Price: $3640
Dates: Jan 5- Jan 12
(Fishing days: Jan 7-10)
Dates: Jan 5 – Jan 19
(Fishing Dates: Jan 7- Jan 17)
The rugged splendor of the Argentine mainland’s southernmost Santa Cruz province is and will remain, the essence of true Patagonia. Accessed through the mountain town of El Calafate, Santa Cruz is home to the Rio Gallegos, Jurassic Lake, the Los Glaciers National Park as well as the iconic skyline of the Fitz Roy massif from which the Patagonia clothing company fashioned its logo in the early ’70s. This is the land of true adventurers, hardened gauchos, granite towers, condors and the endless wind-torn expanse of the arid Patagonian Steppe. It is also home to an isolated food-rich ecosystem highlighted by Lago Quiroga and the rugged super steep Rio Capitan for which the operation is named. Here an army of very large wild rainbows has amassed in a diverse and interconnected matrix of private waterways.
Capitan Lodge (formerly known as Kooi Noom) offers anglers the opportunity to fish small winding spring creeks, an impossibly steep freestone river, flats-like lagunas, and the impressive Lago Quiroga without ever seeing another angler. Moreover, this is all within close proximity of your comfortable base at Capitan Lodge. For sight fishing enthusiasts, pocket water fans, lovers of small creeks or anglers in search of rainbows in the 10, 15 or even 20-pound class, this surreal estancia has it all. Trips of varying length available, all of which pair well with nearby Jurassic Lake Lodge. Also, inquire about our custom air charter service that greatly reduces travel times.
Location: The lodge is located in Santa Cruz province of Southern Argentina, it’s roughly five to six hours by vehicle from the town of El Calafate.
Fishing Program: There are two distinct seasons at Capitan Lodge. The early season (November – December) offers more focused fishing for trophy fish in the outlet of Lago Quiroga and the Rio Capitan and the main season (January – April) which offers a more diverse and well-rounded angling experience. All beats are within four miles of the lodge and are accessed by either four-wheel-drive truck and/or 4×4 side-by-side. In some cases, there will be a good deal of hiking as well. This area has been fished by few anglers and offers lots of fish in the four to 10-pound class as well as some fish reaching into the 20-pound class.
Spring Creeks: The unsung heroes of Capitan Lodge are the multiple sections of the petite and productive spring creek that first flows into Lago Toro, then out and later snakes discretely by the lodge. This system is tailor-made for ultra-light fly rods and tenkara style fishing for gorgeous hard-bodied surface-oriented wild rainbows. Recalibrating for this sheltered creek fishing experience is a highlight not to be missed.
Lakes and Lagunas: Rich lakes fuel Capitan Lodge’s biological engine. The enormous Lago Quiroga (located less than 30 miles as the crow flies from Jurassic Lake) produces the region’s largest fish, many of which down-migrate into the unique Rio Capitan. Additionally, the property has two smaller lakes (lagunas), the favorite of which, Lago Toro, has a cozy day shelter and incredible walk and wade sight fishing for super-charged rainbows in the three to ten-pound class.
The River: Capitan Lodge’s most unique fishery is the Rio Capitan, which drains the massive Lago Quiroga. Dropping as much as 250 feet per mile this is the steepest and most unique pocket water system in the world. Offering nymph and dry fly opportunities, this crystal clear river is totally private, physically demanding and rewarding beyond compare. It offers three distinct walk and wade beats with large fish hiding in unimaginably small swift pockets.
At its core, Capitan Lodge is a warm, welcoming, understated working estancia that features three remodeled double occupancy rooms with private baths. Delicious meals are served in the main lodge with a spectacular once a week asado served in their neighboring quincho. Share your hors d’oeuvres with the big trout beneath the spring creek’s footbridge, watch the gauchos ride in from their day’s work and enjoy fine regional wines and an open bar.
Second Half Week (4 night/3 day):
Day 1 (Monday): Arrive in Buenos Aires – Depart for Calafate – Overnight in Calafate
Day 2 (Tuesday): Ground transfer to Estancia Capitan Lodge (7 hour drive). Fish the rest of the day.
Day 3-5 (Wednesday-Friday): Three full fishing days
Day 6 (Saturday): Depart for Calafate in the morning – Departure for Buenos Aires and home,
OR get fly direct from Capitan to Jurassic Lake for 6 more full days of fishing!
2018-2019 Rates:
$6,100 per person for a 7 night/6 ½ day package
$3,100 per person for a 3 night/2 ½ day package
$3,700 per person for a 4 night/3 day package
Included: Accommodations and meals at the lodge, transfers to/from Calafate to the lodge, wine/beer/alcohol, fishing license, and guided fishing.
Not Included: International and domestic airfare, transfers/food/hotels in Buenos Aires and Calafate, fishing equipment, and staff and guide gratuities.
Species: Rainbow Trout
Season: November – April
Capacity: 6 anglers
Map: Lago Quiroga, Argentina
Time: The time in Argentina is four hours later than Pacific Standard Time (during U.S. winter months).
Media:
Video – Big Fish in Fast Water
Article – The Proven and the Promised
Article – Kooi Noom: Patagonia’s Trophy Trout Paradise Found?
Article – Rainbow Trout in Unexplored Patagonia