New for 2025, we’re incredibly excited to introduce you to Howenh Lodge in Argentina, another exclusive addition to our fantastic Sea Trout fishing portfolio. Situated on the famous Rio Grande in Tierra del Fuego in southern Patagonia, it offers travelling fly rods the opportunity to enjoy some of the best Sea Trout fishing found anywhere in the region. With more than twenty eight kilometres of water and over 42 different pools at its disposal, it’s one of the most personal Sea Trout fisheries in South America. Since our visit during our 2024 hosted trips, we’ve worked relentlessly with the lodge to secure UK exclusivity, which we’re proud to say we have done – cementing our spot at the top of the tree as the ‘go-to’ company for Sea Trout fishing fanatics across the globe.
With a team committed to excellence in fishing guidance and hospitality, Howenh strives to create memorable and enjoyable experiences for every guest who walks through its doors. Its mission statement was clear, and it understood the importance of delivering exceptional service to all its guests, which was one of the reasons why it was such a perfect fit for us as a company, combined with the fantastic fly fishing opportunities.
This trip is also available as a hosted tour exclusive for Sportquest Holidays customers and is ideal for solo anglers, pairs of friends and even small groups. Our team of hosts are hugely experienced as both hosts and fishing guides and are well travelled, taking trips of customers around the world and fishing in a wide array of different environments. You can see the hosted tour here.
The Rio Grande (Spanish for ‘Great River’), where Howenh sits, is located in the region of Tierra Del Fuego. It rises in Chile to the West and flows eastwards through Argentina to its mouth at Rio Grande City before emptying into the Argentine Sea. It’s one of the planet’s most famous Sea Trout fishing rivers in terms of the quality of the fishing, the number of fish landed and the excellent average size.
As the name suggests, the Rio Grande is a large river compatible with an array of freshwater fly fishing techniques. One moment, the fish may want a fly on the bottom, and the next, they might want it skated across the surface. Water levels within this incredible Argentinian fly fishing river can change weekly, and generally, the river provides travelling rods with an exciting yet rewarding challenge. Those who manage to crack the Rio Grande code can be rewarded with a fly fishing experience of a lifetime and one that lives long in memory.
Generally, the Sea Trout in the river enjoy spending their time along the edges of the cut banks, especially during the middle of the day. During low water, they will be found in the faster necks of the pools, often moving into these areas during the early morning, evening and night time hours. A good rule is, “Tails in the morning and heads at night.”
If you’d like to learn more about the incredible Sea Trout fishing opportunities we have on offer in Argentina, visit our YouTube channel.
The population of Sea Trout within the Rio Grande is estimated to be between 50,000 and 75,000, with the last factual study in 2008 estimating 85,000. The average size of these fish is around 9lb, but almost one in five is over 15lb and fish over 20lb almost get caught weekly. As a rough guide, one in fifty fish will tip the scales between 20-25lb. On average, the fish in the river are 17% heavier than fish elsewhere of the same length; they are also between 15% and 20% heavier than Atlantic Salmon of the same length. This translates to a genuine opportunity for travelling rods to target some of the world’s largest Sea Trout, and for those looking to catch a new PB, the Rio Grande is the river.
The majority of the fishing is wading in generally shallow water, with an average depth of 40 to 45cm, although on some occasions, it might be a little deeper in some of the more famous pools. Two-handed rods between 12 to 15ft in length are the norm, not only to allow longer casts but also to allow you to control your fly lines, which in the majority of cases will be floating. Switch rods can be used in conjunction with dry flies or skaters when the wind drops in the evening.
Note: Along with the Sea Trout, there are also Brown and Rainbow Trout populations that can get caught.
The question, probably on everyone’s lips, is why Howenh Lodge? Several factors make it a popular choice on the Rio Grande. The first is the sheer amount of water on offer, which equates to over 28 kilometres of double-bank fishing, split between four to six rods per week, all based on a rotation and split between several famous lodges. Five kilometres are shared with Kau Tapen, ten with Aurelia Lodge, and six with San Jose Lodge.
The second is the exciting and technical nature of the river, as it’s far more like fishing the Rio Gallegos than how you may imagine the traditional sections of the Rio Grande. At Howenh, floating fly lines are the norm and arguably anglers have the chance to fish some of the best water on the entire river.
