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

Tarquin Millington-Drake

Tom Gilliland

Ben Hoffman

Hank Ingram

Trip Specifics

The season runs January 1 - April 2, 2021. 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 $5,950-$10,950 per angler on a Friday-Friday rotation. Please contact Frontiers for limited space availability and specific week costs/details.

Rio Grande fishing licenses: $450 per week/angler.

Ask The Expert

Tarquin Millington-Drake

UK Managing Director

Tom Gilliland

Senior Program Manager

Specializes in Alaska and Canada fishing, and South America fishing and big game programs.

Ben Hoffman

Senior Program Manager

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

Hank Ingram

Department Manager

Specializes in South America fishing and shooting departments. Plus, fishing in Mongolia and Canada.

News

2022 Rio Grande Seasaon space opportunities...

For the UK at least, sadly, Rio Grande is a bust for 2021. However, let's all hope that we are back up and running fully for 2022. We better be!

Here is some space for the 2022 season...

Villa María

7th – 14th Jan 2022 - 2 rods @ $ 10,950.00 + $ 495.00 Licenses + 1st night at Río @ ...

Villa Maria 2020 Season End Report

The 2020 Rio Grande season is officially over, and although cut a bit short, it was certainly a season to be remembered! We can say, with confidence, that this has been a very special season, especially when we compare this year’s river flows to the previous season.

December was a very wet month and this January was the wettest on record in the past 30 years. This doesn’t mean that the river was flooded over its ...

Argentina - Villa Maria Lodge - Fishing Report Week 9: February 28th to March 5th 2020

We started our 9th week of the season with pleasant weather, clear river conditions and winds coming out of the north and north-east depending on the day. In some pools, the winds made things a little tougher than usual. That did not matter to Ian and Stuart who, in their first session, landed 7 fish including a 21, 18 and 15-pound fish! A fantastic welcome for our Aussie friends who were joining us for the first time. Not to be outdone by ...

Argentina - Villa Maria Lodge - Fishing Report: Week 8: 21st to 27th February 2020

Week eight at Villa Maria Lodge is in the books with another group of old and new friends. Continuing the usual patterns of the 2020 season, this week started with tough conditions due to higher flows coming down from the upper reaches of the Rio Grande. Our anglers stayed motivated and kept at it, and we still landed good ...

Argentina - Villa Maria Lodge - Fishing Report: Week 7: February 14th to 20th 2020

At the midway point of our 12 week season, we were excited to welcome back Henrik, Jonni, Mark, and John along with a few new faces, Dan, Andrew, and Charlie. The first morning we rigged up small flies with long leaders and lighter tips, as the river was getting to its lowest and clearest we had seen all year. Once we got to the river, we encountered fairly heavy and consistent rain but the fish we active and ...

Gallery