DESTINATION: Kau Tapen Lodge
, Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego
» General Information:
The lodge is located on the banks of the Rio Grande, in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. The Rio Grande became the most productive sea-run trout fishery in the world. However, trout numbers fluctuate with conditions at sea, tides, water levels, and a host of other natural factors.
The Rio Grande flows from East to West, from the Andes to the Atlantic Ocean, through 70 km of Argentine territory. The landscape of Tierra del Fuego is reminiscent of Wyoming or the Scottish flow country. It is a sparsely populated wilderness. Large sheep farming estancias share this land with herds of wild llama-like guanacos, red foxes, and condors.
Guests fly into Argentina via Buenos Aires and typically overnight there, having spent a day. 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 you will be met by a lodge representative. 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 Kau Tapen staff.
The Sea trout season runs from November to mid April. December and January are the warmest months, and traditionally the windiest. The sun can be strong during the day, but the wind chill factor makes the use of protective gear necessary all season long.
The sea-run brown trout complete the yearly migratory cycle of salmonids, spawning during the summer months in freshwater. Salmo trutta 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 will feed and grow for about 6 months before their first return to freshwater, weighing approximately 6lbs. 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. Whilst also providing a very real example of the benefits of Catch and Release.
» Package:
The package includes transfer in/out Lodge-Rio Grande airport. Accommodation, all meals and beverages and exclusive fishing in the banks of the Rio Grande in the own property. Guests will leave the lodge around 9 o'clock after breakfast, fishing till around 1 o'clock. Following lunch and a siesta,(the hours of which will depend on the season) Guests return to the river between 5 and 6 o'clock and fish through till dusk. Fishing hours will change slightly depending on the time of year.
Kau Tapen has a team of experienced, professional international guides. They are all English speakers, and will be able to offer tips on how to best fish each pool, fly choice and presentation. Guides will transport you to the river in comfortable 4WD vehicles all are equipped with rod racks, first aid equipment and VHF radios.
» Accommodation:
Built in 1983, Kau Tapen lodge was designed to offer rods maximum comfort during their fishing trip, as well as easy accessibility to the pools.
It accommodates up to 12 guests in 8 twin rooms and 1 double bedroom. A large living room area opens up to vista's of the Menendez Valley and Rio Grande valley.
A large roaring fire and well stocked bar will welcome you after every fishing session. The lodge has a tackle shop with a good selection of Sage rods, good quality reels, flies, lines, and clothing equipment, especially selected to suit the needs of your trip. In addition, guests have the full use of the lodge's fly tying table and equipment. The lodge has 2 wading rooms, a sauna, Finnish steam bath and Massage room.
Kau Tapen offers wonderful cuisine based on local meats, fresh vegetable and delicious deserts. A traditional Asado (BBQ) will be held once during your stay, and you can sample different cuts of meat and wonderful salads. A full cooked breakfast is available, together with fresh fruit, yogurts, home baked breads and jams and a selection of cereals Kau Tapen's cellars feature a wonderful selection of fine wines from the Luigi Bosca Bodega, which will be served during lunch and dinner.
» Tackle and Equipment:
Rods
For a single-handed rod a 9, 91/2 or 10 footer for a No. 8 line to be about ideal for covering the water and for optimal sport. A rod of this size makes casting easy with the normal downstreamsouthwest wind, while an 8 or 9- weight helps you to drive your line into a contrary wind when necessary. Given the
Rio Grande's moderate flow and generally even gravel bottom, you'll find an 8 or 9 capable of doing battle with even the river's largest sea trout (15 to 25 plus lbs.), while it insures the most action with smaller sea trout (4 9 lbs.). Light two handed rods are increasingly popular and allow anglers to cast a comfortable line with less effort, particularly on windy days. Mending and controlling line is also easier with a 2-hander. We encourage you to bring one of 13 to 15 feet for a 9-11weight line. If you are new to 2-handers, our guides are expert instructors and will help you learn quickly. Among rod makers Sage, Thomas & Thomas, Scott and Loomis are excellent choices for Rio Grande fishing. It makes sense to bring a back-up rod as well.
Reels
A quality reel is crucial for playing big sea trout. A strong, smooth drag is a must. Reels (and spare spools) should have capacity for the fly line and 100 yards of 20 pound backing. Appropriate reels include Abel, Tibor, Hardy, Lamson, Scientific Anglers, etc.
