CARRILEUFU RIVER LODGE PATAGONIA, ARGENTINA
Carrileufu River Lodge is situated in the middle of a complex network of lakes and rivers located between the snowcapped Andes and the arid steppes of Chubut Province. This area provides anglers with ideal access to some of the best fly fishing in Patagonia. Located on the border of Los Alerces National Park, near the town of Cholila, there is access to both the Carrileufu and Rivadavia Rivers. Los Alerces, founded in 1937, was one of the first national parks in South America and boasts numerous mountain lakes and rivers with wild trout. You will float and wade in gin clear water with strong trout populations. Situated in central Patagonia, about 45 degrees South, this area is known for its beauty and extremely successful trout introduction. From the lodge, you and expert guides will explore the region, stalk large brown trout on crystal-clear spring creeks, float the world-famous Rio Rivadavia, fish the nearby Carrileufu, or even take a three-day wilderness float on the seldom-fished, remote, Rio Chubut. Trip date: March 2 9, 2019 $5,600 per angler sharing a room and a guide Private room supplement is $180 per night, Private guide supplement is $250 per day Flights into and out of Esquel are scheduled on Saturdays. It is also possible to reach the lodge from San Carlos de Bariloche (daily flights). Round trip, ground transfers from Bariloche and Esquel are included in this special departure. Single anglers traveling alone will not pay the private guide supplement if they are willing to share with another single angler (limited availability for this special departure). The single supplement can only be waived on this special departure when booking with Orvis Adventures. Included: all meals and accommodations, 6-days of guided fishing on the Rio Chubut and Rivadavia (2 anglers per guide), transportation to/from fishing locations, transfer to/from Esquel, all alcoholic beverages, laundry service. Not Included: Air fare and/or special transfers, Argentina fishing license approximately $85/person paid in cash on site, fishing gear, guide & staff gratuities.
MEET YOUR HOSTS, DAVE AND AMELIA On top of their lifetimes spent fly fishing, over a decade of travel has proven Dave and Amelia Jensen some of the finest anglers out there. Back home in Alberta, Canada, they have guided trout streams for the past 20 years: hatch chasing, sight-fishing, streamer fishing they ve done it all! For the past 11 years, they have also spent months at a time in New Zealand stalking browns and bows. Mixed in, they owned and published the magazine Alberta Fishing Guide and operated a multiple award winning, Orvis Endorsed Expedition in the remote Canadian Rockies. Their passion to share the wonders of the world of fly fishing is part of who they are, and we are grateful to have Dave and Amelia for a third year of producing Orvis Advanced Tactics Master-Class Monday video series. They also contribute photos and videos to additional magazines, websites, and TV shows. Be sure to check out their Instagram feed @jensenflyfishing to catch up on some of their favorite content. They can t wait to get out on the water with you soon! THE FISHING Trout were introduced to this region at the turn of the 20th Century and have bred in the wild without further intervention. The primary species sought by anglers are rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon. Trout in these waters are plentiful and can be larger in average than most US Western destinations. The main watershed fished by Carrileufu River Lodge begins in the Tres Picos Mountains, where snowmelt feeds the Lago Cholila and ends at the Rio Grande. The clarity of the rivers allows anglers to enjoy sight-fishing as well as prospecting from a raft or while wading. The waters predominantly fished by the lodge s guides are the Rio Rivadavia, Rio Carrileufu, Rio Chubut, Lago Menendez, and several small tributaries that can hold surprisingly large fish.
THE LODGE The new lodge was finished in 2014 and is currently managed by Pancho Panzer, a friendly, professional fly fishing guide with an infectious enthusiasm for fly fishing this scenic mountain valley. The new Carrileufu River Lodge was built to make anglers feel comfortable. There are 6 spacious double rooms with queen sized beds for 12 guests. While intimate when you want it to be, there is also a large gathering room offering beautiful views of the Tres Picos Mountains and space for sharing stories from the day. The lodge has Wi-Fi internet access and VOIP phone service so you re not entirely isolated. A hearty breakfast is served between 8:00am and 9:00am (this is Patagonia, you can fish till late in the evening); lunch is usually on the river; there s an open bar for drinks in the living room after a day of fishing; and a three-course dinner is served late, in the Patagonia style, with an emphasis on the famous local grass-fed beef and lamb. The food is great: homemade bread, fresh salad, fruit, vegetables, cheese and sausages reflect the European immigrants who settled the region in the 20 th century. Great Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, select spirts and other Argentine wines are included, as are soft drinks and beer.
SAMPLE ITINERARY for a 6-day fishing package*. *This is just a sample itinerary of our Argentina fly fishing trip to give you a feel for what is possible. Normally you will leave the USA on an evening flight; arriving in Buenos Aires the next morning. You can sometimes connect to a flight to Esquel the same day, but an overnight in Buenos Aires is recommended, and it s well worth the stopover. B.A. is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in South America, has excellent hotels and restaurants, and boasts a lively cultural scene. The international and domestic airports are in separate locations and the transfer between them can take over an hour, depending on traffic. We recommend giving yourself at least 5 hours between flights so you can make your connections. Orvis Adventures will assist with airline information and can make hotel arrangements for Buenos Aires. Day 1: Arrive at Esquel Your Patagonia fly fishing trip begins at Esquel airport, where a representative from Carrileufu will pick you up for the 1 hour 45-minute drive to the Lodge. Flights from Buenos Aires normally arrive at Esquel in the late afternoon. After settling in, you ll have the chance to prepare for your first day of fishing and enjoy dinner, drinks, and relaxation.
Day 2-7: Six Full Days of Fishing Eat an energizing breakfast and then you re off! During the course of your stay you will work with your guides to decide which waters you will fish based on water levels, weather and individual interests. Only four miles long, the Rio Rivadavia is floated for a full day and will provide you with frequent opportunities to sight-fish. You may also have the chance to visit one of the river s small spring creek tributaries before finishing your day on the shores of Lago Verde. The Rio Carrileufu is home to wild trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon, is best fished by rafts, although there are opportunities to get out and wade productive runs and riffles. The Rio Chubut, along with other rivers and lakes nearby are also daily options. Lunch is typically prepared and served riverside each day. Day 8: Depart Carrileufu River Lodge After breakfast or lunch you will gather your gear together for the drive back to Esquel and your afternoon flight back to Buenos Aires and connections to the US.
Each traveler will receive a VIP customer card for booking a trip through Orvis Adventures and it entitles you to a 20% discount on Orvis merchandise from the time you book, up to 3 months after your trip. Orvis has been outfitting travelers since 1856 and you can find all the specialty clothing, luggage and gear you need in our catalogs, stores and website. When you book though Orvis Adventures you will never pay a booking fee and will save on every purchase. We also supply you with a detailed packing list so you know exactly what to take. READY TO BOOK? Call Orvis Adventures and place your $300 or 25% deposit by credit card 800 547-4322