GENERAL INFORMATION
Where it all started... Kau-Tapen ("House of Fishing" in the Ona language) was the first fly fishing lodge in Tierra del Fuego and represents the standard of elegance by which other lodges are measured. What started as the brainchild of Jorge Donovan and Jacqueline De Las Carreras more than thirty years ago, has revolutionized the way in which the fishing world views big trout. Located in the heart of the Rio Grande -the best River for Sea Trout fly fishing in the world- Kau Tapen combines the most elegant accommodations with mind-boggling Sea Trout fly fishing, holding many world records for Sea Run Trout.

The first brown trout were stocked in Tierra del Fuego by John Goodall in 1935. Shipped from Puerto Montt in Chile, 60,000 'salmo trutta' eggs survived the arduous journey to be planted on the Candelaria and McLennan rivers, both tributaries of the Rio Grande. These fish eventually found their way to the sea, possibly attracted by the rich nourishment of the estuary. These sea-run brown trout now complete the yearly migratory cycle of salmonids, spawning during the summer months in freshwater. Salmo trutta trutta remain in the river for a period of time which ranges between 1 and 4 years until their first migration to the sea, where they will feed and grow for about 6 months before their first return to freshwater, weighing approximately 6lbs. Researchers have found trout which had spawned more than 6 times. A trout which has completed 4 cycles of returning to freshwater can weigh over 20 lbs. The frequency with which they return to freshwater is also an indicator that the fish face very few threats. Whilst also providing a very real example of the benefits of Catch and Release.

The lodge is located on the banks of the Rio Grande, in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. The success of the fishery on the Rio Grande is a modern-day fisherman's Cinderella story. In just a decade, through access control and the diligent promotion of catch and release, average catch results have risen remarkably from less than a fish a day in the early '80's, to multiple fish per day, per person.

In the modern era, starting with the opening of Kau Tapen Lodge in the early '80s, the Rio Grande became the most productive sea-run trout fishery in the world. However, trout numbers fluctuate with conditions at sea, tides, water levels, and a host of other natural factors. The Rio Grande flows from East to West, from the Andes to the Atlantic Ocean, through 70 km of Argentine territory. The landscape of Tierra del Fuego is reminiscent of Wyoming or the Scottish flow country. It is a sparsely populated wilderness. Large sheep farming estancias share this land with herds of wild llama-like guanacos, red foxes, and condors.

SEASONS
Mid December - End of April

ACCOMMODATIONS
Built in 1983, Kau Tapen lodge was designed to offer rods maximum comfort during their fishing trip, as well as easy accessibility to the pools. It accommodates up to 12 guests in 8 twin rooms and 1 double bedroom. A large living room area opens up to vistas of the Menendez Valley and Rio Grande valley. A large roaring fire and well stocked bar will welcome you after every fishing session. The lodge has a tackle shop with a good selection of rods, good quality reels, flies, lines, and clothing equipment, especially selected to suit the needs of your trip. In addition, guests have the full use of the lodge's fly tying table and equipment. The lodge has 2 wading rooms, a sauna, Finnish steam bath and Massage room.

PACKAGE / PRICING
Starting from U$S 5950.- Package / Per person
6 1/2 fishing days / 7 nights
Minimum 2 anglers

Included: Ground transfer, Rio Grande airport / ranch round trip; 7-night accommodation in an exclusive ranch with all meals and beverages (liquors, wine & beer); 6 1/2 fishing days with qualify guide. Not included: Airfare; fishing license, fishing equipment and flies, clothes, personal insurance and gratuities.

HOW TO GET THERE
Kau Tapen Lodge is reached from Rio Grande city. There are daily flights from Buenos Aires to Rio Grande airport where a member of the staff will be waiting to drive you to the lodge. Domestic flights can be arranged.

EQUIPMENT & GEAR
Wading All of our fishing is in rivers and streams, wading from the coast. One pair of fly weight chest waders and one pair of neoprene chest waders is recommended. The new waders "non-condensation" is the best for walking. The comfort of your wading shoes is very important also.

Rods Bring 2-3 rods. A good combination is:
-- 12-14; 8/9 weight spey rod.
-- 9-91/2; 7/8 weight single handed rod.

Lines We suggest:
--Floating lines for each rod.
--Sink tip lines 7-9. (like Scientific Angler Ultra 2 wet tip IV 10 or Tenny Nymph Tip)
--Shooting head sink tip line 7-9 weight (Teeny T200 or T300 or shooting line sink V).
--Optional: Intermediate sinking line. Baking 75-100 yards is sufficient. Leaders From 4 to 12 feet long. Tippet material is extremely important in Argentina. The trout are very strong and powerful. Your tippet material should be sheer resistant as well as have the maximum breaking strength in small daymeters.

Flies Bring plenty of flies. You can lose 6-10 flies a day on snags, in trees, by breaking off fish or on stones. Streamers: Wooky Bugger, black and olive (from size # 4 to 10); Rabbits, cinnamon and black (size #2 to 8); Matukas, green and olive (size #8 to 12); Blonde, white (size #2 to 6); Cone Head Marabou Muddler, brown and white (size #2 to 8). Nymphs: Prince (size # 10 to 14); Hare´s Ear, natural and black (size #10 to 16); Soft Hackle, cinnamon and black (size # 8 to 14); Kauffman´s Stone black (size # 6 to 10); Montana (size # 8 to 14). Dry Flies: Adams (size # 10 to 16), Elk Hair Cádiz, natural and black (from sizes # 10 to16); Red Humpy (sizes # 10 to 14), Blak Gnat (size # 12 to16), Goddard Cáddis, natural (size # 10 to 14) and Irresistible (size # 12 to 16).