The Worlds End Lodge Argentina, located on a remote 45,000-acre ranch in Tierra del Fuego in Argentina, sits within Southern Beech forests, overlooking the Irigoyen River and is one of the most famous Sea Trout fishing lodges in the world. It offers the possibility of fishing for Sea Trout in unique, intimate, and almost virgin environments, surrounded by wildlife and sheltered from the wind.
The Irigoyen river, situated in dense Lenga forests, is located on the east coast of the Tierra del Fuego island, 180 kilometres southeast from the Rio Grande and 200 kilometres northeast of Ushuaia. This legendary tree-lined river has become famous not only for the size of the Sea Trout but also for the way it gets fished. Middle to small-sized, it is a great challenge for anglers who are looking for a special, exclusive, and unique fishing experience.
With five different beats from the Atlantic Ocean to 24 kilometres upstream, there are many fantastic fishing spots, including deep pools, logjams, and underwater structures, providing fish with the perfect habitat. The fishing on the Irigoyen river can be a bit technical but lots of fun. As the only operation on the river when fishing Worlds End Lodge, with only 4 anglers each week and guides means you have the chance to move freely, looking for their best options of a fish.
While staying with us at Worlds End Lodge Argentina you get the opportunity to fish two rivers. The Irigoyen and Malenguena Rivers including their tributaries are located at the southern tip of the South American continent, at the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and where the Andes mountains end. The area features extreme and unique geography and landscape, transitioning from forested hills to estuaries and rugged beaches. Despite the extreme nature of the area, the variety of wildlife is impressive, with wild bulls, foxes, beavers, giant condors, and hundreds of species of sea birds all inhabiting the river valley.
The Irigoyen River starts as a mountain stream, tumbling and winding its way through the wooded transitioning landscape before meandering through several miles of low gradient tidal reaches until reaching its end. Located approximately 180 kilometres south of the town of Rio Grande, it runs for about 45 kilometres from source to sea.
Although the Rio Grande and Rio Gallegos hold all the Sea Run Brown Trout records, the Irigoyen River offers a totally different and perhaps more attractive fishing experience. It’s smaller, less intimidating and sheltered from the strong winds that the area is famous for. Unlike the Rio Grande and Rio Gallegos, which often require heavy double-handed rods, the Irigoyen offers the angler the rare opportunity of hooking 15lb plus fish on single-handed rods.
Of an entirely different nature from the Irigoyen, the Malenguena River is the tributary of the main river, its spring creek-like, and its waters flow at a much slower pace. Like the Irigoyen, however, it offers miles of sheltered fishing, thanks to its beautiful tree-lined banks.
Both rivers have substantial confirmed populations of Sea Trout and smaller populations of resident Brown Trout; the Irigoyen also has a population of Brook and Rainbow Trout in the pools and runs of its upper reaches. In the lower reaches, on the first three beats of the river, which empty into the Atlantic Ocean, anglers can also fish for and catch Robalo, or Falkland Mullet or Rock Cod as it’s also known. These fish are a bonus to the already exciting fishing and can grow to over 20lb in weight. A saltwater fish, comparable in some ways to European sea bass, they are a South Atlantic cousin of the common Snook and provide some amazing sport on freshwater fly fishing tackle.
One thing that’s incredibly popular amongst anglers travelling to Worlds End Lodge is that river, and fishing spots are exclusive. The rivers will not be fished by anyone else while you are there; they also receive very little in the way of angling pressure.
The fly fishing in Tierra Del Fuego on the Irigoyen and Malenguena rivers is conducted in various ways, from drifts downstream, upstream, and stripping at various speeds that the guides, highly experienced and experts in Sea Trout, will teach you as and when necessary. The main idea is to cover as much water as you can in every session.
In most cases, the river is easily wadeable, and fishing with single-handed 7-weight or 8-weight rods with matching reels and fly lines is sufficient for swinging small and medium-sized streamers and nymphs. The rivers are relatively small and filled with wooden structure and cover, and a 60-foot cast will cover nearly all of the beats you’ll fish. However, due to their intimate nature, the fishing can be somewhat technical at times, and small nymphs and long leaders can sometimes be required. Catching a Trout of over 20lb on a size 12 nymph is, without doubt, a fly fishing achievement of a lifetime, though.
All fishing at Worlds End Lodge Argentina gets performed on foot, and the closest beats are within walking distance from the lodge. However, with five different beats and over 24 kilometres of fishable river, the transportation between pools is by car. Sometimes, however, because of the fishing and water level, ARGO 6×6 ATVs are used.
To find out more about the Worlds End Lodge Argentina and Sea Trout Fishing, visit our YouTube channel.
