Toonken Lodge, Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
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The newest of the Río Grande lodges, Toon Ken caters to just six anglers on the middle and upper reaches of the Río Grande, where traditional gear and floating lines are the rule. Ideally sited on a south bluff over the Río Grande, broad windows allow anglers, a fine Argentine red in hand, to see sea trout roll and show as they make their way upriver.
Modern conveniences assure comfort and a fine staff sees to every detail. When not watching fish, drift a dry fly over sea run trout that average better than 12 pounds, or find the Southern Cross in a sea of stars each night.
Climate
The Sea trout season runs from November to mid April. December and January are the warmest months, and traditionally the windiest. The sun can be strong during the day, but the wind chill factor makes the use of protective gear necessary all season long.
The Fish
The 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 ardous 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 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 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.
Guides
Toon Ken 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.
Affiliation(s):
Owner: Nervous Waters
Toon Ken 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
