Villa Maria Lodge

Sea run brown trout on the exclusive Lower Rio Grande-Tierra del Fuego

This 6-guest lodge on the lower reaches of the Rio Grande is often sold out annually and for years to come. Frontiers, however, has weeks designated exclusively for our clients. Situated on the Estancia Jose Menendez where the river broadens and pools become long slicks of “trouty” holding water, Villa Maria offers the first shot at fish entering the system fresh from the sea.

Fishing

You will encounter nickel-bright sea-runs on strictly controlled estancia water. This lower stretch appeals to confident casters, and those familiar with two-handed rods do well. Sea-run brown trout fishing is about covering water and reaching the far bank, so come prepared.

Accommodation

Villa Maria Lodge offers six bedrooms and bathrooms for just six guests weekly in a small, intimate venue. Each day, you relish traditional Argentine waterfront meals and siesta at the River House perched high on a bluff affording a stunning view of the fabled Rio Grande.

Gear

8-9 Wt two-handed rods, Skagit Versi-tip lines and various “mow tips” are often favored. Single-handers favor 10-ft. 8 wt. rods and reels spooled with weight forward floating or sink-tip lines for various conditions. A full tackle list is provided upon booking with Frontiers.

Ask The Expert

Roddy Hall

Tarquin Millington-Drake

Ben Hoffman

Hank Ingram

Trip Specifics

The season runs late December 2023 - end March, 2024. Includes an opportunity for an overnight and Dorado Fishing at Delta Lodge – based on availability. Transfer and single supplements apply. We strongly encourage anglers to book international and particularly internal flights in Argentina with Frontiers. A one-way Ushuaia transfer may apply.
Inquire about preferred dove shooting rates at Cordoba Lodge in conjunction with a sea-run booking exclusively through Frontiers. Weather varies rapidly in Tierra del Fuego; layering is a must and prepare for fluctuations weekly

Rates

Rates and inclusions vary weekly from $11,950-$13,950 per angler on a Friday-Friday rotation. Please contact Frontiers for limited space availability and specific week costs/details.

Rio Grande fishing licenses: $550 per week/angler.

Ask The Expert

Roddy Hall

Senior Travel Advisor

Tarquin Millington-Drake

UK Managing Director

Ben Hoffman

Senior Program Manager

Specializes in South America, Mexico, and Iceland fishing programs.

Hank Ingram

Director of Sporting Travel

Sr. company manager overseeing and participating in management and sales across the Frontiers sporting travel world

News

It is time to think about the Rio Grande 2025 season!

As we reluctantly say goodbye to the summer and the salmon fishing season, in this part of the world many of us start thinking about sea-trout in Argentina. The Rio Grande is a stunning river in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, with a run of sea-trout ranging in size from 3lbs up to 20lbs plus. The average size is probably 9-10lbs. For many people a trip to fish for these hard-fighting and aggressive fish is an annual event when the double handed ...

Tierra del Fuego mid-season report

The sea-trout season at the bottom of Argentina runs from the very end of December to early April, but most of our clients travel from mid-January to late March. Writing this in early February we are well into the season and our clients are returning with tales of fishing landed and fish lost. Here is a brief summary of how the season has been so far. We still also have availability in March for any of you thinking of a last-minute trip.
Read more

Villa Marie - Week 2: Jan 6th to 12th, 2024

At Villa María Lodge in Tierra del Fuego, the second week unfolded with welcoming winds. They were strong but remained at a manageable level, never exceeding 70 km/h. The river continued to recede, and the water remained exceptionally clear. A group of five anglers embraced the challenge, and everyone reeled in trophy fish weighing a solid 16 lbs ...

Gallery