Summary
The Río Grande deserves the reputation as one of the finest fishing locations in the world this is due to the spectacular sea trout and stunning Patagonian vistas.

The newest of the Río Grande lodges, Toonken caters to only six anglers on the middle and upper reaches of the Río Grande, where traditional gear and floating lines are the rule. Ideally sited on a south bluff over the Río Grande, broad windows allow anglers, a fine Argentine red wine in hand, to see sea trout roll and show as they make their way upriver. Modern conveniences assure comfort and fine staffs see to every detail. When not watching fish, drift a dry fly over sea run trout that average better than 12 pounds, or find the Southern Cross in a sea of stars each night.

Fishing
Toonken has an enviable reputation as having some of the most intimate stretches of the Rio Grande. Floating line fishing is the norm for most of the season and the lodge record stands at 30lbs. Single handed rods are often perfect for the more intimate upper reaches of the river where fishing a hitched fly and small flies can produce fantastic sport. The lodge also has access to the small tributary of the main river, the Menendez. This little river produced fantastic sport for our rods in the 2007 season, averaging fish between 5-17 lb, which on a small rod gave some of our seasoned clients their most memorable fishing.

The Lodge
With the Andes as a stunning backdrop this magnificent property accommodates 6 rods per week the lodge is ideal for a smaller group of friends or family. The lodge has four comfortable single guest bedrooms and 2 double bedrooms for two people each and private bathrooms.  There is a common living room with fire that is always burning, a new sauna and an outdoor hot tub. The amenities at the lodge included satellite phone and internet access.

Experience gourmet dining, with Argentina's famed beef and fine wines, traditional Asados (BBQ’s)  and delicious desserts

Equipment
Despite many anglers preconceptions the Rio Grande is not a huge river by UK and Scottish standards. Therefore a 13 or 14 ft double hander coupled with short headed multi tip line or shooting head set up is perfect. Many of our clients have also fished exclusively with single handed rods on the Villa Maria water with great success using a combination of floating and Teeny 200-300 lines.

General Information

Season
The season runs from November through to April

Time difference from GMT
- 4 hours

Electricity
The electricity is supplied to 220 voltage sockets and clients are advised to take travel adapters to comply with Argentinean plugs.

Currency
The official currency is the Argentine Peso, but the US dollor is widely used USD$.

Tips
Tipping is entirely at your discretion but, as a guideline, each satisfied rod generally gives approximately US$250 - US$300 per week to their guide. Many also choose to tip the lodge staff and this is generally from $75-$100. Therefore the total tips can be US$400.

Visa requirements for UK citizens
None

Medical Requirements
There are no required inoculations for travel to Argentina, though you are advised to check with your doctor prior to departure regarding any vaccinations that may be recommended. If you are taking prescription medicines please ensure that you bring enough for the duration of your stay.

Insects
They are no biting insects in Tierra del Fuego.

Getting there
Clients fly to Buenos Aires international airport and from there take the 3 hr flight to Rio Grande. You will be collected on arrival at the airport and transferred by four-wheel drive vehicle to the lodge, which takes approx 2hours.