Villa Maria Lodge

THE FISHING

Guests will leave the lodge around 9 AM after breakfast each day, fishing until around 1 PM. Following lunch and the traditional siesta (the hours of which will depend on the season), guests return to the river between 5 and 6 PM and fish through until dusk. The first brown trout were stocked in Tierra del Fuego by John Goodall back in 1935. Shipped from Puerto Monte in Chile, 60,000 “Salmo Trutta” eggs survived the arduous journey, to be planted on the Candelaria and McLennan Rivers, both tributaries of the Rio Grande. These fish eventually found their way to the sea, possibly attracted by the rich nourishment of the estuary. These sea-run brown trout now complete the yearly migratory cycle of all salmonids, spawning during the summer months in freshwater.

Salmo Trutta remain in the river for a period of time which ranges between 1 and 4 years, until their first migration to the sea, where they feed and grow for about 6 months before their first return to freshwater, weighing approximately 6 lbs. Researchers have found trout which had spawned more than 6 times. A trout which has completed 4 cycles of returning to freshwater can weigh over 20 lbs. The frequency with which they return to freshwater is also an indicator that the fish face very few threats. This provides a very clear example of the benefits of Catch and Release. Guides are equipped with nets, and will assist guests in weighing and releasing fish without damaging them.

Beats are within 25 minute’s drive of the Lodge, in most weather conditions. Villa Maria probably has the freshest fish of the three sister lodges, especially in December and January. It is the most comparable to the big Scottish rivers, and thus best fished with double-handed rod, as the pools are very wide. There is also easy access to alternative rivers such as the Ewan (for Browns and Brooks).

BOATS AND EQUIPMENT

Since the fishing is all from the bank or wading, the only equipment in question is the small fleet of all-terrain vehicles that drive to more remote fishing sites.

GETTING THERE

To get to the Villa Maria Lodge, you will need to make reservations to and from Rio Grande, Argentina, via Buenos Aires. The flight will take 3 hours. You will likely need to overnight in Buenos Aires before departing on a morning flight to Rio Grande. A lodge representative will meet you at the Rio Grande airport and transport you to the lodge in a four wheel drive vehicle. The transfer from Rio Grande airport to the lodge by four wheel drive takes 1 1/2 hours. On arrival at the lodge, guests are welcomed with cocktails and the entire Villa Maria staff. The lodge is located in a renovated farm house within the working Estancia Jose Menendez. The Main house is situated a short drive from the river.

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 29 to January 5   $11,950 USD

January 5 to March 8   $13,950 USD

March 8 to April 5  $11,950 USD

Prices are based on single room with shared guide