Kau Tapen Lodge is located on the Rio Grande in Tierra del Fuego in the far south of Argentina and is a must-visit destination for Sea Trout fishermen. Making their way from the icy ocean waters to the Rio Grande to reproduce, Kau Tapen Lodge is perfectly positioned to take advantage of these spectacular fish.
With its gravel bed and even flow, the river is easily waded while immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring nature all around in this remarkable region.
Operating for over 30 years, Kau Tapen or “House of Fishing” was the first fishing lodge on the Rio Grande. It offers warm and welcoming accommodation, fine food and wine after a long day on the river.
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Built in 1983, Kau Tapen Lodge was designed to offer anglers maximum comfort during their fishing trip, as well as easy accessibility to the Rio Grande pools. It accommodates ten guests comfortably, all rooms with en-suite bedrooms, five of them with two queen-size beds and the other five with king-size beds. A large living room area opens up to spectacular vistas of the Menendez Valley and the Rio Grande valley.
Kau Tapen offers wonderful cuisine, a top-notch team of experienced national and international chefs, trained in both classic and avant-garde culinary techniques, execute all meals. With an artisan’s touch, chefs prepare every dish from scratch to be served at a minute’s notice. At Kau Tapen lodge you’ll enjoy fresh pastas and fire-roasted meats like famous Patagonian lamb, roasted gaucho-style over charcoal embers, alongside ocean-fresh flavours such as King crab. Fine, renowned wine selections compliment your stay. These are renowned wines that compete on the world stage.
The lodge has a tackle shop with a good selection of Sage rods, good quality reels, flies, lines, and clothing equipment, specially selected to suit the needs of your trip. In addition, guests have the full use of the lodge’s fly tying table and equipment. A large roaring fire and a well-stocked bar will welcome you after every fishing session. The lodge also has two wading gear rooms, a sauna, a Finnish steam bath, and a massage room.
There is a landline and WIFI is available at the lodge while Heli-tours to the nearby Ushuaia Glaciers are also available.
Kau Tapen, steeped in history is one of the premier places to fish for Sea Run Brown Trout in Argentina. Located with sixteen prime kilometres of Rio Grande river the Kau Tapen Lodge has consistently produced enviable catches of Sea Run Brown Trout for generations. With fish averaging twelve to thirty pounds in weight, Kau Tapen offers the chance of the fish of a lifetime.
The Rio Grande is not a big river, and it is compatible with a wide range of fly fishing techniques—this is critical since a large Sea Trout may demand that a fly be fed to it on the bottom one hour, but it may rise to the hitched fly in the next hour. Water levels can change from week to week and generally drop as the season progresses.
Smaller single-handed rivers such as the Rio Menendez also fish very well into the season, with fresh fish even into late April.
We would advise all guests to bring everything they need including rods, reels, lines and waders; however, you can rent equipment from the well-stocked tackle shop in the event of a breakage or if you wish to travel light. Two-handed, Spey-style rods are the Number 1 choice, although 8-9# single-handed rods also work well during specific times. Light two-handed rods are increasingly popular. Being able to cast with moderate to strong winds would be a benefit so choose a balanced rod and outfit capable of handling these conditions along with battling large Sea Trout up weighing up to and over twenty-five pounds while ensuring good action with smaller five to twelve pounds fish.
If you are new to two-handers, don’t worry as the lodges expert guides and instructors will help hone your skills. Wading is generally easy and safe given the river’s moderate flow and its even gravel bottom.
Guiding is usually one guide to two guests. They all speak good English and are there to help and ensure you have a successful trip. Fishing typically starts after breakfast at around 9:00 am until 1:00 pm when you break for lunch, followed by an afternoon siesta. Fishing starts late afternoon again until dusk.
All flies should be de-barbed, and all fishing is ‘catch and release’.
Passport with a minimum of six months validity and photo ID to purchase a fishing licence.
Fly to Buenos Aires and stay overnight. Take a three-hour morning flight to Rio Grande (RGA), and you will be met there by lodge staff who will transport you to the lodge. The scenic drive takes about thirty minutes.
Let us do the groundwork for you.
Our tailored fly fishing and accommodation itineraries are designed with you in mind to suit your preferences. They are also quoted in your local currency with very favourable exchange rates.
This includes flight bookings, transit accommodation, transfers and a host of non-angling activities and experiences.
We specialise in group stays to the region, and our long involvement with our partners on the ground in Argentina will ensure you are well looked after both on and off the water.
This includes extended stays in Argentina, Chile and throughout South America.
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