Relatively unknown to the modern world of traveling anglers, the Irigoyen and its sister systems in southernmost Tierra del Fuego win top honors for the smallest systems with the largest sea-run trout. For trout anglers who enjoy small water, complex woody stream structure, solace from the wind, and the chance to land multiple brown trout in the 10- to 20-pound class on their favorite 7-weight rod, no other systems even come close. The Irigoyen is not a river for huge numbers, but every fish hooked is a reward and the next one could well be that fish of a lifetime, both in terms of size and memory. World's End Lodge is one of the most unique and rewarding trophy brown trout fly fishing destinations we know of.

The Irigoyen and Malenguena Rivers and their tributaries are located on the southern tip of the South American continent in an area of extreme and unique geography and landscape. The area marks the confluence of the Austral Atlantic Ocean and the very last of the Andes mountains. The landscape transitions from its forested hills of Legas and Nires to estuaries, to rugged beaches, and the brutal confrontation of land and sea is abundantly apparent. Considering the extreme nature of the area, the variety of fauna is amazing with wild bulls, foxes, beavers, guanacos, giant condors, as well as hundreds of species of sea birds all inhabiting the river valley.

Located approximately 180 kilometers south of the town of Rio Grande, the Irigoyen River runs approximately 28 miles from sea to source. It starts as a mountain stream and then tumbles and winds its way through the wooded transition zone and finally ends meandering through several miles of low gradient tidal reaches. The Malenguena River has a completely different nature. Spring creek-like in nature, its amber waters flow at a much slower pace. Both rivers have substantial confirmed populations of sea-run brown trout as well as smaller populations of resident browns. It is also rumored that the Irigoyen has a population of brook and rainbow trout in pools and runs of its upper reaches.

Anglers use single-handed rods, typically 7- or 8-weights, to swing small- and medium-sized streamers and nymphs. The river is intimate, filled with wooden structure and cover, and a 60-foot cast covers nearly all of it. All fishing is done on foot, and the closest beats are walking distance from the lodge. As with any anadromous fishery, catch rates vary and hooking two or three fish in a day should be considered success. In addition to the sea-run browns, there is also an opportunity to fish for robalo (sea bass) in December at the river mouth. These fish range up to 15 pounds depending on tides, can be caught in good numbers.

Accommodations are rustic but elegant. The main lodge is a charming simple cabin, used for dining and gathering, perched on a hillside overlooking the river. Guests stay in single-occupancy rooms in a separate and detached guest cabin complete with communal living room and drying area. The staff takes care of guests in typical Argentine style serving great meals, delicious wines, and a never-ending supply of warm hospitality.

Thursday: Arrive Buenos Aires and overnight

Friday: Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and transfer to the lodge

Saturday - Thursday: Six full days guided fly fishing

Friday: Depart the lodge. Fly from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires

2023-24 Rate: Per person based on single occupancy and shared guiding

7 night/6 day package: $7,540

Included: Single occupancy accommodations, meals and beverages including beer and wine at lodge, transfers to/from Ushuaia airport and the lodge, guided fishing, fishing license, $250 Irigoyen Conservation Fund donation.

Not Included: International and domestic airfare, transfers/meals/hotels in Buenos Aires, gratuities, premium alcohol, fishing equipment, and flies.

Species: Sea-run brown trout

Season: December - March

Capacity: 4 anglers

Who is best suited to this destination? This destination is best suited to anglers who like beautiful, remote fisheries that are somewhat challenging to reach. It is also best suited to guests that are willing to work for a modest number of very high-quality fish. This fishery is somewhat technical and rewards precise casting and delicate presentations.

Where is the lodge? The lodge is located on the coast of the island of Tierra del Fuego approximately 100 miles south of the city of Rio Grande. This is the southernmost great sea-trout system in the world.