Lines: To be well prepared for Tierra del Fuego, anglers should include at least three lines to accommodate variance in water levels and wind conditions. Weight forward fly lines are generally used on the Rio Grande. Floating lines are typically most useful in low water conditions and during early morning and evening hours, when sea trout are inclined to be nearer the surface. Also a sinking shooting taper is very important. The Teeny T-200 and T-300 lines have proven to be excellent, and at least
one or both of these lines should be considered as must-bring items. Sinking tips, and sinking poly-leaders are also used a lot. Intermediate lines are also effective in some conditions. Even experienced anglers often find their running line snarls when buffeted by wind. Prevailing southwest winds can be "harnessed" by roll casting or spey-casting, which eliminates the need to backcast - difficult with a trailing wind. We found that a simple roll cast carries even large streamers 35 to 50 feet across and downstream, or far enough to cover the holding lies. Weight forward lines can be roll casted effectively by stripping and shooting line during the cast.
Leaders
Experience on the Rio Grande indicates that sea trout aren't particularly leader shy. While reasonable stealth should be exercised, your chief concern is to bring monofilament in sizes that will turn over the array of fly sizes and patterns you'll be using. Spools of mono should include 15, 12 and 10 lbs breaking strengths. Whilst fishing sinking lines, made-up leaders aren't necessary since a few feet of mono will do fine. Maxima Ultra-green is a good choice as it has plenty of stretch a factor worthconsidering when the sea-trout of a lifetime hits your fly! While fishing, be sure to check your mono regularly for casting knots and abrasions, and after each fish caught test your leader knots. For floating lines it's good to have knotless tapered leaders from 9 to 12 feets with 0X tippets.
Flies
Some fly patterns as well as a modest supply of back-up tackle will be available for purchase at the lodge, but plan to take a good selection. Sea run brown trout are mysterious fish. The only constant in their tastes seems to be a penchant for black, and the trout that accepted your small salmon patterns today may demand flies with white rubber legs tomorrow.
We suggest packing a range of flies in various patterns and sizes, and urge frequent changes when one combination of line and fly isn't working, depending on light conditions, water levels, and especially on your guide's advice. Barbless hooks are strongly encouraged.
Double and treble hooks are not permitted.
Collie Dog tube flies; Bunny leech; Zonker; Woolly Bugger (black/olive); articulated string leech types, with electric blue flash, on #2-4 hooks; Peacock (now a staple on Rio Grande, tied on #2-4 hooks); Girdle or Yuk Bug rubber legs (#4-12); Bitch Creek nymphs (orange and black for preference, #4-12); Bead head nymphs (Prince, Hare's Ear, etc. #10-14); Traditional Atlantic Salmon Flies; Bombers or other waking dry flies (natural deer hair, black& green on #4-8 hooks).
» Additional Information:
The summer climate of this southernmost region of South America is extremely changeable, and a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions should be expected. We recommend layering clothing, enabling you to add or subtract garments during the day. Pack Polar fleece jackets, thermal underwear, Polar neck, wool socks and a wool cap to be prepared for the extreme. Flannel or chamois cloth shirts and Polars are ideal for the stream, although you'll no doubt change to something lighter while in the lodge. Also take a reliable windstopper/rain jacket. Gore Tex is excellent. Its waterproof yet breathes and so is comfortable on sunny, windy afternoons. Simms Gore-Tex and Patagonia SST wading jackets are popular. Most first-time visitors are surprised at how dry this region is, more reminiscent of Wyoming than of Scotland. Attire in the lodge is casual. Neat but casual is also the dress style in Buenos Aires. Laundry service is available at the lodge. Insects are not a problem in Tierra del Fuego. Be sure to bring and use sun block (15-30), even on cloudy days, and also lip cream, depending on your sensitivity. (The sun is very strong!) Camera and film, and a small carrying bag, (tackle bag or backpack) for odds and ends. Most of the fishing on the Rio Grande is near the vehicle. Items such as extra jackets, vests and tackle can be left in the vehicle each day between fishing periods. Small pliers are handy for debarbing hooks and releasing fish. Don't forget angler's clippers, and dry fly floatant, also line dressing, a small flashlight for evening fishing, a hook sharpener, and Polartec or neoprene (fingerless) fishing gloves.
Note: Rods and reels ride assembled on top of the vehicle to and from the river and between beats each day, often in dusty conditions. To protect your valuable reels, bring neoprene or some type of close-fitting reel cover that can be easily removed.
» Rates / 2011
U$S 7.250.-
Per angler double basis
Rates include:
Reception and transfer Rio Grande airport/Lodge round trip; 7-night accommodation with all meals and beverages including wine, beer and spirits; 6 and 1/2 fishing days with qualify guide; fishing in private waters.
Rates do not include:
Airfare to Rio Grande; personal health insurance; fishing licence; fishing equipment and flies; staff and guide gratuities.
Notes:
Ask for special offers.
» Fishing
Report
2010 fishing season is over; 2011 season starts next November.
