This past season at Estancia Rio Pelke was nothing short of memorable. We experienced the highest catch rates throughout the season since we opened the lodge 10 years ago. There were some unbelievable weeks where we ended up with more than 100 hooked trout per angler.
Maintaining low fishing pressure in this remote corner of Patagonia has been our goal since day one, and taking a limited number of anglers per week continues to bear fruit. We also found the lodge record this season since its opening, with landing a nice brown trout close to 5 kilos, and our largest brookie this season was just shy of 3 kilos.
Surface activity was our main objective in fishing throughout the weeks. By respecting every hatch and activity of the terrestrial bugs, we have had memorable and consistent days of fishing with beetles, mice and Chernobyl ants as well as size 14 and 16 caddis and Adams patterns when a more delicate presentation was needed.
To match the quality of fishing, we have had the exquisite cuisine of Pato Camgros who has taken her recipes to another level, making each meal an experience. Each dish this year was married with a corresponding wine and a good percentage of the food came from our local chicken coop, garden and farm.
This was our first season operating out of the new lodge, and the improvements with single room accommodations, along with a nice dining area and lounge have been very well received by our guests.
The wind, which always makes guests question a trip to Patagonia, was present to a large extent. Being a friend of the wind is something that always makes sense in this region. We also know that the most common wind (30km) generates greater fishing activity, making fishing less technical, and we help guests come to terms with the wind and learn how to work with it.
The quality of our trout has left us breathless. Some fish have shown such an amazing quality that they are worthy of paintings. The perfect coloration and shape as well as an impressive size.
The most used rods were Sage R8 CORE 9’0” 5-weights due to the windy environments and at the same time to combat some above average trout. In most situations, these fish are not leader shy, and we used 2X tippet to give us the best chance to land the fish of a lifetime. As a Sage Experiences Outfitter, we are proud to offer premium Sage rods and reels with matching RIO fly lines for guests to use as part of the fishing and lodging package.
Our repeat clients who thought they couldn’t compete with the fishing they had just a season ago found themselves with equal or better fishing this year. Our good friend and repeat guest, Mark, reflected after his return this year, “It is impossible on a fishing trip to have 7 good days out of 7 and at Estancia Río Pelke I had them”.
Looking ahead, for next season we plan to add new spots with some incredible views, and we will add one more single room at the lodge. A max of 6 guests will be able to stay in single rooms while couples will have queen size beds to share. Our barbecue place will be also improved with stones and a new oven for pizzas and empanadas.
Our team and people represent us as well as any lodge would dream of. Tomas, Juanchi, Pato and Caro are a great team of human beings, and we invite you to come experience their warm hospitality and show you the magic of Patagonia.
