Year Round Rates & Information
| Rates |
Visit www.challhuaquen.com for rates |
| Season Dates |
November - April |
| Accommodations |
Challhuaquen Lodge opened its doors in 2004.
Challhuaquen is located in the Trevelin valley, Province of Chubut, on the bank of the Futaleufu river or Rio Grande, in front of the National Park Los Alerces, at the heart of the Argentinean Patagonia.
Created to serve the most demanding anglers, Challhuaquen is situated at the center of the fishing area called Comarca de los Alerces, internationally known as one of the most important Salmonidal fishing places in the world. Not only that, Challhuaquen is placed at the northern shore of the Futaleufu river, considered itself one of the greatest fishing spots in the Patagonia.
Good fishing in crystalline waters, surrounded by glacial lakes, millenarian trees, and magnificent landscapes is combined in Challhuaquen Lodge with the elegance and comfort that could make such experience unique.
Created by and for fishermen, Challhuaquen ultimate goal is to get the maximum pleasure out of an exceptional location for the practice of fly fishing. Based on that priority, qualified and personalized service provides all it is needed for a successful fishing season amid a luxury set up.
Thus, understanding the need for relaxation and privacy, the lodge has only six spacious and comfortable double guestrooms, each with private bath; all facing the Futaleufu river with the constant backdrop of the National Park and the Andeans on the horizon.
Similarly, acknowledging the fraternity aspect of fishing, Challhuaquen counts with ample and fully equipped common areas and a bar to rest and enjoy tying-fly with the company of a good friend and/or a fine drink.
Furthermore, thinking about the eventual desire to enjoy the maximum of luxury, the lodge offers a SPA, with sauna, hydro massage, scotch shower, and personal massages that also benefits from the magnificent river/mountain/park view. Needless to say, and always aimed at satisfying the fishermen needs, all rooms have direct access to the Futaleufu river and to a dryer-room. |
| Dining |
To complete the perfect flying fishing day, the chef at Challhuaquen Lodge has the skill to please international preferences or adventure those more curious to the culture of typical Patagonian dishes. Each meal is served in the homey restaurant with impeccable presentation, and accompanied by finest Argentinean wines. |
| Bar Service |
Yes |
| Special Entertainment |
A number of recreational activities can be coordinated for the enjoyment of accompanying non-fishermen and occasional guests, such as:
- Sightseeing in Los Alerces Park.
- Riding, trekking, bird watching for Condors/Flamingos in the mountain areas.
- Mountain Bike, Rafting, Snorkeling and Scuba on Futaleufú River.
- Visit Welsh Tea House.
- Visit the waterfall Nant y Fall.
- Ride to the Museum on the Patagonia Express (La Trochita).
- Boat trip on the National Park Lakes (view to the Glaciers), or Futaleufú River.
- Visit to Museum Leleque Estancia, to learn about Patagonia history.
- Visit to Rosario Lake (Mapuche´s reservation).
- Visit to Butch Cassidy Cabin.
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| Fishing Information |
Clothing
In the Andes, weather varies suddenly, especially during November, December, March and April. Bring warm lightweight clothes for fishing, a jacket and sweaters, cotton socks, rain gear and two pair of tennis shoes. Neutral colors like tan and green provide the best camouflage. Bright colors can spook fish. Also, it is recommended you bring layered clothing, so you can put on and take off layers as the weather dictates. Many trout fishing areas in Argentina are at elevations of 2500 - 3000 feet, which can result in dramatic temperature swings. Please remember that Patagonia can also be windy.
Wading
All fishing is in rivers and streams, wading from the coast and sometimes on floating trips and float-tubing. One pair of fly weight chest waders and one pair of neoprene chest waders is recommended. The new waders “non-condensation” is the best for walking. The comfort of your wading shoes is very important also.
Rods
Bring two to three rods. A good combination is:
8-91/2’ 4/5 weight for dry flies and nymphs.
9-91/2’ 6/7 weight for Boca or streamer fishing.
8-9’ 3-4 weight for spring creeks and small flies.
Lines
Challhuaquen suggests:
Floating lines for each rod.
Sink tip lines 5-8 (like Scientific Angler Ultra 2 wet tip IV 10’ or Tenny Nymph Tip).
Shooting head sink tip line 7-8 weight (like Teeny T200 or T300 or shooting line sink V).
Optional: Intermediate sinking line.
Baking 75 - 100 yards is sufficient.
Leaders
From 4 to 12 feet long. Tippet material is extremely important in Argentina. The trout are very strong and powerful. Your tippet material should be sheer resistant as well as have the maximum breaking strength in small diameters.
