’ll enjoy gourmet dining with Argentina’s famed beef and fine wines with traditional asado (BBQ) and desserts. There is a maid service as well as a laundry facility; you can also find a fly- shop fully equipped with flies, rods, reels, lines, and suitable sport clothing, and Argentine crafts.
DESTINATION CAPACITY
Kau Tapen
Kau Tapen
INCLUDED IN PRICE
- All accommodation [shared],
- All meals dinner wines and local spirits
- Two-way transfer Rio Grande to Lodge
- Shared guide
- Transport to fishing sites
- Maid service
NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE
- International Airfare
- Buenos Aires Hotels
- Buenos Aires transfers
- Laundry service
- Personal equipment
- Gratuities to guides and staff
- Fishing License
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
American, Canadian, British, EU and Australian guests will need a valid passport and return plane ticket to enter Argentina. Visas for these nationalities are not required.