KAU TAPEN LODGE RÍO GRANDE, TIERRA DEL FUEGO
Argentina
Where It All Started – The World's First Sea-Run Brown Trout Lodge
Pioneering the Sea-Run Brown Trout Experience
Established in 1984, Kau Tapen Lodge was the first fishing lodge on the Río Grande, offering access to some of the best sea-run brown trout fishing in the world. Meaning "House of Fishing" in the Ona language, this lodge provides anglers with a home away from home while chasing trophy sea-run browns. With private access to over 22 km of the Río Grande and 20 km of the Río Menéndez, anglers enjoy exclusive beats with low angler density, ensuring a premier fishing experience. The average sea-run brown trout weighs 7 lbs, with fish exceeding 20-30 lbs caught every season. The varied fishing techniques – from swinging streamers and nymphing cut banks to skating bombers – provide exhilarating fishing opportunities for both single-handed and two-handed rod enthusiasts. Kau Tapen offers world-class accommodations, outstanding cuisine, and personalized service, ensuring that over 75% of guests return annually.
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Fish Species

Best Season: December – April Peak Trophy Fishing: January – March The Río Grande is the best trophy sea-run brown trout river in the world, producing five IGFA world records. Kau Tapen anglers experience daily opportunities at massive trout, with 20-pounders caught weekly.

Unrivalled Fishing Opportunities

  • Exclusive access to the best pools on the Río Grande & Menéndez Rivers
  • Only 2 anglers per beat, fishing new water daily
  • Consistent wind positioning for favorable casting
  • Highly experienced international & local guides rotating daily
  • Comfortable wading on a gravel-bottomed river
  • Trophy trout averaging 7 lbs, with monsters reaching 30 lbs

Adventurous Experiences Beyond Fishing

  • Spa with sauna, hot tub, and steam room
  • Wildlife viewing – condors, guanacos, foxes
  • Fly-tying sessions & tackle shop visits
  • Wine tasting & Argentine BBQ evenings

Accommodation

Lodge Details:

  • Capacity: 10–12 anglers (single or double occupancy)

Rooms:

  • 10 en-suite bedrooms (king, queen, or double beds)

Main Lodge Features:

  • Dining room, bar, & lounge with a fireplace
  • Fly-tying desk & wading gear storage rooms
  • Outdoor terraces with panoramic river views

Dining & Hospitality:

  • Argentine gourmet cuisine, featuring Patagonian specialties
  • Award-winning local wines & open bar
  • Signature dishes like Soupy Rice with Patagonian Prawns

Facilities:

  • Luxury spa with hot tub, sauna, and steam room
  • Laundry & daily maid service
  • WiFi, telephone, and comfortable relaxation areas

Travel Information

Location:

Kau Tapen Lodge, Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

Nearest Airport:

  • Río Grande Airport (RGA) – 30-minute transfer
  • Ushuaia Airport (USH) – 3-hour transfer

Transport to Lodge:

  • Commercial flights from Buenos Aires (AEP) to Río Grande (RGA)
  • Lodge representative meets guests upon arrival

Typical Travel Route:

    1. Fly into Buenos Aires (AEP)
    2. Take a domestic flight to Río Grande (RGA)
    3. Private transfer to Kau Tapen Lodge (30 minutes)
Fact File: KAU TAPEN LODGE RÍO GRANDE, TIERRA DEL FUEGO
Location
Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, along the Río Grande.
Type of Fishing
Fly Fishing (Swinging Streamers, Nymphing, Skating Bombers)
Best Season
December – April (Peak: January – March)
Sustainability
Catch-and-release only
Angler Capacity
10–12 anglers
Environment
Fast-flowing, gravel-bottomed river with easy wading. Varied conditions influenced by tides, wind, & water levels.
Licence Required
Yes
Additional Notes
WiFi and Communication: Satellite internet and phone service available at the lodge. Argentine Peso (ARS), but USD is widely accepted.
Nearest Airport/Transport Hub
Río Grande (RGA)
Accommodation
Capacity: 10-12 guests in en-suite single or double rooms. 7-night standard packages available
Dining
All meals included; Gourmet à la carte meals with fine wines
Other Activities
Wildlife viewing, spa relaxation, fly-tying sessions

Fishing Package Details

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KAU TAPEN LODGE RÍO GRANDE, TIERRA DEL FUEGO

Basic pricing

11,265
14,950

per person sharing amenities

Included in the package:

  • Luxury lodge accommodations
  • All meals & beverages (Open Bar)
  • Transfers from Río Grande Airport to the lodge
  • Professional guided fishing
  • Loaner fishing equipment (rods, reels & lines)

Excluded in the package:

  • Airfare to Argentina & domestic flights
  • Fishing licence ($595 per angler)
  • Gratuities for guides & staff
  • Personal expenses & in-house laundry services

Your specialised Itinerary

We offer a custom itinerary to offer you your perfect fishing adventure.
After booking we will adjust our base itinerary to your wishes.

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Daily fishing schedule
  • 8:00 am – Breakfast & gear preparation
  • 9:00 am – Depart for morning fishing session
  • 1:00 pm – Return to lodge for lunch & siesta
  • 4:00 pm – Afternoon/evening fishing session
  • Dusk – Return to lodge for cocktails & dinner

Conservation and Sustainability

Kau Tapen Lodge is dedicated to sustainable fishing practices that ensure the Río Grande remains the world’s premier destination for sea-run brown trout. The lodge enforces a catch-and-release-only policy and requires barbless hooks to enhance fish safety. Strict angler limits per beat help minimize stress on the fish, while ongoing conservation efforts are carried out in partnership with local Patagonia fisheries management to protect and preserve this exceptional river system.