Estancia Rio Pelke
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 (for arrival, if needed)

✓ Arrange flights to/from El Calafate, Argentina

✓ Complete personal online guest registration form

✓ Purchase medical insurance coverage

✓ Get travel cash

✓ Be prepared with USD cash or a credit card to pay for the fishing license on-site (you will be notified of the precise cost closer to the start of your trip)

Estancia Rio Pelke
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 Rio Pelke, guests need to arrange travel to and from El Calafate, Argentina (FTE). All international flights arrive and depart through Buenos Aires (EZE) and most domestic flights depart through the domestic airport (AEP). Most international flights arrive in the morning, making it possible to connect to El Calafate on an afternoon flight.

Arrival Day:
Guests need to arrive in El Calafate at or around 4:30 PM the day of the scheduled transfer into the estancia.

Departure Day:
Guests need to schedule a departing flight out of El Calafate after 2:30 PM on the day they leave the estancia.

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

  • Passport: 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

Credit Cards:
The lodge accepts Visa and Mastercard

Travel Cash:
We recommend each guest travel with   

  • $1,500 (USD) per week of travel
    Bills should be new and in larger denominations, such as $50s and $100s

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.

  • $750 (USD) per person per week

Fishing License:
Fishing licenses are not included. Purchased on-site in USD.

Cell Coverage and Wi-Fi:

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

Power:
24-hour clean electric power supplied by a solar system.

Laundry:
Laundry service is not available.

Water:
The tap water is clean and safe to drink.

Beverages/Alcohol:

  • Soft Drinks: Included
  • Beer and Wine: Included
  • Alcohol: Not included. Guests are encouraged to bring their own.

Emergency Medical Assistance:
The closest medical facility is in El Calafate (two hours by car). For more challenging health issues, evacuation to Buenos Aires may be necessary. Guests are responsible for any necessary medical evacuation and are encouraged to have medical insurance and evacuation coverage.

Recommended Medical Evacuation Carrier and Insurance Provider:
Global Rescue

Estancia Rio Pelke
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 RIO PELKE - SAGE EXPERIENCES PROVIDED TACKLE

As a Sage Experiences Outfitter, Estancia Rio Pelke is an elite outfitter that has committed to offering their guests onsite access to first-class Sage and RIO tackle that has been carefully curated to ideally suit their respective fisheries.

Estancia Rio Pelke Perfect Setups:

  • SAGE R8 CORE 490-4
  • SAGE TROUT 4/5/6
  • RIO ELITE GOLD 4WT
  • SAGE R8 CORE 590-4
  • SAGE SPECTRUM LT 5/6
  • RIO OUTBOUND SHORT 5WT

Estancia Río Pelke Overview

We always travel with at least two set-ups for this trip. A 9ft 5-weight paired with a floating shooting or a ½ weight heavier floating line and a 9ft 4-weight paired with a weight forward floating line. The majority of the fishing situations can be tackled with a fast action 5 weight and the 4-weight shines on delicate presentations on the small spring creeks.

Estancia Río Pelke - Provided Equipment:

  • Rods/Reels/Lines: Included. As a Sage Experiences Outfitter, Estancia Río Pelke provides guests with first-class Sage rods, reels, and RIO lines curated specifically for their fishery.
  • Flies: Flies are not included. We suggest packing a thoughtful mix of dries and streamers to cover a variety of conditions.
  • Waders/Boots: Not included, available to rent based upon availability. Please inform Fly Water Travel if you plan to rent waders as supply is limited.

Estancia Río Pelke Primary Setup

This is the go-to setup for the majority of fishing at Estancia Río Pelke. The 5-weight is the most versatile trout rod in Patagonia and handles everything from foam terrestrials to medium streamers with ease. It strikes the right balance between presentation and power, making it a dependable choice for walk-and-wade days. With enough backbone to punch a fly through moderate winds without overpowering smaller dries. It’s especially useful when you’re covering mixed water types in a single day. Pair it with a slightly heavier floating line or a shooting head floating line.

Recommended Terminal Tackle:

  • Medium to fast action 9-foot, 5-weight 4-piece fly rod
  • Reliable reel
  • Weight forward floating line
  • 9-foot 3X and 7.5-foot 2X leaders (Qty 3 each)
  • Spools of 2X-4X monofilament and fluorocarbon tippet
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Estancia Río Pelke Secondary Setup

To complement your primary rod setup, a fast-action 4-weight offers added finesse and control when a lighter, more delicate presentation is needed to present small terrestrials without disturbing calm, glassy pools. This weight also makes long days of short-range casting more comfortable, especially when stalking spooky fish in tight quarters. While it’s not built for heavy wind, it excels on sheltered streams where accuracy matters more than power. Pair it with a true-to-weight floating line or a slightly heavier weight forward floating line for maximum control and delicate presentations.

