Kau Tapen (which means “house of fishing” in the Ona language) is the original fishing lodge in Tierra del Fuego and still the standard of elegance by which other lodges are measured. It has revolutionised the way in which the fishing world views big sea trout and, more than any other, this lodge has made the Rio Grande a household name for fly anglers the world over. Impeccable accommodation, huge sea trout and experienced guides have given this world renowned lodge its well deserved reputation.

With fish topping 20lb caught just about every week, the Kau Tapen water on the Rio Grande is arguably the most hallowed sea trout water in the world. Narrower than the lower stretches at Villa Maria, anglers fish with either light double handers or single-handed rods. The Rio Grande lends itself to a wide variety of techniques, and the fish may demand a large fly on the bottom one hour and rise to a small nymph or surface fly the next. Expert guides, shared between two anglers, will always be on hand to advise on tactics and techniques to suit the different conditions, and to transport the anglers between pools in four wheel drive trucks. The morning session is usually from 9am to 1pm, followed by lunch back at the lodge and a siesta. Fishing commences again around 4pm with beats being rotated. The sport continues through until dusk when the winds usually drop and the fish activity increases. You will then return to the lodge to sample some of Argentina’s highly regarded wine and to swap stories of battles with giant sea trout over your evening meal.

The original Rio Grande fishing lodge, Kau Tapen is regarded as one of the finest fishing lodges in the world with capacity for 12 rods, accommodated in nine en-suite bedrooms. The quality of the food and levels of service are exceptional. The talented chefs will aim to impress with Argentina’s famed beef and fine wines, traditional Asados (barbecues) and delicious desserts. The facilities at the lodge include a masseur, sauna and steam room, fly tying room, tackle shop, satellite telephone and internet access.