SPRING CREEK LODGE

SPRING CREEK LODGE

The Northern Patagonia region has the largest variety of trout fisheries in Argentina.

 

You can fish more than 15 rivers and 20 lakes wthin a two-hour range of driving distance, being all of them great places for fishing. It gets even better if you think about the small amount of fishing pressure all these rivers get. So, you should better start planning your next fishing trip down to Argentina. We will take note of your fishing preferences and experience to tailor made an itinerary and make your trip a life time experience. 

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

SEASON: November through May

CAPACITY: 12 people 

 

RATES

7 nights and 6 full fishing days

$5,450

*Prices are per person in American Dollars, based in double occupancy and shared guide. 

*Subject to change.

 

INCLUDED 

  • All lodging as described on the itinerary
  • All meals, beer and wine
  • Full-time guide and coordinator during the trip
  • Transportation between local airport and the lodges
  • All the special services described on the itinerary
  • Fishing license and fishing gear if needed.

 

NOT INCLUDED

  • International and local flights
  • Airport transfers in Buenos Aires from and the international airport and local airport.
  • Laundry
  • Gratuities

CONTACT US FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Direct phone number to contact the Fly Fishing department:

  • Jazmin Caresani +1 210 417 4065  

 


Maps

Location

Location

This lodge is located on the banks of the Chimehuin River near the town of Junín de los Andes and 40 minutes away of the beautiful city of San Martin de los Andes.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The comfort of a home with the great service of an excellent lodge in Patagonia.

The facilities are 6 independent Chalet units where you will be accommodated. Each unit has their own two rooms and one full bathroom, large sitting area and covered porch around a group of lagoons overlooking the Lanin Volcano. Each unit is built in wood and fitted with all the conviniencies for a relaxed stay. So every angler will have his own private room.

Wi-fi, satellite TV and telephone are available.

The meals will be served at the Club house and common meeting area, which is, a large comfortable dining room along with a bar and sitting area. Share the stories from the day catch while getting warm by the fireplace.

Cuisine

Featuring a unique combination of Argentine and European flavours, our cheff will make you enjoy the most traditional argentine dishes as well as international ones. His creations will surprise you.

Enjoy great fine wine and taste the different brands and varieties while you learn about the richness of our vineyards.

Try the well famed Argentine beef cooked in its most traditional form, the asado.

The Fishing

The northern Patagonia region around the towns of Junín and San Martin de los Andes has the largest variety of trout streams in Argentina. You can fish 15 rivers and 20 lakes within a two-hour radius of San Martin de los Andes.

Our custom-tailored fishing packages will allow you to fish the very best waters in ways that match your preferences perfectly. From long days fishing to evenings enjoying splendid dinners and relaxation at the lodge, you’ll experience the very best of Patagonia with us. When we talk about Patagonia Norte it is very important to know about the different options you can have to fly fish, so knowing the rivers and their fishing options is critical.

 

MALLEO RIVER

Being well known internationally because of its dry fly fishing is such a unique river that presents great variety of waters. The stream starts from Tromen Lake, being a freestone natural river, next to the base of the Lanin Volcano. After flowing for over 30 miles it reaches the junction with the Alumine River. Over the entire flow the river runs through meadows, canyons, and great willow galleries and presents great hatches thru the entire season.

A main road goes most the trajectory along the river with some pretty easy access to many areas and some other that requires good walks. This medium size river is fish only wading. Even when there is easy public access for good parts of the river, the extended length of this stream makes you find only few people around.

To properly describe this river we have to divide it in three complete different sections: Upper, Middle and Lower sections.

Upper Malleo, is the first section of this stream from its inlet draining water from Lake Tromen until the junction with the Huaca-Mamuil Creek. This section could be described as a mountain creek where you will be fishing pocket waters. This section is ideal to fish small gear such a 3 or 4 weight rods. You can target rainbows, browns and brook trout in a range 12 to 15 inches. There are millions of this small size trout but each pool hold trout up to 24/26 inches that can be a memorable fish in such a small stream and light gear

The Middle Section runs form Huaca-Mamuil Creek until the Indian Reservation. This section still present fast flows and large boulders but from here downstream start appearing willow trees covering most banks and providing a lot of hide and great structure for the trout habitat. This section holds a large mid size trout population (15 to 19 inches) with many fish over 20 inches on each pool. 

