Estancia Maria Behety
Travel & Tackle Guide

Welcome to your Fly Water Travel trip guide. We’re excited to help you prepare for your upcoming adventure! Inside, you’ll find everything you need: your to-do list, travel logistics, destination notes, and a curated tackle guide tailored to your trip.

Getting Ready

We’ve created a quick checklist of essential tasks to make sure you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead. If questions come up or you need anything at all, just give us a call, we’re here to help every step of the way.

To-Do List:

✓ Arrange flights to/from Buenos Aires, Argentina

✓ Arrange hotel in Buenos Aires, as needed

✓ Arrange transfers in Buenos Aires

✓ Arrange flights to/from Ushuaia, Argentina

✓ Purchase medical and evacuation insurance

✓ Get travel cash

Estancia Maria Behety
Travel Guide

From how to get there and what documents you’ll need to tipping guidelines and destination details, this section covers the practical information to ensure smooth travels.

Getting to the Lodge:
To reach Estancia Maria Behety, guests need to arrange travel to and from Ushuaia, Argentina (USH). All flights connect through Buenos Aires international airport (EZE) or domestic airport (AEP). Most international flights arrive in the early morning and require an overnight stay in Buenos Aires before flying to Ushuaia the following morning in time to transfer to the lodge.

Alternatively, guests can choose to fly all the way down to Ushuaia upon arrival into Argentina and overnight at a hotel in town before pick up the following day. Flights from Buenos Aries to Ushuaia depart mostly from the domestic airport AEP but can sometimes be available through the international airport EZE.

Important Flight Information:
Due to a recent adjustment to the domestic flight schedules through the Rio Grande airport (RGA), it is recommended that guests fly through Ushuaia (USH) on the way in and out of the lodge. If guests elect to fly into Rio Grande, the flight will likely be very early in the morning, require a taxi to town, and a hotel day room until the lodge is able to pick them up in the afternoon.

Arrival Day:
Guests need to arrive in Ushuaia (USH) before 2:00 PM. Guests will be met at the Ushuaia airport and ground transferred approx. 3-4 hours to the lodge.

Departure Day:
Guests need to schedule a departing flight out of Ushuaia after 12:00 PM on the day they leave the lodge.

Ushuaia Transfers:    
Not included. Transfer cost will be based on the number of guests sharing the transfer and are to be paid in USD cash on-site at the lodge.

Documentation Requirements: 
To enter Argentina, all guests are required to have the following: 

  • Passport: Valid for the duration of your trip. 
  • Medical and Evacuation Coverage: Valid for the duration of your trip.

Recommended Travel Agent: 
The domestic airline carrier in Argentina is notorious for changing and canceling flights, so to make things easier on our guests, we highly recommend using a travel agent when booking domestic flights within Argentina.  

Alicia Regueiro, Holdy Tours 
800-446-1111 or 925-927-6617 
alicia@holdytours.com  

Domestic Flight Note: 
Domestic flights within Argentina fly through either the Ezeiza international airport (EZE) or domestic airport, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP).

All domestic flights within Argentina prohibit carry-on baggage of fishing equipment (rods, reels, lines, flies, etc.) and must be checked. 

Buenos Aires Transfers: 
After arriving at the international airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires, clearing customs and immigrations (45 min – 1 ½ hour process), in most cases guests will need to transfer to the domestic airport (AEP), to make the connecting flights within Argentina. The transfer between airports or to downtown hotels takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic, however we recommend allowing four hours between flights. The following are transfer options:  

  • Tienda Leon – Located just outside of customs through sliding glass doors. Transfers can be pre-arranged online or arranged after arrival for approximately USD $40-$60 per person.  
  • Private Transfer – A private driver and/or driver and guide can be arranged through our recommended travel agent.   

