Villa Maria Lodge is located on one of Patagonia’s most historic working estancias in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Tierra del Fuego’s landscape is similar to Wyoming or the Scottish low country, brimming with sparsely populated wilderness, large sheep farming estancias, and herds of wild llama-like guanacos, red foxes, and condors. Villa Maria Lodge overlooks the Rio Grande River in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina—just a few miles above the tidal influence. The Rio Grande flows from the Andes to the Atlantic Ocean, through 70 kilometres (45 miles) of Argentine territory.

The first brown trout were stocked in Tierra del Fuego by John Goodall in 1935. Shipped from Puerto Montt in Chile, 60,000 salmo trutta eggs survived the arduous journey to be planted on the Candelaria and McLennan rivers, both tributaries of the Rio Grande. These fish eventually found their way to the sea, possibly attracted by the rich nourishment of the estuary.

These sea-run brown trout now complete the yearly migratory cycle of salmonids, spawning during the fall (late March, April and May) in freshwater. Salmo trutta trutta remain in the river for a period of time which ranges between one and four years until their first migration to the sea, where they will feed and grow for about six months before their first return to freshwater, weighing approximately three to six pounds. Researchers have found trout which had spawned more than six times. A trout which has completed four cycles of returning to freshwater can weigh over 20 pounds. The frequency with which they return to freshwater is also an indicator that the fish face very few threats. While also providing a very real example of the benefits of catch and release practices.

Anglers at Villa Maria get the first shot at newly arrived sea-trout. On Villa Maria's pools, you'll see seagulls whirl overhead and smell the estuary salt. Just above the tides, the fish arrive fresh, with fins clear and scales silver. You'll fish both banks. Big pools and double-handers are the norm. There are big fish here, 20 pounders jump and leap and tear up and down the huge pools. The lodge itself reminds many of the world's best salmon camps, warm, cozy, with cuisine and service at a very high level. Guides know the pools, the fish and the fishing; days are spent on the water, with classic 'huts' for midday breaks.

While migratory trout numbers fluctuate due to myriad influences, you can still find plenty of 20-pound trout at Villa Maria weekly throughout the season. During typical water conditions, expect a fish or two daily with six to eight fish days a regular occurrence.

The Villa Maria Lodge accommodates up to six guests with six ensuite double and single spacious and perfectly furnished bedrooms. Each features a cozy dining and living area, and a well-stocked bar with local wines, beer, and spirits. Villa Maria Lodge does not have a set schedule; therefore, rates for stays from four nights/three days up to seven nights/six days are available. Non-fishing rates are also available.

The number of nights lodging and days fishing specified in your package, all meals, all wine, beer and local spirits at the lodge, roundtrip transfers from Rio Grande Airport to the lodge.