Patagonia, Argentina
Challhuaquen is a fly fishing resort and lodge is located in the heart of Patagonia and it is one of the more luxurious facilities in the Esquel – Trevelin fly fishing region. Like the best of the Argentine fishing lodges, it has a variety of water from the big, floatable Rio Grande (also known as the Futaleufu River) to the Arroyo Pescado spring creek, where you can take trout on dry flies most days throughout the season. Floating, wading, and classic stream stalking are all on full display in this region and you can enjoy them all, even on a short stay.
The scenery will remind you of the western USA, with evergreen forests rising up to snowcapped peaks, and rivers flowing down into the open, arid plains. The “Lakes Region” and Los Alerces National Park are on the western skyline and the open plains of Chubut Province are to the east.
Our short stay in this lovely and comfortable lodge – a lodge replete 
with such elaborate luxuries as saunas & Jacuzzis, gourmet food, and much more, was the highlight of my stay in Argentina. The new lodge is only exceeded by an outstanding staff – from guides to a 4 star chef, and will undoubtedly create wondrous memories for future clients, and will soon become a beacon for fishers all over the world. Thank you!! —Mel Krieger, April 7, 2005.
SEASON
Fishing starts in November and ends April 30th. Although there is access to good fishing during the entire length of the season, most anglers prefer to plan their trips during the first half of December through March. This is generally the part of the season that provides the widest variety of fishing, allowing anglers to catch fish on dries, nymphs and streamers.
In November and early December large fish can be caught fishing sinking lines with streamers but very little dry fly fishing is available. The weather is also cooler and less predictable. The dry fly fishing starts to pick up in mid-December, as the weather warms, and usually remains productive until early March. Late March and April generally bring cool, clear mornings and signal migratory fish in the rivers. The cooler air and water temperatures can slow down the dry fly action, but streamers can yield surprising results. April is also the time when some anglers choose to cast streamers into the Rio Grande in hopes of hooking a large Chinook salmon.
GETTING THERE
In the province of Chubut, Challhuaquen Lodge is located about 30 miles southwest of Esquel, the closest airport. Flights between Buenos Aires and Esquel can be arranged on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. When you arrive in Esquel you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to the lodge, about a 45 minute drive.
Another option is to fly to Bariloche Airport, which has daily flights from Buenos Aires. From Bariloche, the drive to the lodge is about four hours and much of it is on the scenic Ruta 40 that parallels the Andes. Please contact Orvis Travel to discuss transfers from Bariloche in more detail.
Activities
Challhuaquen means “fishing place” in the native Mapuche language and the lodge is located amidst some of Patagonia’s best fly fishing water in the Trevelin valley on the banks of the Rio Grande. The Rio Grande, sometimes called the Futaleufu River, is one of Argentina’s most beautiful and prolific trout streams and has been compared to Montana’s Missouri river. The Rio Grande (not to be
confused with the sea-run brown fishery in Tierra del Fuego) is a large river containing flat water, riffles and deep pools well suited to catching fish with flies. This tailwater fishery is one of the best terrestrial rivers in the region where fish average 12″ – 17″. Although the Rio Grande is only footsteps from your room, there are a number of other waters to fish within a short drive of the lodge.
The Arroyo Pescado spring creek is known as one of the best spring creeks in the world. The fishery is strictly managed on a private estancia and is only opened from January through April. The “fish creek” offers prolific hatches, with numerous rising fish on most days. The water is gin clear and the trout can be very selective and wary. Anglers spend the majority of their time sight casting to fish in the 16-21″ range. Each day can bring opportunities to view pink Chilean flamingos, magellan and ashy head geese, a variety of ducks, black neck swans, ibis, parrots, greater rheas and condors. Arroyo Pescado is roughly 1½ hour drive from the Challhuaquen lodge.
The Corcovado River stretches more than sixty miles in Argentina before crossing the border into Chile, where it is renamed the Palena. The Corcovado offers some classic trout water and contains some very large brook trout and nice rainbows. A typical day can offer anglers a combination of streamer, dry fly and nymph fly fishing along with a little white water action. Wade fishing in the many riffles is also a nice option. The Corcovado River is roughly 2 hours from the lodge.
The Nant Y Fall creek is a lake fed stream reminiscent of a spring creek. This private fishery has rainbow trout with an impressive average size of 17″ and an incredible backdrop of the Andes Mountains, as well as perfect Patagonia bird habitat. Nant Y Fall is about 45 minutes from the lodge.
The Rio Corintos is a small stream that flows into the Rio Grande. With over 30 miles of river to wade, the dry fly fishing for smaller fish on a light rod is a wonderful addition to your week. The Corintos is approximately 30 minutes from the lodge.
The Rivadavia River is considered to be one of the most beautiful rivers in the world flowing into Lago Verde within Los Alerces National Park. The river has some spectacular sight fishing. With very limited wading, adventurous anglers may choose to jump out of the boat and fish a small spring creek flowing into the main river. The Rivadavia is home to rainbows, browns, brook trout, and landlocked salmon. The Rivadavia is about 1½ hours from the lodge.
The Arrayanes River is a short, slow deep stretch of river that offers some exciting early seaseon fly fishing. The most exciting method is to sight cast dry flies to cruising rainbows suspended just under the surface or pull streamers on sink tip lines for large browns. The Arrayanes River is roughly 1½ hours from the lodge.
There are a number of lakes and other rivers in the area anglers can enjoy as well. Each evening you will meet with your professional guide and plan the next days angling course based on seasonal fishing conditions, weather, your desires and abilities.
NON-ANGLING Although primarily catering to anglers, non-angling companions have a variety of local activities to participate in while at Challuaquen Lodge. Examples include touring Butch Cassidy’s cabin or a “LeLeque Estancia” Museum visit with ride on the Patagonia Express (La Trochita). You can also go hiking or trekking on the many trails around the park and see alerce forests, Torrecillas glacier, condors, flamingos, pudu and other wildlife. Guided tours and activities are included in all non-angler packages and can be set up on short notice. We recommend discussing the options with your hosts upon arrival.
Lodging & Meals.
Challuaquen Lodge opened in 2004 and maintains modern comforts while preserving a traditional mountain lodge feel. The lodge is located 15 minutes south of the Patagonian town of Trevelin on the banks of the Rio Grande (Futaleufu River). The lodge is constructed with native wood and stone to compliment the natural setting. The interior is simple, yet light and stylishly elegant, while at all times comfortable. There are only six guest rooms, each with private bath and views of the surrounding landscape. There is also a spa, sauna and massage for relaxation after fishing.
Meals at the lodge are a tasteful blend of contemporary and traditional styles created by a professional chef. Satisfying breakfasts, packed lunches, and multicourse dinners are prepared to reflect both the sophistication of Buenos Aires and the traditions of Patagonia. Meals are served in the dining room with impeccable presentation and are accompanied by excellent Argentinean wines.
Visit us at www.challhuaquen.com or call our US Rep Larry Isham 208-788-3638 or email him at Lisham@cox.net
