Las Pampas
Brown, rainbow, and brook trout fishing on 25+ miles of river, five private lakes, and 20+ private locations. European-style lodge, 8 anglers, 1:1 guide ratio, Le Cordon Bleu farm-to-table cuisine. Season Nov–Apr. 2.5 hrs south of Esquel.
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Las Pampas Lodge, in the Chubut Province of Central Patagonia, offers an extraordinary experience in a land virtually untouched by the modern world. Approximately two and a half hours south of Esquel Airport, well beyond where the pavement ends, you’ll find this European-style log and stone lodge surrounded by the Andes—and some of the finest brown, rainbow, and brook trout fishing in Argentina.
The lodge has access to more than 25 miles of world-class water on the Rio Pico, plus the Rio Pampas, Rio Nilson, Rio Corcovado, and five private lakes. From spring creeks to freestone rivers to mountain-lined still waters, the variety provides anglers the chance to fly fish for all three trout species—often in water so remote that gauchos herding sheep are the only sign of life. With more than 20 private locations, guests are guaranteed rested, productive fisheries and a unique Patagonia experience each day, all within a short distance from the lodge.
Las Pampas pairs this wilderness fishery with a 1:1 guide ratio—every two anglers get one guide and one assistant guide—plus gourmet farm-to-table cuisine from a Le Cordon Bleu–trained chef. The result is a top-shelf Patagonia experience that has drawn praise from Yvon Chouinard and countless returning anglers.
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Fishing at Las Pampas Lodge
The Waters
Las Pampas is surrounded by an abundance of creeks, rivers, and lakes. The main rivers include the Rio Pampas, Rio Nilson, Rio Corcovado, and Rio Pico—which consists of more than 25 miles of world-class water. The five lakes are home to large and often aggressive trout that can be eager to come to the surface for dries or attack a streamer. The lodge also has access to more than 20 private locations in this area of Argentina. Most fishing is done on foot; within a small radius, an angler fishing for two weeks would never run out of new water.
Río Pico
Most of the upper Río Pico’s winding corridor is lined with willows; as it moves west it takes on waters from multiple spring creeks and the Rio Pampas and Rio Nilson. It eventually opens up to flow through lush grasslands and becomes wide enough to float. Most of the Río Pico is private and only accessed by Las Pampas guests. Aside from rainbow and brook trout, the stream is known for oversized brown trout that seem misplaced in such small water. It’s a dry-fly angler’s dream—these fish are eager to strike a well-presented terrestrial such as the Cantaria Beetle.
Spring Creeks and Lago Tres
A dozen spring creeks feed the Río Pico, offering classic technical fishing for fewer but larger brown trout. Some are several yards wide; others you can step over. For lake fishing, Lago Tres stands out. Rainbow trout here grow to legendary size—5–10 pounds are common. Most are caught by casting to the reeds and rocky banks with streamers and large terrestrials. Calm days offer sight-fishing opportunities. When your guide suggests the lakes of the region, say yes.
Our Guides
Las Pampas guides know these waters inside and out. They are Argentines who have spent countless days fishing and guiding the area; most return year after year. LPL guides provide all terminal tackle—leaders, tippets, and flies—so anglers are equipped for the diversity of conditions. Every pair of anglers is assigned a guide and an assistant guide for a 1:1 ratio. The assistant handles set-up and breakdown of lunch and equipment, so anglers spend more time with a fly in the water.
Season Overview
November – April: Main season. November and early December can offer strong dry-fly action as waters clear. January through March is peak for consistent hatches and aggressive trout. April often brings larger fish and more technical fishing as waters cool.
Accommodations at Las Pampas Lodge
Our European-style log and stone lodge looks out at the Andes Mountains and is entirely surrounded by nature, reminding guests they are truly in the heart of Patagonia. Throughout the property, it is nearly impossible not to be taken by the view of the Andes.
The lodge sleeps 8 anglers in four spacious bedrooms, each with two twin beds, private baths, and two of the rooms with fireplaces. The large common room features a dining area, bar, and lounge with a fireplace that brings everyone together over cocktails. Upstairs, guests find a living room, TV, fully-equipped fly-tying table, and a private office with computer and phone.
One of the first things guests notice isn’t the luxuries but the atmosphere. The entire team works together to ensure a relaxed environment where everyone feels welcomed—where guides and clients are all part of the family, as Yvon Chouinard put it.
Gourmet farm-to-table cuisine: The head chef, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate, uses only local and organic ingredients. Fresh eggs come daily from the property; chicken, lamb, and beef come from livestock on-site. Breakfast is served at the lodge; gourmet lunch with wine is served on the water by the guides. Dinner is served late, as is typical in Argentina, with meat and vegetable entrees paired with fine wines.
- Four double-occupancy rooms with private baths
- Two rooms with fireplaces
- Common room with dining, bar, lounge, fireplace
- Upstairs living room, TV, fly-tying table, office with computer and phone
- Farm-to-table cuisine, Le Cordon Bleu–trained chef
- Streamside lunch with wine
- Guided fishing with 1:1 guide ratio
- All terminal tackle provided (leaders, tippets, flies)
Rates
Contact us for current rates and brochure.
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What’s Included
- Accommodations (double occupancy)
- All meals (breakfast, streamside lunch, dinner)
- Open bar
- Guided fishing
- Fishing license (per Fly Fishing Patagonia)
- All terminal tackle—leaders, tippets, flies
- Transportation to/from Esquel Airport
- Non-guided activities on the property
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Services in Buenos Aires
- Gratuities for guides and staff
- Personal gear (rods, reels, lines—tackle provided)
Why Anglers Love Las Pampas
“The best aspect of Las Pampas Lodge, other than the superb fishing, is the equalitarian atmosphere at the lodge, where the guides and clients are all part of the family.” — Yvon Chouinard (Patagonia Founder and Owner)
“A most sincere thanks from our entire fishing group for an amazing (and I do mean amazing) week at your lodge. Everyone agreed the trip could not have been better: fishing (superb and unparalleled); lodge (perfect in all respects in a remarkable setting); guides and staff (genuine, friendly, and wonderful people who all work well together as a team). You have fostered and developed a unique atmosphere that distinguishes your lodge.” — Dan Berry
“I enjoyed everything about this lodge. It was a perfect week. I couldn’t even think of anything that could be changed or should be.” — Penny Ritterbusch
“This trip represented virtually a perfect fishing experience for me. It was far better than I could have hoped for. I don’t believe that I have ever felt so pampered at any other place or time in my life, even in 5-star hotels. The staff was truly exceptional.” — Michael Payne
Getting to Las Pampas Lodge
Las Pampas Lodge is approximately two and a half hours south of Esquel Airport (EQS), well beyond where the pavement ends. Most guests fly into Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE), transfer 45 minutes to the domestic airport Aeroparque (AEP), and fly 2.5 hours south to Esquel. A minimum of four hours between international and domestic flights in Buenos Aires is required. The lodge staff picks up guests at Esquel Airport and drives 2.5–3 hours to the lodge. The return transfer is included.
Nearest airport: Esquel (EQS)
Drive time: 2.5–3 hours from Esquel to lodge