Kau Tapen Lodge

Kau Tapen (“house of fishing” in the native Indian Ona language) is the original sea-run brown trout fly fishing lodge in Tierra del Fuego and the standard of elegance by which other fly fishing lodges are measured. What started as the brainchild of Jorge Donovan and Jacqueline De Las Carreras over twenty years ago has revolutionized the way in which the fly fishing world views big trout. Kau Tapen has made the Rio Grande a household name for fly anglers the world over with impeccable accommodations, plenty of elbow room on the Rio Grande, talented fly fishing guides, select vehicles and equipment, Argentina’s best wines and menus, and enviable fishing records since 1984.

With 22 kilometers of water, sitting in the middle section of the river, anglers wade easily both sides of the banks. Access is everything and with clean, well maintained vehicles, anglers find themselves fly fishing after an average drive of about 15 minutes to the river. The average sea run brown runs about 10-12 lbs with record fish holding around 30 pounds! The river bottom is primarily a fine gravel bottom, so the wading is very easy.

Expect to spend about nine hours per day fly fishing among two fishing sessions, with lunch at the lodge and a siesta in the afternoon before returning to the water. The afternoon session starts later during the months of December and January to take advantage of the magical fishing hours at dusk. Kau Tapen is a strictly a catch and release fishery.

Kau Tapen guides are first class professionals from Argentina and abroad. Guides are equipped with nets and will assist guests in weighing and releasing fish without damaging them. All are able to give casting instruction with both single and double handed rods.

The attractive wood paneled lodge features ten guest rooms with private baths, dining room, sitting room, bar, wading room, and fly tying table. The lodge also offers amenities such as massage, sauna and a steam room. There is a fly shop fully equipped with flies, rods, reels, lines, and suitable clothing and Argentine crafts.

Guests enjoy gourmet dining with Argentina’s famed beef, fine wines and desserts. A traditional Asado (BBQ) will be held once during your stay, and you can sample different cuts of meat and wonderful salads.

Thursday: Depart home

Friday: Arrive Buenos Aires and overnight

Saturday: Fly from Buenos Aires to Rio Grande and transfer to the lodge

Sunday - Friday: Six full days of guided fishing on the Rio Grande

Saturday: Depart the lodge. Fly from Rio Grande to Buenos Aires

Sunday: Arrive home

2026 Rates: Per person based on single occupancy and shared guiding (subject to availability)

• December 28, 2025 - January 10, 2026, and March 21 - April 4: 7 night/6 day package: $12,950
• January 10 - March 21: 7 night/6 day package: $14,950

Included: Accommodations and meals at lodge, wine/beer/alcohol, transfers to/from Rio Grande airport and lodge, and guided fishing

Note: Prime season weeks include one night single hotel accommodations and transfers in Buenos Aires.

Not Included: Airfare, accommodations/meals/transfers in Buenos Aires, transfers to/from Ushuaia and the lodge, fishing equipment, flies, laundry services, fishing license, and gratuities

Species: Sea-run brown trout

Season: January - April

Capacity: up to 12 anglers