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Aurelia Lodge |
Aurelia Lodge is located within a large Estancia of 16.000 ha, having 9 km of the Río Grande and 25 km of the Río Menendez, both exclusive for fishermen accommodated in the lodge. Both rivers hold big sea-run browns which enter the river in spring and summer time. The size of the fish and the quality of the waters have made these two rivers famous around the world. An average day of fishing will produce 3 fish from 6 to 15 pounds, but every season the rivers gives many brown trophies of up to 30 pounds. The Río Grande is widely accepted as the best sea-run brown trout river in the world, not only for the quality of the fish but for the river itself, a medium size, slow gradient, very easy wading river with gravel pools, runs, undercut banks and big boulders scarcely distributed. In other words, ideal fly fishing water. The Patagonic landscape, the lodge’s typical house and the southern hospitality of the guides and personnel intertwine to make the guests feel pleasantly at home. Other activities such as horse riding and trekking can be done, or you can simply enjoy the silence and intimacy the lodge and the surrounding woods provide. The Rivers: The Grande and Menéndez are fly fishing only rivers and catch and release is mandatory. The Río Grande is a medium size 25yd wide river, with a gentle gradient. Its gravel bottom makes wading easy. Along the Aurelia section of the river more than 15 fine pools, runs, undercut banks and big rocks in the stream provide different fishing conditions which will satisfy the most exigent fishermen. The Río Menéndez is Rio Grande’s main tributary and the main spawning water for sea run Brown trout. It has hundreds of hiding places, each of them being able to take in an unprecedented record number of trout. With 15 yd wide it is really easy to cast and even easier to wade. It is an ideal river for #6 rods, where the floating line can be the great protagonist. 25 km from both margins make the Menéndez a great option to combine with the Rio Grande in search of the grand trophy. The fish: Brown trout were introduced in Tierra del Fuego Island by John Goodall around 1935. Over the years these trout found their way to the ocean and now they complete the yearly migratory spawning cycle during summer. Although the season starts in November, Aurelia is open during the best time of the runs, from middle January to middle April. |
The Fishing: Within the Estancia both rivers can be waded both banks in all its length, although fishing is made in the most productive pools, moving from one to the other in 4 by 4 trucks. Both rivers have lots of pools, each one different. They are all nearby, within a 10 to 20 minute truck ride. A typical day begins with breakfast at the lodge. Your guide will meet you immediately after and inform you about the day’s fishing and wading conditions. After breakfast you will ride to the river for the first 4 hours fishing session, returning to the lodge for lunch and nap, having immediately after the second 4 to 5 hours session until sunset. For single-handed rod we recommend 8 weight, 9 or 9 ½ ft long rods or light two handed rods 13 to 15 ft long. for a 8-9 or 9-11 wt. line. Reels shall be strong with smooth drag, having capacity for the fly line and 100 yards of 20 lb backing. Lines: Aurelia guides recommend at least 3 or 4 lines to accommodate variance in water levels and wind conditions. Weight forward fly lines are generally used n the Rio Grande. A sinking shooting taper is very important. The Rio 24 ft Density Compensated Sinking Tip 200, 300 grs are excellent, and at least one or both of these lines should be considered as must bring items. Intermediate lines are also effective in some conditions. Floating lines are typically most useful in low water conditions and during early morning and evening hours, when sea trout are inclined to be nearer the surface. For two handed rods they find that a Rio Spey Lines Diversity Tips, Skagit model or equivalent is very versatile as these allow one to switch line weights from fast sinking #8 to medium #3 or floating lines easily; Furthermore Rio T11, T14 or T17 can be very useful for varying the length of the sinking tip being used. Leaders/Tippet: Spools of mono should include 20, 15, 12 and 10 lbs breaking strengths. We recommend straight Maxima for sinking line leaders and for floating have a knotless tapered leader from 9 to 12 ft with OX tippets. Flies: The Guides: The guides are renowned professionals from the Tierra del Fuego Island who guide in the estancia habitually, know the river and every fisherman’s needs. |