Recommended Terminal Tackle:

  • Medium to fast action 9-foot, 4-weight 4-piece fly rod
  • Reliable reel
  • Weight forward floating line
  • 9-foot 3X and 9-foot 4X leaders (Qty 3 each)
  • Spools of 3X-5X monofilament and fluorocarbon tippet
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Estancia Río Pelke Recommenced Leaders/Tippet

9ft. tapered leaders with accompanying 2x - 4x tippet and matching extra spools of tippet in 3x and 4x is ideal for these waters. The following leader and tippet options from RIO Products would be ideal choices.

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Estancia Rio Pelke Fly Overview

When putting together a fly box for Estancia Río Pelke, simplicity is your friend. The fishery is heavily driven by terrestrial insects, particularly beetles and small foam attractor patterns, with leeches and small baitfish making up the other major food sources. Rather than carrying a large selection of flies, focus on building a compact fly box with a strong cross section of proven patterns and a handful of "wild card" flies for experimenting when conditions call for something different.

A small fly box that fits comfortably in a jacket or wader pocket is more than sufficient for a week of fishing. We recommend stocking heavily with beetles, small Chubby Chernobyls, Fat Alberts, and other foam attractors, then filling the remaining space with a selection of small streamers that imitate leeches and baitfish. A few standard nymphs are worth carrying, but they typically play a supporting role in the program. More often than not, anglers who keep it simple and fish the confidence patterns well will find all the success they need at Río Pelke.

  • Dries: The primary pattern is a black foam beetle, and it is good to have assorted foam terrestrials/attractors along with naturals such as Elk Caddis, Goddard Caddis, Humpies, Chernobyl Ants, Beetle, Hopper patterns in size 8 to 12, and small mouse patterns.
  • Streamers: Weighted and unweighted Woolly Boogers, Zonkers, sculpzillas or similar 2 inch streamers in Black and Olive in size 8 to 10.

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 Rio Pelke Top 5 Flies

The trout of the Río Pelke region are opportunistic feeders that thrive on a mix of terrestrials and smaller aquatic insects. Through the summer months, beetles, hoppers, and caddis make up a large portion of their diet, and the fish are quick to rise for well-presented dry flies. When conditions turn windy or overcast, streamers such as Woolly Buggers and Zonkers become highly effective, imitating small baitfish or leeches.

Top 5 Estancia Río Pelke Flies
• Black Foam Beetle (Size 10-12)
• Morrish Mouse (Size 6)
• Elk Hair Caddis (Size 12-14)
• Olive Woolly Bugger (Size 8-10)
• Black Zonker (Size 8-10)

For an in-depth look at flies, please click HERE.

Suggested Packing List

We understand packing for an adventure is not easy. On a trip like this it is very important to have everything you need and nothing you do not. As the climate is extremely changeable and a wide range of temperatures and conditions can be expected, we recommend layering clothes. Anglers should be prepared with thermal underwear, fleece/soft shell jacket, and a rain jacket. Synthetic fabrics are preferred to cotton. Dress at the lodges/camps is neat but casual.

Documents
Passport, plane tickets, itinerary, fishing licenses, credit card, cash, business cards.

Waders
High quality breathable stocking foot waders are recommended. For anglers prone to cold (especially feet), boot foot waders are excellent. Anglers with breathable waders should bring several layers of mid/heavy weight fleece leggings.

Wading Boots
Rubber soled boots are preferred, and cleats are not necessary.

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

Line Clippers
Any standard line nippers will work.

Wading Staff
One wading staff (if needed) 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.

Pants
Two pairs of comfortable pants for wearing around the lodge and travelling

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.

Buff
One “Buff” facial sun protector (good for bugs too).

Sunglasses
One pair of polarized sunglasses. It is great to have a lens cleaner and a soft cleaning cloth as well.

Lip Balm
One tube of SPF 30+ lip balm.

Sunscreen
SPF 30+

Camera
Don’t forget extra batteries and waterproof case/bag.

Headlamp
Headlamp One small LED headlamp with extra batteries.

Toiletries Kit
Toothpaste and toothbrush, deodorant, razor, lotion, mini shampoo bottle, Advil, ear plugs, band aids, anti-bacterial ointment, Benadryl, Gold Bond powder.

Water Bottle
One reusable water bottle.

Contact Liam Donohoe

Liam was born and raised on the trout rivers of Idaho, where a lifelong passion for the outdoors eventually led him into the world of professional guiding. Over the past decade, he has built a career guiding and managing lodges across some of the world’s most celebrated fisheries, from Alaska’s Bristol Bay to Chilean Patagonia and the Rocky Mountains in Idaho.

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