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Esquel Outfitters

Central Argentine Patagonia in the Los Alerces National Park, Esquel, and Rio Pico/Corcovado regions


Does major depression set in when the summer comes to a close and you find yourself storing away the waders and trout rods? Think again! The South American trout fishing season begins as quickly as ours ends. Not so fast with the lift ticket purchase, some of the best trout fishing on the planet is just getting started.

The Andes Mountains separate the countries of Chile and Argentina on the far western border of this wonderful South American country. The Andes are the second highest mountain range in the world. Huge glaciers and glacier lakes dot the highlands of the Andes and mark the headwaters of countless rivers and streams abound with healthy populations of eager trout. Patagonia is the name given to the far southern portions of both Argentina and Chile. Northern and Central Patagonia is where the majority of the fishing areas are in the Andes Mountains, while the flatlands of Tierra del Fuego and the huge runs of sea-run brown trout occupy the most southerly region of Patagonia. Argentina is a country full of beautiful scenery and endless landscapes, fabulous cuisine, unsurpassed hospitality, and most importantly a unique culture unlike any on earth.

Argentine trips are equally remembered for the unique wildlife sightings, a few days in beautiful Buenos Aires, the scenery, and all the amazing and beautiful people met; as they are for the remarkable fishing experiences. I'd personally schedule a trip for the beef, wine, mate tea, and chimichurri sauce alone! All of this unique flavor combined with a largely untapped fly fishing resource, and it is easy to see why Argentina has become a favorite of many adventurous anglers and travelers.

The country of Argentina is totally safe, vibrant, and as exciting as ever. In fact the only difference we have noted is that the American dollar goes a lot further these days!

Las truchas en Argentina le esperan. ¡Reserve un viaje hoy!


Esquel Outfitters operates out of Central Patagonia in the Los Alerces National Park, Esquel, and Rio Pico/Corcovado regions. We are attracted to Esquel Outfitters because of the amazing versatility in both areas fished and accommodations. Esquel Outfitters is extremely flexible with their weekly program, and have the ability customize itineraries for individual groups based on group size, length of stay, fish style, accommodation, and expectation.

Tailwaters and Esquel outfitters have enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship together providing or clients with the most authentic, well planned, and memorable Argentine angling experiences. There are simply no harder working, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and professional guides in Patagonia. Every group we have sent down with Esquel is amazed at the level of service, comfort, and delicate care that goes into accommodating guests. We truly cannot say enough about the quality of the Esquel experience.

Esquel offers more variety, the finest guides, remote fishing, and one of the best fishing experiences possible. We invite you to come on down, have a glass of wine, enjoy an Argentine Asado, and have the exotic fishing trip of a lifetime.


As mentioned, no other operation in Argentine Patagonia has designed a program that provides such an amazing diversity of both fishing venues and accommodation. Sixty years of combined experience amongst the Esquel Outfitters staff ensures that nearly every river in the Argentine Andes has been fished, explored, and understood by the combined efforts of this all-star cast of anglers, guides, hosts, and professionals. All Esquel Outfitters guides are Argentine, and the hardest working, knowledgeable, and enjoyable guides in the business. The guides are also fluent in both English and Spanish, have a complete knowledge of their country, Patagonia, trout fishing, history, and of course all the flora and fauna encountered on the adventure.

The fishing is done primarily using the same techniques as in the American West, with comparable fly patterns and presentation that most North American anglers are accustomed to. Anglers have the luxury of choosing specifically what rivers to be fished everyday. Guests depart on wading or float trips from the lodge every morning after breakfast to one of the rivers or streams in the area. Esquel Outfitters operates a very flexible fishing program that offers anglers a choice of several different lodging scenarios and over twenty rivers, creeks, and lakes to choose from. Your fishing trip with Esquel Outfitters is completely designed and based on length of itinerary, style of fishing, and what species you want to target. From walk and wade trips, day long floats, lake fishing, to four day camping float trips, Esquel can customize an itinerary for all your wants and needs. You could spend years fishing the area and not see a fraction of the fishing the region has to offer. Rivers such as the Arroyo Pescado, Rivadavia, Carrileufu, Guiljiana, Chubut, Rio Grande, Corcovado, Lago Verde, and Rio Pico are just a few highlights are the fine list of waters you have to choose from. Dozens of glacier-fed and spring fed rivers abundant with rainbows, brown, and brook trout cover the map.