The Lower Section runs among a Mapuche Indian Reservation until the junction with Alumine River and the landscape becomes a unique canyon with wear rocky formations on a really dessert environment. The river flows a bit slower and while still willow trees are presence; are fewer than the ones on the middle part of the river what makes easier fishing. Wading is gentle and easier than the other 2 sections as well. Here we will target rainbows and brown in a range 15 to 20 inches, again larger fish are possible on every run/pool.

 

ALUMINE RIVER

This river is one on the longest river in North Patagonia, with the peculiarity than most of its 80 miles of length are suitable to be floated. You can imagine the countless opportunities of fishing venues we have on this stream. The Alumine is a freestone natural river that starts on the Lake with same name (Alumine Lake) and flows until the junction with the Catan-Lil River where becomes Collon Cura River.

Many sections of this stream have very difficult or limited access creating very little fishing pressure and few people around. We combine daily floats and multiple days float trip camping on island to take the best advantage out of this great stream.

One of the most attractive fishing situations on this river is the famous Willow Inch Worm hatch. A lot of big size fish becomes easier to catch and most of the time is sight fishing conditions. If you hit the right time fun will be assured.

 

LAKE TROMEN

Located at the base of Lanin Volcano this beautiful lake is source of water for Malleo River and home of large rainbow, brown and brook trout. We normally fish this lake from motor boats where we target trout on sight fishing situations against shore structure such as fallen logs, large rocky cliff and Lake Shoal rich in food where trout patrol in search of their meal.

We will be targeting rainbow and brown in a range 19 to 24 inches and brook trout in a range 16 to 20 inches. We will enjoy of a unique fishing experience in stunning scenery.

 

LIMAY RIVER

Why not the most enigmatic fishery of all Patagonia. The major river of Northern Patagonia is the natural drain of the Nahuel Huapi Lake and runs for over 200 miles until the junction with the Neuquén River where the Rio Negro starts and flow all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. The original flow was interrupted by 5 dams creating some large reservoirs on its way. 

As a natural freestone river the Limay runs from the Nahuel Huapi Lake for over 30 miles to the first Reservoir.  

After the first Reservoir there are another two Reservoirs placed consecutively without giving room to the river shows. After all of this starts the Middle Limay. Right down bellow from Pichi Picun Leufu Dam and now as a tail waters the Limay river keep flowing knowing on this section as “Middle Limay”. 

This unique stretch of river flows for over 50 miles until reach the 4th reservoir/dam system; this is called Ezequiel Ramos Mejia Lake and is the largest of the reservoir over the Limay River system. The two closest populations are the small towns of Piedra del Aguila, placed near the Pichi Picun Dam where the river starts; and the town of Picun Leufu which is located few miles from the outlet of the middle Limay into the large reservoir.

 

THE LIMAY MEDIO

This is one of the most remarkable pieces of water on Argentina trout fishing. Present unique features and the most strong healthy and good size quality population of trout around this region of the world.

Being this section of the Limay a tailwater assure a perfect stable water temperature conditions. This creates a very prolific and productive environment for insect’s populations.  Not only assuring the food for trout also gives a lot of food source for several species of minnows that it becomes in the most important source of food for these trout. This last feature is what gives Limay river trout such a great conditions and allow these fish to reach exceptional sizes.

The accessibility of the river is fluid and easy over the first 15 miles of this stretch, becoming more secluded from there down. This last section is where we focus our trips. The limited access gives this piece of river a very peaceful environment and over the term of an entire week you will probably see no more than another couple of fishermen.

Out trips to Limay are based on adventure float trip of six days and five night of camping on different islands while we cover over 40 miles of unique waters. We have a well trained crew that set up a deluxe camp for every night. You will find details as warms water for washing yourself every morning, hot shower every other night, Dinning tent, sleeping tents with cots, mattress, pillows and great sleeping bags that will keep you warm in any conditions. You should add to all of this a great outdoor cook menu that will greatly surprise you every night.