Fishing Accessories
Polaroid glasses are indispensable; you may want to bring an extra pair. Fishing vest, rain jacket, wide-brimmed fishing hat are also recommended. Insect repellent is sometimes needed as there are few mosquitoes or biting insects in Patagonia Argentina. Suntan lotion and lip balm are usually useful as well. Strike indicators for nymph fishing, camera, and films do not need explanation. |
| Species of Fish Caught |
Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss)
Brown Trout (Salmo Fario)
Brook Trout (Salvelinus Fontinalis)
Landlocked Salmon (Salmo Salar Sebago)
Perch (Native Specie)
There is much more fishing in Patagonia than describe here but the brief above provides a good sample of the resources available. Ideally, fishing may take at least ten days and preferably two weeks. |
| Sample Itinerary |
Programs at Challhuaquen are based on the Futaleufú River, since they consider that it's the best fishing river of the area. In addition, it´s their intention to offer the fisherman a variety of places to enjoy without sacrificing the comfort the lodge offers.
You will be treated to a blend of floating, wading and a combination of both on area spring creeks, lakes and rivers. Fishing techniques include dry fly, dry-dropper, streamers, and nymphs.
Staff recommends the eight day trip (six full fishing days), but packages from four fishing days are also available. They design each fishing itinerary to suit the size of your group and time of year. A few examples below:
Eight Fishing Days
Day 1: Fishing in Futaleufú River- north area.
Day 2: Fishing in Rivadavia River (Los Alerces National Park).
Day 3: Fishing in Rivadavia River (Spring Creek El Canal).
Day 4: Fishing in Futaleufú River- south area.
Day 5: Fishing in Nant and Fall River or Corinto or Corcovado.
Day 6: Fishing in Futaleufú River – Centre area.
Day 7: Fishing in Futaleufú River – best spots.
Day 8: Fishing in Arroyo Pescado.
Six fishing days
Day 1: Fishing in Futaleufú River – north area.
Day 2: Fishing in Rivadavia River (Los Alerces National Park).
Day 3: Fishing in Futaleufú River – south area.
Day 4: Fishing in Nant and Fall River or Corinto.
Day 5: Fishing in Futaleufú River – better spots.
Day 6: Fishing in Arroyo Pescado or Nant and Fall River.
Four Fishing Days
Day 1: Fishing in Futaleufú River – north area.
Day 2: Fishing in Futaleufú – south area.
Day 3: Fishing in Arroyo Pescado or Nant and Fall River.
Day 4: Fishing in Futaleufú River – Best spots. |
| Additional Info |
Spring-Early Summer: The trout fishing season opens on the second weekend of November. During November and December, the rivers are generally high from snow melt; however, the flow is moderated by the fact that most rivers flow out of lakes. High water may require the use of sinking lines, nymphs and streamer flies, but the fish feed aggressively, making this one of the most productive times of the year. The period corresponds with the months of May and June in the Western U.S. Expect spring time temperatures, cool to cold mornings and nights. Temperature range: 32-70F.
Mid-Summer: During January and February water levels stabilize, but there is still adequate flow to float most rivers. This period is characterized by a good combination of wet and dry fly fishing, generally depending upon the weather of the season. The weather can range from hot and dry in the daytime to cool morning and nights. At high altitude, it will be cooler and more subject to change. High winds are possible anytime. The months of January and February correspond with July and August in Western U.S. Temperature range: 50 – 85F.
Late Summer - Early Fall: During March and April the browns start to move from the lakes into the rivers, and water temperatures begin to reactivate the trout. Good wet and dry fly fishing, particularly on the Rivadavia and Arroyo Pescado rivers. These months corresponds to September and October in the Western U.S. Expect autumn temperatures and cool to cold mornings and nights. Temperature range 32 – 70F. |
| Nearest Airport |
The best route to Esquel, Chubut, is via Buenos Aires. If you are coming in on a international flight, you must change airports. A representatives will meet you at the Ezieza International Airport and drive you to the Jorge Newberry Domestic Airport. This transfer costs $50 for one to two persons and $80 for three or more persons. From the domestic airport in Buenos Aires you will take a three hour flight to Esquel where your guides will greet you and take you to the Challhuaquen. |
| Website |
www.challhuaquen.com |
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Amenities |
- Bait & Tackle Shop
- Bar/Lounge
- Creek on Property
- Fly Fishing Equipment
| - Fly Shop
- Fly Tying Tables & Supplies
- Jacuzzi/Hot Tub
- Lake on Property
| - Massage
- Restaurant
- River on Property
- Spa
| |
Activities |
- Catch & Release Fly Fishing
- Fly Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
| - Guided Fishing and Instruction
- Massage/Spa Treatments
- River Fishing
| |
Reservation Policy
A 50% deposit is required within ten days of the booking to secure and hold your reservation. Your reservation can not be guaranteed without a deposit. The balance of the trip, meaning the fifty remaining percentage, is due 30 days prior to your arrival.
All deposits are non-refundable unless client is replaced. Full payment is not refundable unless client is replaced. Challhuaquen will do their best to accommodate any change of plans clients may encounter. Full payment or deposit may be transferred to another client for the originally established dates. It is highly recommended that you purchase trip insurance from your travel agent in the unforeseen event that you have to cancel it.
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