“More than a great fishing vacation, more than a home away from home…Patagonia has become my church. I will continue to return to Patagonia until I no longer have breath.”
- Mel Krieger
Each winter Oarsmen Expeditions dabbles in time travel. As snow begins to pile high throughout Montana we travel back in time to the warm, green days of early summer. While we’re at it, we go all the way back to see what Montana fishing was like half a century ago. Luckily, our travels don’t require 1.21 gigawatts or a flux capacitor. We simply hop on a jet, and head to the Patagonia region of Argentina.
December is the beginning of summer in Patagonia. The weather is warm. The torrent of spring run-off is gone. The post-holiday crowds of fisherman have not yet arrived. And, the millions of trout that make this region famous are eager to feed on the seasons first major hatches. We take advantage of this timing and host a one-of-a-kind adventure to Argentina’s most spectacular fishing.
Oarsmen Expeditions Argentina Trip Leader is Justin Spence. Justin lives the life most fishing guides can only dream of. Every fall, after a long season of guiding in Montana, Justin packs up the family and heads to San Martin des Los Andes where he spends the winter months (summer in Argentina) hosting trips and guiding the fabled waters of Patagonia. Justin has nearly a decade of experience in this region. His fluent Spanish and intimate relationships with local Argentines have allowed him to cultivate an un-matched fishing program throughout the region.
Justin’s knowledge of Patagonia and his countless contacts with other outfitters and estancias (lodges) lead us to develop an Oarsmen Expeditions trip that resembles our Road Trips in Montana. Our goal is to remain flexible and follow the fishing wherever it takes us. Justin and his crew of experienced, English-speaking guides are prepared to show you the best of Patagonia fishing from famous rivers like the Chimehuin and Malleo to unknown rivers and spring creeks.
This 12 day trip features 9 days of guided fishing. For the first 6 days we’ll hit the road using any one of Justin’s first-class estancias and hosterias as a base camp. Long fish-filled days will conclude with wonderful Argentine food and drink, and comfortable accommodations. For the final three days of fishing we’ll embark on an overnight float trip through the otherwise inaccessible Rio Caleufu. A dry fly fisherman’s dream come true, the Caleufu flows through an uninhabited canyon full of 15-20 inch browns and rainbows.
As with all Oarsmen Expeditions trips, your trip to Argentina is fully hosted. Oarsmen owner Steve Hoovler will meet you at the airport in Buenos Aires and assist you every step of the way to San Martin where we will meet Justin and his guides. The Oarsmen crew and our Argentine amigos will travel with you, eat with you, and fish with you for your entire trip.
What’s Included
All lodging, transfers, meals, etc… once in Patagonia; Fishing licenses; 9 full days of guided fishing
What’s Not Included
International flights; Transfers, lodging, and meals while in Buenos Aires; Domestic flights from Buenos Aires to Bariloche; International phone calls; Liquor; or gratuities.
Rates & Dates
$5450 per person (based on double occupancy)
group size limited to 6 anglers
December & January 2012