It is also possible to request a day or two crossing the border into Chile and fishing. We highly recommend this to those who want to see some new country and enjoy a beautiful ferry-ride lake crossing at the top of the Andes. The 3-4 day float trips are a must for the adventurous angler who does not mind “roughing it” camping out. Esquel has exclusive access to seventy miles of water on a private ranch with some of the best dry-fly fishing in the area. All aspects of the camping are taken care of by the guides and staff who set up camp and prepare wonderful meals with a fully stocked bar. The float trips are designed for four - six anglers and a staff of two guides and two helpers aboard a cargo raft carry all the camping gear.

Unlike other operations in South America where you feel like you have spent more time knapping and eating than fishing, Esquel’s guests spend long days on the water making sure that all expectations are met, surpassed, and that your arm is sore at the end of the day! This is not the trip for the lazy angler, rather a chance for the enthusiastic fly-fisher to cover hundreds of miles and see the best of what Argentine Patagonia fishing has to offer.

Esquel Outfitters’ main goal is to offer the most thorough, personal, and complete angling and traveling experience. For this reason, we feel that the ideal number of guests with Esquel Outfitters is six anglers. Although larger groups are possible, minimizing the party to six anglers ensures that your group will fully realize the vast array of fisheries and superior service.


Where guests lodge is completely based on length of stay, areas fished, and what style of fishing is preferred. The same heartwarming hospitality and service that is a part of the fishing operation is also a fundamental rule at the dinner table or Estancia guesthouse. While fishing out of three separate regions, guests have the choice of several different styles of accommodation conveniently located within close and convenient proximity to the fishing venues of a particular itinerary.

Five to Seven (5-7) day itineraries are usually spent is the Alerces and Esquel Regions. Guests fishing the Alerces region stay in El Trebol Lodge in the town of Cholila. El Trebol, owned by head guide, Marcos Jaeggar, is a very nice, comfortable, and beautiful lodge that is well equipped with comfortable, double-occupancy accommodations in separate cabana style cabins, private bathrooms, and a fully stocked bar. Delicious meals are taken in the main lodge prepared by two Argentine ladies cooking on a wood-burning stove.

Esquel also has relationships with various Hosterias (bed and breakfasts) in the various areas fished. All of these authentic Argentine facilities are very attractive and comfortable and are also equipped with spacious bedrooms, private baths, and wonderful service. A prime example of this arrangement is Estancia La Elvira, a beautiful and historical working cattle operation (in the middle on nowhere!) with several kilometers of the idyllic Gualjaina River flowing through its confines, and the world famous Arroyo Pescado Spring Creek just down the road. Guests at La Elvira stay in comfortable “angler cabins” behind the central Estancia building, and are served evening meals in the Estancia’s main dining room or Asado (barbeque) house.

For lengthy itineraries, guests may elect to make it down to the Rio Pico region and stay in double occupancy cabana style buildings with a main lodge for taking meals, drinks, and enjoying time with the group. The menu is distinctly Argentine with large portions of beef and bar-b-que and fine, local wine. All alcohol, wine, and Cuban cigars are included in the fishing package. The spirit of the Esquel Outfitters experience revolves around making sure that all our guests receive a genuine and authentic Argentine experience, and the choice and style of accommodations, cuisine, and drink are not the exception.


Parties of 1-8
6 Person Maximum is Ideal



Fishermen fly direct to Buenos Aires, Argentina from Dallas/Ft. Worth, Miami, or New York on an overnight flight arriving the following morning. Fishermen then gather their luggage, clear customs, and are met by a driver who transfers the group approximately one hour to the Domestic Airport for the flight to Bariloche, Argentina aboard Aerolineas Argentinas or Southern Winds Airlines.

Tailwaters uses a very reliable customs assistance and chauffeur service that operates comfortable, air-conditioned vans. Our staff of drivers make sure you are properly checked in for your two-hour domestic flight to Bariloche. Some travelers elect to spend the day and evening in Buenos Aires prior to departing from Bariloche the following morning. This is a great way to break up the two legs of the journey, do some sightseeing, and recharge your batteries. We of course facilitate your stay at one of our recommended hotels in the Recoleta (downtown Buenos Aires).

Upon arrival in Bariloche, the group is then met at the baggage claim and driven south the Cholila, Argentina. The drive is approximately three hours from Bariloche through some of the most beautiful country in the world. Please do not be discouraged by the thought of this drive. It is one of the highlights of the trip, and you get to know the guides well and learn a lot about the history, people, and fishing in Patagonia.


Day 1
Afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. Arrival into Buenos Aires the next morning.