All the Worlds End Lodge Argentina guides have amassed a very considerable amount of hard-earned experience regarding all facets of fly fishing in these South American Trout rivers. The first-class guides all speak English; their passion and dedication is infectious, and rest assured, they will go the extra mile in search of your fish of a lifetime. The trip is based on two anglers per guide.
Despite the fact you have a guide for the duration of your stay, the nature of swinging flies for any anadromous fish is that there is a lot of variation in catch rates. When fishing the rivers hooking two or three fish in a day should be considered a success and a great trip. The average weight of the Brown Trout and Sea Trout you’re likely to catch is just under 10lbs. The season runs from mid-December to the end of March, but you’ll have the bonus of fishing for Robalo if you visit during December. Catch rates for this hard fighting fish depend on the tides and conditions, but usually, five to 20 fish per session is average with sizes of between 4lb and 15lb.
Located in an area commonly referred to as the ‘uttermost part on earth’, the climate can be highly unpredictable, so any travelling anglers should be prepared with quality waders, raingear, and several layers of warm clothing. Fortunately, the lodge’s unique location, within a forested area, means that the notorious winds that plague other Sea Trout Lodges in the area aren’t nearly as prevalent.
The rustic and perfectly comfortable World’s End Lodge sits on a high bluff with extraordinary and surreal views of the forests, Irigoyen River and the Atlantic Ocean, solidifying that you have travelled to the ends of the earth.
The Worlds End lodge has three cabins; a guest cabin with four single or double rooms, a private bathroom in each room and extremely comfortable beds. There is also a warm wader room at your entrance to dry your waders and fishing tackle after a long day on the river.
The next cabin is the dining room and is only 30 metres from the guest cottage; the warmth and comfort of this cabin make this space our favourite place to enjoy talks and appetizers before each dinner or lunch, enjoying the fantastic view of the Irigoyen River valley.
The third cabin is a beautiful and comfortable fly/gift shop and features a large living room. Radiators and showy wood stoves get used to heat these cabins. The electricity service is 220v, and the communication is permanent through a telephone and satellite internet service available to the visiting customers. Climatic conditions and distance limit the speed of the internet, but it works regularly and permanently.
One main cabin holds the living and dining areas where customers enjoy outstanding cuisine from a professional chef.
The menus at the Worlds End Lodge consist of a mix between gourmet and classic Argentine cuisine where superb wine and the best cuts of meat get served at mealtimes and the best lamb in the world, which our chef prepares every week for the visiting customers.
8:00 AM Breakfast.
9:00 AM Depart for the river
1:00 PM Back to the cabins for lunch and siesta.
4:00 – 5:00 PM Return to the river to fish till dusk.
Fishing times will change slightly depending on the time of the year, though one can expect at least 8 hours of fishing per day regardless of the time of year.
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.
Depart UK (alternative routes available)
Arrive Buenos Aires
On arrival, you will take a taxi to your overnight hotel (taxi not included).
Overnight Accommodation: Buenos Aires Hotel (Twin room) B/B
Early in the morning, you will take a taxi to the airport (taxi not included).
Depart Buenos Aires, Arrive Ushuaia
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: Worlds End Lodge (Single Room) F/B
The fishing day begins at 8-8:30 am. After breakfast you depart to the fishing areas in 4 × 4 or amphibious vehicles, depending on the area to be fished. You will fish until 12:30-1 pm before returning to the lodge to enjoy a delicious lunch. At around 4:30 pm you will start the afternoon session that extends until twilight. At the end of each day, you will retire back to the lodge to enjoy a rewarding dinner and a rich Malbec that indicates the closing of a fishing session. Fishing is either with double-handed rods or single-handed rods all-dependent on the wind, water levels, and its clarity.
Overnight Accommodation: Worlds End Lodge (Single Room) F/B
Early in the morning, you will transfer back to Ushuaia airport which will take around 4 hours.
Depart Ushuaia, Arrive Buenos Aires
On arrival take a taxi to your hotel (taxi not included).
Overnight Accommodation: Buenos Aires Hotel (Twin room) B/B
You will take a taxi back to Buenos Aires International Airport for your return flight (taxi not included).
Depart Buenos Aires
Arrive UK
The season runs from December to April.
