Fishing Program
One of the most unique elements of the Las Pampas fishing experience is that every pair of anglers is assigned a guide and assistant guide each day. At first this might seem overkill but once the truck pulls up to the first of many gates en route to the fishing grounds it becomes very apparent how much this subtle difference enhances the experience of every angler. Outside of being the official gate-opener and closer, the assistant guide is constantly busy in the background and takes care of the initial setup of client rods, prepares rafts, runs shuttles, and prepares lunch so the main guide can focus on the guests and creating the best possible experience on the water.
Their enthusiastic and passionate guides are the best in the area, and for good reason: they are real locals and they spend the entire 180-day season fishing the Rio Pico region. With that many days on the water these guys know where and when to find the best fishing. Typically anglers and guides leave the lodge in the morning in well-equipped 4x4 trucks and spend the majority of their drive time on rough, unimproved backroads that are interesting and adventuresome in their own right. This well-choreographed fishing program delivers a level of customer service and genuine adventure that puts Las Pampas in a class by itself.
Methods: Las Pampas guides are dry fly junkies. They push beyond the boundaries of what most dry fly enthusiasts would consider optimal top-water conditions. They challenge their anglers to stick to their guns and use dries at times when most north Americans would back down and switch to subsurface techniques. Best of all, they make it work. Despite their strong tendencies to focus on head hunting for rising fish, when conditions dictate, they happily switch into their signature “we do what we gotta do” mode and approach the water with dry/dropper, nymph, or streamer rigs to get their clients into fish.
The appropriate gear to most successfully fish the Rio Pico area is simple and familiar. If you could only bring one rod, a 6-weight rigged with a floating line is without doubt the best all-around option. However, 4 and 5-weight rods have their place on some of the smaller spring creeks and when the wind blows hard or when casting sink tips with weighted streamers, a 7-weight is nice to have on hand. Another unique feature and highlight about Las Pampas Lodge is that the guides provide all terminal tackle including leaders, tippets, and flies. No more filling your boxes with often-unneeded fly patterns or worrying about how old your tippet is, Las Pampas has you covered. In Martin’s words, “this way we know every angler has the right stuff for every fishing situation we put them in.” Should you want to fish your own flies, a diverse selection of large foam terrestrials along with an assortment of classic western dries, nymphs, and streamers will serve you well.
Local Lodge Culture
In addition to stellar fishing, the entire Las Pampas experience is infused with a special and incredibly appealing vibe. The staff calls this soulful, inclusive, yerba-mate-fueled way of being “Las Pampas Style.” In my eyes, this character-rich friendliness gives Las Pampas Lodge the “it” factor that puts their lodge experience in a class by itself. They create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that makes every guest feel at home and part of a larger, fun-loving family.
With a trusted dream-team at his side, it comes as no surprise that lodge co-owner and general manager Agustin “Oggy” Fox is grateful to have such a fine crew of dedicated individuals to work with. They possess a natural team chemistry that enables them to consistently deliver more than just a good day of fishing. It doesn’t take long after meeting the guides and staff to realize the depth and sincerity of their passion for the region and their eagerness to share it with their guests. At the time of this writing in 2016, Las Pampas is in its fifth season of operation and the lion’s share of Oggy’s 100% local Argentine crew have been with him since day one — something that speaks strongly to what has been created in this special part of Patagonia.
The Lodge Experience
Las Pampas Lodge is a beautiful European-style log and stone structure featuring a main common area with a guest lounge, dining room, and bar which is flanked by four spacious double occupancy guest rooms, all with private baths. Each guest room opens onto a cobblestone veranda overlooking the surrounding mountainous landscape. The inviting main room has a central fireplace surrounded by a semicircle of plush built-in lounge chairs where guests can gather each evening for cocktails and share their daily adventures. Generally speaking, the lodge has every amenity you’d expect from a classic trout lodge without being too over-the-top.
The cuisine at Las Pampas Lodge is best described as gourmet farm-to-table cuisine. Their head chef, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, is passionate about the food he prepares and uses only the freshest local and organic ingredients. Many of the vegetables are grown by the community in the nearby town and sold to raise funds for the local school. Eduardo, the lodge’s full-time caretaker and cameo breakfast cook, collects fresh eggs daily and prepares fresh cuts of chicken, lamb, and beef from the free-range livestock that roam the property.
Breakfast is a standard yet filling meal featuring made-to-order eggs, toast, bacon, fruit, coffee, tea, and juice. Lunch is served streamside by your guides and commonly includes homemade gourmet dishes, salads, beverages, and desserts. Dinner is served late evening in traditional Argentine fashion and the typical menu is comprised of inspired choices that range from fresh lamb and vegetarian dishes to thick-cut steaks and chops, all of which are paired with local Argentine wines.
All in all, Las Pampas is a truly remarkable place and one that I feel fortunate to represent. From its location way out at the end of the road, to its spectacular mountainous backdrop, to the depth and diversity of its fishing program, few places can claim all that it offers. Add to that a dedicated, friendly and inclusive local staff, and it comes as no surprise that Las Pampas Lodge captures the true essence of Patagonia.