Kau-Tapen (“house of fishing” in the Ona language) is the original fishing lodge in Tierra del Fuego and the standard of elegance by which other lodges are measured. What started as the brainchild of Jorge Donovan and Jacqueline De Las Carreras over twenty years ago has revolutionized the way in which the fishing world views big trout. And while the name Kau-Tapen might be cumbersome to newcomers, this lodge has made the Rio-Grande a household name for fly anglers the world over, providing impeccable accommodations, plenty of elbow room on the Rio Grande, caring guides, select vehicles and equipment, Argentina’s best wines and menus, and enviable fishing records since 1984. Come and be a part of Kau-Tapen’s history yourself.
Kau-Tapen Documentation:
You will need a valid passport to enter Argentina!
Kau-Tapen Region and Rivers:
The Rio Grande flows from East to West, from the Andes to the Atlantic Ocean, through 70 KM of Argentine territory. Located in the province of Tierra Del Fuego and the nearest town is Rio Grande on the Estancia Retranca. Anglers fly into Buenos Aires international Airport and take a 3 hour flight to Rio Grande. The transfer from the airport takes 1 hour by four wheel drive vehicle.
Kau-Tapen Fishing Program:
Kau Tapen fishes for Sea-run trout. Sea-run brown trout populate 16 km of the Rio Grande, averaging 12 lbs. in size and running up to 30+ lbs. The lodge has a private access to both banks of the Rio Grande. The rivers also offer easy wading on a fine gravel bottom. The fishing schedule usually includes 9 hours. Lunch is taken at the lodge and is followed during the early season by a siesta. The afternoon session starts later during the months of December and January to capitalize on the magical dusk fishing hours. Kau-Tapen is a strictly catch and release fishery. Guides are equipped with nets and will assist guests in weighing and releasing fish without damaging them.
Kau-Tapen Lodge Accommodations and Meals:
Kau-Tapen Lodge was designed to offer anglers maximum comfort during their fishing trip. The lodge accommodates up to 12 guests (9 en suite bedrooms) and includes a dining room, sitting room, bar, wading room, and fly tying table. There is a spa complete with sauna, finish shower, relax and massage area. Internet access and telephones are available to use. Enjoy gourmet dining with Argentina’s famed beef and fine wines with traditional asado (BBQ) and desserts. There is a maid service as well as a laundry facility. Also, there is a fly shop fully equipped with flies, rods, reels, lines, and suitable clothing and Argentine crafts. There are first class professional international and Argentine guides. All of our guides are able to give casting lessons with single and double handed rods (Spey casting). For non-anglers there is unparalleled bird watching and rich wildlife (flamingos, foxes, and llama-like guancos).
Kau-Tapen Lodge Fish Season:
January - April
Kau-Tapen Lodge Fish Species:
Sea-run brown trout
Kau-Tapen Lodge Capacity:
12 anglers
Kau-Tapen Lodge 2009 Rates:
$7895 per week / per person plus $200 for TDF fishing licenses
Included:
Transfer Rio Grande airport to lodge (roundtrip); lodging; dinner wines and local spirits; professional fishing services including guiding, and transportation.
Not Included:
Please note that this price does not include Buenos Aires hotels, Buenos Aires transfers, personal equipment, staff and guide gratuities, laundry services.
Argentina