Esquel Outfitters 

Argentina

More than a single lodge on a solitary stream, Esquel Outfitters is a network of skilled Argentine guides and tasteful accommodations that span the entire Chubut province. Whether you are interested in the Los Alerces region, the Esquel region, or the Rio Pico / Corcovado region, Esquel Outfitters has the expertise and connections needed to make your trip to Patagonia a most memorable and productive fly fishing experience.

With five distinct accommodations, eleven river systems, three spring creeks, five lakes, overnight camping trips, and more than eighty miles of private river access, Esquel Outfitters has an endless array of options from which to construct your ultimate Patagonian fly fishing itinerary.

All trips use English-speaking, Argentine guides with a minimum of twelve years’ guiding, ensuring not only great fly fishing but a true Argentine experience from start to finish. While trips of any length are welcome, itineraries of ten days or more enable anglers to comfortably visit and fly fish all three of these remarkable regions. For those who want to enjoy some of the world’s finest wild trout fly fishing and at the same time indulge in a real Argentine adventure, this is the ultimate venue.

Location:
Esquel Outfitters operates in the Esquel region of Argentina south to Rio Pico.

Fishing Program:
In many ways the Esquel region resembles fly fishing in the American West fifty years ago. The city of Esquel is located in the middle of one of Patagonia's largest volcanic craters on the eastern front of the Andes Mountains. Esquel has great services for fly fishermen and is the center of some of the best trout fly fishing on the planet.

This is the gateway to Argentina's Los Alerces National Park and to the Southern Andes Mountains. The area has many creeks, lakes and rivers, all of which contain excellent numbers of trout and it’s just a short drive to incredible fly fishing on the Rio Grande, the Corcovado, the Nant Y Fall, the Rio Chubut and the Arroyo Pescado spring creek.

Fisheries:
The Rio Grande, sometimes called the Futaleufu River, is one of Argentina’s most beautiful and prolific trout streams and has been compared to Montana’s Missouri river. The Rio Grande (not to be confused with Tierra del Fuego’s sea run river) is a large river containing flat water, riffles and deep pools well suited to catching fish on dry flies. This tailwater fly fishery is one of the best terrestrial rivers in the region where fish average 6 - 17 inches

The Corcovado River stretches more than sixty miles in Argentina before crossing the border into Chile, where it is renamed the Palena. The Corcovado offers some classic trout water and contains some very large browns and nice rainbows. A typical day can offer anglers a combination of streamer, dry fly and nymph fly fishing along with a little white water action. Wade fishing in the many riffles is also a nice option.

The Nant Y Fall creek is a lake fed stream reminiscent of a spring creek. This private fishery has rainbow trout with an impressive average size of 17 inches and an incredible backdrop of the Andes Mountains, as well as perfect Patagonia bird habitat.

The Rio Corrientes is a small stream that flows into the Rio Grande. With over 30 miles of river to wade, the dry fly fishing for smaller fish on a light rod is a wonderful addition to your week.

The Rivadavia River is considered to be one of the most beautiful rivers in the world flowing into Lago Verde within Los Alerces National Park. The river has some spectacular sight fishing. With very limited wading, adventurous anglers may choose to jump out of the boat and fish a small spring creek flowing into the main river. The Rivadavia is home to rainbows, browns, brook trout, and landlocked salmon.

The Arrayanes River is a short, slow deep stretch of river that offers some exciting early season fly fishing. The most exciting method is to sight cast dry flies to cruising rainbows suspended just under the surface or pull streamers on sink tip lines for large browns.

There are a number of lakes and other rivers in the area anglers can enjoy as well. Be sure to speak with your guide to discuss your fly fishing preferences.

Accommodations and Meals:
Esquel Outfitters utilizes diverse accommodations in all three trout fishing regions, Esquel/Chubut, Los Alerces National Park, and Rio Pico. Your accommodations – cabins, hosterias, private ranches and camping – are selected depending on size of group, character of group, length of stay, and desires. Esquel Outfitters hosts guests in several established fly fishing lodges in Argentina in the various regions, some of which they own, and others on exclusive Estancias.

One advantage of fishing with Esquel Outfitters is that if the conditions change, you can move to another location for better fishing. When staying in Esquel, they use either Hosteria La Chacra or a Lodge near the Rio Grande. Hosteria El Trebol is used in Los Alerces National Park. They also have 2 exclusive Estancias that allow our clients private access to the rivers.

On the Rio Chubut you will camp for 3 or 4 nights, depending on the time of year, as you float the entire length of 60 miles on the Estancia. The camping is quite comfortable, including hot showers, camp chefs, cots with sleeping pads, sleeping bags, pillows, and chairs and tables for dining.

On the Rio Gualjaina and Arroyo Pescado you will spend your evenings at the newly constructed accommodations at Estancia La Elvira. La Elvira is a 60,000 acre working estancia with over 5,000 sheep and 1,000 cattle. You will also have 14 miles of the Rio Gualjaina exclusively for your fishing enjoyment. Your guides are also your hosts and are with you for every meal, gathering, and event for the duration of your Patagonia adventure.

These unique packages offer you the opportunity to mingle with locals, explore the Argentina countryside, and immerse yourself in one of the world’s most attractive cultures.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Bariloche or Esquel. Fish Los Alerces and overnight at El Trebol.
Days 2 – 4: Rio Chubut float trip. Camp on the river.
Days 5 - 6: Full days of guided fishing on Rio Gualjaina and Arroyo Pescado
Day 7: Depart lodge.

"Esquel Outfitters is at the very top of any list of outfitters I have ever used. We were in some pretty remote locations, and still, any problems that arose were handled as expediently as possible. Their dedication to service is outstanding." R.N., CA

Complete Trip Details