Trout Fishing in Esquel Area
Patagonia Southern Lake District
Price:$2,500* 6 nights / 5 full days of fishing *Custom itineraries are available. Call for group promotional pricing Promotional pricing available. Call for current pricing. Terms & Conditions apply. Trips available from November through April. | Included: All airports assistance - transfer from/to regional airport to lodge - lodging accomidation, in double rooms, meals and drinks - fishing guides - fishing permit
Not included:
Airfare - trip insurance - gratuities - telephone calls |
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PATAGONIA GENERAL INFORMATION
Patagonia is one of the most extensive unspoiled areas on the earth. Its large glacier lakes and rivers with rapids of cold, clear waters are fed by the heavy snowfalls of the Andes. These waters provide rich fishing grounds for rainbow, brown and brook trout and salmon amid scenery of spectacular beauty. Most of these fishing locations are within national parks, and their headwaters are in the heights of the imposing Patagonian Andes with their volcanoes, deep valleys and glaciers. The cold, clear waters of rivers, creeks, rapids and lakes are most suitable for fly fishing, spinning and trolling. Patagonia offers fishing enthusiasts the privacy of a preserved environment and the hospitality of Argentines turns a visit to this beautiful region of Argentina into an unforgettable experience.
ESQUEL
The gateway to this area with a population of 30.000 inhabitants is a small town nested in a lush alpine valley. It sits at the "Pre-cordillera" on the transitional zone of the arid "Estepa Patagonica" and the densely wooded sub-Antarctic clime contrasting the curious landscapes of the arid flatlands and snow-capped peaks.
LOS ALERCES NATIONAL PARK
Is located 29 miles south-west from Esquel. Its 650.00 acres hold some of the finest fishing waters in Patagonia. The park was created in 1937 to preserve a unique ecosystem with rare botanical species like the ancient tree " Alerce" (Fitzroya cupressoides). Some of these magnificent species can be over 1.000 years old and reach a height of 150 feet. These larger trees could have trunk diameter of 19 feet or more. These trees are located in remote areas but are still accessible by boat excursions.
The " Los Alerces " National Park is a world of crystal clear lakes and rivers, surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers. This sometimes harsh but beautiful environment offers excellent hiking, trekking, rafting and fishing. The region boasts a watershed of 10 large lakes and hundreds of rivers. These bodies of water carry the melting snow and rain east to the Pacific Ocean.
Some of the most notable lakes are Lago Rivadavia, Lago Verde, Lago Menendez, Lago Futalaufquen and Lago Kruger. The most prominent rivers are Rivadavia, Arrayanes, Menendez, Frey, Desaguadero and Carreleufu. The Rio Carreleufu drains from Lago Cholila and flows into the northern tip of Lago Rivadavia. This Lake then is drained by the Rio Rivadavia into tiny Lago Verde. The outlet of this lake is the Rio Arrayanes that flows into Lago Futalaufquen. A short water way called “Estrecho de los Monstruos " connects it to Lago Kruger. Finally Rio Frey connects Lago Kruger with a hydroelectric reservoir called " Amutui Quimei ". All rivers are characterized by natural forested banks and cold clean water, each a shaded corridor through breathtaking alpine scenery. Waders are essential to fish in these mountain rivers. Dry fly, steamer and nymph fishing are possible for " Rainbow ", " Brown, Brooks ", and " Landlocked Salmon ". Regulations in the National Park permit all fishing modalities and "catch and release " in most rivers.
KRUGER LAKE LODGE
Our lodge is situated inside Los Alerces National Park over the Kruger Lake. Since it is only accessible by crossing the Futalaufquen Lake and into the Kruger the remoteness makes for an exclusive fishing experience. The lodge is yards from the Frey River born of the Kruger Lake. The Stange River, close by and a tributary of the Kruger receives its waters from 3 lakes high in the Andes formed by melting glaciers. You will fish some of the other rivers inside the park like the famed Rio Rivadavia a six mile river full of wild Rainbows and Browns. You will also fish Rio Arrayanes and more...
Our lodge is limited to 6 to 8 anglers in double occupancy rooms with private bath. Esteban is our head guide and second generation of fishing guides born in this area with decades of experience of fly-fishing and guiding near their home. All our guides are certified by the National Park Service of Argentina.