The Lodge: Aurelia Lodge can accommodate 12 guests in 5 double-rooms, one of which is a very large suite and is ideal for families of up to 4 people. The number of rods, however, may not exceed 8 licensed anglers. The estancia house was totally renovated in 2005 to the fishing lodge. It allows anglers and guests to enjoy spacious rooms, large and fully appointed private bathrooms, warm and welcoming reception areas and a fine dining room with a great view. An indoor barbecue and bar area (quincho) is a casual lounge with a pool table and a fly-tying table and makes a great place to enjoy the traditional Patagonian Lam cooked by our chef, who specializes in argentine food. The Lodge also provides recreational options for non-fishing guests such as horseback riding, sightseeing of the abundant local wildlife (numerous flocks of wild geese, plentiful herds of "guanacos" a species of the cameloids, grey foxes, diverse hawks, condors, seagulls and other birds) as well as visits and photographic safaris to beaver lodges and dam sites. Travel: From Buenos Aires reservations for round tickets to Río Grande should be made. International flights arrive at Ezeiza International Airport, but you will fly to Río Grande from Aeroparque, Buenos Aires city’s domestic airport. As flights to Río Grande usually depart in the morning it will be necessary to overnight in the city and take the domestic flight the following morning. The fishing guides will be expecting you at Río Grande’s airport and will transfer you to the lodge, an hour distant from the airport (approx. 80 km). Season: From mid January to mid April. Rates: Included: Rate includes transfer from and to Río Grande’s airport, accommodation, full board, alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks, full time english speaking fish guides, activities: fishing, riding, trekking, picnics, access to Río Grande and Menéndez , WiFi in certain areas of the lodge. Not included: Telephone, personal or travel insurance, laundry service (available for an additional cost), fishing license, fishing gear (for rent with anticipated notice) and gratuities. Contact the Lodge and Us: |
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Aurelia Lodge, Patagonia, Argentina, is located within a large Estancia having 9 km of the Río Grande and 25 km of the Río Menendez, exclusive for fly fishermen accommodated in the lodge. Both rivers hold big sea-run browns. The Río Grande is known as the best sea-run brown trout river in the world. The Patagonia landscape, the lodge’s typical house and the hospitality of the guides make the guests feel at home.
Aurelia Lodge can accommodate 12 guests in 6 double-rooms. The estancia house was totally renovated in 2005 to the fly fishing lodge. It allows anglers to enjoy spacious rooms with private bathrooms. An indoor barbecue and bar area with a pool table and a fly-tying table, makes a great place to enjoy Patagonia Lam. The Lodge also provides recreational options for non-fishing guests such as horseback riding, sightseeing of the abundant local wildlife.
The Grande and Menéndez are catch and release fly fishing only rivers. The Río Grande is a medium size 25yd wide river, with a gentle gradient. Its gravel bottom makes wading easy. Along the Aurelia Lodge section the river has more than 15 fine pools. The Río Menéndez is Rio Grande’s main tributary and the main spawning water for sea-run brown trout. With 15 yd wide it is really easy to cast and even easier to wade.
Fly fishing is made in the most productive pools, moving from one to the other in 4 by 4 trucks. Pools are all nearby, within a 10 to 20 minute truck ride. A typical day begins with breakfast at the lodge and then riding to the river for the first 4 hours fly fishing session, returning to the lodge for lunch and nap, having immediately after the second 4 to 5 hours session until sunset.
The guides are renowned professionals from the Tierra del Fuego Island who guide in the estancia habitually, know the river and every fisherman’s needs. They are also casting instructors.
From Buenos Aires reservations for round tickets to Río Grande should be made. The lodge fly fishing guides will be expecting you at Río Grande’s airport and will transfer you to the lodge, an hour distant from the airport (approx. 80 km).