HOWENH LODGE
The Rio Grande has become synonymous with world record sea run brown trout and we are privileged to welcome you to one of the newest lodges on the river – Howenh Lodge.
Location
Rio Grande, Argentina
Fish
Sea trout
Season
Late December to April
Information
Proudly sitting in the middle section of the Rio Grande on what we believe are the prime waters of the entire river; Howenh Lodge has more than 20 kilometres of water to fish! The lodge itself started its life as Toon Ken in 2003 but due to government legislation, closed its doors 3 years later. Now, after many years of hard work and being granted authorisation from the government; the San Julio estate was able to bring back to life the lodge in 2023.
The lodge hosts only 6 anglers a week and with so much water to fish; an average weight around 9lb and fish caught over 25lb each year – this allows for some truly memorable fishing.
ACCOMODATION
Sitting proudly overlooking the Rio Grande; Howenh Lodge has a maximum capacity for six rods per week, all accommodated in en-suite single rooms with maid and laundry service. It offers amenities such as sauna, hot tub and a rod room for storing your rods and waders. Guests will also find a tackle shop with the most important flies, tippet material and clothing. If you should lack anything, the lodge will do its utmost to attain it.
The large living room with a grand fireplace, promotes a relaxing atmosphere where one can enjoy snacks and a drink after each session and tell tales of fishing with the other guests prior to another fantastic meal. Unlike the other lodges in the upper middle section of the river; it has fantastic views of the river and valleys from its terrace.
After an enjoyable day on the river, you will be served lunch at the lodge’s dining table, dining on gourmet food including the regionally representative meats such as the famous Argentinian beef, Patagonian lamb, and fresh seafood. 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 appetisers normally shared in the relaxing sitting room and at the fully stocked bar where you will have the chance to share a tale or two over a drink. Fine Argentinian wines are served at both lunch and dinner, carefully chosen to match the meals.
Non-Angling Activities and Options
This is a fishing-focused destination with very few non-angling options.
Internet / Communications
The lodge has Wi-Fi 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 just after breakfast and you will fish until around 13.00 where lunch will be served back at the lodge. After lunch, you may enjoy a siesta and prepare for the evening session which will typically start around 17.00 and fish until dusk. In the month of January this will normally be a little later to capitalise on the magical dusk fishing hours.
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.
The middle section of the Rio Grande contains, in our opinion, the best holding water where the sea trout will remain until spawning time; making Howenh Lodge, a prime destination. Along with very accessible pools, double bank fishing, extremely easy wading due to the fine gravel and slow flow of the river; fishing these waters gives every chance of hooking and landing that fish of a lifetime. The Rio Grande winds it way across the landscape, creating undercut banks where large sea trout love to lie to keep out of the strong sunlight.
Although the lodge shares its waters with its neighbouring lodges owned by different estancias, there is a common agreement in place which means that the pools are not by fished by another lodge over the same day or session. With over 20 kilometres of water and more than 40 pools; you really will struggle to find a better place.
Your experienced and caring guides know this river and these pools like the back of their hand and will have different tips and tricks to guide you expertly through the week – where in one pool you may be nymphing and in the next pool, one could easily be skating a fly. They will be equipped with nets and will assist guests with weighing and releasing their catches.
Contrary to its name – the Rio Grande, and in particular in the middle section, is not a wide river. A double handed rod in the 12 foot range should suffice for most fishing, complemented with a switch rod or a fast actioned single handed rod of 9’6” – 10” for those that might like to try some different techniques. Even though the wind can be ferocious on Tierra del Fuego, with gusts easily reaching over 100km/h, you will be reminded that the wind is your friend 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.
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 90-minute transfer. Alternatively, one can fly in to the larger airport and city of Ushuaia. From there it is a 3 ½ hour journey. Transfers to/from Rio Grande airport are included for in the standard rates.
When is the best time to visit?
The Rio Grande season starts in late December as the Sea Trout begin to enter the river in small numbers. Prime time for Howen Lodge is considered from mid-January to the end of March. The season at Howenh Lodge finishes in the middle of April, but is known for fresh runs to occur even come the end of April
Typical Length of Stay
The typical length of stay at Howenh Lodge Lodge is seven (7) nights with six (6) days of fishing.
Typical Itinerary
Wednesday: Depart home
Thursday: Arrive Buenos Aires and overnight
Friday: Fly from Buenos Aires to Rio Grande and transfer to the lodge
Saturday – Thursday: Six full days of guided fishing on the Rio Grande
Friday: Depart the lodge. Fly from Rio Grande to Buenos Aires and overnight stay.
Saturday: Depart for 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.
