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Aurelia Fishing Lodge - The Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

The world famous Rio Grande river is located in the Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego and has been internationally acclaimed for the quality and size of its sea trout for almost a century. The existence of these very large, strong and combative sea trout is a result of the efforts of pioneering Tierra del Fuego settlers John Goodall and José Menendez. Back in 1935 they received 100,000 salmo trutta eggs which had been packed in milk cans, water and moss, and sent from a seaport in Chile following a trip from Europe. Despite the difficult journey 60,000 eggs survived and were carefully stocked into two tiny tributaries of the Rio Grande river. During the following years the Rio Grande became well known for its numerous runs of vigorous, strong and feistful sea trout.

The Rio Grande flows from West to East, from the Andes to the Atlantic Ocean, through 70km of Argentine territory. The landscape of Tierra del Fuego is reminiscent of Wyoming or the Scottish low country. It is a sparsely populated wilderness. Large sheep farming “estancias” (ranches) share this land with herds of wild llama-like guanacos, red and gray foxes, condors, vast flocks of wild upland geese and a wide variety of hawks, sea gulls, and other birds.

The success of the Rio Grande fishery is a modern day fisherman's Cinderella story. In just a decade, through limiting access to licensed fishermen and the diligent enforcement of catch and release policies, average catch results have risen remarkably from less than a fish a day in the early '80s, to multiple fish per rod, per day, today. Rio Grande has been a strictly catch and release river since 1983. That decision has been successful in increasing the average weight of the sea trout caught from 7 lbs in 1983 to 12 lbs in 2004.

Since the early '80s when the first fishing lodges were established, the Rio Grande has become the most productive sea-run trout fishery in the world. However, trout numbers fluctuate with conditions at sea, tides, water levels, and a host of other natural factors. The Rio Grande, as its name in Spanish indicates, is a very large river, which at times can have very high levels of water flowing at high speeds. Due to this fact and the prevailing strong winds the use of 8 or 9 weight rods and lines is recommended. Two-handed rods are frequently used also.

Aurelia Lodge Services:

We are pleased to offer you the opportunity to fish while you enjoy the comforts of Aurelia Lodge, the warm hospitality of its staff and the priviledged access to private and semi privately owned premium river frontage on the internationally acclaimed Rio Grande as well as the Río Menendez.

The "Estancia Aurelia" owns 15000 hectares (about 38000 acres) of sheep farming land of which 10 miles front on the Río Grande and they have been licensed by the Tierra del Fuego Government to operate the Aurelia Fishing Lodge. By law the number of fishing Lodges authorized to operate on the Río Grande has been limited to those now licensed and as a consequence of this legislation Aurelia Lodge has exclusive fishing rights to both banks of the river fronting on their property. Their stretch of the river offers many pools with a variety of runs for the fly fisherman. In addition Aurelia Lodge owns 15 miles of river front on the Río Grande’s principal tributary, the Río Menendez which is also home to comparably fine fish and similar opportunities of catches. Each year Aurelia Lodge's sections of both these rivers produce many fish in the 8 to 30 pound range.

The fishing season begins on November 1st and the lodge is open and operative from January 1st through the end of April of each year. Reservations for parties of six fishermen during the period November 1st through standard opening date can be arranged upon request at special rates. Likewise we are willing to consider reservations of the entire lodge on an exclusive basis on a case by case evaluation.

At Aurelia Lodge we can comfortably host 10 fishermen in 5 double-rooms, one of which is very large and is ideal for families of up to 4/5 people. The lodge of the estancia was totally renovated in 2005 and guests will enjoy spacious rooms, warm and welcoming reception areas, a homely dining room with a great view, an indoor barbecue area (“quincho”) with bar, lounge with a pool table and a fly-tying area.

We also provide recreational options for non fishing guests such as sightseeing of local wildlife including visits to beaver lodges and dam sites, and photographic safaris. There are also tame horses for riding and use of bicycles made available on a complimentary basis.

Rates and reservations Aurelia Lodge:

January/April 2006:

• Low season – January and April (not available) per rod/person weekly
• High season February & March (not available) per rod/person weekly
• Non fishing companions high & low seasons $1000 per person weekly
• Daily rates for shorter stays available upon request
• November and December special rates for parties of no less than 6 upon request.
• Full occupancy on exclusive basis, Rates upon request and subject to availability.

Our tariffs include the following services:

• Pick-up and return to Rio Grande airport upon arrival and departure.
• Boarding in double occupancy rooms with fully fitted private bathrooms.
• Hearty breakfasts, lunches and dinners including good domestic wines and beers.
• English speaking staff.
• Experienced fishing guides.

Available also upon request and at customer expense:

• Premium wines, liquors and licqeurs
• Laundry and dry cleaning services
• Phone, fax and internet services

Fishing licenses:

Special Tierra del Fuego provincial government non-resident fishing permits are issued by the lodge as agent. Cost is US $200.00 and this item is not included in our tariffs above.

Staff and guide gratuities:

These are not included in our tariffs and your appreciation of their efforts to please you merit recognition.