SPECIES
Brook Trout
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
El Encuentro
Fly Fishing
Argentina
4, 7 or 10 night packages. 3 different Locations.
220v, 50hz
1 ½ hours and 3 hours
Season
November - May
CENTRAL PATAGONIA TROUT SEASONS
The Fishing
At El Encuentro Fly Fishing, we’ve been making friends with local landowners and exploring every nook and cranny of our waters for almost 40 years.
No matter the season, we’re all about giving our guests a great range of fishing options for brown, rainbow, and brook trout here in central Patagonia.
You can look forward to some fantastic spots like the Futaleufu, Arrayanes, Rivadavia, Carrileufu, and Corcovado rivers, along with Kruger and Verde lakes, plus a bunch of smaller lakes and streams in the Rio Pico area.
SEASONS
Spring:
Long, bright days with snowmelt-filled rivers create prime conditions for
hungry post-winter trout. Expect successful fishing with streamers and large
dry flies during March Brown hatches. Options range from private lakes to
larger rivers and intimate spring creeks, all amid stunning landscapes.
Summer (mid-January to February):
Excellent evening dry fly action with diverse mayfly and caddis hatches,
especially in Esquel area rivers. February brings optimal water levels with
terrestrial flies becoming crucial as mayfly activity decreases. Perfect
conditions for wet wading small streams with dry flies and droppers.
Fall (Beginning March):
Dramatic seasonal transition with brook, brown, and rainbow trout beginning
spawning migrations. Fish become notably aggressive toward streamers and
surface flies. Weather shifts from warm to cooler conditions, requiring proper
layering. Prime time for streamer techniques including Trout Spey under expert
guidance.
EL ENCUENTRO LODGES
Unlike many fly fishing operations, we’re fortunate to have multiple lodges to choose from, so we can match our guests’ tastes, timing, and priorities to the best accommodations for them. In fact, most of our guests typically spend 7-10 nights with us, at two or more of our lodges, to sample as many of the fishing opportunities as possible. Whether one of our three lodges, or with our two partner lodges as well, we have options that you will find comfortable, welcoming, and ideally located for fishing the myriad of waters here in Patagonia.
El Encuentro | Argentina
EL ENCUENTRO LODGE
When you arrive at El Encuentro Lodge, it feels just like coming home. You’ll be greeted with a warm welcome and can kick back in cozy, inviting spaces. Nestled right by the Rio Futaleufú and with stunning views of the Andes, the lodge is perfectly situated for starting or wrapping up your fishing day without any hassle.
It’s a small, intimate lodge that comfortably fits up to ten anglers, making it feel extra special. Originally built by the Beale family as a gathering spot for friends and family to enjoy fishing, El Encuentro Lodge has been welcoming anglers from all over the world for four decades.
Many guests come back year after year for the amazing fishing experiences. Staying here means you get to soak in some genuine Argentine hospitality that’s warm, friendly, and feels like family.
The lodge has three rooms in the main house (one with an ensuite bathroom and two with bathrooms just across the hall) and two more rooms in a nearby cottage, all with ensuite bathrooms. Plus, you’ll have great connectivity thanks to Starlink satellite internet.
We take pride in growing most of our organic veggies in our one-acre kitchen garden. Our lamb, beef, and other products are sourced from family-run local markets, and we bake fresh bread daily right at the lodge. And of course, we serve up some fantastic Argentine wines at lunch and dinner, even when you’re enjoying a meal by the river.
Don’t miss out on the traditional Patagonian “asado” (barbecue) with the El Encuentro family and all the guides— it’s a dining experience you won’t forget!
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EL ENCUENTRO | ARGENTINA
BROOK TROUT BASE CAMP
Rio Corcovado and Rio Pico Areas.
The Brook Trout Base Camp is a hidden gem for fly fishing enthusiasts. With cozy wooden cabins that come fully equipped, this spot operates “off the grid” and is a selfsustained oasis right in the heart of a wild trout paradise.
