Rakin Lodge
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 transfer in Buenos Aires

✓ Arrange flights to/from San Martin de los Andes, Argentina

✓ Purchase medical and evacuation insurance

✓ Get travel cash

Rakin Lodge
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 Rakin Lodge, guests need to arrange travel to and from San Martin de Los Andes/ Chapelco, Argentina (CPC). All international flights arrive through Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE), with domestic connections departing from Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP). 

Arrival Day: 
Guests are asked to arrive in San Martín (CPC) by 1:00 PM.

Departure Day: 
Guests are asked to depart San Martín (CPC) after 1:00 PM.

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 the 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 

  • $2,300 (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. 

  • $1,300 (USD) per person, per week 

Fishing Licenses: 
Included in package 

Cell Coverage and Wi-Fi:  

  • Cell Coverage: There is no cell phone service at the lodge 
  • Wi-Fi: Is available at the lodge but there is not Wi-Fi at the overnight Trocoman House
  • Emergency Contact: The lodge has a telephone for emergency purposes 

Laundry: 
Limited laundry service is available at the lodge but is not included in the package.

Water: 
Bottled water is provided and is considered the only safe drinking water. 

Beverages/Alcohol: 

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

Climate:  
From November through March, Northern Patagonia enjoys warm, pleasant weather ideal for fishing and outdoor activities. Days are typically warm, with highs in the 70s to low 90s°F (20–35°C), while nights can cool into the 40s°F (4–9°C). Expect wind and light rain, especially in the spring and early fall. Layering and quality rain gear are recommended to stay comfortable in changing conditions. 

Emergency Medical Assistance: 
The Hospital Ramón Carrillo in San Martín de los Andes is the primary local medical center and can handle most urgent care needs, including minor injuries and basic trauma. Due to the remote location, we strongly recommend that guests purchase travel insurance and medical evacuation coverage.  

Recommended Medical Evacuation Carrier and Insurance Provider:   
Global Rescue

Rakin Lodge
Tackle Guide

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

Rakin Lodge Tackle Overview

Rakin can provide all guests with high-quality fly rods, reels, waders, boots, and flies.

That said, when we travel to Rakín Lodge, we like to bring two setups. A 9-foot, 6-weight fast-action rod will cover most fishing situations. However, a 9-foot 5-weight rod can also be useful for smaller water or more delicate presentations. Pair your rods with high-quality, lightweight reels spooled with weight-forward floating lines, and bring a spare 6-weight spool with a 24-foot sinking tip line in the 200–300 grain range for fishing deeper runs or windy days.

Rakin Lodge Provided Equipment: 

  • Rods/Reels/Lines: The lodge provides guests with quality rods, reels, and lines suitable for the lodge’s fishing program. All necessary equipment is included in your package.

  • Flies: All flies that are applicable to the different fishing locations are provided.

  • Waders/Boots: The lodge has an excellent selection of waders and boots available to guests. 

Note: If you plan to use the lodges equipment, please let us know so we can inform the outfitter.  

Rakin Lodge Primary Setup

A fast action 6-weight is the workhorse for Patagonia’s bigger rivers, windy valleys, and high-water conditions. It throws larger terrestrials, heavy nymph rigs, and medium-to-large streamers with confidence. The added power helps anglers manage long casts, deep drifts, and the region’s notoriously unpredictable gusts. It’s also a smart choice when targeting larger fish in fast water where lifting power matters. Match it with a on size heavier weight forward floating line or a dedicated streamer taper to maximize turn-over and distance.

Recommended Terminal Tackle:

  • Fast action 9-foot, 6-weight 4-piece fly rod
  • Reliable reel and spare spool
  • 1/2 weight heavier floating line and an integrated sinking line
  • 9-foot 3X and 7.5-foot 2X leaders (Qty 3 each)
  • Spools of 0X, 2X-4X monofilament and fluorocarbon tippet
1 5

Rakin Lodge Secondary Setup

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 both walk-and-wade days and drift fishing. A 5-weight has 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.

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
1 4

Recommended Flies for Rakin Lodge

The trout’s primary diet consists of terrestrials, including grasshoppers, beetles, and stoneflies, as well as a variety of mayflies, caddis and dragonflies. Your guides are happy to provide flies for the fishing and they are included in your package. If you were to assemble your own collection, here is our recommendations:

  • Dries: Your primary patterns are terrestrials – including assorted foam beetles and hoppers – sizes 8, 10, 12; Parachute Hopper – sizes 8, 10; Foam dung beetle – sizes 8, 10; Fat Albert – sizes 6, 8, 10 in black/tan; Foam Ant – sizes 14, 16; flying ants – sizes 10, 12. Other classic flies - such as Adams and Royal Wulff in sizes 12, 14, 16; Caddis - elk hair caddis in sizes 12, 14, 16; Goddard caddis in sizes 10-12; Stones fly stimulators in sizes 12, 14.

  • Nymphs: Beadhead pheasant tail – sizes 12, 14, 16; Beadhead copper john – black, red and copper in sizes 12, 14, 16; Beadhead hare’s ear in sizes 12, 14, 16; Beadhead prince nymph in sizes 12, 14, 16; San Juan – worm red, size 8; Bitch creek – black, brown in sizes 6, 4; Emergers; Lafontaine Caddis or similar in sizes 14, 16; CDC caddis in sizes 14, 16, 18; CDC mayfly, sizes 14, 16; Softhackles, sizes 14, 16.

  • Streamers: (sizes 2, 4, 6 and 8) - Woolly bugger – olive, brown, black; Clouser minnow – white, yellow; Zonkers – black or olive; Sparkle Minnow; Autumn Splendor; Chile Bugger; Beldar Rubberlegs – black, brown/yellow; Home Invader – black

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.

Top 5 Flies Rakin Lodge

The trout’s primary diet consists of terrestrials, including grasshoppers, beetles, stoneflies, as well as a variety of mayflies, caddis, and dragonflies. Hatches can vary widely throughout the season, so having a good cross section of patterns and sizes will help you match the hatch on any given day. 

Top 5 Flies for Rakin Lodge: 

• Rio’s Morrish Hopper assorted colors (Size 8, 10, 12)
• Parachute Adams Grey (Size 16)
• Copper John Red (Size 12)
• Woolly Bugger Black (Size 8)
• Fat Albert Black (Size 10)

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, 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 an excellent option. 

Wet Wading:
One pair of neoprene socks with gravel guards and quick dry pants 

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 

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. 

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 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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