Gear and Equipment

While there are some fly shops in the area we will be staying, getting to the shops during their hours of operation can be difficult.  Also you may find the need for supplies while you are on a float and camp trip so be prepared. The guides will also have flies but you may find yourself up the river or in a different location than your guide at points in the trip so it is nice to have some of your own stuff.   There is no way to predict every fishing situation that you may encounter  but,  after  years  of  traveling  in  Argentina  to  here  is  the  list  of  tackle  that  we recommend.

For Patagonia Norte waters

 

Rods

At least two rods per angler in the event that one gets broken. Do not bring a rod smaller than a 4 wt and bring at least one very good 5wt. 8’6” to 9’6” rods are ideal.

A good 6   or 7wt is very nice if the wind blows, which it often does and if you are planning on fish streamers.

 

Reels

Two good reels with working drags; they should balance your rods.

Spare spools for your reels.

 

Lines

Weight forward floating lines in good condition and in line weights to match your rods.

If you plan on streamer fishing bring one sink tip 175 grains to 200 grains.

 

Leaders

Three 9’ 3x

Three 9’ 4x

 

Tippet

One spool each 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, fluorocarbon is highly recommended.

Recommended Clothing

Since we will be fishing in a mountainous area, expect weather changes daily.   You should plan on dressing in layers and on the worst possible weather you can think up. You will see temperature ranges from 35-90 often in the same day. Do not leave home without a good fleece jacket and a good gore-tex raincoat.  Remember that fleece will keep you warm even when wet.  Do not plan on wearing denim around the water, because once it is wet then it stays wet.

 

Following is a checklist of gear, clothes, etc, that clients have found helpful in the past.

 

-Bring a photo copy of your passport to carry with you on the river with your fishing license so you do not ruin your  original.

-Waders, good quality and be sure that they do not leak

-Wading boots with felt or Vibram soles(no cleats will be allowed in the boats) also felt boots must be cleaned in a solution of Clorox water to kill all foreign stream born insects, mussels, bacteria etc.

-Rain coat, gore-tex is recommended

-Medium weight wind stopper fleece jacket

-Fleece vest

-Polarized sun glasses

-Camera

-Hats, one with a full brim, one baseball cap

-Thermal underwear

-Fleece wading pants

-Long sleeve quick dry shirts

-Quick dry pants

-Personal toiletries

-Medication that you may need

-T-shirts

-Underwear

-Warm socks for wading

-If traveling in December-March you may want wet wading booties.

-Small flashlight or Petzel head lamp for around camp

-Sun screen the best you can find at least 50 block

-Chap Stick with sunscreen built in at least 15 SPF

-Insect repellant

-Wading staff

-Vest or pack for fishing gear

-Day pack for a change of clothes on days we travel away from the lodge in the event you go swimming 

Traveling Here

Most international flights leave the US in the evening and land in Buenos Aires (EZE) the following morning. Delta (stop in Atlanta), United (non-stop, the fastest flight of 10 hours), American (connection in Miami) offer daily flights. Also check LAN flights but make sure that the connection is in Miami and not in Santiago de Chile because it takes longer.

Once you arrive in Buenos Aires, take a domestic flight to the San Martin de los Andes area. Chapelco Airport is a 20 minute drive from the lodge. You only have two options: LAN or Aerolineas. 

There, you will be met by a company representative who will drive you to the lodge.

NOTE: Make sure that you have plenty of time (at least 4 hours) in between flights once you reach Buenos Aires. You will have to clear customs and take a trip by taxi or private car to the domestic airport. This trip usually takes 50 minutes but depending on traffic, it can take more than one hour. *

*Our company organize private ground transfers and hotel reservations in Buenos Aires City in case you will need/request it.

 

Local airport for departure might not be the same as the airport of arrival; it depends on fishing schedules. Contact us for further information. 

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Fly to Chapelco Airport – Check in at Spring Lodge – Lunch Reception at the Lodge – Afternoon Float at Chimehuin River – Welcome Dinner & Argentine Fine Wine Tasting at Spring Creek 

 At your arrival to San Martin de los Andes Local Airport (CPC) your guide will be waiting for you to privately drive you to Spring Creek Lodge. After enjoying a welcome lunch reception we will do a short float on the waters of the famous Chimehuin River, waiting for the evening hatch. We will be targeting the brown trout that live in these waters. This evening, when back at the lodge there will be an Argentine wine tasting. Afterwards the Chef will surprise the group with one of his gourmet creations for dinner, of course accompanied by more of the best wines of our country.

DAY 2: Alumine River Float Trip – Evening Tango Dancing Show at the Lodge

 Today we will float a section of eight miles of this river looking for rainbows and brown trout in a range of 18 to 20 inches. For those who are enthusiastic about streamer fishing there will be the chance to tempt some of the large brown trout with streamers. Tonight when we are back at the Lodge we will be treated to a Tango Dancing Show, followed by another delicious dinner. 

 DAY 3: Walk & Wade the Upper Malleo River – Local Folk Music Band Performance at Spring Creek Lodge 

Your guide will carry lunch in a backpack while you enjoy a day walking with the amazing view of Lanin volcano behind you all the time. We will fish a mix of small terrestrials and dry flies with some good hoppers in the white water riffles and edges. 

 DAY 4: Lower Chimehuin River Float Trip

 Today we will float the most productive and inaccessible section of Chimehuin River using our exclusive private access. We will float a stretch of 12 miles of this river which is famous for the best mayflies and caddis hatches of the region. We will return to the Lodge where the chef will be waiting for the group with another tasty dinner ready. 

DAY 5: Lake Tromen Sight Fishing with Dries for Rainbows, Browns and Brook Trout – Dinner and Second Argentine Fine Wine Tasting at the Lodge 

This morning we will head northwest near the border with Chile and right on the base of Lanin Volcano to spend the day fishing at Lake Tromen. We will stop at a beautiful secluded beach for lunch where you will have the chance to catch some trout from shore while enjoying a picnic and contemplating views of the Lanin Volcano. This evening after we return to Spring Creek Lodge we will enjoy a second wine tasting. 

 DAY 6: Caleufu River 2 days Float Trip – 1st DAY – Andes Drifters Deluxe Camp 

This morning we will be checking out from Spring Creek Ldge in order to start the adventure of floating the scenic Caleufu River for two days. We will enjoy nonstop action of browns and rainbows on hoppers and aractors dries flies in a range between 14 and 24 inches. On a beautiful river island seng Andes Driers Deluxe Camp will be waiting for us and you will enjoy a delicious “Argentine Asado” grilled on the firewood. 

DAY 7: Caleufu River 2 days Float Trip – 2nd DAY – Return to Spring Creek Lodge & Dinner

 Today will be our third and last day floang Caleufu River. FLY All lodging as described on the itinerary All meals, beer and wine. This evening after fishing, we will return to Spring Creek to enjoy another delicious dinner while enjoying the private performance of Las Voces del Lanin. 

 DAY 8: Private transfer to Chapelco Airport – Fly Back to Buenos Aires and Then Back Home

This morning you will be privately driven to Chapelco Airport to catch your return flight to Buenos Aires and then back home.


 

BEAGLE TOURS

In order to make the most of your stay here in this beautiful country, partnered with Beagle Tours, our sister company with amazing professionals that will be greatly happy to assist you if you are interested in doing some kind of non-fishing activity in Argentina.

Our focus is to offer our guests the type of travel experience they wish in terms of hotel accommodation, activities and city tours. 

We work every day to satisfy the needs of sophisticated and luxurious travelers and guests, as well as small private groups of friends seeking for a mid-rate trip, and even larger groups planning to have an affordable and nice experience. We specialize in custom itineraries based on your group's wishes and budget keeping in mind that anything that your heart desires can be found in our country: From the award winning wine to the highest mountain in the western hemisphere, salt flats and even glaciers. Tourist attractions in Argentina offer something for every traveler.

Thus, if you feel like visiting the one and only Iguazu Falls, doing a wine tour in Mendoza province, amaze yourself navigating around the Glaciar Perito Moreno at the very end of the continent in Santa Cruz province, letting yourself go while you enjoy watching a Tango Show in Buenos Aires province, or you just simply need hotel reservations, please, contact Beagle Tours manager Vicky Fallotico at [email protected] and she’ll be glad to help you.


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