Nestled on a peaceful bend of the crystal-clear Rio Corcovado, the camp is perfectly located to access some of the best brook trout waters around, along with a bunch of other lakes and streams teeming with browns and rainbows. And after a great day on the water, what could be better than returning to a rustic yet stylish “glamping” experience?
The camp has five charming little casitas that can host up to 10 anglers, all just a stone’s throw from the soothing sounds of the river. Each casita features either two twin beds or one king bed, a private bathroom with plenty of hot water, electric lights, screened windows, and a propane heater to keep things cozy. Meals are served in a spacious dining tent that’s got comfy sofas and two wood stoves, where the focus is on local ingredients and creative dishes that rival any top-notch lodge. When the weather’s nice, guests can gather around the outdoor quincho to sip on some Argentine malbec and enjoy appetizers by the fire as the sun sets behind the mountains.
Brook Trout Base Camp is eco-friendly, using solar power for most of the electricity in the casitas, bathrooms, and dining area, plus generating plenty of hot water. Wood-burning stoves in the living/dining tent and bathrooms keep things warm and inviting. With Starlink satellite internet, you can stay connected while enjoying the beauty of the wilderness, giving you the best of both worlds: adventure and comfort. Warmth, solitude, stunning scenery, and a touch of luxury, Brook Trout Base Camp truly has it all. From Camp, you’ll have easy access to all the waters around, including the lakes and small streamsof the Engaño and Lago Vintter watersheds, as well as the lakes, spring creeks, and rivers in the Rio Pico area. With plenty of exclusive access and our skilled guides, you’re in for an amazing fly fishing adventure
The Engaño system is home to some of the most pristine brook trout populations in Patagonia. When you combine the waters of Engaño with the Rio Corcovado, you can expect to find strong numbers of brook trout, usually averaging around 3 pounds, and you might even hook into a trophy brookie over 10 pounds!
The Rio Corcovado flows out of the stunning Lago Vittner, which is home to both resident and migratory large rainbow trout that are a real thrill to catch. The Rio Pico area is famous for its spring creeks and small lakes filled with big trout. You’ll also find several smaller freestone rivers, like the Rio Pico, Rio Pampa, and Rio Nilson, offering some great walk-and-wade fishing.
The best part? You won’t have to worry about running into a ton of other anglers out here. El Encuentro gives you access to a wide variety of fishing spots, perfect for those who love stalking big fish, with the option to float fish on productive waters as well.
El Encuentro | Argentina
VALLE DEL CARRILEUFU LODGE
Cholila and Los Alerces National Park.
We’ve got a special connection with the Valle del Carrileufu Lodge, and we’re excited to share its cozy vibes and perfect location with our guests. Depending on the season and what you’re looking to fish or explore, a stay at Valle del Carrileufu Lodge fits right into our standard 7-night itinerary, which can be paired with either El Encuentro Lodge or Brook Trout Base Camp. If you’re up for it, you can even mix all three amazing spots into a fantastic 10-night adventure. Plus, your El Encuentro guide will be with you the whole time
This intimate lodge gives you a real taste of authentic Patagonia, featuring a welcoming common room with a big fireplace, local tapestries, and six bedrooms with private baths. The experience here matches the high standards of service you’re used to with El Encuentro. Debora Finkelstein and her team are warm, caring, and gracious, making sure you feel right at home with their comfy accommodations and delicious meals.
With Starlink satellite internet, you’ll stay connected while soaking up the beauty of nature — it’s the perfect mix of adventure and comfort. The lodge is close to some amazing river fisheries like the Rivadavia, Arrayanes, Carrileufu, and Chubut, plus several spring creeks and productive lakes. Our guides have years of experience fishing these waters, and they know them like the back of their hand. We believe the best fishing happens in the early and late seasons here.
November and December offer great conditions for dry fly fishing, with plenty of mayflies, caddis flies, and dragonflies hatching. Late February and March also bring fantastic fishing, as the water cools and big fish start moving around before winter kicks in. Plus, these early and late seasons mean you won’t have to deal with the summer crowds flooding the rivers, lakes, and roads. Being right next to Los Alerces National Park, the lodge also gives you awesome chances for hiking and exploring the park.
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