Buenos Aires Hotels (Recoleta District): 
Intersur Recoleta 
Av. Callao 1764 

Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires 
Posadas 1086/88  

Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel 
Vincente Lopez 1955 

Arc Recoleta Boutique Hotel & Spa 
Peña 2155 

Buenos Aires Restaurants: 
La Cabrera  
José A. Cabrera 5127  

Las Violetas 
Av. Rivadavia 3899 

Cabaña Las Lilas 
Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 516  

Don Julio Parrilla 
Guatemala 4699  

Parrilla La Brigada 
Estados Unidos 465 

Currency:  
The official Argentine currency is the peso (ARG) however US dollars (USD) are accepted throughout the country and for gratuities. We recommend exchanging no more than $100 (USD) into pesos (ARG) for small tipping, such as baggage handlers, taxis or tips at restaurants, throughout your travels in Argentina.  

Exchange Options:
We recommend the following for exchanges:

  • Airport Convenience Stores – Purchase something small using a $100 (USD) bill and change will be provided in pesos, which should be enough pesos during your travels.   
  • Hotels  
  • ATMs  

Electrical Requirements: 
A Type I adapter is needed throughout Argentina.

Communications: 
While traveling in Argentina we recommend using WhatsApp as this is the way most lodges and outfitters communicate. Texting through the app will allow you to keep in touch with the outfitter, friends, and family when connected to Wi-Fi.   

Travel Cash: 
We recommend each guest travel with:

  • $2,500 (USD) per week of travel
  • Bills should be new and in larger denominations, such as $50s and $100s   

Credit Cards: 
The lodge does not accept credit cards.

Gratuities: 
The following are guidelines, and all gratuities are up to the discretion of the individual guest. Gratuities can be left with the lodge manager at the end of the week for distribution to guides and lodge staff. 

  • $1,200 (USD) per person per week

Fishing Licenses: 
Included in package, collected with rate.

Cell Coverage and Wi-Fi:  

  • Cell Coverage: There is no cell phone service at the lodge
  • Wi-Fi: The lodge has satellite internet

Laundry: 
Laundry service is not available, please pack accordingly.

Water:
There is plenty of bottled water on hand, we do not recommend drinking the tap water.

Beverages/Alcohol: 

  • Soft Drinks: Included  
  • Beer and Wine: Included 
  • Alcohol: Included. Guests are also welcome to bring their own preferred selections.  

Climate:  
The Rio Grande is a classic windswept Patagonian steppe, and despite the fishing season running through the heart of the summer months of January – early April, wind, rain, and sun can be found every day of the season. Be sure to pack a quality rain jacket, which also doubles as a windbreaker. Most importantly, you will want to dress in layers, so you can change with the conditions. Expect daytime highs to range from the mid-50s to low-70s °F, while nights cool into the upper 30s to mid-40s °F. Typically, March and April are cooler and bring a higher likelihood of precipitation as the seasons shift.

Emergency Medical Assistance: 
The closest medical facility is in the city of Rio Grande, about one hour from the lodge. Due to the remote location, we strongly recommend that anglers purchase travel insurance and medical evacuation coverage.

Recommended Medical Evacuation Carrier and Insurance Provider:   
Global Rescue  

Estancia Maria Behety
Tackle Guide

Here you’ll find everything you need to be ready on the water. You’ll find our preferred setups, favorite flies, recommended packing list, and notes on tackle available at the lodge.

Estancia Maria Behety Tackle Overview

When we travel to Estancia Maria Behety, we always bring at least two rod set-ups to best address the wide range of water and weather conditions that can be experienced over the season. The Rio Grande is a long-undammed river and is heavily influenced by rain events in its headwaters that cause the water levels to rise and fall each week over the season.

If we were to choose only one fly rod to take with us Estancia Maria Behety it would be a fast action 12’6” 7-weight Spey rod. The guides prefer shorter rods in the 12-foot to 13-foot lengths and 7-weights. 8-weights can be used for high wind conditions, but they do not like rods heavier than 8-weights because guests tend to lose more fish with heavier rods. Rods longer than 13’0” also get pushed around a lot in the wind, so they prefer shorter spey rods or even switch rods.