Season: Dec to March
Peak: February
Weight: 1lb to 26lb
Average Weight: 10lb
N/A
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.
| Departing | Returning | Days | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29/11/2023 | 10/12/2023 | 12 | £9,074 | Enquire Now |
| 06/12/2023 | 17/12/2023 | 12 | £9,074 | Enquire Now |
| 13/12/2023 | 24/12/2023 | 12 | £9,074 | Enquire Now |
| 20/12/2023 | 31/12/2023 | 12 | £9,074 | Enquire Now |
| 27/12/2023 | 07/01/2024 | 12 | £9,074 | Enquire Now |
| 03/01/2024 | 14/01/2024 | 12 | £9,074 | Sold Out |
| 10/01/2024 | 21/01/2024 | 12 | £9,074 | Sold Out |
| 31/01/2024 | 11/02/2024 | 12 | £9,074 | Enquire Now |
| 07/02/2024 | 18/02/2024 | 12 | £9,074 | Enquire Now |
| 14/02/2024 | 25/02/2024 | 12 | £9,074 | Sold Out |
| 21/02/2024 | 03/03/2024 | 12 | £9,074 | Enquire Now |
| 28/02/2024 | 10/03/2024 | 12 | £9,074 | Enquire Now |
| 06/03/2024 | 17/03/2024 | 12 | £9,074 | Enquire Now |
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.
Fantastic trip and fantastic fishing. Flights and booking were all sorted by Sportquest with no problems and the lodge was excellent, couldn't be closer to the river! a beautiful little log cabin that was just the right size for the four of us. Very clean and comfy. Will definitely be returning next year!
My first trip to fish the Rio Irigoyen. This is a remote location - the clue is in the name. You are at the end of an 80km gravel road (last 10km or so is fairly rough track), as far south as you can drive down the Atlantic coast of Tierra del Fuego. The scenery is spectacular and wild. Being so remote you might imagine that the facilities would not be the best. However, the accommodation, meals, staff and guides were excellent. The river is fairly small and fast flowing with a multitude of pools, mainly intimate. Most pools can be covered with a single-handed rod. A switch rod could, however, be useful if the wind gets up. You might expect the size of the sea trout to be proportionate with the size of the river. Our trip proved that this was definitely not the case! We had two fish nudging 20lbs - nothing larger was taken on my following week on the Rio Gallegos! Also, there were good numbers of fresh fish in the river, ranging in size from 1lbs to 20lbs+ One thing to note - many pools are only accessible on foot - so expect to do some walking! Overall a great trip - I am planning to return!
Andy, great to have you and Peter on the Worlds End Lodge, we had an amazing time and what a place. I still can remember when just the two of us went out at lunchtime to Sea Pool and sneaked out a couple of Sea Trout and Robalo. All in all a great trip and so happy that you were there to share it. See you again next time. Tight Lines Peter
Excellent Sea Trout fishing in the most magical area imaginable. Great lodge with very good facilities and first-rate friendly and helpful guides. Fresh run fish and lots of action to get that adrenaline going.
Philip, it was a real pleasure to meet and fish with you for the first time and I am sure it will not be the last. Glad you had a fabulous time as the lodge and fishing is something special. You caught some great fish on your week so congratulations and enjoy keep looking at the pictures. I look forward in seeing you there next year. Tight Lines Peter
Thank you for a most memorable trip. I have just about come down to earth now, but I will remember it for a long time to come. I cannot praise the facilities, guides, river, location enough, they were all top drawer. The fact that my first fish was just shy of 20lbs was completely awesome. I wouldn't change a thing, but if you are looking for areas where even more pleasure might result, I have two suggestions: 1. it might be nice to offer guests, particularly first time guests, the option to buy a packet of, say, 20 flies that will be what you need on the river. The mix will change depending on the conditions, but that is why it is would be a good idea. 2. I did ask and was told that upgrades to the flight were not possible. On the way out, this wasn't a problem as I was with other members of the team, but it would have been nice to have upgraded for the return flight. I gather from Peter that this is something that you now offer.
These are only minor suggestions, they didn't reduce the sheer joy of 6 days on the Irigoyen. The best fishing I have ever enjoyed.
I will be back!!
Peter, Thank you for the feedback and also taking the time to talk to me on the telephone. It was also a pleasure to meet you and spend time with you over the week. In fact, the group was just perfect and a great bunch. We had many laughs and lots of fish. Congratulations on landed the largest fish of the week just shy of 20LB that is one hell of a Sea Trout. In relation to you comments point 1 this is a good idea and something I will take a look at. Point 2 I have checked with the office and I am sorry but it looks like a miss communication, as what they meant was, it was not possible as there were no upgrades to Business Class available at that time. As you are planning on returning back for the next two years we will look at the Business Class options earlier on so you can make a decision. So thank you for your custom and support as it is very much appreciated and look forward to doing it all again next year. Kind Regards Peter
The fishing was great, the quality of the fish amazing and catching them on this smallish river was a challenge. I had ten sea trout for my six days fishing, four in double figures, the biggest being 18lbs. I lost a few more and also caught three robalos The guides were friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable. The Lodge was good, the food excellent and the hospitality and cleanliness second to none, the rooms being cleaned twice a day. I would advise persons booking this holiday to consider carefully what they have in their cases and hand luggage as one of our cases didn't arrive and we had to improvise with equipment and clothes. The lodge went to great lengths to assist and the case arrived within two days.
