Who is best suited to this destination?
Rakin is appealing to a wide variety of anglers who appreciate being in a remote, frontier-like setting. The lodge is charming, authentic, and well appointed, and great for small groups of friends. The fishing is primarily walk and wade and there are a few boat-based opportunities. Guests who are comfortable walking several miles a day along the rivers will have the best experience and the greatest number of opportunities.
Where is the lodge?
The lodge is located in a scenic and remote part of northern Patagonia, between the towns of Las Lajas and Loncoupé. It is in the northern portion of the Neuquén Province of Argentina, approximately 3.5-hours north of San Martin de los Andes.
How do I get there?
To get to Rakin Lodge, you will need to fly to Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE), Argentina and then to San Martin de los Andes – Chapelco Airport (CPC). You are met in San Martin de los Andes by a representative of the lodge and transferred 3-hours to the lodge. Most international flights to Buenos Aires arrive early in the morning. The in-country flight to San Martin de los Andes typically departs from the Buenos Aires Domestic Airport (AEP) and there is typically only one or two flights per day, making an overnight in Buenos Aires before heading on to San Martin de los Andes likely.
When should I go?
Like most destinations in Patagonia the season runs from December through April and can fish well the entire time. Late January and February can be quite warm, but the rivers will still hold good volumes of water and wet wading is common. The unique thing about this destination is because it is so far north the daytime temperatures in April can be in the low 70’s which is much warmer than the vast majority of Patagonia at that time of year.
How will I fish?
Anglers will fish one angler to a guide. There will be a combination of dry fly, nymph, and streamer fishing, sometimes all in the same day. Sight fishing with dry flies to individual fish is productive, and dry-dropper fishing is very common.
Is there wade fishing?
Yes. 90% of the fishing is on foot, and there are some lakes and lagoons nearby that are fished from a boat. At the right river flows, guests may utilize rafts to float a river and will frequently get out to fish. There are also several spring creeks that are exclusively wade fishing.
Where will I fish?
The outfitters have private access to more than 20 miles of the Codihue River and 25 miles of the Trocoman River, as well as numerous creeks, lagoons, and lakes nearby.
How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds?
The lodge is located on a scenic bluff overlooking a river. You can start fishing 5 minutes from the lodge accessed by truck to the water. Most fishing is done within a 15-minute to 45-minute drive accessed by 4-wheel drive vehicles. They have one beat that is a scenic and adventurous 3-hour drive one direction, where guest will enjoy an overnight stay. This drive is a highlight for most guests and gives access to a unique overnight experience at the Trocoman House. Most guests will cover 1.5- to 2-miles of water on foot each day, and they frequently rest and rotate the beats to keep fishing pressure extremely low.
What type(s) of fish will I catch?
Rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout.
How many fish will I catch?
They have a variety of fisheries. Some are great for numbers where you could have a 20+ fish day and others are more technical where you should set your sights on a half dozen high quality fish per day. Fish 20- to 24+ inches are caught each week.
Will I see other anglers?
Not likely. Most of the waters fished are on private estancias exclusively accessed by Rakin Lodge. The water that has public access is more than three hours from the nearest town of size (San Martin de los Andes) and difficult to access.
What are the guides like?
As with most guides in Patagonia they are very good at what they do and take their jobs seriously. They all speak English and are interesting professionals. Guides rotate with guests throughout the week.
What are the physical demands?
Because the trip is primarily walk and wade, the more fit you are, the more water you will be able to access. The thing to remember is if you struggle getting around on rivers you will have access to limited amount of water. Guests who can and enjoy walking 1 – 2 miles per day will enjoy this fishing program the most.
Are there any special skills required?
No.
Does the lodge provide equipment?
All fishing gear is available for guests if needed, including rods, reels, lines, flies, tippet, waders and boots upon request at no additional cost.
What is your favorite setup for the trip?
Any high-quality fast action 6-weight will do the trick for most of their waters. Most anglers travel with a variety of rods in the 4- to 7-weight range. Your primary line will be a weight forward floating line, appropriately matched to your rod. In the lakes and lagoons, a sinking line may be helpful.
What are the top flies?
Caddis, mayflies, and foam attractor patterns with rubber legs are the go-to dries. Red and silver copper johns are staples for nymphing, and assorted dark-colored weighted woolly bugger patterns with rubber legs are their go-to patterns for streamer fishing. They have several hatches throughout the season including the inch-worm hatch and hoppers.
What are the options if water conditions become challenging?
They have plenty of water to rotate guests through and it is rare for the rivers to be unfishable.
What is a typical day like?
7:30 AM breakfast, 8:30 AM depart for fishing. Lunch is served riverside. Appetizers are served back at the lodge at 6:30 PM with a chef prepared dinner and desert to follow.
What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge?
The atmosphere is relaxed and great for private groups. While the lodge is very nice, and everything is professional, there is no need to get dressed up. If you come to dinner in your fishing clothes no one would give it a second thought.
Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge?
The head guide, Danny, is also the lodge manager, who is very approachable and attentive to all guest needs.
Where do we eat, and what are the meals like?
Guests eat in a main dining room and the meals showcase classic Argentine dishes. Most dishes will be made from scratch by a trained chef. While beef will aways make a solid showing in Patagonia you will also enjoy fresh pastas.
What is the alcohol policy?
All beer, wine, and house alcohol are included. The lodge serves a nice variety of both red and white wines. They will have a good spirit selection at the bar, and guests are welcome to bring a particular spirit if they have a favorite.
Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like?
Rakin Lodge is located on a bluff overlooking the scenic and secluded Codihue canyon. There are four comfortable double occupancy rooms, three of which have attached baths. The lodge accommodates a maximum of 6 anglers. Rakin Lodge features an indoor swimming pool and comfortable common area to relax after a day on the water.
There is also an optional overnight available at the Trocoman River House suitable for two guests at a time. This is a wonderfully authentic experience. The house is a vintage two-bedroom chalet with whitewashed mud walls, a cozy kitchen/dining area compete with a wood stove and fireplace for cooking. The bathroom has a small fireplace that heats the shower water, and the guest bedroom also has its own fireplace.
Is there internet and/or cell service?
There is no cell service but there is wireless internet.
Are there other activities?
No. This destination is best suited for anglers.
Are there any other expenses?
Guide and staff gratuities. There is an option to add helicopter service to the lodge and daily fly outs for groups of 4 or more. Inquire with Fly Water Travel for details.
Do I need a visa?
No.
Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances?
We recommend that guests always consult with the U.S. Department of State and the Center for Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines.
