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The origins of the Villa Maria Lodge can be traced back to the pioneering days of Patagonian History. The "estancia" (ranch) on which the lodge is located, was carved out of the wilderness in the last decades of the nineteenth century by an ancestor of the family that stills owns it: José Menendez - a man who, having started out in life as a penniless Spanish immigrant to Argentina at the age of thirteen, came to be known, by the time he was fifty, as the "king of Patagonia". His "reign" had no political connotations. The term was coined by the local population as a tribute to the impact of his presence in the region, the scope of his interests and initiatives, and the sheer quality of his tireless entrepeneurial spirit. There is one aspect of his many achievements which is of particular interest to us for a very special reason.
The manager of José Menendez´s estancias, where Villa Maria is located was an Englishman: John Goodall. He was a remarkable man in many ways, and had all the qualities required for a position of responsibility in a pioneering enterprise which was far more demanding than mere farming. But there was another aspect of Goodall´s life to which we owe a debt of gratitude. He was a passionate angler, with a preference for trout, who worked (and lived) in an area of the planet where trout did not exist. Encouraged by Menendez, Goodall took the only logical step: he sailed to England and returned with an adequate supply of trout eggs. We like to think that by introducing the "catch and release" philosophy to Patagonia in 1984, and by continuing to promote it, Menendez´s great-grandsons, Jorge and Fernando de Las Carreras, are preserving the work of a man who, perhaps, died without being aware of the dimension of his legacy to anglers who come to Villa Maria from all over the world every year.
Accomodations
The lodge rests on the grounds of the Jose Menendez's Estancia, where the water and the sea trout are fresh. Here you will be able see the gulls and smell the salt. Typically big rods and big pools are used in fishing in the river. A 20-pound trout has plenty of room to run and fishing hours are allocated when the fishing is best.
The lodge is situated in one of Patagonia's biggest and oldest working estancias. It has four spacious, perfectly furnished bedrooms featuring a cozy dining and living area, as well as a bar, well stocked with local spirits. Our chef takes charge each evening, offering a selection of local and international cousine accompanied by the best Argentine wines.
A brand new cabin will be your home for lunch and a nice siesta before the afternoon session. The staff, composed of a gracious host, chef, maids, and professional guides will assist you during the week in all your needs. The house will accommodate only 6 anglers per week and is available on a limited basis, due to high demand by repeat parties.
Fishing
The lower Rio Grande is larger than the waters 40 to 50 miles upstream and anglers encounter nickel-bright sea-run browns in these pools. Access is strictly controlled by the ranch, so beats are assigned to our guests and the river is monitored to ensure that there is adequate water.
The Lower Rio Grande will appeal particularly to the confident casters, and those anglers familiar the two-handed rod. Like the water farther upriver, the lower Rio Grande is shallow and easy to wade, although it is deeper in places.
Fish - The big sea trouts respond well to a variety of techniques and fly presentations. Depending on the water conditions, sinking lines, floating lines, or even dry flies may be the order of the day.
Fishing the lower Rio Grande is usually an all-day affair; you'll leave the lodge each morning, spending the day in the water and in the lunch and comfortable nap trailers located by the river.
Fishing Tackle - Double handed rods (9-11 wts, 13 to 15 ft).
Flies - Small dry flies, nymphs, traditional salmon and sea run trout wet flies for the main river.
Lines - Floating, sink tip or heavy sink depending on water conditions.
For rate information, availability, and lodge specials
contact Rick at 713.254.9290
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