Description:  Now in its 30th year of continuous operation, Kau Tapen is the first and most elegant fishing lodge on the Rio Grande...likely the most elegant lodge in sport fishing. Kau Tapen means "house of fishing" in the ona language, and here, at the very heart of the Rio Grande, you'll find the best pools on the river, all close to the lodge, and you'll fish most days with the winds over your shoulder rather than in your face. Short walks and shallow wades are typical and single-handed rods are usually just right. Skate a bomber over a resting lie, or float a nymph next to a cut bank for sea-run trout you've only seen in your dreams.

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 fall (late March, April and May) 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 3 to 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.

Accommodations:  Built in 1983, Kau Tapen lodge was designed to offer rods maximum comfort during their fishing trip, as well as easy accessibility to the pools.

It accommodates up to 12 guests in 10 ensuite bedrooms, 5 of them with 2 queen-size beds and the other 5 with king-size beds.

A large living room area opens up to vistas of the Menendez Valley and Rio Grande valley. A large roaring fire and well stocked bar will welcome you after every fishing session.

The lodge has a tackle shop with a good selection of Sage rods, good quality reels, flies, lines, and clothing equipment, especially selected to suit the needs of your trip. In addition, guests have the full use of the lodge’s fly tying table and equipment.

Transportation/Getting there:  Guests fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina, and typically overnight there, with a day to spend touring this wonderful city. Arrival day at Kau Tapen is set for Saturday, so the following morning guests depart Buenos Aires for the flight south. Commercial airlines fly from Buenos Aires to the airport of Rio Grand (3 hour flight), where a lodge representative will meet you. The transfer from Rio Grande airport to the lodge takes 50-60 minutes. On arrival at the lodge, guests are welcomed with cocktails by the entire Kau Tapen staff.

Call for suggested gear lists.

Rates:  Call for current rates

Dates:  December 27-April 15

Included:  Transfer from Rio Grande Airport to Kau Tapen, Lodging, Meals, all wines, beer, and local spirits at the Lodge, Professional guide services

Not Included:  Gratuities for guides and house staff, Airfares, Fishing License ($295.00 per person), Laundry service

Approximate license cost:  $295 per person