Howenh Lodge Facts:
– 4 – 6 rods per week
– Over 28km of fishing
– 42 quality pools
– All fishing on rotation basis
– Interesting, technical fishing
– Peak season between January 15th to the end of March
A typical day at Howenh is usually made up of two fishing sessions, a morning and an afternoon. The morning session will usually be between 8.30am and 1.30pm, when anglers stop for lunch and a siesta. The fishing then resumes around 5.00pm for the evening session, which will last until 9:30pm or until dark, which can be as late as 10:30pm – 11:00pm, depending on the time of year.
As with lots of fishing around the world, the mornings and evenings will tend to be the most productive. The lower light conditions will often make the Sea Trout more willing to feed, and also provide anglers with some stunning photographic opportunities. These periods of the day also tend to be the time when the wind is at it’s calmest.
In addition to offering some of the best Sea Trout fishing on the Rio Grande, Howenh Lodge prides itself on providing some of the best accommodations. Located just a 1.5-hour drive from the airport on the renowned San Julio estate, it offers a serene wilderness experience with unparalleled views across the magnificent valley, majestic mountains and lush vegetation.
Fully refurbished in 2023, the lodge accommodates four to six rods per week, all staying in single rooms. The exceptional level of amenities and comfort ensures an unforgettable experience. From spacious and well-appointed rooms to top-notch services, the goal was to ensure that all guests enjoyed quality accommodation in a spectacular natural setting.
Howenh features six single bedrooms with private en-suite bathrooms, a large shared living room with an always-burning fire, a drying room, a sauna, a well-stocked bar, an outdoor hot tub, and a BBQ (Asado) area. It also features excellent WiFi and 24-hour power.
Howenhs position also makes it easy to access all the pools and shorelines. After breakfast each morning, the guides will take you to the water using the lodge’s 4 x 4s. There is over 28km of double bank fishing available, which is all fished on a rotation, which will be sorted by the guides once you arrive at the lodge.
The lodge staff consists of a chef and a sous chef, one maid, a hostess/manager, and three guides with three vehicles. The cuisine is second to none, featuring gourmet continental and national dishes and is based on local meats, fresh vegetables and delicious deserts. A traditional lamb asado (BBQ) is also served on a weekly basis.
All the meals get enhanced with a selection of fine Argentine wines, from the lodges well stocked bar.
Although the fishing days are fixed, the below itinerary is still flexible should you require additional free days to explore at the beginning or end of your holiday; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.
Please note that depending on what international airport you depart from, travel to this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel.
Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive Buenos Aires
Transfer from the airport to Buenos Aires Hotel
On arrival in Buenos Aires, take a taxi (Not Included) to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is free to relax and explore this beautiful city.
Overnight Accommodation: Buenos Aires Standard Hotel in a single room on a bed & breakfast basis
Transfer from Buenos Aires Hotel to Internal Airport
Subject to your domestic flight times, allow enough time to take a taxi (Not Included) to the internal airport for your domestic flights.
Aim to arrive at the airport no later than 2 hours before departure.
Depart Buenos Aires
Arrive Ushuaia
Travel from Ushuaia airport to Howenh Lodge
On arrival, you will be met by the lodge staff and transferred to the lodge (approx. 4 hours) On arrival at the lodge you will be shown to your rooms. You then have the rest of the day to relax and unpack.
Overnight Accommodation: Howenh Lodge in a single room on a full board basis
On your first two fishing days, you’ll be fishing with your partner on the mighty Rio Grande, located in Tierra del Fuego in southern Patagonia. Howenh controls over twenty-eight kilometres of fishing, along with forty two pools. Five kilometres are shared with Kau Tapen, ten with Aurelia Lodge, and six with San Jose Lodge. All the fishing is done on rotation and is fully guided, with two anglers per guide.
A typical day at Howenh Lodge consists of:
8.00 am – Breakfast
8.30 am – Depart for the river
1:30 pm – Back to the lodge for lunch and a siesta
6:00 pm – Return to the river to fish until evening
Overnight Accommodation: Howenh Lodge in a single room on a full board basis
On your third and fourth fishing days, you’ll be into your fishing week and cracking the code of the Rio Grande – an exciting river with a technical nature and far more like fishing the Rio Gallegos than how you may imagine the traditional sections of the Rio Grande. At Howenh, floating fly lines are the norm, and anglers can fish in some of the best water in the river.
