Fly-Fishing in Mendoza
Valle de Uco, San Rafael, Las Lenas, and Valle Hermoso

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We invite you to experience something new and adventurous -- fly-fishing in the Mendoza wine country, and in the remote streams of the Andes.

Mendoza City, Valle de Uco, and San Rafael - Rio Mendoza, Rio Tigre, Rio Atuel, and Andes foothill streams (Rainbow, Brown) Large to small streams with a variety of pocket water, long runs, and classic nymphing riffles. While nymphing produces the best results, there is good dry fly fishing with attractor and terrestrial patterns, and match the hatch fishing with mayflies and caddis. The Rio Mendoza is a year-round tailwater fishery within a thirty minute drive of the city. Small streams throughout Valle de Uco receive little pressure and we rarely see another angler. The Rio Tigre is a classic tailwater near San Rafael. While some local anglers fish here, it is full of lively rainbows and plenty of water to create a memorable experience. The Rio Atuel is a freestone stream between San Rafael and Las Lenas that is suited to floating and wading.

Las Lenas, Valle Hermoso, Malargue
(Rainbow, Brown) Day floats, day hikes, or multiple day horseback camp-out trips are available to fish a number of remote Andean streams. These trips begin from the Las Lenas Ski Resort, about an hour and a half drive from San Rafael. Most streams are loaded with stoneflies and big strong trout. It is common to catch two- to four-pound fish in rivers that snake beneath towering peaks. This is wilderness fishing at its best.


Sample Itinerary

Arrival Day
Greeting at the Mendoza airport. A leisurely drive to Valle de Uco, about an hour and a half. Check in at Postales del Plata Valle de Uco Lodge. Relax, have lunch, take a swim in the pool. This afternoon you can fish a local stream, go horseback riding, or visit one of the neighboring wineries---J&F Lurton or Salentein---for a tour and tasting. Relax back at the lodge, sample more Argentine wines and tapas, sumptuous dinner, overnight at the lodge.

Day 2
After breakfast, a drive south toward San Rafael. If you choose, this can be a full day of guided fly-fishing on the Rio Tigre, a beautiful tailwater surrounded by desert landscape with the Andes in the background. Lunch on the river. If you choose this option, this evening you will stay at the Tower Hotel Suites in San Rafael. Dinner in San Rafael at a wonderful local parrilla, overnight in San Rafael

Day 3
After breakfast, drive up to the Las Lenas Resort. On the way we will stop to fish local streams, including the Rio Atuel. Lunch on the river. Or, drive straight to Las Lenas and fish the streams of Valle Hermoso. Check-in at Las Lenas Resort, comfortable condominium accommodations. Dinner and overnight at Las Lenas.

Day 4
After breakfast, a full day float or walk-in guided fishing trip in Valle Hermoso. There are a number of rivers and streams to fish in this dramatically beautiful wilderness region. Lunch on the stream. Dinner and overnight at Las Lenas.

Options
You can choose to spend more time in the wine country around Lujan de Cuyo, Valle de Uco, or San Rafael. You can choose to go directly to San Rafael or Las Lenas for day trip fishing or to experience a three- to -four day horseback pack trips deep into Valle Hermoso or Valle Tordillo. Pack trips begin with a first night's stay at Las Lenas Resort. The next morning you drive to the valley, about thirty minutes, then you ride horseback for several hours. After a barbecue lunch you begin your fishing. Our staff will set up the camp and have everything ready for evening cocktails, vino, and tapas when you arrive, followed by a gaucho steak cook-out. You can sleep in a comfortable tent or out under the stars. Most trips include two nights camping, followed by a final night at Las Lenas Resort, but trip lengths are customized to your needs.

Departure Day
After breakfast, you'll be driven to the San Rafael Airport or to the Mendoza Airport for your flight home or to your next destination. This would also be another perfect opportunity to extend your stay with a wine country experience.



Season
**Valle de Uco, Rio Tigre, Rio Atuel, and Andes foothill streams - October through mid-May. Valle Hermoso streams - late December through early April. Rio Mendoza - all year.

Itineraries
Three- to six-day packages are offered into the spectacular Valle Hermoso. Most trips to Valle Hermoso include a first and last night at the Las Lenas Resort, however, all trips will be tailored for each group. The ideal itinerary is a seven- to eight-day excursion that combines fly-fishing with a Mendoza wine country experience.

2005-2006 Las Lenas/Package Rates
$2,250 per person double all-inclusive. (6 guests maximum)
5 days including arrival and departure days -- 4 nights/3 days fishing with two nights at Las Lenas Resort, two nights horseback access camping in Valle Hermoso or Valle Tordillo. Packages can be customized for shorter or longer excursions.

2005-2006 Guided Day Trip Rates
$400 for two anglers. Includes transportation, fly-fishing equipment, and lunch. Full day guided trips, with wading or floating options, are available out of Mendoza City, Valle de Uco, San Rafael, and Las Lenas.
Package Rates Include
Airport or hotel greeting in Mendoza or San Rafael, all ground transfers, hotel, lodge or camp-out accommodations, meals, beverages, vino, guided fishing, extra flies.

Not Included
Fishing license, staff gratuity, air travel, hard liquor.