Wuijoor Lodge
The Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego has become the number one river for anglers across the world searching for the enigmatic sea run brown trout. In the “land of fire” the river boasts numerous world records and to this day, has one of the healthiest runs of anadromous fish in the world But did you know, that this river has a tributary that has the same large fish with just as healthy run – the Rio Menendez?
Location
Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Fish
Sea Trout
Season
December- April
Information
Welcome to Wuijoor Lodge, the only lodge on the Rio Menendez – a river perfect for those that like to fight big fish with a single-handed rod.
In the northwest of Tierra del Fuego province, about 60 km southwest of the city of Río Grande, lies Wuijoor Lodge, located within the grounds of Estancia Laura. The lodge was founded in 2023, using a remodelled farmhouse built in the 1930s. It is a privileged location, immersed in Argentina’s southernmost Patagonia, surrounded by gentle hills planted with native Ñire and lenga trees, mountains, and valleys created by the course of the Menéndez and Ona Rivers.
ACCOMODATION
The lodge opened in 2024 for fishing. It was originally a farmhouse built in the 1930s and then was refurbished in 2022 -2023 in preparation of opening as a fishing lodge in 2024. Wuijoor means “light” in the native Selk’nam language — and this light shines through in its hospitality and unforgettable fishing.
Wuijoor Lodge has a maximum capacity of six anglers in three double rooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, and an excellent view of the surrounding valley.with maid and laundry service. It offers amenities such as a sauna and a drying room for wet gear. Guests will also find a fully equipped fly shop with all the essential items suchs as flies, tippets and leaders. There is also the possibility to hire rods on request. If you should lack anything, the lodge will do its utmost to attain it
Breakfast is served at 06.30 allowing the guests time to enjoy a continental or American style breakfast to start your day. Lunch is served in the dining room at 13.00 whilst dinner is served once back after the evening session at 23.00 – depending on when last light is.
After an enjoyable day on the river, the chef creates abundant and delicious dishes, combining products from the province’s extensive coast and from the Argentine countryside and vegetables from the lodge’s garden. The famous Argentinian asado will also be held on one of the days. A 3-course meal will also be served in the evenings with fully stocked bar where you will have the chance to share a tail or two over a drink. The lodge manager takes great pride in ensuring that your stay is a memorable one and little is left to the details, with trips taken to Mendoza – the wine capital of Argentina – each year to find the perfect wines to pair with the seafood and meats that you will try during your stay. There is no shortage of good after-dinner whiskeys so you can relax in good company and enjoy the stories shared at the end of the day.
Non-Angling Activities
This is a fishing-focused destination with very few non-angling options.
Internet / Communications
The lodge has Wi-Fi via Starlink available for guests.
FISHING
The fishing schedule, of approximately 9 hours; is split in to two sessions – a morning session and an evening session. The morning session typically starts around 07.00 and you will fish until around 12.30 where lunch will be served back at the lodge. The guides will also have snacks with them prepared by the chef, to enjoy whilst having a break. After lunch, you may enjoy a siesta and prepare for the evening session which will typically start around 16.30 and fish until dusk.. The shortest drive is 5 minutes, whilst the longest drive from the lodge is 50 minutes to the pools, taken on well-kept dirt roads. As sea trout migrate and new runs enter the system, you will find that the guides will drive to chase the runs so you will never be in one spot giving you optimal chances for action.
The remote environment where we fish consists primarily of the Menéndez River and a few treeless steppe streams. This river is home to a large population of brown and rainbow trout up to 2 kg, and the famous Sea Run Brown Trout up to 12 kg. The river water is naturally clear, with a greenish hue. Fishing is very technical, as the river has very short, deep pools where the trout seek to rest without expending energy. This generally requires us to use short, sinking lines to present our flies where the fish are.
With 6 rods and 3 guides; you will typically rotate your guide each day. This leads to fishing a wide range of different techniques that may not only help you land that dream fish on this trip; but also open possibilities when fishing your local waters.
Being from the area, your guides know the waters extremely well. All well versed with different tips and tricks to guide you through the week – where in one pool you may be nymphing and in the next pool, it could easily be a dry fly. They will be equipped with nets and will assist guests with weighing and releasing their catches.
The Rio Menendez is a narrow river – a single handed rod in the 9-9’6” 8wt range with a floating line and sink tips should suffice for most fishing and complemented with a switch rod you will cover all techniques and types of fishing. Even though the winds on Tierra del Fuego can be very strong, the casts are typically short and having so many pools to fish; it means that even on the windiest of the days the guides can place you in pools where the wind is not straight in your face. If wanting to have a day on the Rio Grande, then we would recommend a 12-13’ double handed rod to cover this water.
TRAVEL
Guests fly into Buenos Aires International Airport, and we highly recommend at least one overnight stay in the city, giving yourself time to relax after a long flight and acclimatise to the fabulous country. Commercial airlines typically fly out from the domestic airport in Buenos Aires to the airport of Río Grande in Tierra del Fuego in about 3 hours. From there, the lodge will collect you and transfer you to the lodge. It is a 50-minute transfer. Alternatively, one can fly into the larger airport and city of Ushuaia. From there it is a 3-hour journey. Transfers to/from Rio Grande airport are included for in the standard rates.
When is the best time to visit?
The sea trout season starts in late December as the Sea Trout begin to enter the river in small numbers. Late February to mid April are considered the prime months. The season at Wuijoor Lodge finishes in the middle of April, but fresh runs will continue even at the end of April
Typical Length of Stay
The typical length of stay at Wuijoor Lodge is seven (7) nights with six (6) days of fishing.
Typical Itinerary
Thursday: Depart home
Friday: Arrive Buenos Aires and overnight
Saturday: Fly from Buenos Aires to Rio Grande and transfer to the lodge
Sunday – Friday: Six full days of guided fishing on the Rio Grande
Saturday: Depart the lodge. Fly from Rio Grande to Buenos Aires
Sunday: Arrive home
Documents Required
Valid passport. Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and other Western European nations do not need a visa for tourist trips of up to ninety days.
Travel Insurance
Prior to booking, please ensure that your travel insurance covers for travelling to remote areas and for the type of activities you are planning. We highly recommend also considering a Global Rescue Membership
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
We have worked hard to be able to provide you with the best prices possible. If you are quoted a lower price we will endeavour to beat it.
