Included / Not Included –
Included: Accommodations and meals, guided fishing, fishing license, beer, wine, alcohol, round-trip transfer from Bariloche airport.
Not Included: Airfare, hotel and meals in Buenos Aires hotels, Buenos Aires transfers, personal equipment, flies, staff and guide gratuities.
Travel Logistics:
Arrival Information: To get to Esquel Outfitters you will need to arrive into Esquel or Bariloche, Argentina. Most guests will fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina where they will overnight and then fly on to Esquel or Bariloche the next morning.
Getting to the Lodge: You will be met by a bilingual lodge representative who will transfer you by van to Esquel Outfitters (approximately 1.5 hours from Esquel or 2.5 hours from Bariloche).
Departure Information:On your departure day a lodge representative will transfer you by van back to the airport in Esquel or Bariloche.
Travel Recommendations in Argentina
Documentation Requirements:
You need a valid passport to enter Argentina and it must be valid for six months after the last day of your trip.
Currency:
The dollar is widely accepted in Argentina, and you can change dollars for pesos at your hotel in Buenos Aires or at any bank. When paid in dollars, most merchants will give change in pesos, a good way to get small bills for cabs, tips to porters, etc (although dollars may be used as well.) It is difficult to exchange traveler’s checks of any kind outside of Buenos Aires. American Express, Visa, and MasterCard are widely accepted within Buenos Aires but not at the lodges. Lodges in Patagonia accept U.S. Dollars and Argentine Pesos. No checks.
Travel Cash:
We recommend each guest travels with approximately $750.00 - $1000.00 (per week of travel) for gratuities, alcohol, and miscellaneous gifts. Most of the restaurants and shops in Buenos Aires and the larger towns take credit cards.
Gratuities:
Gratuities are entirely based on service so it is up to your discretion. We recommend about $50 total to the guide per day and about $10 per day for the lodge staff.
Fishing Licenses:
Fishing licenses are included and the outfitter will issue your license when you arrive.
Climate:
The summer climate of this southernmost region of South America is extremely changeable, and a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions should be expected. The sun can be very strong during the day, but the wind chill factor makes the use of protective gear necessary all season long.
Medical Facilities:
Anglers should pack medications for such common complaints as diarrhea, upset stomach, motion sickness, headache and irregularity, along with prescriptions. Most visitors to Argentina do not experience stomach problems associated with other countries, but it pays to have treatment available just in case. In emergency situations, a charter flight may be required to reach a medical facility. Guests may want to consider medical evacuation coverage. We recommend Global Rescue.
Power and Communications:
Guests are welcome to use the laptop with internet available at El Trebol Lodge. The lodge also has a phone/fax that can be use with Argentine calling cards. Just let the outfitter know when you arrive into Bariloche and they will be sure to stop so you can purchase a card for your calling needs.
The electrical current in Argentina is 220 volts, 50 cycles, so a standard converter and European adapter for two-pronged plugs is necessary for any electric appliance. If you need to plug in electrical devices including laptops, hair dryers, or electric razors, we recommend bringing two power converters in the event one burns out.
Water:
Bottled water is available everywhere in Argentina.
Clothing:
It is recommended that anglers layer their clothing, enabling the adding and subtracting of garments throughout the day. Pack polar fleece jackets, thermal underwear, polar neck, wool socks and a wool cap to be prepared for the extreme. Flannel or chamois cloth shirts are ideal for the stream. A reliable windstopper/rain jacket is also recommended. Attire at the lodge is casual and laundry service is available.
Laundry:
Laundry service is not available. Please pack accordingly.
Beverages/Alcohol:
Beer, wine and alcohol are provided by the outfitters. Guests may bring their own.
Tackle/Equipment List:
Rod: Fast action (3-5 piece) 6 weight travel rods are the best choice for an all-around rod in Argentina. Typically you will have 2 rods rigged all of the time (floating and sink-tip). An ideal combination of rods would be a 5 or 6 weight for dry flies and nymphs, and a 6 or 7 weight with a 200- 250grain sink tip (20 plus foot only) for streamer fishing.
Reel: Match your rods with your favorite freshwater reels. A quality reel with a reliable drag and at least 75 yards of backing is recommended.
Lines: Most experienced anglers believe that the only line necessary is a floating line, though we believe a 200 grain sink tip (20 plus foot heads) for streamer fishing in Argentina is mandatory. 75-100 yards of backing is sufficient.
Leaders/Tippet: Dry fly leaders are typically 9-10 feet with 4X the most common tippet choice, and occasionally using 3X and 5X. The same configuration is used for nymph fishing. For streamer fishing, plan on using short leaders tapered to 1X or 2X.
Flies:
#12-16 Royal Wulff
#12-16 Humpies (Yellow)
#12-18 Parachute Adams
#14-18 Black Gnat
#16-18 Blue Winged Olive
#8 Chernobyl Ant
#8-12 Assorted Hopper patterns
#12-16 Stimulators
#12 Foam Beetle
#14-16 Caddis (Tan, Brown)
#4-8 Woolly Buggers
#4-8 Sparkle Buggers (Olive, Brown, Black)
#14-18 Pheasant Tail
#14-18 Copper John
#14-18 Prince
#8-12 Turks Tarantula Tan
All Nymphs and Streamers with beads and w/out
NOTE: The Lodge has a small selection of flies available for purchase, and guides will have extras as well. This list only serves as a guide as to what is commonly used. Argentina conditions may change from year to year, so please come with as good a selection as possible, and some of your favorite fly fishing patterns
Equipment:
Waders: While wet-wading may be possible in January and February, make sure to bring a high-quality pair of breathable waders. In November, December, March, and April, breathable waders are mandatory. You will be spending an enormous amount of time in your waders, make sure you bring a set that is comfortable, warm, and fit well. Make sure that your socks and thermal layers fit easily underneath your waders long before you pack.
Wading Boots: On warm days, we prefer to wet-wade if possible. If you prefer wet wading, bring a high quality pair of sandals for the warm days. Nothing can be worse than wearing uncomfortable wading boots on an extended fishing trip. Make sure the boots that you choose have enough room for an extra layer of socks under your waders, have good ankle support, and have a sturdy felt sole for extra traction on slippery surfaces. Do not wear boots with studded soles!! Due to problems with Whirling Disease, consider bringing a pair of new boots on your trip to avoid spreading the disease.
Capilene fleece pants are a must, worn under Gor-tex waders, given that water temperatures can be in the 40’s. Long johns and thick wool or capilene fleece socks are also a must.
Gravel guards and a wading belt.
Polarized sunglasses.
Gor-tex windproof rain jacket with hood.
