The second of the de las Carreras family lodges to open on Rio Grande after Kau Tapen, Villa Maria has offered small private groups exciting fishing on some of the most productive pools in the lower river since 1994.
A very different fishery to Kau Tapen or Toon Ken on the upper river, Villa Maria is a double handed fishermen’s dream, enjoying the first crack of the whip at newly arrived sea trout. With friendly and dedicated house staff and guides, Villa Maria is very well suited to caring for small groups of friends or family groups.
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 Fishing
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
Villa Maria 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):
Villa Maria
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