We always bring a matching Skagit line capable of turning over heavy sink tips, and a Scandi-style floating line for when more delicate presentations are needed. With each line we carry a matching line wallet with a variety of interchangeable tips from floating to fast sinking poly leaders for the Scandi, as well as full straight sinking tips of T-11, T-14, and T-17 in 10-foot lengths for the Skagit, and this will cover most fishing situations.

A 9’6” 7-weight single hand rod is also very useful for specific pools and during low water / no wind conditions. This allows anglers to fish the pools without disturbing the water. We recommend choosing a medium to fast action rod for the best combination of feel, presentation, and control. Rods that are 9’0” – 10’0” will work, and the extra length will help with mending and line control during the retrieve. We always bring a floating line for fishing surface flies, and secondary line that is a sinking line, such as the RIO Premier 24ft sinking line in the appropriate grain weight for your 7- or 8-weight rod, typically 200-300 grains.

Estancia Maria Behety Provided Equipment:

We recommend guests bring their own equipment, although the lodge does have a limited number of single and two-handed rods available as backups. There is a small fly shop on site for any small tackle needs.

  • Rods/Reels/Lines: Guests should plan to bring their own gear. The lodge has rods available for guests to use as a backup in case of breakage.
  • Flies: There is a small fly shop on site with flies available for purchase in cash on site.
  • Waders/Boots: Waders and boots are not available to rent, guests must bring their own. Felt is permitted in Argentina, but the lodge prefers rubber soled boots without studs.

Estancia Maria Behety Primary Setup

Our primary setup is a 12’6” 7-weight Spey rod that is prepared with a matching Scandi line and Skagit line. We always bring a line wallet with a variety of interchangeable tips from floating to fast sinking, and this will cover most fishing situations. The guides lean on the side of shorter and lighter spey and switch rods with floating lines, with rods in the 12- to 13-foot lengths and 7- to 8-weight category. Rods greater than 8-weights are not recommended, as they have found they lose more fish with heavier rods, and rods over 13’6” and longer are not recommended because they get pushed around a lot in the wind.

  • 12-foot to 13-foot, 7 or 8-weight spey rod
  • Reliable reel
  • Floating Skagit Head
  • Floating Scandi Head
  • Sinking Poly Leaders from Intermediate to Fast-Sinking
  • Monofilament leaders in 16-pound
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Estancia Maria Behety Secondary Setup

A 9’6” 7-weight single hand rod is also very useful for specific pools and during low water / no wind conditions. This allows anglers to fish the pools without disturbing the water. We recommend choosing a medium to fast action rod for the best combination of feel, presentation, and control. Rods that are 9’0” – 10’0” will work, and the extra length will help with mending and line control during the retrieve. We always bring a floating line for fishing surface flies, and secondary line that is a sinking line, such as the RIO Premier 24ft sink tip in the appropriate grain weight for your 7- or 8-weight rod, typically 200-300 grains.

  • Medium to fast action 9-foot to 10-foot, 4-piece single hand rod
  • Reliable reel
  • Weight forward floating line
  • Sinking line
  • 12-foot 16-lb/0X leaders
  • Spools of 12 - 20lb tippet
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Estancia Maria Behety Flies

The primary fly is going to be a simple black bodied fly with white rubber legs that is tied on a stout hook in sizes 10 – 12, called the “EMB”. Having an assortment of other productive patterns is also important to switch between something different when the fish are particularly picky. Other productive flies include rubber leg nymphs, such as copper johns in bright and dark colors in similar sizes. It is important to also have flies with a larger profile and some weight for when the water levels comes up, these include wooly buggers in black and the classic “yellow yummy” for when the water gets dirty. We always make sure to have a small collection of medium-sized string leeches in black. Surface patterns can also be every effective, with a favorite being the Sunray shadow in sizes 1-inch to 3-inch length tied on tubes. Classic Atlantic salmon patterns, such as skunks and blue charms also have a place on the Rio Grande and if you have some favorite patterns, be sure to bring them along.

