DESTINATION: Villa María Lodge
, Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego
» General Information:
Located in the Province of Tierra del Fuego. The nearest town is Rio Grande.The lodge is located in a renovated farm house within the working Jose Menendez Estancia. The main house is situated a short drive from the river. Anglers fly into Buenos Aires international
airport and take a 3 hour flight to Rio Grande. The transfer from the airport to the lodge by four wheel drive takes 20 minutes.
The success at Villa Maria illustrates where nimble thinking can take you. The lodge rests on the grounds of the Jose Menendez Estancia, where the water and the sea trout are fresh. Here you will be able TO see the gulls and smell the salt. Typically big rods and big pools are used FOR fishing in the river. A 20-pound trout has plenty of room to run and fishing hours are allocated when the fishing is best. The origins of our lodge can be traced back to the pioneering days of Patagonian History.
The "Estancia" (ranch) on which the lodge is located, was carved out of the wilderness in the last decades of the nineteenth century by an ancestor of the family that still owns it: José Menendez - a man who, having started out in life as a penniless Spanish immigrant to Argentina at the age of thirteen, came to be known, by the time he was fifty, as the "king of Patagonia". His "reign" had no political connotations. The term was coined by the local population as a tribute to the impact of his presence in the region, the scope of his interests and initiatives, and the sheer quality of his tireless entrepreneurial spirit. There is one aspect of his many achievements which is of particular interest to us for a very special reason. The manager of José Menendez's estancias, where Villa Maria is located was an Englishman: John Goodall. He was a remarkable man in many ways, and had all the qualities required for a position of responsibility in a pioneering enterprise which was far more demanding than mere farming. But there was another aspect of Goodall's life to which we owe a debt of gratitude. He was a passionate angler, with a preference for trout, who worked (and lived) in an area of the planet where trout did not exist. Encouraged by Menendez, Goodall took the only logical step: he sailed to England and returned with an adequate supply of trout eggs. We like to think that by introducing the "catch and release" philosophy to Patagonia in 1984, and by continuing to promote it, Menendez's great-grandsons, Jorge and Fernando de Las Carreras, are preserving the work of a man who, perhaps, died without being aware of the dimension of his legacy to anglers who come to Villa Maria from all over the world every year.
» Package:
The lower Rio Grande is larger than the waters 40 to 50 miles upstream and anglers encounter nickel-bright sea-run browns in these pools. Access is strictly controlled by the ranch, so beats are assigned to our guests and the river is monitored to ensure that there is adequate water. The Lower Rio Grande will appeal particularly to the confident casters, and those anglers familiar with the two-handed rod. Like the water farther upriver, the lower Rio Grande is shallow and easy to wade, although it is deeper in places. Fishing schedule: approx 9 hours of fishing. Lunch is taken at the river and is followed and its followed during the early season by a siesta in conveniently placed and comfortable trailers. The afternoon session starts later during the months of Dec. and Jan. to capitalise on the magical dusk fishing hours.
» Accommodation:
The lodge is situated in one of Patagonia's biggest and oldest working estancias. It has four spacious, perfectly furnished bedrooms with 4 bedrooms, featuring a cozy dining and living area, as well as a bar, well stocked with local spirits. Our chef takes charge each evening, offering a selection of local and international cuisine accompanied by the best Argentine wines. A brand new cabin will be your home for lunch and a nice siesta before the afternoon session. Our staff, composed of our host, chef, maids and professional guides will assist you during the week in all your needs. The house will accommodate only 6 anglers per week and is available on a limited basis, due to high demand by repeat parties. The staff working in the lodge consists of the managers (hostess and head guide), a chef and his helper, professional fishing guides, and housekeepers. All of them, from their own job, will guarantee unforgettable vacations, putting all their knowledge and experience at your disposal, to meet your expectations and even surpass them.
» Tackle and Equipment:
Tackle: One or double handed rods (9-11 Wts, 9 to 15 ft).
Flies: Small dry flies, nymphs, traditional salmon and sea run trout wet flies for the main river.
Lines: Floating, sink tip or heavy sink depending on water conditions
Waders: 3.5-mm Neoprene or breathables.
Boots: wading boots with felt sole.
» Rates / 2011
U$S 6,750.-
Per person double basis (sharing accommodation and guide)
Rates include:
Reception in Rio Grande airport and transfer to the Lodge (round trip); 7-night accommodation with all meals and beverages (including wine); 6-days fishing with bilingual and qualify guide; all ground transfers in the property.
Rates do not include:
Air ticket Buenos Aires/Rio Grande round trip; fishing equipment and flies; fishing licence; personal health insurance; gratuities.
Notes:
Ask for special offers in January and April 2011. Good discounts for 6 or 9 anglers group!
» Fishing
Report
2010 fishing season is over; 2011 season starts next November.
» Fishing Testimonials
» Thanks very much for a good trip to Rio Grande. by: Kent Lindvall - 27/04/2010
Dear Daniel,
Thanks very much for a good trip to Rio Grande. We have a great time ! The mixed program with Villa Maria and Kau Tapen was good to experience!
The biggest trout 28 Pound was caugth by Hakan but Jorgen and Robert catch several over 20 pound. My biggest was about 16 pound. It was a tough fishing with cold water, sinking line and big heavy flies. But this kind of fishing works very good for the scandinavin people. It was two very slow fishing days on Kau Tapen depending of weather. We like special Villa Maria lodge. We try Menendes river and like that very much.
Thanks again for a good organization !
Kent Lindvall
