Description
Kau Tapen was the first fly fishing lodge to be built in Tierra del Fuego, and today continues to be the standard bearer in its attention to detail and in the quality of its guides. With access to 10 miles on both banks of the Rio Grande, and with sea-run brown trout averaging 12 lbs (some monsters exceed 30 lbs), Kau Tapen unarguably provides the finest sea trout fly-fishing in the world.
A typical day on the river offers around nine hours of catch-and-release fishing per day, with easy wading on a fine gravel bed, broken by lunch and a siesta at the lodge, before heading out once more to capitalise on the very special twilight hours. The sea trout characteristically head up the river in small runs, which means that the river is productive throughout the season. Expert international and local guides are on hand to give casting tuition. Casting is generally with double-handed fly rods, using traditional salmon flies, streamers, nymphs and dries, but single-handed casting is also possible when conditions are calmer.
The lodge itself has spectacular views overlooking grasslands that sweep across Tierra del Fuego, with the peaks of the distant Andes on the horizon. There is a maximum capacity for twelve rods accommodated in 9 ensuite rooms with maid and laundry service. The atmosphere is one of old-world conviviality, with roaring fireplaces and wonderful Argentinean wines to accompany the fantastic cuisine. There are also massages, a Finnish sauna and steam room, and a drying room for wet gear. Guests will also find a well-equipped tackle shop with flies, rods, reels, lines, and clothing.
Please note that Kau Tapen is extremely popular and we would advise making bookings by the end of June at latest in order to maximise chances of availability for the upcoming season.
Accommodation
9 spacious ensuite bedrooms (a maximum of 12 rods are accommodated)
Facilities
Restaurant, bar, massage, Finnish spa, drying room and tackle shop
Activities
Fishing and birdwatching
Services
Birdwatching and wildlife viewing can also be arranged for non-anglers
When to travel
The season lasts from December to April. During the months of Dec and Jan the Rio Grande will be at its highest with the water typically dropping away in March, although a rise in the river can come at any time during the season.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Kau Tapen is located in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego, roughly one hour from the town of Rio Grande. The lodge is located on the southern bank of the river Rio Grande.
How to get there
3.5hour flight from Jorge Newbery, Buenos Aires to Rio Grande, and then a 1hour road transfer.
