Book & Travel with Confidence. Read our Covid Promise
+44 (0)1603 407596

Villa Maria Lodge | Sea Trout Fishing | Argentina  

Overview

Tour code: ARG006
Enquire Now

Villa Maria Lodge has nestled on the world-renowned lower sections of the Rio Grande and was established back in 1994. The guests who stay at Villa Maria have access to over 10 miles of both banks of this very famous Rio Grande and will get the first crack of the whip at fresh chrome bright Sea Trout as they push into the system. As for the fish, a twenty pounder is, on any given day, now classed as the norm and fish of a lifetime are landed each week. Along with the very accommodating staff at the Villa and the fishing guides that will be with you throughout, you will soon get to realise why this lodge is one of the most talked-about lodges on the Rio Grande.

Location

Villa Maria is in prime position at the lower half of Rio Grande only a few miles from the tidal waters and is approximately 20 minutes from the city of Rio Grande. This was the second fishing lodge established on the Rio Grande and caters for just 6 anglers per week. Due to access control and catch-and-release regulations, the Rio Grande is one of the most productive sea-run Brown Trout fishery in the world. The Rio Grande flows from west to east, coming down from the Andes and flowing out into the Atlantic Ocean and through approximately 60 miles of Argentine territory. The stunning but sparse landscape of Tierra Del Fuego is reminiscent of something you would find in the low lands of Scotland where you find large sheep farms and wild herds of Llama-like Guanacos, as well as soaring Condors there is a very healthy population of Red Fox’s. This truly is a remote destination where you will be submerged into the natural beauty of the rugged surroundings while being immersed in some of the world’s finest Sea Trout fishing.

Fishing

Back in 1953 an Englishman named John Goodall first introduced Brown Trout to Tierra del Fuego, and some 60,000 Salmo trutta eggs were dispersed into two tributaries of the Rio Grande. These Trout have since found their way into the open ocean where they grew large before returning to the river to start the whole process again.

Guests staying at Villa Maria have the benefit of fishing the lower portions of the Río Grande, where its braided waters are home to some of the freshest, fiercest sea-run Brown Trout in the system. This section is ideal for Spey casters due to its longer and wider pools that cater beautifully to the swing. Visit our YouTube Channel to see for yourself how incredible the fishing is in Argentina.

Normal days fishing on the Rio Grande will see guests leave the lodge around 9 am after a good hearty breakfast and will fish to around 1 pm where you will then return back to the lodge for lunch and a siesta. Guests will then head back to the river in the late afternoon and fish until dark. Fishing hours will change depending on the time of year.

Each day you will get to fish varies different pools and generally speaking, the Rio Grande Sea Trout will move upstream primarily early morning, then favour cutbanks during the midday, then carry on with their upstream movements during the evenings and night-time hours. In low water areas, you should target the riffles as the Sea Trout prefer this well-oxygenated area.

If you targeting the cutbanks then a well-presented swing as near to these as possible will be the preferred method, whether this be an upstream and across, straight across or downstream and across, you will need to work this out as each day could well be different. You will need to vary your presentation from pool to pool until you have worked out the right formula of fly, fly line, drift or swing and the speed of your retrieve. This style of fishing is very technical and great importance must be given to working it out but once you have achieved this, things will start to fall in to place. Lastly, always listen to the guides they spend the majority of their time on rivers like these and are experts in the style, dedication and finesse that it takes to fish big windswept rivers like the Rio Grande.

Guiding

The lodge employs talented local and international guides who all work on a rotational basis so they get to fish with all the guests as one guide can be very different from the next so you will get to benefit from each one’s unique way of approaching this river. All the guides speak a good amount of English and are there to ensure you receive the highest quality fishing experience you will ever likely experience.

Contact Us

If Sea Trout Fly Fishing on the Rio Grande sounds interesting, enquire today. Make sure to explore all our Argentina Sea Trout destinations and if you have any questions on the fishing trips we offer then contact us in the office. Our experienced team will be happy to help you with any queries you have. Additionally, you can request a free brochure.

Accommodation
Villa Maria Lodge

Villa Maria Lodge is located on the Jose Menendez Estancia and dates way back to 1894 where it was originally home to a sheep farming family who operated a sheep ranching business. If you dig into its past you will also see that it housed slaughter house manager John Goodall, who made his name famous for first introducing Trout into the local rivers. The lodge has kept to its original surroundings and still sits nestled amongst 120,000 acres of grazing land and still hosting 40,000 sheep and a huge head of cattle in the region of 1,500 roam free. With the lodge sitting close the Rio Grande River, with its white picket fences and colourful flower gardens, you could be mistaken to think that this stunning lodge has just stepped out of a movie scene.