Support Your Local Fly Shop

If you need assistance with assembling your gear for your upcoming travels, we encourage you to support your local fly shop. This curated list of tackle is handpicked for your destination by our experts and can serve as your shopping list to get your ready for your next adventure. Find your local Far Bank dealer.

Estancia Maria Behety Top 5 Flies

Presentation, size, and correct depth are the most important factors in fishing the Rio Grande. When preparing your fly selection, keep in mind that having flies in various weights and sizes is often more important than having the exact pattern or color. Most importantly, all flies must be tied on stout hooks that are 2X - 3X heavy wire suitable for landing fish in the 10-20+ lb range.

Top 5 Recommended Estancia Maria Behety Sea-Run Brown Trout Flies

  • The “EMB” black bodied fly with white rubber legs in sizes 10 – 12
  • Rubber leg nymphs in sizes 10 - 16 including Copper John nymph / rubber leg nymphs (copper, chartreuse, and black)
  • Rubber leg conehead wooly bugger / yellow yummy (black, yellow, olive)
  • Black conehead string leech
  • Sunray Shadow (1-inch to 3-inch in length)

Suggested Packing List

The Rio Grande is a classic windswept Patagonian steppe, and despite the fishing season running through the heart of the summer months of January – early April, wind, rain, and sun can be found every day of the season. Be sure to pack a quality rain jacket, which also doubles as a windbreaker. Most importantly, you will want to dress in layers, so you can change with the conditions. Expect daytime highs to range from the mid-50s to low-70s °F, while nights cool into the upper 30s to mid-40s °F. Typically, March and April are cooler and bring a higher likelihood of precipitation as the seasons shift.

Documents: 
Passport, plane tickets, itinerary, credit card, cash, business cards 

Waders:
Breathable stocking foot waders are recommended. For anglers prone to cold (especially feet), boot foot waders are excellent. 

Boots: 
Felt soles are permitted in Patagonia, but please ensure all gear is clean and completely dry before travel to prevent the spread of invasive species. Rubber soles without cleats are also a great option.

Forceps: 
We like the Dr. Slick scissor pliers for crimping barbs, releasing fish and trimming flies 

Clippers: 
One line clipper 

Wading Staff:
One wading staff and belt 

Socks: 
Four pairs of wool or synthetic socks to wear under your waders. Two pairs of camp socks.

Base layers: 
One to two pairs of synthetic or merino wool long underwear (tops and bottoms) to wear beneath your waders. One mid-weight and one heavyweight. These can be worn alone or together depending on conditions.  

Shirts: 
Two or three long sleeve fishing shirts. One or two lodge shirts. 

Warm Layers: 
One or two warm insulating layers. Down, synthetic or fleece mid layers are good options. Avoid cotton. 

Rain Jacket: 
One high quality rain jacket.

Hats: 
Two fishing/baseball hats. One warm cap.

Lodge Shoes:
One pair of shoes for around the lodge.

Neck Gaiter: 
One facial sun protector (good for wind too).

Sunglasses: 
One pair of polarized sunglasses. It is great to have a lens cleaner and a soft cleaning cloth as well. Always pack clear lenses for the evening light. Cheap hardware store glasses are an easy option to protect your eyes.

Sunscreen: 
One bottle SPF 30+ 

Lip Balm: 
One tube of SPF 30+ lip balm.

Backpack: 
One waterproof backpack or boat bag for day gear.

Headlamp: 
One small LED headlamp with batteries.

Contact Jake Crawford

Jake Crawford is Fly Water Travel's sales manager and specializes in destinations across Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, and Pacific Northwest steelhead destinations. Originally from Colorado, he moved west with the single goal of chasing steelhead with a fly rod around the Pacific Northwest. He is a big fan of anadromous fish and looks forward to helping anglers find the right destination for their fishing goals.

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