Howenh Lodge Facts:
– 4 to 6 rods per week
– Over 28km of double-bank fishing
– 42 quality pools
– All fishing on a rotation basis
– Interesting, technical fishing
Overnight Accommodation: Howenh Lodge in a single room on a full board basis
On your last two fishing days, if you’ve landed a few fish throughout your week, it can be a great time to try for a trophy-sized specimen. The fish at Howenh average around 9lb, but almost one in five is over 15lb and fish over 20lb almost get caught weekly. As a rough guide, one in fifty fish will tip the scales between 20-25lb. On average, the fish in the river are 17% heavier than fish elsewhere of the same length; they are also between 15% and 20% heavier than Atlantic Salmon of the same length.
Overnight Accommodation: Howenh Lodge in a single room on a full board basis
Transfer from Howenh Lodge to Rio Grande Airport
Early in the morning, you will transfer back to Rio Grande airport which will take around 1.5 hours.
Depart Rio Grande
Arrive Buenos Aires
Transfer from the airport to Buenos Aires Hotel
On arrival in Buenos Aires, take a taxi (Not Included) to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is free to relax and explore this beautiful city.
Overnight Accommodation: Buenos Aires Standard Hotel in a single room on a bed & breakfast basis
Transfer from Buenos Aires Hotel to International Airport
Subject to your international flight times, allow enough time to take a taxi (Not Included) to the international airport for your return flights.
Aim to arrive at the airport no later than 3 hours before departure.
Depart Buenos Aires
Arrive Home
Please note that depending on what international airport you wish to return to, travel from this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel. Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
The season runs from January to April.
Season: January to April
Peak: January to March
Weight: 5lb to 30lb
Average Weight: 9lb
Season: January to April
Peak: January to March
Weight: 1lb to 6lb
Average Weight: 2.5lb
Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.
| From | To | Duration | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2026 | 10/01/2026 | 10 | £10,369 | Sold Out |
| 08/01/2026 | 17/01/2026 | 10 | £10,369 | Enquire Now |
| 15/01/2026 | 24/01/2026 | 10 | £10,369 | Enquire Now |
| 22/01/2026 | 31/01/2026 | 10 | £10,369 | Enquire Now |
| 29/01/2026 | 07/02/2026 | 10 | £10,369 | Enquire Now |
| 05/02/2026 | 14/02/2026 | 10 | £10,369 | Enquire Now |
| 12/02/2026 | 21/02/2026 | 10 | £10,369 | Enquire Now |
| 19/02/2026 | 28/02/2026 | 10 | £10,369 | Enquire Now |
| 05/03/2026 | 14/03/2026 | 10 | £10,369 | Enquire Now |
| 19/03/2026 | 28/03/2026 | 10 | £10,369 | Enquire Now |
| 26/03/2026 | 04/04/2026 | 10 | £10,369 | Enquire Now |
| 02/04/2026 | 11/04/2026 | 10 | £10,369 | Enquire Now |
Prices are based on one adult (unless otherwise stated), staying in a single room with a shared guide and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharge.
This was a last minute decision to take advantage of a special offer at Howenh Lodge which none of my usual angling pals could join me on, unable to get the three ducks of time, money and permission to line up. Undaunted, I looked forward to meeting up with some new fishing companions on the Rio Grande. However, a day before heading off I learned I would be the only angler in the lodge! My concern that I would spend lonely hours weeping into my beer were quickly dispelled when reaching Howenh, with every effort made by the staff to make sure my stay was packed with conviviality and pleasure, quite apart from the fishing. The fishing was as memorable as I anticipated. Coming from the north-west Highlands of Scotland, fishing mostly lochs and short spate rivers I am more used to strong winds than double handed rods, but despite some inelegant casting it all came together and I had seven fish over 3kg, with the best at 7kg. The rods I took were an 8wt 10ft single hander, an 11ft 8wt switch rod and an 12ft 9inch 8wt double hander, with the switch rod quickly becoming the go-to rod, fished with a floating line and intermediate or sink tip. Flies used were the standard Argentina fare with the best fish and others on a Potty's Palmer (a Shetland pattern that has also accounted for my best sea-run charr and brown trout in Iceland). Special thanks to Andreas the co-owner of Howenh Lodge, Sofia the hostess, and to Facundo, my guide for the week.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience! It’s great to hear that, despite the unexpected solo stay, the team at Howenh Lodge made sure you had such an enjoyable and memorable trip. Sounds like the fishing — and the company — didn’t disappoint! We really appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back again soon.
