Introduction
As the newest member of the Sportquest Holidays team, I was absolutely thrilled to co-host an unforgettable freshwater fly fishing trip on the legendary Rio Grande in Argentina—alongside none other than our CEO, Peter Collingsworth. With a countryside sporting background rooted in driven shooting and fly fishing across Scotland and England, I was bursting with anticipation to discover what the Southern Hemisphere had in store. I’d heard the tales, seen the jaw-dropping photos, and read about the mythical Sea Trout of the Rio Grande… but nothing—absolutely nothing—could have prepared me for the sheer magic and intensity of what I experienced down there.
Rio Grande, Argentina
From the very first cast, I could feel why this place holds such a reputation. There’s something incredibly raw and real about fishing here—it’s not just about the Sea Trout, it’s the place itself. Fly fishing in Argentina on the Rio Grande feels like the end of the earth, and that’s exactly what makes it special, because it is! The journey is worth it, and I mean it. A few hours on a bumpy, dirty track seems like a distant memory once you step out of the 4×4 and take in the landscape. It doesn’t even seem like a sacrifice just to be there!
The Rio Grande truly lives up to everything people say—and then some. Anglers from around the world speak of its legendary Sea Trout, its moody beauty, and the way it carves a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to fish it. It’s more than just a river—it’s an experience that stays with you. Stretching roughly 240 km across the rugged landscape of Tierra del Fuego, with about 70 km flowing through Argentina, the Rio Grande begins high in the Chilean Andes before winding its way across the wide, windswept plains. Its iconic tea-coloured water, rich with glacial silt and tannins, practically calls out for a fly to be cast, offering the kind of conditions every fly angler dreams about.
Food and Drink at the Lodge
Everything’s made from scratch, from traditional Argentinian asado to beautifully prepared seafood. Dietary requirements? Not a problem. The staff made sure every detail was taken care of. Coming in from a cold, hard day on the river and sinking into a warm bed at Howenh Lodge. That contrast of rugged days and cosy nights is what made it feel like proper luxury.
The Guides
The fishing guides on the at Howenh Lodge on the Rio Grande are next level. They live and breathe the river, with decades of experience not just here, but all over the world. They have a way of giving you space when you want it, but also stepping in with just the right advice when you need it. Whether it was tips on tackle or subtle tweaks to presentation, their insight made a huge difference.
The Fishing
At the heart of it all was the reason we had gathered: Sea Trout. These remarkable fish are the ultimate quarry for any serious angler—spontaneously powerful, elusive, and endlessly unpredictable. Each take tells a different story. Some are subtle, a barely perceptible shift in tension. Others are explosive, a raw surge of energy that instantly commands your full attention. The moment you connect—whether the reel lets out a piercing shriek or begins ticking with quiet urgency—is the essence of why I love fly fishing.
The Rio Grande offers a stage like no other for this experience. It’s where every variable—size, strike, strength, speed, and the angle of the run—comes together in a perfect storm of challenge and excitement. Few rivers in the world offer such a consistent and rewarding opportunity to engage with Sea Trout in their most thrilling form. It’s fly fishing at its finest.
The Rio Grande, Argentina, doesn’t hand out easy wins. You work for each fish, and that’s what makes it so rewarding. By the end of the trip, I had not only caught some incredible Sea Trout but also gained a real respect for the river and everything that comes with it. It’s multi-sided, as its intense days are contrasted with the reward of a 10-pound-plus Sea Trout.
The Wildlife
One of the most surreal aspects of fishing here is the constant presence of wildlife. You’re out there, knee-deep in the river, casting into the current, while guanacos roam the distant hills and condors—massive, silent, with wingspans stretching over 3.5 metres—glide overhead like shadows across the sky.
Back at Howenh Lodge, I’d often wake to the playful rustling of red foxes and their cubs tumbling in the early light just outside my window. The landscape is alive with unexpected encounters: black-necked swans gliding across still water, busy beavers building their dams, herds of sheep, wild horses roaming the plains, and now and then, a glimpse of the elusive vicuña. Each day on the Rio Grande felt like stepping into a living nature documentary.
Final Thoughts
This trip was so much more than just fishing—it was pure magic. It was the people, the place, the wild, untamed weather, the mouthwatering food, and every unforgettable moment in between. Rio Grande, Argentina, isn’t just a destination; it’s a feeling that grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go. And staying at Howenh Lodge? That took everything to the next level, transforming an incredible trip into something truly extraordinary.
If you’re even remotely considering it—go. Whether you’re a seasoned angler chasing your next trophy or an adventurer ready to push the boundaries of your fishing journey, the Rio Grande will exceed every expectation. It’s not just a destination; it’s a rite of passage. And when you’re ready to take that leap, let Sportquest Holidays handle the rest for 2026 and beyond—they’ll make sure you get there the right way, with everything dialled in for the trip of a lifetime.
CONTACT US
We hope this has given some first-timers a bit of an idea when it comes to fishing the Rio Grande. If you have any questions about our trips to the Rio Grande or would like to book a rod at a specific lodge, please call us on 01603 407596 or email peter@sportquestholidays.com.
