Cameron Lodge
Cameron Lodge is relatively unknown to most anglers searching for sea trout – especially those going to Rio Grande on the Argentinian side. The lodge lies on the Chilean side of the river and with no other competing fishing lodges, it has 90km of river for only 6 rods!
Location
Fish
Sea Trout
Season
November- March
Information
Cameron Lodge is located near to the border between Chile and Argentina and sits within 100 meters from the Rio Grande.
Although the fishing is more famous on the Argentinian side of the Rio Grande – here the wildlife is more abundant and due to the nature of the landscape, you are more protected from the wind. The average weight of the fish is around 8-10lb and each year fish over 20lb are caught. With the option of also fishing in streams and lakes for resident brown trout, brookies, rainbows and also steelhead and king salmon in the Rio Grande, you won’t find the fishing boring! Just remember to take a breath and also enjoy the stunning nature and abundant wildlife.
Hosting only 6 anglers a week and with so much river at your disposal and the ability to fish at night – unlike in Argentina, coupled with the other types of fishing available, you have every chance of a truly memorable and unique fishing trip.
ACCOMODATION
Estanicia Caleta Josefinais one of the largest estancias in Chilean territory, owned and operated by a single family. Located in the south-central part of Tierra del Fuego, it covers an area of 100,000 hectares of land eastward to the Argentine border and westward at the Strait of Magellan. Currently, the estancia raises cattle and sheep as part of its livestock operation, thus maintaining a long-standing tradition of the place, as well as its special purpose as a tourism operation under the name of Estancia Cameron Lodge, which offers a unique experience on the famous Rio Grande and other smaller rivers, lakes and lagoons within the estancia itself.
Located southeast of the estancia on a hill with a beautiful view of the Darwin mountain range and just a few meters from the Rio Grande, the lodge has been recently renovated, offering everything a person could need after a long day on the river. The lodge is very comfortable and has seven rooms, all with private bathrooms, 220V electricity run on a generator, and a pleasant dining room with a large fireplace. The lodge can accommodate a maximum of eight anglers, but normally hosts 6.
Estancia Cameron lodge offers a very friendly and intimate environment from which to enjoy and experience Tierra Del Fuego. From the comfortable single in-suite rooms through to bank side lunches, hearty evening meals, and breakfasts that really fill you up for the day ahead. There’s never a dull day with the staff at the lodge, who really give the finishing touch to the whole experience.
Breakfast is typically served at around with lunch served around 14.00. Dinner depends on whether you would like to fish in the dark, but is typically served at 22.30. The daily menu includes typical Chilean dishes, fish and seafood like king crab, mussels and scallops, and traditional meats such as spit-roasted lamb and beef. Cocktails such as the typical pisco sour and excellent Chilean wines are available. The lodge has internet access and is open from November to April.
The staff and guides at the lodge are Chilean, many born and raised in the area with a wealth of information about the history, local area, and wildlife – all adding to the personalisation of fishing at Cameron Lodge.
Non-Angling Activities
Although this is a fishing-focused destination, the lodge is able to offer horse riding tours and sight-seeing trips for the non-angling options.
Internet / Communications
The lodge has Wi-Fi available for guests.
FISHING
The river has some migratory trout during the first days of November, but the main runs are from February until the end of the season in mid-April. The best months are considered mid-February, March, and April. During spring (October- December), the level is extremely high, averaging 30 meters in width, and then returns to its natural state by mid-summer. It is an excellent river for fly fishing, challenging and rewarding. This is due to the different techniques used and the finesse required at all times. Fishing is typically done using sinking or wet fly techniques most of the time. For best results, the double haul technique is necessary. Although the wind is far less of a factor here, than on the Argentinian side, two-handed rods in the 12-13 foot range with floating lines and interchangeable tips are best suited for the river. All our guides are extensively knowledgeable in Spey fishing techniques. On days when the wind can be challenging, we have the option of seeking sheltered spots. Resident brown trout with an average maximum weight of 2 kilos can also be caught. Within the area, it is possible to fish small ponds and lakes in the region with resident brown trout weighing up to 4 kilos. A 5wt rod with floating line makes for excellent sport when fishing for residents.
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 just after breakfast and you will fish until around approxaimately 13.30 where lunch will be served back at the lodge. After lunch, you may enjoy a siesta and prepare for the evening session with you leaving the lodge around 16.30 and fish until 22.00 or later if you wish. Having over 90km of water at your disposal, depending on where you fish the drive can be anything from 5 minutes up to just over one hour.
With the Rio Grande, lakes and spring creeks to fish, the angler truly is spoilt for choice and depending on the time of the year, you have the chance to catch sea trout, brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, king salmon and even steelhead! You get to call the shots, be it a morning session chasing rainbows, or an afternoon session hunting sea trout, the choices are yours to decide,
The bilingual fishing guides at have years of experience fishing in Tierra del Fuego and will prove invaluable to your success on this technical and captivating river. As the guides have been there for several years, they are well worth listening to and will have many tricks up their sleeve. Please do not hesitate to speak to them, should you want to try something new – be that either dry fly, skating or nymphing, they know it all. They will be equipped with nets and will assist guests with measuring and safely releasing their catches. are very too keen to keep you in the action during each sessions and are well rehearsed with the practice.
TRAVEL
Guests fly into Santiago de Chile International Airport, and although it is possible to continue your onward journey the same day, we highly recommend at least one overnight stay in the city, giving yourself time to relax after a long flight and acclimatise to the amazing country. The flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas is approximately 3 ½ hours. From there, the lodge will collect you and transfer you to the lodge. It is a 6-hour transfer. Transfers to/from Punta Arenas airport are included for in the standard rates. It is also possible to be transferred from/to Rio Grande or Ushuaia in Argentina for an additional cost.
When is the best time to visit?
The lodge opens in October with the season starting in late November as the sea trout begin to enter the river in small numbers with more fish entering throughout the months January, February and March. Prime time is considered from the middle of February and for the rest of the season. Earlier on in the season, king salmon make an exciting addition to the fishing.
Typical Length of Stay
The typical length of stay at Cameron Lodge is seven (7) nights with six (6) days of fishing, but shorter stays are possible, making a great addition if already fishing at one of the Argentinian lodges and looking for a few more days.
Typical Itinerary
Wednesday: Depart home
Thursday: Arrive Santiago and overnight
Friday: Fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas and transfer to the lodge
Saturday – Thursday: Six full days of guided fishing on the Rio Grande and other waters
Friday: Depart the lodge. Fly from Punta Arenas to Santiago and onwards
Saturday: 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.
