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Dreamcast (Central Patagonia)

Central Patagonia Region North of Bariloche


Dreamcast builds custom itineraries that utilize the traditional luxury lodges of the central Patagonia region. They also run exclusive overnight camping / float trips in the area as well. The following is a list of the four lodge based operations that can be visited individually or coupled together for an extended fishing vacation. In addition to the home waters of each lodge listed, there are over a dozen fisheries that can be accessed with the Dreamcast operation.

Estancia Arroyo Verde:
One of the most upscale fishing lodges and working ranches in the world. Twelve miles of exclusive access to the Traful River.

Estancia San Huberto:
A very popular and gorgeous lodge on the banks of the Malleo (Ma-Ja-Oh) River. This 25,000 acre ranch sits in the shadow of the iconic Lanin Volcano, and is home to some of the best dry-fly fishing in Argentina.

Estancia Quemquemtreu (Kim-kim-trey-oo):
This upscale property is also a working Polo ranch and has 25 miles of the Collon Cura River running through the property… not to mention part of the Caleufu and Quemquemtreu River as well.

Estancia Collon Cura (Coo-shone-coo-rah):
A simple lodge without all the upscale flair of the other Dreamcast lodges, Estancia Collon Cura has the best access to the Collon Cura River and is also a launching point for the float trips on the Limay Medio.


Dreamcast is the latest product created by the Patagonia Fishing Company. The lodges, fisheries, and geographic region of Central Patagonia is actually the most tenured, developed, and popular Patagonian destination. All of the “Old School” lodges you often read about in Patagonia are found within the one hundred + miles north of Bariloche. These lodges are now a part of the Dreamcast program.

Dreamcast is certainly not trying to reinvent the wheel in this region… However, they have brought a new approach and improvement on the most historical fly-fishing grounds in Argentina. Dreamcast has the ability and flexibility to allow clients to stay at four of Patagonia’s greatest lodges. However, Dreamcast has expanded upon the usual fishing programs provided at those lodges to expose clients to the often overlooked fisheries in the region. Instead of booking a week at one facility, Dreamcast has the relationships, trucks, boats, and equipment needed to move clients around to multiple lodges in the area.

Given the seasonality and differing conditions on any one given fishery in the region, Dreamcast’s philosophy is to provide the ability to tailor-make custom itineraries to visit each river when it is fishing at its best. This mobile feature ensures you experience the style of fishing you prefer and are exposed to as much new water and country as possible.

The inspiration for Dreamcast’s expansion into the region is their river camping program on the Limay Medio River. Dreamcast’s guides have decades of experience providing comfortable and organized, single or multi-night camping trips on the most remote rivers in Patagonia. Their exclusive access to the Middle Limay River adds an incredible flair to fishing the central region and should be a part of everyone’s itinerary. The Limay Medio is perhaps the greatest brown trout fishery in the world, and only accessed with the Dreamcast guides. In addition to the Limay Medio, Dreamcast guests can also experience overnight trips on the Chimehuin and Caleufu. Read more about it in the fishing description below.


Fly Fishing in this part of Argentine Patagonia is actually very comparable in style to many of the rivers in the Western United States. You will fish with many of the same techniques, flies, and approach as you would in Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, or Montana. Some floating, wading, dry flies, streamers, nyphing, etc etc.. One thing is for certain however… You will experience remoteness and solitude on rested water unlike any of the public fisheries in the Rockies.

Each river (and subsequently each lodge/estancia) offers fishing for both mostly rainbow and brown trout. Some of the rivers such as the Malleo are incredible dry fly fisheries with high numbers of trout taken, while rivers like the Traful are “trophy” rivers where nymphing can be most effective for extremely large trout. Some rivers fish better early or late, while others “shut down” during higher or low water. Some rivers like the Collon Cura or Limay are best for float trips, while others like the Caleufu or Rio Manso are ideal walk and wade rivers.

The bottom line is we always recommend consulting our clients on what their angling style and preferences are prior to recommending an itinerary to match the timing of the trip. Dreamcast will assist us pick the perfect fishing itinerary based upon your angling and accommodation preferences.

Limay Medio Camping Trip:
With private and exclusive access to this portion of the middle Limay River, Dreamcast organizes 2-3 night overnight trips using well appointed camping equipment to experience this amazing fishery. The Limay Medio camping trips can be combined with stays at the luxury lodges in the area. For those who do not want to camp out, anglers can launch day floats from Estancia Collon Cura.

Not only is the Limay one of the most plentiful and important waterways in the Patagonian region, but it also features singular characteristics for fishing in its middle stretch, which spreads along 70 kilometers. This is not to be confused with the upper Limay near Bariloche. The Limay Medio is about 4 times the size of the upper Limay, and includes the water from all of the famous rivers of Argentina…the Malleo, Collon Cura, Traful, Chimehuin, Alumine, and Caleufu. The 4 feet for every mile slope, the generous course, and multitude of side channels, make it possible to float over several days the entire stretch of the river.

With its sometimes prolific hatches and spinner falls, mini steelhead-like rainbows, and incredibly large browns, we believe this is one of the most interesting fisheries in Argentina. With numerous trips yielding multiple browns over 10 lbs, and an abundance of rainbows, Dreamcast is extremely proud of this spectacular and exclusive resource.

However, this is not a river for every angler. The conditions can be incredibly challenging, and sometimes the fish more-so. Because of our guides dedication to the river, Dreamcast has isolated what we believe to be the ideal times to fish the Limay Medio, and have consequently trimmed the number of extremely tough days to a minimum.

