Kau Tapen

The Rio Grande needs little by way of introduction with fish averaging 10 lbs in weight and with specimens over 30 lbs caught each season. On each week everyone stands a good chance of hooking a fish over 20lbs and whilst they may look fat compared to a Salmon they are no less powerful or acrobatic. When a Sea Trout takes your fly you can expect anything from a gentle pull to a violent snatch capable of pulling the rod from your arms. Nerve jangling aerial somersaults and unstoppable runs will follow. Truly exciting fishing and the number of returning guests each year is testament to the appeal.

Kau Tapen was the first fishing lodge to be established on the Rio Grande and it occupies a prime position on the middle stretch of the river. Almost all the pools can be covered well with a single-handed rod although the use of a double-handed rod can be an advantage. There are 6 beats covering approx 18 kms of water. Some of the water is shared with the fishing on Toon Ken and Maria Behetty as well as Villa Maria on the lower Rio Grande. This gives guests access to almost all the prime fishing on the Rio Grande whether it is on the upper, middle or lower stretches.

It can be windy! Compared to an English chalk stream you are going to be in for a shock however do not let this put you off. There will be times when you will curse the wind but equally others when you will be praying for more. A strong ripple on the surface gives Sea-Trout the security and it is this that allows anglers to catch them during the middle of the day when traditionally their activity is confined to the silence of the night. Balanced use of a double-handed rod with a simple roll cast can harness the power of the wind whilst a stiff single-handed rod for calmer periods will for the most part keep you fishing without interruption.

Kau Tapen sets the standards of comfort for fishing lodges worldwide. It is as exclusive as any 5 star boutique hotel you are likely to find with every aspect of this lodge designed and tailored to ensure that this will be a holiday to remember. Huge open-faced wood burning stoves, deep sofas, crisp linen, deeply polished wooden floorboards, an all inclusive and comprehensive bar alongside an innovative and delicious Argentinean menu ensure the whole experience is second to none. This is as fine a fishing lodge as you are likely to find - anywhere!

The season lasts from December to April with the runs of fish being sustained throughout. Unlike salmon the Sea Trout may run the Rio Grande during all of these months dependent primarily upon local conditions. During the months of Dec and Jan the fishing hours run later with a siesta being taken during midday to make best use of the magical dusk fishing hours.

Anglers fly to Buenos Aires international airport and from there take the 3 hr flight to Rio Grande. You will be collected on arrival at the airport and transferred by four-wheel drive vehicle to the lodge, which takes approx 50 minutes.