Kau Tapen Lodge

The fishing at Kau Tapen is for Sea-Run Brown Trout weighing an average of 12 lbs and ascending to 30+ lbs. The private access of Kau Tapen is approximately 16km on the Rio Grande. The river, the famous Rio Grande, offers easy wading on fine gravel bottom.

Five world records have been set at Kau Tapen. 27-35 pound trout are caught each season. 20 pounders are caught every week.

It's not just the Rio Grande that Kau Tapen overlooks, but also the Menendez River, which hosts its own run of Sea Trout with over 22 river miles. This river offers some of the best floating line fishing for sea runs, many of them over 20 lbs.

Fish are generally easy to reach, holding on current lines or against cut banks within casting range.

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 fall (late March, April and May) 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 3 to 6lbs. Researchers have found trout which had spawned more than 6 times. A trout which has 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.

Anglers fly into Buenos Aires International Airport and take a 3 hour flight to Rio Grande. The transfer from the Rio Grande Airport to the Lodge, by four wheel drive, takes 1 hour.

Fishing schedule:

8:00 am Breakfast

9:00 am Depart for fishing

1:00 pm Lunch and Siesta

4:00 pm Fish till dusk

It accommodates up to 12 guests in 8 twin rooms and 1 double bedroom.

A large living room area opens up to vistas of the Menendez Valley and Rio Grande valley. A large roaring fire and well stocked bar will welcome you after every fishing session.

The lodge has 2 wading rooms, a sauna, Finnish steam bath and Massage room.

A la carte menu, true five star accommodations and excellent equipment means you will be fishing in both style and comfort.

A traditional Asado (BBQ) will be held once during your stay, and you can sample different cuts of meat and wonderful salads.

Guests have the full use of the lodge's fly tying table and equipment.

Unparalleled bird watching and rich wildlife viewing (Condors, Flamingos, Foxes, and

Guacos, Argentina's llama-like animals).

SPA: sauna, therapeutic shower, relaxation and massage area.

Telephone and internet access.

Weekly Rate:

January 07th–April 18th: $ 7,250 per person

December 18th–January 07th: $ 5,950 per person

*Based on double occupancy and shared guide.

Included:

Transfer from Rio Grande Airport to Kau Tapen, Lodging, Meals, all wines, beer, and local spirits at the Lodge, Professional guide services.

Not included:

Gratuities for guides and house staff, Airfares, Fishing License (US $250 per person), Laundry service.