I rise from the week before has meant that the water on the Rio Grande is still a little coloured, this is not a bad thing as we enter the latter part of the season. It has meant a change in tactics with larger flies proving the most effective during the first half of the week. Throughout the river catches have remained steady as they had done for much of the season. Many of the fish are now hunkered up in their pools so have stopped running in numbers, and there are a lot of fish in all the main holding pools throughout the river. It is now the case of trying to tempt these notoriously moody fish. Once the temperature starts to drop some of the big male fish come onto the take which cam make for some especially exciting fishing.
Contact Olly Thompson or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.
Estancia Maria Behety Week 10
Overall, the weather and fishing conditions were more favourable than the week before, which provided a more gentle experience for our guests. However, the heavy rains from the previous week had a lingering effect on the river, giving the water a slight tea-coloured tint. Despite this, visibility remained largely unaffected which allowed for good fishing opportunities throughout the week.
As for the trout caught during this period, most displayed a deep, intense brown coloration, indicating they had been in the river for a while. In contrast, there were fewer freshly arrived, silver-colored trout typically seen earlier in the season.
Flies and tactics
Even though the water was slightly coloured throughout much of the week smaller flies have still been most effective. EMB (weighted and unweighted), green machine, girdle bug, small salmon doubles, chartreuse leeches, sunray shadow, black leeches in the evening when the light drops.
Due to needing to change tips often skagit lines were used mostly throughout the week. Throughout the week we fished a range of tips from type 3 up to T20 depending on the pool and how active the fish were at the time.
Water Conditions
Water colour and visibility: Low water and clear with slight colour.
Water temperature: 6º C to 10ºC
Weather Conditions
Air temperatures: 1º to 16ºC
Wind speed ranges from 6 to 60 km/h
Rain during the week: 5.6 mm
Catch stats
Total catch 101
Fish over 15lb 26
Largest fish 24lb
Average weight: 8.9lb
Kau Tapen March 8th – 15th
We have just concluded our 10th week of fishing on both the Río Grande and Menendez rivers, welcoming an incredible group of international anglers from the United Kingdom and the United States. It was another action-packed week, filled with exciting catches and great camaraderie on the water.
Following the water level rise two weeks ago, sporadic rainfall has helped keep both rivers fresh and active, creating consistently good fishing conditions. The colour and speed of the water required us to adapt our approach, leading us to use larger flies and sink tips to slow down our presentation. This allowed us to effectively target fish in their preferred holding spots. Additionally, the cooler water temperatures played a role in our tackle choices, demanding more precise techniques and thoughtful adjustments throughout the week.
As the fish began moving away from their usual holding areas, we found excellent success in the running water, faster currents, and pools that had previously been less productive during lower water levels. These adjustments paid off, resulting in some incredible catches. Notably, two massive 20-pounders were landed, along with several impressive fish in the 15 to 19-pound range.
Overall, it was another thrilling week on the river, with plenty of unforgettable moments and remarkable fish to show for it.
Villa Maria March 7th – 14th
We started the week with high water levels, a result of heavy rains in the days prior. The river ran cold, and the presence of suspended sediment added some turbidity, making fishing conditions a bit more challenging. To adapt, we relied on heavy sinking lines and large, attention-grabbing flies—intruders and leeches proved to be the most effective choices for enticing fish in the deeper, slower runs.
As the week progressed and the river dropped and cleared, allowing us to adjust our tactics. With improved visibility and slightly lower water levels, we transitioned to smaller fly patterns, favouring micro streamers and our ever-reliable Green Machines. These were paired with fast-sinking tips, though not as heavy or long as those required earlier in the week. This shift in strategy helped maintain consistent success as conditions evolved.
The standout moment of the week belonged to Jean Daniel, who landed a spectacular 21-pound hen. A dedicated angler and a regular guest during this late-season period, Jean understands that these weeks demand patience, skill, and adaptability—but the rewards can be well worth the effort. Congratulations, Jean, on an incredible catch!
Looking ahead, the forecast predicts strong winds and some rain, which will likely bring a fresh set of challenges. But that’s exactly what makes fishing the Río Grande so special—conditions are ever-changing, keeping us on our toes and making each day on the water an exciting new experience. We can’t wait to see what next week has in store!
If you would like more information then please do not hesitate to contact Olly Thompson or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.