Caballadas Fly Fishing

Caballadas plays host to one of the most exclusive fly fishing rivers in Patagonia, famous among dry fly fanatics…

Trip Details

Highlights

Fly fish on rivers and creeks in hidden valleys and on beautiful lakes, on a private, family owned ranch in Northern Patagonia!
Fish on the Quillen River, one of the most exclusive fly fishing rivers in Patagonia, famous among dry fly fanatics for brown and rainbow trout
Admire breathtaking views of the Andes
Get a first-hand look at one of the most peculiar looking trees in the world – the ancient Araucaria araucana, or monkey puzzle tree
Experience life on a real Patagonia estancia in the most secluded, unknown and spectacular part of the Patagonian Lake District

Overview

Every trout angler dreams of fly fishing in Argentina… and fishing in Northern Patagonia, on a private Argentine ranch (estancia), quite simply exceeds any comparison.

Caballadas offers multi-day fly fishing experiences. Located in the Neuquén Province, within the northern section of Lanín National Park, our 60,000-acre estancia is set in the most secluded and spectacular area of the Patagonia Lake District, offering the utmost in privacy and exclusivity. Each day you’ll explore a different section of the Quillen River, a hidden creek, or Quillen Lake. If you're already a seasoned angler, our certified, expert local guides will offer pointers to help you catch more – and larger – fish. If this is your first fishing trip or you’re just getting started, they’ll teach you the basics, and help you develop your skills. We have no doubt that with their guidance, you’ll become a life-long fan of the sport!

On this lodge-based adventure, you’ll enjoy estancia accommodations at the heart of the ranch, set on top of a hill, with a breathtaking view of the entire valley and surrounding area. After fishing each day, you’ll welcome the opportunity to come home to a hot shower, cozy bed, and incredible traditional cuisine and fabulous Argentine wine. Complete with four meals a day (yes, four!), a personal chef, and an authentic Argentine parilla (barbeque) one evening, you are sure to feel spoiled while you’re here!

Each morning you will set out after a hearty, early breakfast. Some days you’ll return to the lodge for lunch and a siesta, while on others you’ll bring along a picnic and have lunch near where you are fishing. After lunch, you will resume your quest for the largest trout, before returning to the lodge where a hot shower and delicious meal await!

Northern Patagonia is one of the last, great, truly wild places on earth. And fishing incredible rivers, creeks, and lakes set on arid plains and nestled in monkey tree forests, taking in the breathtaking views of the Andes, and sleeping soundly each night in cozy rooms at the lodge, will offer a continuous reminder that this is the adventure of a lifetime.

Day by Day

DAY 1 ~ ARRIVAL
Arrive on a morning flight from Buenos Aires to San Martin de los Andes/Neuquen/Bariloche airport. Arrangements can be made for private transfers to the ranch.

The road trip from the airport to the ranch is simply magnificent, following the Alumine River Basin. Throughout the drive, you will see spectacular natural changes - ranging from the arid plateau to the subtropical woods of the northern Andes.

Option to spend the late afternoon at Quillen River.

Tonight you will enjoy a nice dinner and go over plans for the days ahead.
The Quillen Valley, where Caballadas is located, is 100 miles North West of San Martin de los Andes (where you arrived at the airport). This area offers the widest variety of fishing options in the Neuquen province throughout the season.

The Quillen Valley also offers a unique spring creek system where you can expect to sight fish for 25 plus inch browns on dry flies during the morning hours, and prospect for rising fish in the evenings with hoppers and beetles.

(Please note: You will need to schedule your departure from Buenos Aires on mid morning flight the first day of the trip, so you will likely need to arrive in Buenos Aires the day before. Please let us know if you would like help arranging accommodation in Buenos Aires on arrival.)

D... Valley Lodge

DAY 2 ~ QUILLEN RIVER
Start your day with a nice breakfast at the lodge and drive to Quillen River with your guide.

The Quillen River, one of the most exclusive fly fishing rivers in Patagonia, famous among dry fly fanatics for brown and rainbow trout. The upper section is very wader friendly, while the lower reaches offer pocket water conditions. Both areas hold beautiful resident rainbow and brown trout surface feeding.

B,L,D... Valley Lodge

DAY 3 ~ MALALCO STREAM
The Malalco stream, a tributary to the Quillen coming off the Andes mountain range, runs cold and flat at the top, where wading is as easy as walking on a rug. As it flows into the Quillen on the lower section, it drops fast over huge boulders where you will enjoy some of the most exiting pocket water fishing you have ever experienced! Here you can sight fish for 18 plus inch rainbows and browns with light rods and tackle. Option to spend some hours in the afternoon at Quillen River.