We also encourage you to view Dreamcast’s website for a very detailed description of each river offered with their programs:

www.flyfishingpatagoniaargentina.com


Estancia Arroyo Verde:
Arroyo Verde is not just a lodge, but also a traditional Argentine ranch belonging to Maurice and Meme La Riviere. Former guests include Dwight Eisenhower, Joe Brooks, Ernest Schweibert, Mel Krieger, and other Argentine angling pioneers. The Estancia borders twelve miles of the magnificent Traful River (read Schweibert's "Remembrances of Rivers Past" the chapter called (River of Spirits).

A recent Forbes Magazine article described Arroyo Verde "the best fishing lodge in the world! Period." But as fine as the accommodations are, this is an experience that centers around, and focuses on the tremendous trout fishing in the clear, deep runs of what most experienced fly fishermen agree is one of the finest rivers on Earth.

The spacious main house overlooking the Traful valley has 4 twin bedrooms with private bathrooms, a large comfortable suite with private bathroom in an adjacent building, sleeps 2 and a log cabin, perched on a rocky outcrop facing the lake, sleeps 2/4.

Meals are served late in the evening at Arroyo Verde, in the Argentine summer fashion and well after the fishing day is done. Dinner is accompanied by fine wines, delicious desserts, and a sense of genuine hospitality that leaves most guests planning their return before their departure. Each visit is highlighted by a lakeside asado (traditional Argentine barbecue) on the last afternoon of the visit. Non-anglers often enjoy morning rides on the ranch with hostess Meme la Riviere. The Estancia accommodates only 10 guests, and does it in style.

Estancia Collon Cura:
Estancia Collon Cura Lodge is situated right on the banks of the Collon Cura river. Its proximity to the river eliminates the need for long drives over gravel roads to get to the river. All of the access points to the river are no further than 15 miles on a paved road.

In the scheme of established lodges in Argentina, Estancia Collon Cura is extremely modest, with a great attention to detail. All of your needs will be attended to, but without the over-the-top frills. The lodge can hold up to eight guests, in four spaciously appointed rooms. The lodge is not available to anglers for the month of March, due to the increased amount of red stag hunters. However, the rest of the season it is completely dedicated to anglers. We believe that this lodge is a great base for Limay Medio trips, for those who do not want to camp on the river, and of course for great access to the Collon Cura River. It is a perfect halfway point between Bariloche and Junin de los Andes, and therefore is a good middle of the itinerary location.

Estancia Quemquemtreu:
Quemquemtreu ranch is a huge ranch of 160,000 acre offering the chance to experience a different fly fishing trip, lodging in the main house of a traditional cattle and polo horses breeding ranch. An excellent "all inclusive" service with great homemade dishes and nice wines, and a very warm and relaxed ambience. The main house offers 5 double bedrooms each one with private bathroom, a nice dining room and a living room with a wide fireplace. 2 other rooms can be also used in an adjacent house. A side barn has been turned into a great bar / billiards room where snacks and drinks are served every night after fishing.

Huge poplars, willows and pine trees provide cover for all the ranch structure formed by barns, corrals, polo courses, secondary houses that surround the Lodge. About 25 miles of the Collon Cura River runs through Quemquentreu's property. In addition, it provides access to more than 5 miles of the Caleufu river plus the full extention of the Quemquemtreu River which gives the name to this estancia. Quemquemtreu also has its own small river flowing through the ranch, the Quemquemtreu, which fishes best December through late January.

Estancia San Huberto
With more than 25,000 acres and thirty miles of private access to Malleo (“Ma-Jay-Oh”) river and Huaca Mamuil spring creek, this beautiful lodge can guest up to 12 fishermen. All inclusive style service with excellent food, 10 spacious rooms with private bathroom, living room with library and fire place, dining room, after fishing open bar with regional snacks and drinks, quiet and relaxing atmosphere, hot tub and internet service.

San Huberto was once a hunting lodge and a century of mounted red stag trophies grace the wall. San Huberto is owned and managed by Carlos Olsen and his charming wife Carmen, wonderful and gracious hosts. The Olsen's ranch offers what most consider the best dry fly-fishing in the region.

Fishing on the ranch is limited to a maximum of 12 guests that can be accommodated at the lodge. An indoor barbecue highlights each week's fishing, and each day's fishing is accented by fabulous meals and comfortable cocktail hours. San Huberto Lodge is a grand, old-world lodge, full of traditions, Argentine culture and fond memories. During the months of November-December fishing takes place on a tributary of the Malleo, Huaca Mamuil or Malleo itself. From January until April the Malleo River offers heavy insect hatches and very good quantities of fish.


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 one – two hours north of Bariloche to the first estancia on your itinerary.


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. Tailwaters uses a very reliable customs assistance and chauffeur service that operates comfortable, air-conditioned vans. Leticia Acosta 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 1-2 hours north of town depending on your fishing itinerary and lodge selection.

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. Dreamcast operates a very flexible fishing program that offers anglers a choice of multiple lodging scenarios and over a dozen rivers to choose from. Your fishing trip with Dreamcast 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 multi-day camping float trips, Dreamcasr 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.


2009 RATES

(based on shared room/guide)

Day Trips.............................................$425 Day
Camping Float Trips...................................$575 Per Angler
Private Estancias.....................................$700 Per Angler
Arrival / Departure Days..............................$400 Per Angler
Non-Fishing Days at Private Estancias.................$450 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; 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


Float Trip:
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.

Private Estancias (Arroyo Verde, San Huberto, Quemquemtreu, Collon Cura):
A fifty percent deposit is due at the time of booking to confirm all reservations. Full payments are required at 60 days from departure. All payments are non-refundable unless replacement clients are 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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