The Lodge

Villa Maria Lodge has now been designed to house angling guests while offering a very comfortable stay. The lodge features six en-suite double and single rooms which are decorated in modern furnishings and handcrafted from local woods. Each room has bedside cabinets with reading lights, a dressing table and chair and large windows which makes the rooms feel very spacious. Inside the main lodge, there is a communal spacious living area where guests can sit and share stories. During the evening there will be a roaring fire ready to greet you from a longs days fishing and the bar will be well-stocked.

At the lodge, you will find a well-stocked tackle shop with all the items you may need during your week from, Sage rods, quality reels, flies, lines, clothing and other items that you may need. In addition to the tackle shop you will also find a fly tying station and a room to store your gear. If the main lodge wasn’t enough, the guest can also make full use of the riverside day house that is used to augment the fishing rotation. In the day lodge, you will find three cosy warm rooms perfect for a quiet midday siesta. It location increases the fishing time and gives the anglers a place to relax after a heart midday lunch.

Food & Drink

The kitchen at Villa Maria Lodge comes to life through fresh and locally sourced produces such as fresh locally grown vegetables and stunning meats. Each plate of food is carefully created using the delicious flavours by the top-notch team of experienced national and international chefs trained both in classic and avant-garde techniques. The chefs, each day will produce fresh pasta and fire-roasted meats like their famous Patagonian Lamb which is slow-roasted gaucho-style over charcoal embers, alongside the meat dishes there will be daily ocean-fresh flavours such as King Crab. To wash down your flavoursome meal don’t forget to save room for one of the scrumptious desserts on offer such as fresh homemade ice-cream and classic sweets and pastries. To wash this all down the lodge serves some fantastic wines from Bodega Catena Zapata which are the perfect blend and are renowned wines that compete on the world stage. They hold a special place in the Argentinian culture and they are very proud to serve them to you.

If you would like to know more about Villa Maria Lodge, please feel free to contact our experienced team who will be happy to answer any queries you have. Alternatively, you can request a free brochure.

 

 

Board: Full board
Rooms: Twin & single rooms available
Telephone: Satellite (chargeable)
Internet: Computer with internet
Laundry: Included
Power: 220 Volt
Meals: In lodge dinning room
Alcohol: Included
Equipment Hire: Rods & reels available
Shop: Fly Shop
Cards Accepted: Debit & credit cards
Cash Accepted: US Dollars
Species Information
Sea Trout
Season: October to April
Peak: January to March
Weight: 5lb to 30lb
Average Weight: 8.5lb
Brown Trout
Season: October to April
Peak: January to March
Weight: 1lb to 6lb
Average Weight: 2.5lb

Itinerary

Enquire Now

Although the fishing has set weeks, we have daily flights departing from the UK, therefore should you wish to either extend your stay with additional days in the beginning or end in Buenos Aires, the itinerary below can be tailored to suit. It is also possible to combine Sea Trout Fishing with Golden Dorado, Steelhead and King Salmon fishing. You can even combine all our Argentina fishing packages with any of our shooting packages to make the ultimate trip.

DAY 1: (Thursday)

Depart UK (Alternative airports available)

Day 2: (Friday)

Arrive Buenos Aires

Once you have arrived and collected your bags you will need to make your way out of the terminal building and take a taxi to the internal airport for your flight to Rio Grande.

Depart Jorge Newbery, Arrive Rio Grande

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a member of the Villa Maria team who will then transfer you to the Lodge (transfer approx. 30 minutes)

Overnight accommodation: Villa Maria Lodge (Single room) F/B

Days 3 TO 8: (Saturday TO Thursday) Fishing Days

Every day your Argentinian fishing guide will drive you to and from the Rio Grande in a comfortable 4-wheel drive truck fitted with rod racks and VHF radios. Each day you leave the lodge around 9 am after breakfast and fish until around 1 pm. After lunch and a siesta, (the hours of which will depend on the season) you will return to the river and fish through until dusk. Fishing hours will change slightly depending on the time of year.

You’ll enjoy Sea Run Brown Trout fishing in 30 pools on 15 km of both banks on the Rio Grande, where easy wading can be found on a gravel bottom.

Overnight accommodation: Villa Maria Lodge (Single room) F/B

Day 9: (Friday)

At a prearranged time you will be taking back to Rio Grande airport for your flight back to Jorge Newbery. Where you will spend the night in the overnight hotel ready for your international flights. (transfer approx 30 minutes)

Depart Rio Grande, Arrive Jorge Newbery

Once at Jorge Newbery you will need to collect your bags and make your way out of the terminal where you will need to arrange a taxi to your overnight hotel. (Taxi not included)

Overnight Accommodation: Buenos Aires Hotel (Twin room) B/B

 

Day 10: (Saturday)

In the morning you will need to arrange a taxi to take you back to the international airport for your return flight. Speak to the hotel reception who will arrange this taxi for you (Taxi not included)

Depart Buenos Aires

DAY 11: (Sunday)

Arrive UK

Prices

Enquire Now

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.