In essence this is a perfect region in Patagonia for serious trout fishing due to the amount of geographical fishing areas. With excellent food and lodging catered by its owners Patagonia does not get better than this!
RIO PICO RIO CORCOVADO AREA:
Within three hour drive south of Esquel, several lakes and Rio Pico and Corcovado are the main course of a network of waterways. Five close together lakes are situated on a plateau and give an excellent habitat for wild rainbows and browns. You can land 5 to 10 pound with dries, nymphs and streamers.
This fishing area is for the angler who wishes to get away from the popular fishing areas of Patagonia. Your lodging is in very comfortable cabins on the shore of one of the lakes. The remoteness of the area combined with the excellent food will give you an experience to treasure for a long time.
Duration of stay: There is no set arrival or departure dates but 2 days / 3 nights is the minimum recommendable.
How to get there: Our package includes round trip airfare from Buenos Aires to Esquel and auto to Punta Mattos on the Futalaufquen Lake and boat to Kruger. Since the flight to Esquel does not operate everyday we coordinate your arrival date. According to your length of stay it may be possible to fly out of Esquel or an alternative drive to Bariloche though the Andes to catch the daily flight to Buenos.
FISHING CONDITIONS TROUGHOUT THE SEASON
Esquel , Los Alerces National Park and Rio Pico area are situated at latitude of 42 south, at an altitude of 2.000 feet. Clients should be prepared for cold and warm weather conditions. Fishing season opens early November and closes end of April.
Spring - early summer
From the second week in November to the end of December, river conditions are generally high due to the winter run-off. The most productive fishing technique is the use of sinking lines, larger rods and streamer patterns. The fish feed aggressively and fight hard in the strong current. Temperature range from 30F to 70F and weather vary according to the temperature.
High summer
January and February bring beautiful extended summer days. The weather levels stabilize and wets as well as dry flies become more productive. Full floating lines and 5 to 7 weight rods are preferred for these conditions. Temperatures range from 45F to 85F.
Late summer - early fall
From March to middle April allows great fishing and spectacular views as the fall colors paint the landscape. Water levels tend to reach their lowest point that set the stage for many dry fly opportunities. Thick Caddis, Stonefly and Mayfly hatches create excellent dry fly action throughout the day. Temperatures range from 30F to 70F.
Species inhabiting the region: In this area , fishing is mostly practiced in public waters and due to the good management of the sources the quality of “wild trout” is well preserved.
Land lock Salmon (salmo salar sebago), Brown Trout (salmo fario), Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) , Brook Trout (salvelinus fontinalis).
RECOMENDED EQUIPMENT:
Fishing gear
> - Rods: 9 foot, 4 to 7 weight rods are the best all around choice
> - Lines at the beginning of the season: sinking lines or wet tip lines are the best choice (teeny 130 or teeny 200 recommended).
As the season progresses floating lines are tops. Both sinking and floating lines can be productive all season.
> - Leaders 6 to 12 feet long in the range of 2X to 6X depending on the fishing conditions. Extra tippet material is always a good idea.
> - Chest high Gore-Tex/Neoprene waders are a basic necessity
> - Fishing accessories include: polarized glasses are essential, fishing hat, rain-windbreaker jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, clippers, fly floatant, etc.
SUITABLE FLIES
Dry fly patterns - Black Gnat, Elk Hair Caddis in olive, tan, olive and royal trude, Mayfly, White - Grey and Royal Wulff, Adams Parachute, Hopper's, Black Ant and Humpy's, P.M.D., B.W.O. and others.
Sizes: 10 to 20
Nymph patterns - Dragon fly, Stone fly, Corixa, Shrimp, Zug Bug, Bitch Creek, Prince, Hares Ears, Montana, Pheasant Tail.
Sizes: 4 to 12, some weighted.
Wet fly and steamer patterns - Woolly Worm, Matuka, Black Spider, Muddler Minnow, Peter Ross, Alexandra, Black and Orange Marabou, Fuzzy Wuzzy, Woolly Bugger in black, olive, brown, plus lake wets such as Marbou Leech, soft Hackles, etc.
Sizes: 2 to 12, some weighted
Provided Equipment: 15 to 18 powerboats w/50 to 50 horsepower outboard motors (Yamaha four stroke) Inflatable raft boats with oars. 4 wheel drive trucks.