Day 2
Anglers gather their luggage, clear customs, and are met by a driver who transfers the group approximately one hour to the domestic airport for the flight to Bariloche, Argentina aboard a local carrier such as Aerolineas Argentinas or Southern Winds Airlines. Tailwaters uses a very reliable customs assistance and chauffeur service that operates comfortable, air-conditioned vans. Leticia and her staff of drivers make sure you are properly checked in for your two-hour domestic flight to Bariloche. Upon arrival in Bariloche, the group is then met at the baggage claim and driven south the Cholila, Argentina. The drive is approximately three hours from Bariloche. Anglers will drive through some of the most beautiful country in the world, and break up the journey with lunch and a stop for some homemade ice-cream. Please do not be discouraged by the thought of this drive. It is one of the highlights of the trip, and you get to know the guides well and learn a lot about the history, people, and fishing in Patagonia. Relax that evening at the El Trebol lodge and enjoy a wonderful Argentine dinner.

Day 3 - ?
Fishing Days! Guests depart on wading or float trips from the lodge every morning after breakfast to one of the rivers or streams in the area. Esquel Outfitters operates a very flexible fishing program that offers anglers a choice of three lodging scenarios and over twenty rivers to choose from. Your fishing trip with Esquel Outfitters is completely designed and based on length of itinerary, style of fishing, and what species you want to target. From walk and wade trips, day long floats, lake fishing, to four day camping float trips, Esquel Outfitters and Tailwaters can customize an itinerary for all your wants and needs.

Departure Day
After breakfast guests are transferred back to Bariloche for the flight to Buenos Aires. The group is then picked up and transferred back to the International Airport and assisted through check-in for your flight on to the United States.


As with all low latitude, mountainous regions, weather in the Argentine Patagonia is very unpredictable. Although seasons are well defined, anglers should come physically and mentally prepared for all types of weather on a daily basis. Conditions are frequently windy (unless your lucky), rain can occur at any time, and temperature variations are enormous no matter the month you visit.

December is similar to our June season, the water levels are typically high, but clarity is not an issue since all the rivers flow out of lakes. This can be a productive month for fish, large and numerous, because the fish have not yet been pressured. We find this to be the time to fool the tough ones. Temperatures range from 35° to 75°. Rain gear and warm clothing are strongly recommended.

January and February is summertime in Patagonia. Wet wading is possible, but waders are always a good idea. Dry fly fishing is typically better and the climate is comfortable to warm. Temperature will range from 45° to 85°. This is our favorite time in regards to comfort and the fact that most waters are accessible and fishable.

March and April are Patagonia's 'fall' fishing months. Weather conditions are less predictable. Come prepared for any weather during these months.


Fly-Fishing is the predominant activity for Esquel Outfitters' guests. However, Patagonia is a wonderful place for guests to spend a day hiking, horseback riding, taking photographs, or visiting an Argentine mountain village for some lunch and shopping. Guided horseback riding and photography tours can be arranged by Esquel Outfitters for the same price as a day of guided fishing. For an extra nominal fee, guests can take a tour across the border into Chile as well. Clients are encouraged to extend their vacation beyond the fishing itinerary and spend some time in Bariloche or Buenos Aires. Tailwaters will be happy to assist in facilitating these arrangements, or simply making some hotel, restaurant, and activity recommendations.


2009 RATES

(based on shared room/guide)
Fishing Days..................................$575 Per Angler
Arrival / Departure Days...............$400 Per Angler
Non-Fishing Days...........................$350 Per Person
Single Angler Suppliment..............$150 Per Person / Per Day


Guided fishing; Meals; All beverages including Argentine wines and Cocktails; Ground transportation to/from Bariloche, Argentina; Double occupancy accommodations; Cuban cigars; Extra flies and Fishing Licenses



Airfare to/from Bariloche, Argentina; Ground transfers and accommodations in Buenos Aires; Use of fishing equipment; Staff and Guide gratuity; Airport departure taxes (approximately $25 US); Phone calls and other items of personal nature; Shuttles for trips across the border to Chile


A fifty percent deposit is due at the time of booking to confirm all reservations. Full payments are required at 60 days from departure. Deposits are refundable up to 120 days from departure. Within 120-60 days from departure, an 80% refund will be issued for cancellations. Within 60 days from departure, no refunds are granted unless replacement clients are found. Note that credits of 80% will be granted towards future bookings in the event replacement clients cannot be found. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation /refund and responsibility clauses.

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