The Rio Grande flows from East to West, from the Andes to the Atlantic Ocean, through 70 KM of Argentine territory. The landscape of Tierra del Fuego is reminiscent of Wyoming or the Scottish Flow country. It is a sparsely populated wilderness. Large sheep farming estancias share this land with herds of wild llama-like guanacos, red foxes, and condors. The success of the fishery on the Rio Grande is a modern-day fisherman’s Cinderella story. In just a decade, through access control and the diligent promotion of catch and release, average catch results have risen remarkably. The newest of the Rio Grande lodges, Toon Ken caters to a small group of anglers on the middle and upper reaches of the Rio Grande, where traditional gear and floating lines are the rule. Ideally sited on a south bluff over the Rio Grandee, broad windows allow anglers, a fine Argentine red wine in hand, to see sea trout roll and roll and show as they make their way upriver. Modern conveniences assure comfort and a fine staff see to every detail. When not watching fish, drift a dry fly over sea run trout that average better than 12 pounds, or find the Southern Cross in a sea of stars each night.

Toon Ken Lodge Travel:
To get to the Toon Ken Lodge, you will need to make reservations to and from Rio Grande, Argentina via Buenos Aires. You will likely need to overnight in Buenos Aires before departing on a morning flight to Rio Grande. A lodge representative will meet you at the Rio Grande airport and transport you to the lodge in a four wheel drive vehicle. Transfer from the airport to the lodge takes approximately 2 hours. The lodge is located in the Province of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, on the upper section of the river, near the border with Chile.

Toon Ken Lodge Documentation:
You will need a valid passport to enter Argentina!

Toon Ken Lodge Fishing Program:
Guests will leave the lodge around 9 AM after breakfast each day, fishing approximately 9 hours. Lunch is taken to the river and followed by a traditional siesta (the hours of which will depend on the season) guests return to the river between 5 and 6 PM and fish through until dusk. Toon Ken fishes for Sea-Run brown trout. 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 summer months in freshwater. Salmo 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 6 lbs. 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. The lodge has private access on both banks of the Rio Grande. The river offers easy wading on a fine gravel bottom.

Toon Ken Lodge Accommodations and Meals:
Toon Ken Lodge was custom-built in 2003 to offer rods maximum comfort during their fishing trip, as well as easy accessibility to the pools. The lodge accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 single and 2 twin, all en suite and has a large living room that opens up to vistas of the Rio Grande river. There is a large fireplace and well stocked bar as well as a tackle shop, sauna, and outdoor Jacuzzi for guests to relax after a day outdoors. Toon Ken offers wonderful cuisine based on local meats, fresh vegetable and delicious deserts. A traditional Asado (BBQ) will be held once during your stay, and you can sample different cuts of meat and wonderful salads. A full cooked breakfast will be available together with fresh fruits, yogurts, home baked breads and jams and a selection of cereals. Villa Maria’s cellars feature a wonderful selection of fine wines from the Luigi Bosca Bodega, which will be served during lunch and dinner. The fly-fishing shop fully equipped with flies, rods reels, lines and suitable clothing and Argentine crafts. There are first class Professional international and Argentine guides ready. All guides are able to give casting tuition with single and double handed rods (Spey casting). Comfortable 4-wheel drive trucks are available with rod racks and VHF radios. For the non-angler there is bird watching and rich wildlife (flamingos, foxes, and llama-like guanacos).

Toon Ken Fish Species:
Sea-run brown Trout

Toon Ken Lodge Capacity:
8 anglers

Toon Ken 2009 Rates:
$5795 per week

Included:
Transfer Rio Grande airport to lodge (roundtrip), lodging, meals, all wines, beer and local spirits, all fishing services including guiding, transportation, fishing license where applicable.

Not Included:
Buenos Aires hotels, Buenos Aires transfers, personal equipment, staff and guide gratuities, laundry services.