The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

Patagonia is everything I was told, and more. It is Montana 60 years ago, with modern catch and release regs. Very little pressure on most waters we fished with lot's of very nice trout (18-20"+). Spectacular scenery all along the Argentinian Andies mountains and steps, very friendly and hospitable people, bad roads, most of which are gravel! It was full of surprises, from the Lamb Asado (BBQ), to the wonderful Malbec wines, to finding Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid's hideout near Cholila. I had difficulty comprehending tippet. On most waters 2X was good, and on others 0X was mandatory. 3X was the tippet of choice for the delicate fishing on the spring creeks! Anything less and the strong fish parted company with your fly promptly. We hit a wide variety of waters from small pasture streams full of trout, to gin clear waters leaving the mountains, where flies cast under trees and at structure often left one breathless with large surges from Trucha Arco Iris, and Trucha Marron. We fished a lake with big trout, and a big river with big trout, we almost ended up in Chile one day.....a few less oarstrokes and we would have missed the take-out. Shoreside lunches ALWAYS featured Malbec and siesta's! We saw much unique wildlife, from Rhea's (Argentina's Ostrich) in big flocks....man can those birds run! And Magellan Geese by the thousands, and eagles and many Patos, the names of which I don't know, but I've never bagged any of these in the Pacific Flyway. The steaks in Argentina are legendary, and the stories I've heard of them here are significantly understated. It seemed normal to get a platter of filet mignon of 24 ounces/person for $11 bucks. The Malbec which was mandatory to accompany the filet was $10 bucks. The airlines are known for their work stoppages....thank goodness this was solved the day BEFORE we were to fly from Buenos Aires to Bariloche! A few tense moments trying to determine alternative plans, however. Our guides were great.....Martin, and Diego, Geiga, Federico, Willy and Victor. They know how to fly fish, row and show tremendous hospitality. They have great respect for the resources, and deeply understand the wonderous ecosystems they have at their rod tips. Their flies are unique. If it is a wooly bugger with Flash chenille and rubber legs everywhere, it is good. If it doesn't have the rubber legs, it won't work! Time while in Argentina was different. We woke at 8:30, on the water at 11:00, lunch at 4:00, off the river at 9:00, dinner at 11:00, tucked in bed at 12:30 AM dog tired. Tomorrow, we do it again on a much different water, and new experience.

To those of you considering the trip of a lifetime, go to Patagonia. It is special!

On the very long flight home, I made a committment to myself that I will return, and soon!

Sounds like you had a great time. Looking forward to the full report/pictures.
Glad you make it back OK. Skunk seems to be the order dejoure here for many of us.

Jet

Sounds fantastic. If you had to guesstimate, between airfare, lodging, guiding, other transportation--ballpark of what you spent? You can answer by pm if you'd prefer.

Great little report, too. Now there's ANOTHER place I have to visit before I die!

Fantastic photo Phil!! Crystal clear water and big fish! AWESOME!! Sounds like an absolutely wonderful trip! Hours on the river are similar to summers in MT. Way too cool! I think I have to add Patagonia onto my "Things to do before I turn 50" list. I too am curious as to the total cost. Please PM me if you'd like.
Thanks
Grady

You suck!!!

Glad you had a Great time

Paul

Now you've gone and done it. You will never be happy with coming to see us in Montana again.

Great report and beautiful fish. I'm jealous.

No way. Argentina is like Montana 60 years ago. But Montana today is still sweet, especially at the glory hole!

Just sent a PM.

Andrew,

Just sent you a PM.

. Glad you had such a good time. I kope to see you in Montana again this year.
Jack

Phil,
So glad that you discovered some of the incredible wonders of that place. Having been many times myself (and having been to Montana a lot), you are right on about the comparisons.
To those of you interested in going, you can send me a private email and I would be happy to put you in contact with my Argentinian guide/friend who will give you an incredible fishing experience for a fraction of the cost of what you would pay if you went through the Fly Shop or many of the other various outfitters. Long story short: Years ago I went through an American outfitter and paid the big bucks to go to Patagonia. With the dollar 3 to 1 to the Argentine peso, and (like Phil's sentiments) my feeling that I had to return here again and again, I needed to figure out a way to do it that was more affordable. Thus, I cut out the middle man and deal directly with my friend Alejandro who runs a guide service. He charges me Argentine prices. Why would I publicly share this? Well, to be honest, I have been careful NOT to share it for a long time. However, I'm letting folks know as a favor to Alejandro b/c he said he could use some more American clients b/c he is expanding. He is a tireless guide who has had his company for many years and is very successful. I reluctantly said I'd spread the word. I don't get a penny for any referrals. If catching native bows and browns on dries all day long (2 ft. fish on #18 bwos), lots of sight-fishing to rising fish under willow branches, eating home-made empenadas (sp?) and malbec for lunch (not the turkey sandwich and chips as on American guided floats),eating the best red meat for a few dollars, not seeing anyone else on the river, meeting the friendliest people, shopping for cheap, looking at the most beautiful women on the planet...if this appeals to you, then drop me an email.