Brian, thanks for your feedback and taking the time to talk to me on the telephone. So glad you all had a fabulous time it is a very special place. Sorry to hear that the airline lost your luggage for the first half of the week. That is one reason we always recommend that you take waders, boots and a set of fishing clothes in your hand luggage. We always have the spare fishing tackle to get people through, but clothes and waders to suit all sizes is impossible. I look forward to arranging your next adventure. Kind Regards Peter
This was my second visit to World`s End Lodge and once again I had a wonderful Sea Trout fishing experience.
Guides/Lodge staff/accomodation and food and drink second to none.
Superb fishing on a small intimate river with easy casting and interesting underwater obstacles for the fish to escape to.
Very different landscape to other Lodges on the Rio Gallegos, for example, and the lack of strong winds is very welcome .
Coupled with the opportunity to fish the sea pool, this is a go-to destination for any Sea Trout angler
Business-class flights were good as expected, the five and a half hour internal flight was a tight fit. PE seats initially booked and would have been great, however not SQ fault.
Lodges are basic but very comfortable, especially for single men! Meals were superb for us, but not appreciated by another guest who was too vocal of his disapproval.
Unhappy to find having travelled that far that fishing was in an alternative rotation, so only fished half the time in reality - not good enough for the total price.
Fishing was poor for the first 3 days, the river just turned off - a long way to come to see this so hard to take.
A bit of rain improved it, and fishing improved but numbers caught were poor for the length of travel really, however, what was caught was superb, with great fights, awesome fun in challenging conditions
Happy with all SQ support
World`s End Lodge
My third visit to this magical place.Fishing,guides,accomodation and food first rate again.The water could have been higher but with the added bonus of the sea pool and the River Melanguela not a day was lost.
This lodge and river are unique for fishing in Tierra del Fuego and should be on everyone`s bucket list.
Bella Sofia
Again a great weeks fishing with a lot of Sea Trout and big Brownies in the system despite low water.
Guides very helpful and friendly.
Lodge brand new and refurbished to a high standard
Food excellent and facilities very good
Great dry fly fishing on the Rio Gallegos Chico,don`t forget your lighter weight rod !!
Repeat visit in 2024 Can`t wait.
My third visit and another great trip, in spite of the very low water conditions (due to an exceptionally dry Spring) The fishing was challenging, but there were good numbers of fish in the river. I landed a few very decent sea trout (by UK standards) and hooked into, and lost, two monsters - without doubt the biggest I've had on the end of my line in over 50 years pursuing these fantastic fish. But hat's fishing!
World's End Lodge is in a wild and remote location as far down the Atlantic coast of Tierra Del Fuego as is accessible by wheeled vehicle. As well as the spectacular scenery there is an abundance of wildlife, including wild cattle and horses, foxes, beavers and many birds. No light pollution, so amazing night skies.
Very comfortable accommodation, exceptional food and great guides and lodge staff.
The Irigoyen is a very different river to the well-known Argentinian sea trout rivers such as the Rio Grande or Rio Gallagos. It is therefore more important than ever to take the guide's advice. It is a technical river with the need for accurate casting. In most cases you will be fishing very close to structure, in the form of log "jams". So you will really need the recommended minimum 20lbs tippet strength and when a fish is hooked, do not give it line! This is not a river for anglers who like to play their fish - with the exception of the Sea Pool, that is.
Great trip with excellent company. Challenging fishing conditions but guides worked very hard to try and get us catching. Would love to go back and fish again hopefully with better water conditions
Our hosted Sea Trout trips to Bella Sofia offer travelling rods the chance to experience some of the finest fishing in all of Patagonia, Argentina. The fishing is split across two rivers, the mighty Rio Gallegos, one of the most famous Sea Trout rivers in the world and the Rio Gallegos Chico, a smaller tributary. Catering to just six rods per week, the lodge is booked exclusively for Sportquest customers.
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.
Battle Hill Lodge is nestled on the banks of the Fossárlar River and is famed for the incredible Sea Trout fishing it offers, renowned as being some of the best found anywhere in the world. A historic, picturesque location of striking beauty, it gives travelling rods an incomparable fly fishing experience of a lifetime.
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.
Namsentunet Lodge, one of Norway’s most exclusive Atlantic Salmon and Sea Trout fishing retreats, is nestled on the banks of the famous river Namsen, affectionately known as the ‘Queen of Rivers’. The Namsen is famed for its huge Salmon, and each year, good numbers of 40-45lb fish get landed by travelling rods.