Start Date End Date Days Nights Fishing Angler Non-Angler Availability Notes
06/01/2022 16/01/2022 11 10 6 £9,890 On Request Sold Out N/A
13/01/2022 23/01/2022 11 10 6 £9,890 On Request Enquire Now N/A
20/01/2022 30/01/2022 11 10 6 £9,890 On Request Enquire Now N/A
27/01/2022 06/02/2022 11 10 6 £9,890 On Request Sold Out N/A
03/02/2022 13/02/2022 11 10 6 £9,890 On Request Enquire Now N/A
10/02/2022 20/02/2022 11 10 6 £9,890 On Request Sold Out N/A
17/02/2022 27/02/2022 11 10 6 £9,940 On Request Enquire Now N/A
24/02/2022 06/03/2022 11 10 6 £9,990 On Request Enquire Now N/A
03/03/2022 13/03/2022 11 10 6 £9,180 On Request Enquire Now N/A
10/03/2022 20/03/2022 11 10 6 £8,420 On Request Sold Out N/A
17/03/2022 27/03/2022 11 10 6 £7,660 On Request Enquire Now N/A
24/03/2022 03/04/2022 11 10 6 £6,899 On Request Sold Out N/A
05/01/2023 15/01/2023 11 10 6 £9,890 On Request Enquire Now N/A
12/01/2023 22/01/2023 11 10 6 £9,890 On Request Enquire Now N/A
19/01/2023 29/01/2023 11 10 6 £9,890 On Request Enquire Now N/A
26/01/2023 05/02/2023 11 10 6 £9,890 On Request Enquire Now N/A
02/02/2023 12/02/2023 11 10 6 £9,890 On Request Enquire Now N/A
09/02/2023 19/02/2023 11 10 6 £9,890 On Request Enquire Now N/A
16/02/2023 26/02/2023 11 10 6 £9,940 On Request Enquire Now N/A
23/02/2023 05/03/2023 11 10 6 £9,990 On Request Enquire Now N/A
02/03/2023 12/03/2023 11 10 6 £9,180 On Request Enquire Now N/A
09/03/2023 19/03/2023 11 10 6 £8,420 On Request Enquire Now N/A
16/03/2023 26/03/2023 11 10 6 £7,660 On Request Enquire Now N/A
23/03/2023 02/04/2023 11 10 6 £6,899 On Request Enquire Now N/A

Price Notes

Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, fishing and accommodation (unless otherwise stated) 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.

ATOL
Holidays or flights booked with Sportquest Holidays Limited are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority by our ATOL bond (Number 6371). ATOL protects you from losing your money or being stranded abroad. It does this by carrying out financial checks on the firms it licenses and requiring a guarantee, called a bond.

What's Included

  • All international flights
  • Internal flight Buenos Aries to the Rio Grande
  • Transfers to and from Lodge
  • All accommodation as per itinerary
  • All meals at the lodge
  • All soft & alcohol drinks at the lodge
  • 6 days fishing

What's Excluded

  • Personal holiday insurance
  • Meals at Buenos Aries Hotels or bar expenses
  • Transfers in Buenos Aries
  • Tips for guides and all camp staff
  • Fishing license
  • Fishing tackle
  • Waders & Boots

Options

  • Flight upgrades

  • Additional nights in Buenos Aries

  • Single rooms in Buenos Aries

  • Dorado Fishing add on

  • Steelhead Fishing add on

  • King Salmon Fishing add on

  • Dove shooting add on

  • There are quality fly rods available at the lodge for you to use if needed. The cost per day is $25.00 and it includes the rod, reel and line. Please advise us of your need for a rod prior to arrival to ensure availability. A charge of $150.00 will be billed to you in the event a rental rod is broken. This covers the cost of shipping and repair.

Price Supplements

  • N/A

Price Match Promise

We are so confident that our packaged prices are the best available and offer great value for money.

If, however, you find an identical holiday available with any other fully bonded Tour Operator at a lower price, we will match that price.

Financial Security

Holidays or flights booked with Sportquest Holidays Limited are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority by our ATOL bond (Number 6371). ATOL protects you from losing your money or being stranded abroad. It does this by carrying out financial checks on the firms it licenses and requiring a guarantee, called a bond.

