This was a week of varied conditions on the Rio Grande which seems to be a feature for the season so far. The main river is still running clear despite a small rise, this meant smaller flies have been working well as usual. Many of the fish are starting to settle into the pools and are now well spread throughout the system. It is good to see that all the lodges are recording big fish each week of over twenty pounds and plenty of fish in the fifteen pound mark and up.
Contact Olly Thompson or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.
Estancia Maria Behety Week 7
It seems that the unusual weather we have been having this season looks to continue as it has been another week of hugely varied conditions. This was especially true of the temperature for the week which ranged from 20°C to -3°C. Heavy rain throughout one night rose the river but fortunately the clarity of the water was impacted too much and remained low and clear. On the whole the fish remained active throughout the week but with the exception of a few sessions when the river felt quieter than usual, we feel that this was most likely due to sudden drops in temperature and increased wind.
Flies and tactics
Due to the clear water, smaller flies have been most effective. EMB (weighted and unweighted), green machine, girdle bug, small salmon double, sunray shadow, leeches in the evening when the light drops.
Scandi lines with a range of poly tips on the warmer days with less wind and skagit lines with heavier tips when it was more windy or when we had to get deeper due to the colder conditions. 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 excellent visibility.
Water temperature: 4º C to 11ºC
Weather Conditions
Air temperatures: -3º to 20ºC
Wind speed ranges from 5 to 75 km/h
Rain during the week: 8.4 mm
Catch stats
Total catch 116
Fish over 15lb 33
Largest fish 24lb
Average weight: 11.1lb
Kau Tapen February 6 – 15
As the season progresses the water levels in both the Rio Grande and Rio Menendez remain low and the fish are starting yo settle into their holding spots, prompting us to adjust our strategy. Although fishing was a bit more challenging this week, we still experienced some incredible moments. The lodge landed fish ranging from 5 to 24 pounds, including a remarkable 24-pounder, a 20-pounder, and several fish over 15 pounds. As always, the late hours of the day proved to be the most productive. The Menendez River continues to impress us and has been a real asset to our fishing at Kau Tapen, leaving every guest eager to return.
It was another week filled with memorable moments and great fishing, reinforcing that patience and adaptability are key to making the most of what the river has to offer.
2025 Availability
March 29 – 7 April – 1 rod (discounted rate)
Prices do not include international or domestic flights, hotels in Buenos Aires or fishing licences which cost US$595
Villa Maria February 7 – 14 February
This past week brought stable weather, making it one of the most pleasant weeks of the season. However, as is often the case with ideal conditions, there was a downside which is the rivers continued to drop. In response, we relied on our trusted “low water” techniques: light lines, long leaders, and tiny flies became the standard. Only during the lowest light conditions did we switch to streamers with varying silhouettes. Some of our rods swore by sunray shadows, while others remained loyal to articulated flies, especially rabbit-based patterns.
While many beautiful fish were landed throughout the week, the highlight belonged to Ed. On the very last cast of the very last session of the very last day, Ed broke the curse hooked, fought and landed a stunning 20-pound female. Well done, Ed!
Looking ahead, we anticipate similar weather conditions, with a few colder, rainy, and windy days just enough to remind us that autumn is approaching and March is right around the corner.
2025 Availability
March 7 – 14 – 3 rods (discounted rate)
Prices do not include international or domestic flights, hotels in Buenos Aires or fishing licences which cost US$595
If you would like more information then please do not hesitate to contact Olly Thompson or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.