Few angling destinations on earth compare with
the sea-run fishing on the Rio Grande.
Most fly fishermen rate the trophy sea-run
brown trout on this river the ultimate angling experience.
On any other river in the world, the average brown on the Rio
Grande would be considered the fish of lifetime. The best of the
season begins in January and extends through early April.
La Villa, at the entrance to the 275,000-acre
Estancia Maria Behety, was once regarded as among the most beautiful
ranch mansions in all of South America. Its guests brought
fame to the Rio Grande, and their stories and laughter filled
the villa until it was gutted by fire in the late 70's. After
painstaking restoration by local craftsmen and the addition of
every modern convenience, the Menendez Family Home is once again
welcoming angling guest.
La Villa de Estancia Maria Behety is the
most deluxe lodge on the Rio Grande. Guests share more
than 102 pools with Estancia Maria Behety Lodge and enjoy old
world charm in the beautifully restored, historic mansion. There
is no finer lodge in South America, and no lodge in Tierra del
Fuego that's more appropriate for non-angling companions. Amenities
include a 9,000 bottle wine cellar, private rooms, Jacuzzi tubs
and a very talented team of guides.
La Villa can accommodate a maximum of six anglers
each week of the short Tierra del Fuego summer and advance reservations
are a must.
Tierra del Fuego is more than 1,800 miles
south of Buenos Aires. Getting there from the states requires
at least one overnight en-route. It's a bit more trouble than
Alaska, but is definitely worth the extra effort.
Sea-run browns on the Rio Grande average
10 - 14 lbs, and experienced fly rodders usually hook about a
half dozen per day. Trophy fish in excess of 20 pounds
are not uncommon and about one in 50 is a monster pushing 30 pounds!
This is arguably the single most sought after fishing
experience of its kind on the planet.