Tour Notes

Visa

A machine-readable passport with at least 6 months before expiry, no visa for UK citizens required.

Medical Requirements

No vaccinations currently required

Please Note

All details of visa and medical requirements are correct at time of press however please check these requirements for changes.

Departure tax

There is no additional airport departure tax when leaving Argentina

Flight Route & Flight Time

UK – Buenos Aires (approx 14hrs) Buenos Aires – Rio Grande (approx 3 hours).

Baggage Allowance

Your actual allowance is based on both which airline you are flying with and also what class of seat you are travelling in. Normally in the economy it is 1 checked bag, Premium Economy / Business 2 checked bags, First 3 checked bags. In addition to your checked bags, you are also allowed 1 cabin bag and either 1-laptop bag or ladies handbag. The actual size and weight limit for bags are dependent on the airline. We, therefore, recommend that once your flights are booked you check on the airline’s website for the up to date allowances.

If your itinerary includes private light aircraft or helicopter flights we will advise you on your baggage and weight allowance.

Transfer Time

Rio Grande – Villa Maria Lodge (approx 1.5 hours)

Questions & Answers

Enquire Now

WHERE IS THE LODGE?

Villa Maria Lodge has nestled on the world-renowned lower sections of the Rio Grande and was established back in 1994. The guests who stay at Villa Maria have access to over 10 miles of both banks of this very famous Rio Grande and will get the first crack of the whip at fresh chrome bright Sea Trout as they push into the system. Villa Maria is in prime position at the lower half of Rio Grande only a few miles from the tidal waters and is approximately 20 minutes from the city of Rio Grande.

WHERE WILL I FISH?

The Rio Grande flows from west to east, coming down from the Andes and flowing out into the Atlantic Ocean and through approximately 60 miles of Argentine territory. The stunning but sparse landscape of Tierra Del Fuego is reminiscent to something you would find in the low lands of Scotland

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO REACH THE FISHING GROUNDS?

Every day your Argentinian fishing guide will drive you to and from the Rio Grande in a comfortable 4-wheel drive truck fitted with rod racks and VHF radios. You’ll enjoy Sea Run Brown Trout fishing in 30 pools on 15 km of both banks on the Rio Grande, so the distance to the fishing grounds varies each day. Some are only 5 minutes and others can be 40 minute drives.

WHAT FISH WILL I CATCH?

The main species are the Sea Trout as the waters around Villa Maria Lodge are teeming with big fresh run Sea Trout ranging from 5lb to 20lb. The other species you will find are Brown Trout, these are smaller and normally fairly widespread in the system.

HOW MANY FISH WILL I CATCH?

On an average day, you should expect to make contact with at least one Sea Trout but when conditions are favourable then days of 6or 7 even are not uncommon.

HOW WILL I FISH?

Double handed spey casting is the norm on this wide river. Fishing to the far side close as you can, or fishing in deep pockets, or shallow riffles are all the types of fishing scenarios you will encounter while swinging flies.

DO THE GUIDES SPEAK ENGLISH?

All our guides speak many different languages including English. The guides are handpicked from local to international guides all have their very own unique ways of approaching the river system.

WHO IS BEST SUITED TO THIS DESTINATION?

Good knowledge of double-handed spey casting will be a massive help as these rivers are big windswept systems and having this knowledge will see you put more fishing on the bank.

WHAT SKILL LEVEL IS REQUIRED?

Swinging flies on such a big river takes a fair amount of skill. It’s not just the casting that is important for a successful trip, it’s having the knowledge to be able to read a river and where most likely fish would be lying. Another skill level needed is the way you approach the river and where you start fishing, all these combined will see you in good seed for a better experience. But remember that the guides have vast amounts of knowledge so never be embarrassed to ask them for their advice.

HOW PHYSICALLY DEMANDING IS THIS TRIP?

As you will be taken to each pool by 4X4 trucks there is a little walking. The wading is relatively easy wading as it is all on small shingle and shallow waters. There will be some amount of walking daily but not miles upon miles.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO?

The season runs from January to mid April

HOW WILL I GET THERE?

Fly from the UK to Buenos Aires. On arrival many customers overnight in Buenos Aires. Then the following morning it’s just a short flight to Rio Grande and from there a short 30 min ride to the lodge

WHAT IS THE ACCOMMODATION LIKE?

The lodge features six en-suite double and single rooms, smart furnishings, and spacious and gracious living areas. Delicious meals are prepared daily by the lodge’s dedicated chef. Each evening a roaring fire and well-stocked bar welcome you back from your day’s adventures. Our on-site tackle shop is stocked with Sage rods, quality reels, flies, lines, clothing, and other on and off water gifts and essentials. In addition, guests have the full use of the lodge’s fly-tying table and gear storage rooms.

WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?

At Villa Maria, the kitchens come to life through the use of fresh and regionally representative meats and produce. By combining these elements, they create delicious flavours and varied textures that harbour hidden stories and package traditions on each plate. A top-notch team of experienced national and international chefs, trained in both classic and avant-garde culinary techniques, execute the food. With an artisan’s touch, chefs prepare every dish from scratch to be served at a minute’s notice.

DOES THE LODGE PROVIDE FISHING TACKLE?

The lodge has a selection of quality rod and reel outfits available to guests for a weekly rental (to be booked in advance). There is a small fly shop in the lodge that carries a good selection of productive flies, leaders, tippet, fly lines, wading jackets and Patagonia down jackets.

IS INTERNET AND PHONE SIGNAL AVAILABLE?

There is no mobile phone reception at the lodge. However, the lodge has free WiFi so customers can stay in touch with home either by messages or even to chat via mobile apps.

ARE THERE OTHER ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE?

For either non-anglers or anglers who do not wish to fish every session, there are long walks around the thousands of acres of the Estancia with stunning barren scenery and wildlife. In addition with enough notice, we can arrange additional daily sightseeing trips departing from the lodge each day. Additional costs are payable locally.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

We offer the complete package including all flights and transfers. To view, all prices and availability click the “Dates & Prices” tab above.

Alternatively, if you wish to arrange all your own travel arrangements we can book just the lodge and fishing for you.

Reviews

Enquire Now

Trevor

Tough week due to bad conditions, however all the guides knew exactly what to do. Even though the fishing was tough we all managed to catch fish (Thanks to the expert guiding) It is times like this when you realise the importance of good guides.

Nothing else for it but to return and hope for better conditions.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

Trevor, thank you for your destination feedback. Sorry to hear that when you travelled the conditions we not perfect. We do agree with you about good guides and we have always found the guides at VM to be first rate.

Ross

Unfortunately we had a very difficult week, the water levels were very low and most days we did not have a breath of wind. Everyone struggled and the best fishing probably the only time worth fishing on our week was the last hour of the day in to darkness.

We have listened to many stories about this lodge and everyone talks very highly so we are sure that our week was not normal, just bad luck, but thats fishing.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

Thank you so much for your destination review. I know only to well what fishing is like when conditions are against you. The fishing can be tough. Our customers who have been to VM always have good things to say so we are sure that your week was just down to bad luck. You will have to return to set the record straight.

Andrew

We have been to Villa Maria now 4 times and each time the hospitality has been second to none.

We have been lucky on all our trips to catch both the weather and fishing in perfect conditions which has made for some excellent trips.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

Andrew so glad to hear that you have had 4 amazing trips, also thank you for completing a destination review as we are sure customers will find your review / comments helpful.

Tim

Absolutely fantastic hospitality and food among with world-class trout fishing, simply the best experience that you can get.

I would highly recommend anyone to take the time to travel to VM you will not regret it in anyway.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

Tim nice destination review thanks a million

Mr Hopkins

Hi Peter many thanks for organising our annual trip to Argentina. weather was bit crap but fishing was great. Speak to you again soon

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

Paul, sorry to hear that the weather and water was not playing its normal ball. However I am pleased that you all still enjoyed the trip and that you all managed to land a good few fish. Thanks for your custom and I hope to assist you again.

Mrs Wellington

Hi, we have just returned from our first and defiantly not our last trip to Villa Maria Lodge. Having the whole place just to ourselves was amazing, the lodge staff and fishing was way above our expectations, big thank you to everyone who is involved in organising and running this superb operation.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

That is great news that your group enjoyed the run of the place and the fishing. It was a treat to deal with you all and I look forward to all your future arrangements.

P

Some places are ok, some are good and every now and then you find one that you know you just will return again and again. Thanks for making our dreams come true.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

It was our pleasure and we hope to do it again for you someday soon. mel

P

I was in VM lodge for a week looking for seatrout in Rio Grande. All the service was excellent and the fishing too. Amazing fishes, great food, very nice people. A MUST

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

We are glad that you enjoyed your trip from door to door. Also thank you for the pictures a great cracking shot of a jumping fish.

Stay in Touch
Sign Up To Our Newsletter
Sign up to our weekly newsletter to get the latest travel advice, offers and adventures.
Sign Up Now
Request A Brochure
Our inspiring, free brochure is packed with incredible travel inspiration from every corner of the planet.
Request Now
Submit An Enquiry
Our experienced team are always on hand to help you with any questions or advice you need.
Enquire Now