Kautapen Lodge, Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
next lodge
Kau-Tapen (“house of fishing” in the Ona language) is the original fishing lodge in Tierra del Fuego and the standard of elegance by which other lodges are measured.
What started as the brainchild of Jorge Donovan and Jacqueline De Las Carreras over twenty years ago has revolutionized the way the fishing world views big trout.
And, while the name Kau-Tapen might be cumbersome to newcomers, this lodge has made the Rio Grande a household name for fly anglers the world over. Impeccable accommodation, plenty of elbow room on the Río Grande, caring guides, select vehicles and equipment, Argentina’s best wines and menus, and enviable fishing records since 1984. All great reasons to come and be a part of Kau-Tapen’s history yourself.
The Fish
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 trutta remain in the river for a period of time (ranging 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 6lbs. Researchers have found trout that had spawned more than 6 times. A trout that has completed four cycles of returning to freshwater can weigh over 20lbs. 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.
Guides
Kau Tapen has a team of experienced, professional international guides. They are all English speakers, and will be able to offer tips on how to best fish each pool, fly choice and presentation. They are there to make your fishing more productive and enjoyable.
Affiliation(s):
Owner: Nervous Waters
Kau Tapen Lodge
Av. Figueroa Alcorta 3351
Piso 2, Oficina 228
CP 1425 Buenos Aires
Argentina
Tel: +1 877 260 4332 (Toll free for USA)
Fax: +5411 4807 2911
