Spring Creek Lodge
Argentina
Located on the banks of Argentina’s renowned Chimehuin River near the alpine village of San Martin de los Andes, Spring Creek Lodge boasts a combination of world-class fly fishing, excellent accommodations and non-angler activities. This makes Spring Creek Lodge our first choice for serious anglers and couples visiting Argentina’s Patagonia region for fly fishing. Centrally located within the heart of Patagonia’s most diverse and productive trout waters, Spring Creek Lodge offers anglers the ability to float or wade-fish the pristine waters of the Chimehuin, Malleo, Alumine, Collon Cura, and Quilquihue.
From their two-bedroom bungalows, guests at Spring Creek Lodge will enjoy the lovely pond, private spring creek, and backdrop of nearby Lanin Volcano. Meals in the main Spring Creek Lodge feature some of the world’s most delicious beef accompanied by fine Argentine wines. For a wonderful Argentine trout fly fishing experience with exceptional variety and quality water right at your doorstep, Spring Creek Lodge represents a value and overall Patagonia fly fishing experience that we highly recommend.
Location:
Spring Creek lodge is located in Argentine Patagonia outside of the town of Junin de los Andes, north of San Martin de los Andes. The lodge is approximately 30 minutes from the San Martin de los Andes airport and 3 ½ hours north of Bariloche.
Fishing Program
:
Anglers have the opportunity to fly fish in new, productive trout waters each day. Techniques include casting dries and streamers in a classic western fashion for hefty rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout, as well as for landlocked Atlantic salmon. While many of these Patagonia fish run from 14 to 20 inches, true trophy trout in excess of eight pounds abound.
The Argentine guides are professional fly anglers with strong instructional and English speaking skills. They have a passion for fly fishing and share their knowledge in a warm and patient manner. We consider these guides to be among the best in the Patagonia region.
Your guide will meet you each morning after breakfast for your day of fishing. Spring Creek Lodge offers fishing locations that are ten minutes to an hour’s drive from the lodge. The chosen fishery will determine if a drift boat or raft is used for the day’s fishing.
Fisheries:
The Chimehuin River is a freestone river, with classic pools and runs. Home to many of the big brown trout, tightly lined willow banks make the river feel smaller than its true size. The river is rich with great hatches of caddis, PMDs, large mayflies, and plenty of hoppers throughout the season. The Quilquihue River, a tributary to Chimehuín, is located a mere 20 kilometers from San Martín de los Andes. The Alumine River flows out of the Alumine Lake for 100 miles until it joins with the Chimehuin River. Together these two rivers form the famous Collon Cura River. Both rainbow and brown trout are found with averages about 16 inches. The river cuts through the dry Patagonia steppe with a rocky and willow lined shores.
The Malleo River is an easily wadable river boasting some of the most frequent hatches in Patagonia. This mid-size, freestone river ranges from quick-moving to tranquil and is fairly easy to wade. Anglers have sight fishing opportunities for both rainbow trout and brown trout mostly in the 14 to 20 inch range, with occasional browns reaching 24 inches. The Collon Cura River is formed by the Malleo, Alumine, and Chimehuin Rivers. As a freestone river, the Collon Cura is probably one of the most prolific fisheries in the Patagonia region. Running through a high desert valley, at a mild gradient, anglers fish endless broad riffles, and have great float fishing opportunities every inch of the way. Just about every fly fishing technique can be effective on the Collon Cura. From big foam hoppers with droppers in the riffles and banks, mayfly hatches in riffles and flats, to caddis, mayflies, streamer fishing. Most of the fish are rainbow trout; however, there have been large resident brown trout released as big as 15 pounds.
Non-Angling Activities:
Many of the activities listed below are not included in your package and are available for a fee paid onsite. We encourage you to check with the lodge manager regarding rates and scheduling.
Rafting on the Chimehuin River: Two hour rafting on the upper Chimehuin river, with barbecue, and scenic one hour horseback ride.
Rafting on the Alumine River: Full day trip with shuttle and guides
Kayaking: Custom packages based on experience level. Half and full days are available on the Chimehuin river. Kayak, oars, lifejacket, helmet and transfers are all included.
Trekking Achen Ñiyeu Volcano: Full day of trekking on the Escorial (former lava river) with climb up to the crater. Transfers, guides, meals are included.
Colo Huincul Hill Trekking: Trek to one of the best panoramic view points at 2200 meters over looking valleys and volcanoes. Full day activity. Transfers, guides, meals are included.
Paimun Lake Trekking: This trip begins at Piedra Mala (the end of Huechulafquen lake), walking in the Cohiues forest, lake coast, crossing the Paimun river and enjoying the beautiful selva valdiviana. Selva Valdiviana is the most humid forest in the area. Transfers, guides, meals, included, camping, included. Two full days.
Visiting Mapuche Communities: Photographic cultural experience with horseback riding, history talks with native people, in home visits, homemade bread, asados, and handcraft shopping opportunities.
Mountain Biking: Many bike trips start in San Martin de los Andes near the entrance to the Community Curruhuinca and Pampa de Trompul. Intermediate difficulty. Day and half day options. Includes mountain bike, helmet and guide.
Accommodations and Meals:
Spring Creek Lodge is nestled on the banks of the Chimehuin River with impressive views of Mount Lanin. The main lodge has a commanding view of the area and a porch overlooking the pond and stream on the ranch. The lodge is comfortable and has a dining area and a lounge area for cocktails. There are four spacious two-bedroom cabins with an inviting deck that wraps around each cabin to enjoy the views. Cabins are double occupancy with two twin beds and feature a kitchen, bathroom and den. The lodge has a wood heated hot tub to soak in after a long day of fishing.
Hearty breakfast and dinners are taken in the main lodge and feature some of the world’s most delicious beef accompanied by fine Argentine wines. Fresh breads and sweet desserts are local specialties. The lodge’s bar offers a modest selection of liquors and beer and wine are plentiful.
A fine picnic lunch is typically taken on the water; however, if you are interested in returning for an afternoon siesta, guests can take lunch back at the lodge.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart home. Overnight in Buenos Aires.
Day 2: Arrive San Martin de los Andes airport or Bariloche airport and transfer to the lodge.
Day 3-7: Full days guided fishing on the Chimehuin, Malleo, Collon Cura, and more.
Day 8: Depart for the San Martin de los Andes or Bariloche airport.
"The fishing was great, the lodge and people were nice, and scenery was fantastic! I caught between 15 and 20 fish per day, mostly rainbows and a few browns, both wading and floating on a raft. All the fish I caught were between 14" and 20," most were in the 16" to 18" range. I would love to go back again."
R.C., CA
Complete Trip Details