Harrison
Seatrout and the Argentine Rio Grande. Just mention those few words to any seatrout angler worth his salt and he will enter a dream like a state of big winds, big open spaces and even bigger fish. If it’s a big fish you’re after, then that’s the place to go. So, with a once-in-a-lifetime fishing adventure to plan, I checked out all the outfitters online and there are many, but I came up with Sportsquest as my preferred choice. Why may you ask? Well, after having a chat with Peter, the CEO of Sportsquest, the Rio Grande wasn’t the only big fish location in Argentina, but it was the one I’d long wanted to fish.
So yes why Sportsquest? Well, to put it simply, it was the easiest and simplest way to get to fish the Rio Grande. Just tell Sportsquest where you want to go and when and they do the rest. No chasing up flights, Lodges and transfers, hotels, taxis etc. You just let SQ take the strain.
It is a long flight, so a restfull day's stop-over in a Buenos Aires hotel was a welcome respite and a chance to meet up with the rest of your group for some team building. So important to get to know your fishing companions I can assure you.
Another flight of 3 hrs and we arrived at the Rio Grande airport. Here we were met by one of the lodge's staff and driven to our destination through an amazing vast open landscapes until, eventually, over a small rise, we glimpsed our lodge and, more importantly, the Rio Grande glistening in the morning sun.
On arrival, the lodge staff were there to meet and greet us and show us to our on-suite rooms. Comfortable but basic, but then we weren’t there to sit around in our rooms. The lounge/dining room in the lodge is spacious with comfortable seats and a lovely log fire. For those who enjoy fly-tying, there’s also a well-stocked bench so you can whip up a killer fly. Onto the food. Well, the staff at the lodge really did excel themselves with tasty food and excellent wine the whole week and would, with no complaints, meet your requirements if you fancied something not so filling. I can definitely recommend the soup.
And onto the fishing. Well, with 1 guide to 2 anglers, you are well looked after in that department. My fishing companions and I had no complaints about suggestions on flies, retrieves, where and how to fish and, especially for myself, how to master casting a double-handed rod with the wind the Rio Grande is famous for. For those not familiar with the Rio Grande, the river is not exceptionally wide and even a novice like myself was soon putting out a straight line and covering fish. It’s a bit daunting when you find out that some of the runs and pools are so long, up to a km long, but with very knowledgeable guides on hand to tell you where and how to fish, finding the channels was easy. With the guides knowing every nook and cranny of the river, our group was soon into fish and some big fish too.
The days of fishing days are split into two. Morning and evening sessions with a much-needed lunch and short siesta to recharge the batteries in between. Each session is split between different pools and runs with the guides searching and taking fish. No fishing over dead water for sure. Changes in tactics was always the name of the game but one constant was depth of taking fish. The evening session runs into the darkness with the oh-so-hoped chance of catching something special.
So all in all, was it worth it? Definitely
Hi Paul,
Thank you for your feedback and for sharing your experience. We’re glad to hear the trip exceeded your expectations and appreciate your helpful comments. It was brilliant meeting you and sharing fishing stories
Harrison
If you've ever dreamt of casting your fly into wild, untouched waters where Atlantic Salmon and Sea Trout run free, then the beautiful Horstad Gård Lodge, on the banks of the stunning Åelva River, allows you to do precisely that. Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Arctic Norway, this fly-fishing gem is considered one of the country's best-kept secrets.
Worlds’ End Lodge and the Irigoyen River offer the most unique and otherworldly fishery in Patagonia. No other Tierra del Fuego fishing lodge or river offers 10-20 lb Sea Run Brown Trout in small water that is laden with logs, surrounded by dense forests and protected from the heavy Austral winds.
Bella Sofia Lodge is new for 2023, offering anglers single rooms and world-class Sea Trout fishing on the Rio Gallegos and the Rio Gallegos Chico Rivers. Based on only six rods per week, it offers guests more than 10 kilometres of water each to wet a fly, making it the most exclusive fishery in all of South America.
Las Buitreras Lodge on the Rio Gallegos in Argentina offers an unparalleled Sea Trout fishing program. Catch statistics for size and numbers on the Rio Gallegos and the Rio Grande are similar, however, many anglers remain loyal to the Rio Gallegos River for it’s a dream to fish with its low gradient, technical characteristics, exclusivity, outstanding guides and the vast number of pools you get to fish each day always providing well-rested water.
Hosted by our CEO Peter Collingsworth, this exclusive trip to Worlds End Lodge in Argentina offers travelling rods the chance to enjoy some of the finest Sea Trout sport on the planet. The fishing, based on the famous Irigoyen and Malenguena rivers, regularly produces specimens of over 20lb.