B,L,D... Valley Lodge

DAY 4 ~ QUILLEN LAKE
Fly fishermen for the most part don't enjoy fishing on lakes, but Quillen is a lake everybody will certainly enjoy. During the early season, December and January when the dragonfly hatch comes off, the fish go on a feeding frenzy, so we row the reed lines at the end of the lake throwing dragonfly imitations at rainbows and browns. This is some of the most exiting fly fishing you will see anywhere: imagine fish coming 3 feet out of the water with your fly in their mouth before you even have a chance to set the hook!

B,L,D... Valley Lodge

DAY 5 ~ DEPARTURE
After breakfast, pack your things and say goodbye to the ranch. Upon request, arrangements can be made for airport transfers. During the journey back to the airport, you’ll have time to reflect on your amazing trip to Northern Patagonia!

B...

EXTEND YOUR ADVENTURE

If you want more diversity, or a longer adventure, we offer fishing with private access to 15 world-famous rivers in the region, including the Malleo, Chimehuin and Quilquihue, Collon Cura, Filo Hua Hum, and Traful. The Rio Malleo is not only the most famous for dry fly fishing in South America, but one of the best in the world. The Chimehuin and the Quilquihue, two of Argentina 's most famous rivers, and run 25 miles due east of San Martin de los Andes. A trip on the Collon Cura River consists of floating an average distance of six miles, during which you will experience the most versatile fishing in the area, while the Filo Hua Hum is a classic freestone river which runs between two lakes, and also offers extremely versatile fishing. And finally, the Rio Traful is known all over the world for the size of the fish and its technical difficulty. Depending on the river, the average measure for seasonal trout is 15 to 18 inches, although fish over 22-25 inches are not uncommon.

Some of these rivers are available as day trips from the lodge, while others are accessible from the six additional private lodges that we have available. If you would like more information on fishing these additional rivers or lodges, please contact us.

Accomodation

The Valley Lodge is located at the heart of the ranch, set on top of a hill providing panoramic views of the entire valley and surrounding area. It can sleep 12 people in 8 double and single bedrooms, with 5 shared bathrooms. A large communal living room with a fireplace, dining room, and a large playroom for the kids with a ping-pong table are also available throughout your stay.

The lodge includes:

A host (ranch owner)
Personal chef
Four meals a day: breakfast, lunch, tea, & dinner
Red and white wine and other alcoholic beverages during meals
Housekeeping services

More info

Quillen River
The Quillen River, one of the most exclusive fly fishing rivers in Patagonia, famous among dry fly fanatics for brown and rainbow trout. The upper section is very wader friendly, while the lower reaches offer pocket water conditions. Both areas hold beautiful resident rainbow and brown trout surface feeding.

The Malalco stream, a tributary to the Quillen coming off the Andes mountain range, runs cold and flat at the top, where wading is as easy as walking on a rug. As it flows into the Quillen on the lower section, it drops fast over huge boulders where you will enjoy some of the most exiting pocket water fishing you have ever experienced! Here you can sight fish for 18 plus inch rainbows and browns with light rods and tackle.

Quillen Lake
Fly fishermen for the most part don't enjoy fishing on lakes, but Quillen is a lake everybody will certainly enjoy. During the early season, December and January when the dragonfly hatch comes off, the fish go on a feeding frenzy, so we row the reed lines at the end of the lake throwing dragonfly imitations at rainbows and browns. This is some of the most exiting fly fishing you will see anywhere: imagine fish coming 3 feet out of the water with your fly in their mouth before you even have a chance to set the hook!

Other Fishing Areas in Neuquen
If you want more diversity, or a longer adventure, we offer fishing with private access to 15 world-famous rivers in the region, including the Malleo, Chimehuin and Quilquihue, Collon Cura, Filo Hua Hum, and Traful. The Rio Malleo is not only the most famous for dry fly fishing in South America, but one of the best in the world. The Chimehuin and the Quilquihue, two of Argentina 's most famous rivers, and run 25 miles due east of San Martin de los Andes. A trip on the Collon Cura River consists of floating an average distance of six miles, during which you will experience the most versatile fishing in the area, while the Filo Hua Hum is a classic freestone river which runs between two lakes, and also offers extremely versatile fishing. And finally, the Rio Traful is known all over the world for the size of the fish and its technical difficulty. Depending on the river, the average measure for seasonal trout is 15 to 18 inches, although fish over 22-25 inches are not uncommon.