Exploring Patagonia Through the El Encuentro Experience: Patagonia’s hidden waters, family hospitality, and unforgettable adventure
When you think of Patagonia, you might imagine towering peaks, wind-swept valleys, and endless skies. But for those of us who’ve walked its banks and cast into its waters, Patagonia is much more than a postcard—it’s a feeling. And at El Encuentro Fly Fishing, that feeling becomes a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
A Vast Playground for Anglers
Our programs allow you to fish more than 50% of the entire province of Chubut, thanks to the strategic location of our three fishing lodges: El Encuentro Lodge, Brook Trout Base Camp, and Valle del Carrileufu Lodge. With this combination, we offer access to an extraordinary variety of water types—spring creeks, freestone rivers, remote lakes, and mountain-fed streams.
Each destination brings its own charm and challenge, allowing anglers to practice a wide range of techniques—from dry fly fishing and nymphing to streamer fishing and sight casting. And whether you're a seasoned fly fisher or just getting started, you'll find inspiration in the diversity and quality of the fishing.
Exclusive Waters Few Others Reach
One of the aspects that sets El Encuentro apart is our close-knit relationships with local landowners, which give us access to private waters that are virtually untouched. While many operations in Patagonia rely on public access points, we take our guests off the beaten path—to places where you're far more likely to find rising trout than other anglers.
Guides Who Know Every Stone
Our team of acknowledged local guides are more than just skilled professionals—they’re storytellers, naturalists, and lifelong fly fishing devotees who know these rivers like their own backyard (because, in many cases, they are). Their knowledge goes beyond the technical: they understand the rhythms of the seasons, the behavior of fish in each environment, and how to make every guest feel confident and cared for on the water.
But what truly makes them special is their warmth. Many guests arrive as clients and leave as friends. This genuine human connection is at the heart of everything we do.
A Taste of Patagonia
At the lodges, we go all-in on authentic Patagonian hospitality. Days begin with hearty, home-baked breakfasts and end with lovingly prepared dinners featuring fresh local ingredients, regional wines, and the kind of warm conversation that makes you feel at home. Before dinner, we gather for drinks and traditional "picadas"—delicious spreads of local cheeses, cured meats, and often fresh empanadas, straight from the oven. Some evenings, you'll enjoy a true Argentine asado, grilled over open flames and served with all the classic accompaniments.
Lunches are often enjoyed streamside, surrounded by nature, with a delicious spread that might include gourmet salads, homemade sandwiches, warm dishes, and thoughtful touches that feel delightfully indulgent in the middle of the wilderness. And if you’d like, we’ll happily pour you a glass of Argentine red wine, a cold beer, whisky, or a soft drink—followed, of course, by a good cup of coffee.
More than fishing: Patagonia Outdoors Adventure program
We believe Patagonia’s magic should be accessible to everyone—not just anglers. That’s why we created Patagonia Outdoors Adventure, a thoughtfully designed experience for those who don’t fish but still want to explore the breathtaking beauty of this region. While others cast lines, non-angling guests can enjoy scenic horseback rides through the valleys, guided birdwatching outings, nature walks in Los Alerces National Park, and cultural visits to nearby towns and local artisans. Whether it’s hiking to waterfalls, sipping mate by the fire, or simply soaking in the tranquility of the landscape, there’s always something enriching to do. Every moment is crafted with care, so that every guest—fisher or not—feels part of the adventure.
Three Seasons, Three Faces of Patagonia—for Every Kind of Angler
Whether you love throwing big streamers, stalking risers with dries, or chasing solitude and golden light, there's a perfect time of year for you in Patagonia. Best of all, your itinerary is 100% customized and flexible—designed around your fishing style, preferences, and travel dates.
Each part of the season brings something special:
Spring (November & December): Explosive hatches, aggressive takes, and crystal-clear waters. Spring in Patagonia is pure energy. After a long winter and a wet fall, rivers run high and clean, and the fish are eager—sometimes ravenous—for a meal. Big trout leave their hiding spots in search of protein, making streamer fishing thrilling and productive. As the season unfolds, dragonfly hatches fill the air over lakes and lagoons, and surface takes become explosive. Clear skies, incredible scenery, and exceptional water conditions define this time of year—perfect for anglers chasing both numbers and personal records.
Summer (January & February): Warm days, dry fly paradise, and classic Patagonian beauty. With the arrival of summer, hatches shift from dragonflies to a mix of mayflies, caddis, and terrestrials. Trout rise selectively and consistently, making it a prime time for dry fly enthusiasts. The excellent snowpack from winter ensures steady flows and ideal water temperatures, keeping the fish active and healthy throughout the season. Whether floating or walk-wading, anglers enjoy a huge diversity of waters. In many of our more remote areas, fish actively hunt large meals, and anglers can tempt them with the boldest, most glamorous flies in their boxes.
Fall (March & April): Golden colors, big browns on the move, and peaceful solitude. Fall comes quickly in Patagonia, bringing a dramatic shift in both scenery and fishing. Cool rains and the first snowfalls enhance water levels and drop temperatures, triggering an aggressive feeding response—especially in lakes and major rivers. Streamer fishing becomes red-hot, while smaller creeks remain productive for topwater bites, thanks to the late season’s buzzing terrestrials. Changing weather patterns bring ideal conditions for trout spey techniques, and private waters come to life with aggressive fish and unforgettable moments. The crisp air, brilliant colors, and quiet beauty of fall create the perfect setting for a truly soulful fly fishing experience.
Join Our Family
El Encuentro is a family-run operation that began over 40 years ago on the banks of the Río Futaleufú. Today, we carry forward that same spirit of adventure and warmth, sharing it with guests from around the world.
Whether you come with friends, family, a partner—or even on your own—you’ll be welcomed like part of our extended family. This is more than just a fishing trip. It’s a celebration of nature, connection, and the joy of discovery.
Once in your life, you owe it to yourself to experience something like this. And when you do, we’d love to be the ones to share it with you.