Included / Not Included –
Included: Accommodations and meals at lodge, beer and wine, guided fishing with English speaking guides, transportation to and from rivers, roundtrip transfers from San Martin de los Andes to the lodge.
Not Included: Airfare, accommodations, meals and transfers in Buenos Aires, Bariloche or San Martin, hard liquor, fishing license, staff and guide gratuities, departure tax, non-angling activities, transfers from Bariloche to the lodge.
Travel Logistics:
Arrival Information: To get to Spring Creek Lodge 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 Requirements:
You need a valid passport to enter Argentina and it must be valid for six months after the last day of your trip.
Currency:
We have found from our experience that you do not need to exchange dollars for pesos for your travels in Argentina. U.S. dollars are welcomed at the lodge for paying gratuities, and additional services at the lodge.
Travel Cash:
The lodge only accepts cash and personal checks. We recommend each guest travels with approximately $750.00 - $1000.00 (per week of travel) for gratuities, alcohol, and miscellaneous gifts. Most of the restaurants and shops in Buenos Aires and the larger towns take credit cards.
Gratuities:
We recommend guide and staff gratuities of approximately 10% of your package price. Gratuities are always greatly appreciated by the lodge guides and staff. Please leave your gratuities with Franky. Cash is preferred.
Fishing Licenses:
Fishing licenses are not included. Please be prepared to pay for these onsite in U.S. dollars or Argentine pesos. See itinerary for details.
Climate:
The summer weather (November - April) in Argentine Patagonia can most aptly be described as variable. Conditions can range from hot and sunny (80°F+) to cool and rainy (40ºF). Anglers should be prepared for either type of condition. 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:
The closest medical facility is in San Martin de Los Andes, approximately 40 minutes from Spring Creek Lodge. In emergency situations, a charter flight may be required to reach a medical facility in Buenos Aires. Guests may want to consider medical evacuation coverage. We recommend Global Rescue. Guests have the responsibility to disclose any special medical, physical, or dietary needs to the lodge ahead of time.
Power and Communications:
The electrical current in Argentina is 220 volts, 50 cycles. A standard converter and European adapter for two-pronged plug are necessary for electrical appliance. Consider bringing two power converters in the event one burns out. Hair dryers are discouraged but can be used at most lodges. Spring Creek Lodge has Wi-Fi as well as a lodge computer available for guest use.
Water:
Bottled water is available everywhere in Argentina.
Clothing:
Dress at the lodge is neat but casual. As the climate in Patagonia is extremely changeable and a wide range of temperatures and conditions can be expected, we recommend layering clothes. Anglers should be prepared with thermal underwear, fleece/soft shell jacket, and a rain jacket. Synthetic fabrics are preferred to cotton.
Laundry:
Laundry is offered as a courtesy for guests. If you use the laundry services, consider adding a little extra to the staff gratuity as a thank you.
Beverages/Alcohol:
Beer and wine are included in your package. The lodge has a modest wine collection. Let the lodge staff know if you want to purchase spirits at the local liquor store.
Tackle/Equipment List:
Rod: Fast action (3 - 5 piecer) 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.
Equipment:
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.
Fleece Pants: 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.
Sunglasses: Polarized
Rain Jacket: Gortex windproof rain jacket with hood.
Miscellaneous: As 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.
