1. Choose private water first
The surest way to avoid other anglers is to fish water that is not open to everyone. Many Patagonian estancias control long stretches of river or spring creek, and fishing them is reserved for the lodge's guests.
At Arroyo Pescado, near Esquel, guests fish 23 kilometres of private water: the Arroyo Pescado spring creek and the Tecka River, both inside the estancia. A day on water like this means sight fishing to trout that see very few flies, with no one waiting at the next pool.
2. Stay small
Crowding is not only about the river. It is also about the lodge. A house with six rooms changes the rhythm of the whole trip: fewer boats leaving at the same time, guides who know each guest, and plans that adapt to the day rather than to a schedule.
Both River House Patagonia and Arroyo Pescado have six private rooms and host a maximum of twelve guests, and either house can be reserved for exclusive use.
3. Pick your months
The Argentine trout season runs from November to April. The busiest weeks tend to fall around the Christmas and New Year holidays and the middle of the southern summer. The beginning and the end of the season, in November and early December or in March and April, are usually quieter on the water and in the region's towns.
4. Combine two regions
Northern Patagonia and the Esquel region are very different fisheries. Around San Martín de los Andes, River House anglers float and wade the Chimehuín, Malleo, Aluminé, Collón Curá and Limay rivers. Further south, Arroyo Pescado combines technical spring creek fishing with float trips on the Futaleufú, Chubut and Carrileufu. A combined program gives you both, with the planning handled in one place.
5. Let the lodge handle the logistics
Most international travellers fly into Buenos Aires and connect to a Patagonian airport: Chapelco for River House, Esquel for Arroyo Pescado, Bariloche for Southland. Airport transfers are included in our fishing and leisure programs, so the only decision you need to make on arrival is which water to fish first.
Questions worth asking any lodge
- How much of the water is private, and how many other anglers can fish it?
- How many guests does the lodge host at once?
- Are guides shared, and how are rivers rotated through the week?
- What is included: transfers, licences, equipment, drinks?
- What happens if the weather or water conditions change?
Questions travellers ask
When is the best time to fish Patagonia without crowds?
The season runs from November to April. The beginning and end of the season, November to early December and March to April, are usually the quietest weeks.
Where can I fish private water in Argentine Patagonia?
Some estancias control long stretches of river or spring creek for their guests. At Arroyo Pescado, near Esquel, guests fish 23 kilometres of private water on the Arroyo Pescado spring creek and the Tecka River.
How many guests stay at The River House Group lodges?
River House Patagonia and Arroyo Pescado each have six private rooms for a maximum of twelve guests, and both can be reserved for exclusive use.
