Included / Not Included –
Included: Lodging and meals, wine and cocktails at Estancias, round-trip transportation to/from San Martin de los Andes to the Estancias, guided fishing noted on your invoice with one guide for two anglers, lunches on guided fishing days, transportation to the rivers.
Not Included: Airfare, transfers, accommodations and meals in Buenos Aires, lunches and dinners in San Martin, laundry, fishing licenses, staff and guide gratuities.
Travel Logistics:
Arrival Information: To get to your San Martin area Estancia you need to make flight arrangements to San Martin de los Andes or Bariloche, Argentina.
Getting to the Lodge: In the San Martin de los Andes or Bariloche airport, you will be met by a representative of Spring Creek Lodge and driven to the lodge (Bariloche/Spring Creek Lodge: 3 hour drive; San Martin de los Andes/Spring Creek Lodge: 40 minute drive). Please refer to your trip itinerary.
Departure Information: On your departure day the lodge will transfer you to your departure city (Bariloche or San Martin de los Andes) for your outbound flight. Because Argentina airlines are notorious for schedule changes, we recommend that you contact the airline three days prior to your departure to reconfirm your flights.
Travel Recommendations in Argentina
Documentation:
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 and will be accepted at the lodges where they also accept payment in cash and personal check.
Travel Cash:
As a guideline we recommend that each guest travels with approximately $750 - $1,000 (per week of travel) for staff and guide gratuities, alcohol, licenses, etc.
Gratuities:
Gratuities are based on service and entirely at your discretion. We recommend about $40-$80 a day for guides and about $8 per day for the lodge staff.
Fishing Licenses:
Please be prepared to pay in US dollars or Argentine Pesos for your non-resident Argentine or foreign fishermen license (except residents from neighboring countries)
Climate:
The summer climate of this southernmost region of South America is widely varied, 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 don’t experience stomach problems associated with other countries, but it pays to have treatment available just in case.
Power and Communications:
The electrical current in Argentina is 220 volts, 50 cycles, so a standard converter and European adapter for two-pronged plug is necessary for any electric appliance. If you need to plug in electrical devices including laptops or electric razors, we recommend bringing two power converters in the event one burns out. Hair dryers are discouraged but can be used at most lodges.
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 and polars are ideal for the stream. A reliable windstopper/rain jacket is also recommended. Attire at the lodges is casual.
Beverages / Alcohol:
Some brands of liquor can be difficult to find so feel free to bring your favorite drink for the end of the day. Plastic containers with a good cap work well for traveling.
Tackle/Equipment List:
Rod: Fast action (3 - 5 piece) 4-6 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 200grain sink tip 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 for streamer fishing in Argentina is mandatory. 75-100 yards of backing is sufficient.
Leaders/Tippet: 9 ft. - 4X, 5X 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:
Dries: Sizes 8-12, Thunderhead, Stimulator, Madam X, Hoppers, Humpies, Hexagenia, and other large attractor patterns. Sizes 12-18, Hendrickson, Adams, Cahill, and Mahogany dun tied traditionally, comparadun, or parachute style, assorted Wulffs, Stimulators, slow water and Hemingway caddis, black ants and beetles.
Nymphs: Size 10-16, Prince, Hare’s Ear, Pheasant tail (standard, flashback, or bead headed). Teeny nymph, assorted colors of caddis pupa and emergers, green inchworms, and other attractor patterns. Sizes 16-20, Pheasant tail, brassie, and serendipities.
Streamers: Sizes 4-10, Wooly Bugger (olive, black, white, and yellow tail), Matuka,Muddler minnow, Marabou Muddler, Rubber Legs, Pancora imitations, and other streamer patterns that push water and have a good silhouette.
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.
Miscellaneous: Capilene fleece pants are a must, worn under Gore-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, Gortex windproof rain jacket with hood.
