Who is best suited to this destination? Estancia Despedida is a great bet for sea trout anglers of all skill levels who appreciate long hours on the water, short drive times, value, and homestyle hospitality in a casual setting.
Where is the lodge? The lodge is located on the Argentina side of Tierra del Fuego, roughly 45 minutes from the city of Rio Grande.
How do I get there? Guests arrive in Buenos Aires on a Friday and overnight. On Saturday, take a mid-afternoon flight from Buenos Aires to Rio Grande. A representative of the lodge meets guests at the airport for a 45-minutes transfer to the lodge.
When should I go? The season is January through mid-April.
How will I fish? Anglers fish two per guide on a split day schedule. Two 4- to 5-hour sessions are punctuated by an extended mid-day break for lunch and a siesta. The beat rotation schedule is set up such that guests rotate beats each session, allowing every angler to fish each beat twice, having one morning session and one afternoon session, throughout the week. Anglers are advised to bring single hand rods for low water conditions and two-handed rods for high water and windy conditions. Swinging, stripping, and twitching relatively small nymphs on intermediate lines is a very popular technique. There are also times when larger streamers or dry flies are very effective. The lodge also has some secretive, down-and-dirty sink tip techniques that can be very productive.
Is there wade fishing? The Rio Grande is 100% wade fishing.
Where will I fish? Despedida fishes roughly 3.5 miles of the river that is broken down into six distinctive beats. Their water is referred to as the “heart of the river,” and has some of the most consistent and productive pools in the entire Rio Grande.
How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? One of the highlights of Despedida is the extremely short drive times. The farthest pools away from the lodge can be accessed in minutes.
What type(s) of fish will I catch? Sea run brown trout in the 5- to 25-pound class and the occasional resident brown trout up to four pounds.
How many fish will I catch? Catch rates vary greatly by day, week, and by angler. The lodge keeps good records of catch rates and across the years, anglers have averaged two to three fish per person per day.
Will I see other anglers? Guests typically see anglers from other lodges while fishing adjoining beats of water and while traveling to and from the river during beat rotations. Although guests see other anglers, they will never be competing with them to reach a pool and will always have rested water.
What are the guides like? Estancia Despedida has an eclectic mix of experienced guides who are thoroughly familiar with all the intricacies of fishing the Rio Grande. All the guides speak good English.
What are the physical demands? With short walks from the truck to the river and easy wading, there are no physical demands worth noting.
Are there any special skills required? Although the guides do a great job selecting pools and fishing positions to try and avoid casting into the wind, it is beneficial for anglers to be prepared to cast proficiently in the wind with both singlew hand rods as well as Spey rods. Sinking tips are common as well.
Does the lodge provide equipment? No. Be prepared with all your own gear.
What is your favorite setup for the trip? A 9- or 10- foot, single hand 7- or 8-weight and a light, 11- to 13-foot 7- or 8-weight Spey rod with a Scandi-style head will cover most of the water and conditions. It’s also a good idea to have a heavier two-handed rod in the 7- to 8-weight class for Skagit and sink tip work during high water conditions or to load heavier Scandi heads for punching long casts on windy days.
What are the top flies? Small nymphs with rubber legs on stout hooks, such as prince nymphs and girdle bugs, and larger black flies for the last light in the evening session.
What are the options if water conditions become challenging? Wind is a constant and should be expected. This is a fishing focused lodge and the guides put you on promising pools that fish well under a wide range of conditions. If unbearable for guests only option is head back to the lodge and wait it out.
What is a typical day like? Fishing days are split sessions. Typical day starts early with breakfast at 7:00AM, then depart for a 5- to 15-minute transfer to the morning's pools. Around mid-day guests return to the lodge for lunch and siesta. The evening session begins about 5:00PM and fishing continues into dark. Dinner can be after midnight.
What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the lodge? This is a true fly fishing lodge with a casual and unpretentious style.
Is there an on-site owner, manager, or other point-person at the lodge? Lodge owner Danny LaJous splits his time between the lodge and town with no set schedule. While he sometimes joins guests for dinner, most of the hosting is handled by a member of the guide team who is available to guests during the cocktail and dinner hours.
Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Meals are thoughtfully prepared and accompanied by regional Argentine wines.
What is the alcohol policy? Beer and wine is included, and spirits are available at additional expense.
Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? The spacious, log home-style lodge accommodates six anglers per week in three double-occupancy rooms with private baths. There is a main common area including a comfortable living room, dining room and bar, and an enclosed and heated entry for guests to store and dry waders, boots, and jackets.
Is there internet and/or cell service? There is no internet or cell phone service available at the lodge.
Are there other activities? No.
Are there any other expenses?Fishing licenses, any special transfer fees and gratuities
Do I need a visa? No. Argentina no longer requires a reciprocity fee or visa. Guests must have a valid passport that expires no less than six months prior to the trip date.
Are there any health concerns, dangers, or annoyances? None that come to mind. We recommend that guests always consult with the US Department of State and the Center for Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines.