Patagonia River Guides North

San Martin de los Andes, Argentina
PRG operates in three separate and distinct regions: the Esquel and Los Alerces National Park Area (Trevelin); The Rio Pico Area (Tres Valles Lodge); and the San Martin and Junin del los Andes Area (PRG North). PRG has unique lodges in each area and extensive fly-fishing programs covering almost all of the trout regions of Argentina. THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS FOCUSING STRICTLY ON THE PRG NORTH PROGRAM.

Patagonia River Guides North

San Martin de los Andes, Argentina
PRG operates in three separate and distinct regions: the Esquel and Los Alerces National Park Area (Trevelin); The Rio Pico Area (Tres Valles Lodge); and the San Martin and Junin del los Andes Area (PRG North). PRG has unique lodges in each area and extensive fly-fishing programs covering almost all of the trout regions of Argentina. THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS FOCUSING STRICTLY ON THE PRG NORTH PROGRAM.

Patagonia River Guides North

San Martin de los Andes, Argentina
PRG operates in three separate and distinct regions: the Esquel and Los Alerces National Park Area (Trevelin); The Rio Pico Area (Tres Valles Lodge); and the San Martin and Junin del los Andes Area (PRG North). PRG has unique lodges in each area and extensive fly-fishing programs covering almost all of the trout regions of Argentina. THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS FOCUSING STRICTLY ON THE PRG NORTH PROGRAM.
Fishing
Accommodations
Travel
When To Go
Non-Angling
Rates

Destination Description

PRG North is the sister program to the Lodge at Trevelin offering an incredible array of lodging and fishing opportunities in the renowned San Martin and Junin de los Andes Region.  This region allows for both flexibility with the desired length of your trip and the creativity to mix and match lodges, rivers, and geographies. This allows for a very customizable experience.  

This northern Patagonia fishery is home to some of the oldest and most established and celebrated estancias in the country. From the genuine working polo or sheep ranch to the super polished luxury lodge, PRG North guides out of a half dozen estancias in the region. We will assist in matching your group with the best lodges that match your needs and expectations in accommodations, non-angling activities, and fishing style.

The area offers one of the most diverse river systems in all of Patagonia and without a doubt the best dry fly fishing because the waters are rich with bug life. Like all of PRG’s signature programs, PRG North provides the finest equipment, gear, tackle, guides, and service that have set them apart for more than ten years, and PRG North has talented professional guides to host each adventure.

PRG North offers classic stays at area estancias and combining two or more is highly recommended. Every PRG North trip is custom designed based on the guest’s desires for accommodation, fishing choices, non-angling activities, and skill level. Trips as short as three days fishing are possible from November 1st to June 1st, and any estancia stay can be combined with unique wilderness camp trips better known as PRG Unplugged.

Quick Facts

Location: San Martin de los Andes,, Argentina

Species: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout

Seasonality: November - May

Rates:  $6,650 - $7,700 Per Person for 7 Nights / 6 Days (shorter stays available)

Contact Us

Reach out to our team in the travel department to learn more about our experiences at PRG North.

Phone: (888) 824-5420 or (214) 219-2500
Email: travel@tailwatersflyfishing.com

FISHING

The San Martin area fished by PRG North reminds anglers more of Montana than any other fishing region in Argentina. Every river in the area without exception flows to meet the Limay River and eventually meets the Atlantic Ocean. Each river offers classic riffles and pools over long distances, and provides some of the best dry fly fishing in Patagonia. These Mapuche Indian named rivers are much easier to fish than pronounce, and offer variety depending on the valley they flow through. Some, like the Malleo, Filo, and Traful, are strictly waded, while others, like the Chimihuin, Alumine, Collon Cura, and Limay, are best fished from PRG’s drift boats.

Many of the northern rivers have daily hatches, and consistent dry fly fishing is the norm. Most of the best waters are on private estancias protected by large tracks of land, but just about anywhere you can get to the water will produce beautiful rainbows and brown trout. In addition, the area is beautiful and the town of San Martin de los Andes is one of the most charming towns in all of South America, an ideal location to base a fly fishing adventure.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Guests of PRG North are encouraged to visit multiple estancias. This allows you to enjoy access to new water and have a change of scenery. If a week is not enough, combine multiple venues ranging from the Estancias up north to Trevelin as well as Rio Pico.

Every fly fishing trip booked by Tailwaters Travel to PRG is custom designed for the angler based on their desires; and because they have several lodging and fishing choices, we can easily match each guest with exactly what they want. Changes can easily be made to schedules depending on conditions and desires when guests arrive. Some may choose to repeat a river or venue, some may choose to do more floating or wading, and some may choose to take a day to enjoy non-fishing activities.

View brochure for complete descriptions of the primary lodges in the PRG North Region.

TRAVEL

Guests travel to Buenos Aires via direct overnight flight from several U.S. cities including New York, Miami, Houston, and Dallas/Ft. Worth International airports — arriving into Buenos Aires the following morning.

Guests traveling straight through then gather their luggage, clear customs, and are met by a driver who transfers the group across town to the Domestic Airport (AEP) for the flight to Bariloche or San Martin de los Andes (depending on itinerary and fishing program) aboard Aerolineas Argentinas. Most travelers elect to spend the day and evening in Buenos Aires prior to departing for Patagonia the following morning. If you have the time, B.A.’s nightlife, restaurants, museums, culture, and shopping are well worth the effort. This is a great way to break up the two legs of the journey, do some sightseeing, and recharge your batteries.

Tailwaters uses a very reliable local travel agent who lends a hand with domestic air travel as well as customs assistance and chauffeur service that provides ground transfers for all our clients in Buenos Aires. They can also facilitate reservations at all the nicest hotels in Buenos Aires, and can also lend a hand with restaurant reservations, city tours, and other side trips.

WHEN TO GO / SEASONALITY

PRG North’s season is November 1 - mid May.

There really is no “best time” to go - just nuances with weather to consider. The fishing season officially opens in Argentine Patagonia on November 1st. November has a springtime feel to it with snow still on the mountains and the wildflowers blooming.

December should be considered a prime South American summer month for anglers, and oftentimes the rivers are in the best shape of the season.

Summer (January - mid March) is the most popular season for fishing and tourism in Patagonia. Kids are on vacation and tourists abound. The weather is the best this time of the year with the warmest temperatures.

Fall (March 15 - May) is the favorite of many anglers, and it is a great time to visit Patagonia. Summer tourist traffic drops off completely and anglers once again have a vast wilderness to themselves with autumn leaves changing and cooler temperatures.

NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES

Patagonia River Guides has a great deal to offer in addition to world-class fly fishing. Non-fishing guests or those who simply want to take a day off from fishing can enjoy relaxing around the lodge or choose from a variety of guided activities, including: walking, hiking, or biking in or around Patagonia’s national parks, horseback riding on one of the area estancias, bird watching with an ornithologist, massage and holistic healing activities with professional therapist, whitewater rafting or scenic float trips, area cultural tours, shopping for local arts, crafts, and gifts, visits across the border to Chile, and on-site cooking classes.

Non-fishers are just as important as the fishermen, and a complete itinerary will be prepared with as few or as many activities as the non-fisher would like. Please contact us for a complete schedule and options for non-fishing programs.

2023 Rates

All rates are based on a shared room/guide. Private room/guide itineraries are available. Longer and shorter itineraries, as well as combination itineraries, are available. Please inquire for details. Once we have narrowed the scope of which lodges you are interested in, we can provide a particular quote for your customized itinerary - however, the following rates provide a baseline.

Lodging / FishingTipiluke & The River HouseOther Estancias & LodgesPRG Unplugged 
7 Nights / 6 Days$7,700 per person$6,650 per person$5,950 per person
6 Nights / 5 Days$6,600 per person$5,700 per person$5,100 per person
5 Nights / 4 Days$5,500 per person$4,750 per person$4,250 per person
4 Nights / 3 Days$4,750 per person$3,800 per person$3,400 per person

TRANSFERS TO BARILOCHE (FROM ESQUEL OR SAN MARTIN):

$350-$600/car (2-3 passengers)

$600-$800/van (4+ passengers)

Charter Flights Possible (ask for quote)

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • All Meals
  • House Drinks
  • Local Transportation
  • Professional Guide
  • Assistant Guide
  • Private Water Fees
  • Fishing License
  • All Flies, Terminal Tackle, and Loaner Equipment such as: Winston Rods, Simms Waders, Simms Wading Boots, and Abel Reels with Lines.

What's Not Included

  • Airfare to Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Meals, Lodging and other expenses in Buenos Aires as outlined by LOL Argentina
  • Airfare to San Martin or Bariloche, Argentina from Buenos Aires with Aerolineas
  • Guide and Staff Gratuities
  • Specialty liquors & Cigars
  • Airport Departure Taxes
  • Overweight baggage expenses
  • Items of personal nature such as telephone calls
  • Laundry service
  • Ground transfers to/ from the Bariloche Airport if applicable

Terms & Conditions

Tailwaters Travel must adhere to the cancellation policies of the guides, outfitters and lodges which it represents. Patagonia River Guides’ policy follows: A non-refundable 50% deposit is required to secure all reservations. Final balance is due 90 days prior to departure. All deposits are non-refundable unless clients can be replaced. Full payment may be transferred to another guest for original dates. PRG reserves the right to charge a handling fee of $500 per person for date changes after initial reservation has been made. No credits or refunds are given for fishing time lost due to inclement weather. Refunds of deposits/payments made on credit cards will be charged a 3.5% service charge to fully compensate Tailwaters Travel for all bank charges incurred. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses.

We highly recommend travel RIPCORD Travel Insurance!

Given the strict cancellation and refund policies associated with nearly all fishing packages, we cannot stress enough the importance of obtaining travel insurance to protect your investment. Redpoint Travel Protection / Ripcord offers competitive medical/cancellation/interruption coverage to couple with their industry-leading medical evacuation services. Click here to learn more and contact us to generate a quote.