How do I get there? Guests fly into the international airport in Buenos Aires (Ernesto Piztarini) and then overnight. The following day, they transfer to the domestic airport (Jorge Newbery) for a flight to Ushuaia. Guests are met in Ushuaia by a representative of World’s End Lodge and then transferred 4- to 5-hours by vehicle to the lodge.

When should I go? The season runs from mid-December to the end of March. The month of December offers bonus fishing for robalo.

How will I fish? Fishing the Irigoyen River requires accurate casting with single-handed rods and floating lines. The river is full of holding structure on the banks and below the surface. All fishing is done on foot.

Casting 50- to 60-feet with an 8-weight rod will cover 90 percent of the river.

Is there wade fishing? All fishing is done while wading, and typically there is not more than 300 yards of walking any each spot.

Where will I fish? Guests fish the Irigoyen River and sometimes its tributaries, the Malengüena and Udaeta Rivers.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? The closest pools can be reached with a 5-minute walk from the lodge. The furthest pools are about a 45-minute ride in an amphibious 6-wheel ATV. Transportation between fishing locations is done in this 6-wheel ATV.

What type(s) of fish will I catch? Sea run brown trout and at times robalo (sea bass).

How many fish will I catch? The nature of swinging flies for any anadromous fish is that there is a lot of variation in catch rates. That said, guests should go into the trip with the expectation that hooking two or three fish a day is a great trip. The average weight of these fish is just under 10 pounds.

For robalo in December, catch rates depend on the tides and conditions, but usually five to 20 fish per session is average with sizes of four to 15 pounds.

Will I see other anglers? No, World’s End Lodge is the only fishing operation on the entire river system.

What are the guides like? Extremely professional, very friendly and they speak excellent English. They are very driven and are always doing what they can to catch one more fish.

What are the physical demands? Only walking short distances, around 300 yards maximum.

Are there any special skills required? No

Does the lodge provide equipment? No, but there are rods available if a backup is needed. Flies are not included, but they are available for purchase.

What is your favorite setup for the trip? A 9- to 10-foot 8-weight with a floating line system.

What are the top flies? The top fly for the last four seasons has been the articulated leech in several colors, followed by the unique and heavy Wonder Bug, which is a type of nymph with rubber legs. Small nymphs and medium-sized streamers are excellent to fish during the day and bigger flies like leeches and articulated streamers are great for the evening sessions.

What are the options if water conditions become challenging? This is a fishing focused destination and if conditions deteriorate anglers must wait for things to improve.

What is a typical day like? After breakfast guests will head out for a morning fishing session. Anglers will return to the lodge for lunch and a siesta then resume fishing in the mid to late afternoon and continue into darkness. Expect dinner to be late.

What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the lodge? This is a very small operation, so the atmosphere is always relaxed. Most dinners will be in the company of one of the guides or managers.

Is there an on-site owner, manager, or other point-person at the lodge? Yes, there is a manager, Diego Castillo, who is a cofounder of the lodge. Pablo Lopez and Karina Vargas (owners and founders) visit the lodge almost every week too.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? The menu is based on fresh, local, and organic resources like steak, lamb, fish, and mushrooms. The cuisine is classic Argentine with a gourmet touch.

What is the alcohol policy? Beer and wine are included, alcohol is not. Guests are free to bring along their favorite spirits.

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? Anglers stay in a nice, cozy, comfortable cabin/lodge with four spacious single-occupancy rooms.

Is there internet and/or cell service? Yes, there is limited internet connectivity due to it being a satellite connection. However, it works well enough to check emails and messages. There is no mobile phone service in the area.

Are there other activities? There is a lot of natural wildlife to see in this part of the world. Birdwatching is one of the most interesting things to do. There are also wild bulls and horses near the lodge that can also be photographed. With that said, this is an operation best suited to serious anglers.

Are there any other expenses? No

Do I need a visa? No.

Are there any health concerns, dangers, or annoyances? There are no other people around, no wind and no mosquitos or bugs. Guests should remain mindful of the wild bulls. We recommend that guests always consult with the US Department of State and the Center for Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines.