Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

To get to Aurelia Lodge, you will need to make reservations to and from Rio Grande, Argentina via Buenos Aires. You will likely need to overnight in Buenos Aires before departing on a morning flight to Rio Grande. A lodge representative will meet you at the Rio Grande airport and transport you to the lodge in a private van or four wheel truck. Transfer from the airport to the lodge takes approximately 1.15 hours.

Documentation
You will need a valid passport to enter Argentina! Also take a photocopy of it to make a fishing license as soon you get to the lodge.

The Region and Rivers
The Rio Grande flows from west to east,  and is born from the White Lake (Tierra del Fuego on the Chilean side) flowing to the Atlantic Ocean, with more than 160 km long and 70 KM of it in Argentine territory. The landscape of Tierra del Fuego is reminiscent of Wyoming or the Scottish Flow country. It is a sparsely populated wilderness. Large sheep farming estancias share this land with herds of wild llama-like guanacos, grey foxes, beavers and condors. The success of the fishery on the Rio Grande is a modern-day fisherman’s Cinderella story. In just a decade, through access control and the diligent promotion of catch and release, average catch results have risen remarkably.

Sea Run Brown Trout
The first brown trout were stocked in Tierra del Fuego by John Goodall in 1935. Shipped from Puerto Montt in Chile, 60,000 "Salmo Trutta" eggs survived the arduous journey, to be planted on the Candelaria and McLennan Rivers, both tributaries of the Rio Grande. These fish eventually found their way to the sea, possibly attracted by the rich nourishment of the estuary. These sea-run brown trout now complete the yearly migratory cycle of salmonids, spawning during the summer months in freshwater. Salmo Trutta remain in the river for a period of time which ranges between 1 and 4 years until their first migration to the sea, where they will feed and grow for about 6 months before their first return to freshwater, weighing approximately 6 lbs. Researchers have found trout which had spawned more than 6 times. A trout which as completed 4 cycles of returning to freshwater can weigh over 20 lbs. The frequency with which they return to freshwater is also an indicator that the fish face very few threats. Whilst also providing a very real example of the benefits of Catch and Release.

The Lodge
Fishing on the Rio Grande, without a doubt, is a dream every fly fisherman wants to come true, at least once on his life.  Being able to enjoy the first class service of Aurelia Lodge, and its private waters,  this dream is very attainable. Also, the opportunity to fish the Menendez River is a great bonus that will also leave the angler with unforgettable memories. All of this and the marvelous landscapes surrounding us in magical Tierra del Fuego,  where the "sky joins the land", makes for a angling journey of a lifetime.

Fishing Program
Our guides will pick up you around 8 AM after breakfast each day, fishing until around 12 PM, always with one guide for every two anglers. Outstanding lunches will be served at the lodge or in the new comfortable river lodge, 10 minutes from the banks of the Rio Grande, where you’ll find a great place to relax visit the fly shop and enjoy the traditional siesta in spacious double rooms (the hours of which will depend on month of the season). Guests return to the river between 5 and 6 PM and fish until dusk.

Accommodation and Meals
At Aurelia Lodge we can comfortably accommodate 12 guests in 5 double-rooms, one of which is a very large suite and is ideal for families of up to 4 people. The number of rods, however, may not exceed 8 licensed anglers.

The estancia house was totally renovated in 2005 to the fishing lodge, allows anglers and guests to enjoy spacious rooms, large and fully appointed private bathrooms,  a warm and welcoming reception areas,  and a fine dining room with a great view. An indoor barbecue and bar area (quincho) is a casual lounge with a pool table and a fly-tying and makes a great place to enjoy the traditional Patagonian Lam cook by our chef, who specializes in argentine food.

We also provide recreational options for non-fishing guests such as horseback riding, sightseeing of the abundant local wildlife (numerous flocks of wild geese, plentiful herds of "guanacos" a species of the cameloids, grey foxes, diverse hawks, condors, seagulls and other birds) as well as visits and photographic safaris to beaver lodges and dam sites.

The fishing season begins on November 1st and the lodge is open and operative from January 18st through end of April of each year. 

Water
Tap water is safe in most of Argentina, however, bottled water is available everywhere in Argentina, and the lodge keeps a constant supply for our guests.

Climate
The summer climate of this southernmost region of South America is extremely variable, and a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions should be expected. The sun can be very strong during the day, but the wind chill factor makes the use of protective gear necessary all season long.

Clothing
It is recommended that anglers layer their clothing, enabling the adding and subtracting of garments throughout the day. Pack polar fleece jackets, thermal underwear, polar neck, wool socks and a wool cap to be prepared for the extreme. Flannel or chamois cloth shirts and polars are ideal for the stream. A reliable windstopper/rain jacket is also recommended. Attire at the lodge is casual and laundry service is available.

Currency
The dollar is widely accepted in Argentina, and you can change dollars for pesos at your hotel in Buenos Aires or at any bank. When paid in dollars, most merchants will give change in pesos, a good way to get small bills for cabs, tips to porters, etc (although dollars may be used as well.) It is difficult to exchange traveler’s checks of any kind outside of Buenos Aires. The Lodge just accepts cash or travelers checks to pay for souvenirs, extras and gratuities.

Gratuities
We recommend a gratuity per person, per week a 10% of the regular rate. At the lodge you will find all the information you’ll need on how to split it. You will give the guide gratuities directly to him and the staff gratuities to the manager, both at the end of the week.

Power and Communications
The lodge has reliable electric power and back-up battery lighting. (220 volts, 50 cycles, generator powered) A standard converter and European adapter for two-pronged plug should work fine throughout Argentina. They offer a permanent telephone line in each room. Also wi-fi internet access with no additional cost.

Medical facilities
Anglers should pack medications for such common complaints as Diarrhea, upset stomach, motion sickness, headache and irregularity, along with prescriptions. Most visitors to Argentina don’t experience stomach problems associated with other countries, but it pays to have treatment available just in case.

Insurance
We recommend purchasing Travel Insurance from specialized companies like Sportsman´s Travel Insurance or similar.

Rates - Season 2011 – 2012
Cost per angler U$ 5890
Cost per non angler guest U$ 2945 

Included
Lodging in double rooms occupancy, transfer Rio Grande airport to lodge (roundtrip); all meals with fine selection of wines and beers; hard liquors and cocktails before meals, all fishing services including guiding, transportation and internet access.

Not Include
Please note that this price does not include air tickets, Buenos Aires hotels, Buenos Aires transfers, personal equipment, fishing licenses, laundry service, staff and guide gratuities.

Tackle/Equipment List

• Rod: For a single-handed rod – 9, 9 ½ or 10 ft. for an 8 weight is ideal. Two handed rods are increasingly popular and allow anglers to cast a comfortable line with less effort, particularly on windy days. We encourage you to bring one of 13 to 15 ft. for a 8-10 wt. line.
• Reel: A strong, smooth drag is a must. Reels should have capacity for the fly line and 100 yards of 20 lb backing.
• Lines: Anglers should include at least 3 or 4 lines to accommodate variance in water levels and wind conditions. Weight forward fly lines are generally used n the Rio Grande. A sinking shooting taper is very important. The Teeny T-200 and T-300 lines or Rio 24 ft Density Compensated Sinking Tip 200, 300 and 400 grs are excellent, and at least one or both of these lines should be considered as must bring items. Intermediate lines are also effective in some conditions. Floating lines are typically most useful in low water conditions and during early morning and evening hours, when sea trout are inclined to be nearer the surface.

For two handed rods we find that a Zpey Fushion lines or Rio Spey Lines Diversity Tips, Skagit model or equivalent is very versatile as these allow one to switch line weights from fast sinking #8 to medium #3 or floating lines easily; Furthermore Rio T11, T14 and T17 can be very useful for varying the length of the sinking tip being used.

• Leaders/Tippet: Spools of mono should include 30, 20 and 15 lbs breaking strengths. We recommend straight Maxima for sinking line leaders and for floating have a knotless tapered leader from 9 to 12 ft with OX tippets.
• Flies:
  • Bunny leech, Zonker, Woolly Bugger (black/olive), articulated string leech types, with electric blue flash or holographic , on #2-4 hooks
  • Peacock (now a staple on Rio Grande, tied on #2-4 hooks)
  • Woolly worms in different colors
  • Girdle or Yuk Bug rubber legs (#4-12)
  • Bitch Creek nymphs (orange and black for preference, #4-12)
  • Bead head nymphs (Prince, Hare’s Ear, etc. #10-14)  
  • Traditional Atlantic Salmon flies
  • Bombers, Green Machine, Tarantula or other waking dry flies (natural deer hair, black & green on #4-8 hooks), for use drifted or with a Portland hitch.  
  • Include 1 ½ 2 inch tube flies if you have them, as tubes can be very effective on the Rio Grande like Collie Dog tube flies (3 ½ - 4 ½ long, both aluminum and copper bodies, with hard plastic tubing and #4 wide-gape hooks), Sunrise Shadows, and others similars. 
  • Also, take any large, dark trout or salmon fly in which you have confidence. Fishing a fly that has worked for you in the past, and in which you have confidence, is half the battle.
    
• Other Equipment:
  • Breathable chest waders and a good pair of wading boots with felt soles or rubber cleats.
  • Capilene fleece pants are a must, worn under Gore-tex waders, given that water temperatures can be in the 40’s. Long johns and thick wool or capilene fleece socks are also a must.
  • Gravel guards and a wading belt
  • Gore-tex windproof rain jacket with hood.
  • Polaroid sunglasses, camera & film, flashlight, sun protection, fishing hat, etc.