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The world famous Rio Grande river is located in the Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego and has been internationally acclaimed for the quality and size of its sea trout for almost a century. The existence of these very large, strong and combative sea trout is a result of the efforts of pioneering Tierra del Fuego settlers John Goodall and José Menendez. Back in 1935 they received 100,000 Salmo Trutta eggs which had been packed in milk cans, water and moss, and sent from a seaport in Chile following a trip from Europe. Despite the difficult journey 60,000 eggs survived and were carefully stocked into two tiny tributaries of the Rio Grande River. During the following years the Rio Grande became well known for its numerous runs of vigorous, strong and feistful sea trout.

Since the early '80s when the first fishing lodges were established and catch and release policies implemented, the Rio Grande has become the most productive sea-run trout fishery in the world. However, trout numbers fluctuate with conditions at sea, tides, water levels, and a host of other natural factors. The Rio Grande, as its name in Spanish indicates, is a very large river, which at times can have very high levels of water flowing at high speeds. Due to this fact and the prevailing strong winds the use of 8 or 9 weight rods and lines is recommended. Two-handed rods are frequently used.

We are pleased to offer you the opportunity to fish privileged private and semi privately owned premium river frontage on the internationally acclaimed Grande and Menendez rivers, while you enjoy the comforts of Aurelia Lodge and the warm hospitality of its staff.  

The proprietor of Aurelia Lodge owns 15,000 hectares (about 38,000 acres) of sheep farming land of which 10 miles front on the Río Grande and has been duly licensed by the Tierra del Fuego Government to operate as a fishing lodge. By law the number of fishing lodges authorized to operate on the Río Grande has been limited to those now licensed and as a consequence of this legislation Aurelia Lodge has exclusive fishing rights to both banks of the river fronting on their property. Their stretch of the river offers many pools with a variety of runs that will challenge most fly fishermen. In addition Aurelia Lodge owns 15 miles of river front on both banks of the Río Grande’s principal tributary, the Río Menendez which is also home to comparably fine fish and similar opportunities of catches. Each year Aurelia Lodge’s sections of both these rivers produce many fish in the 6 to 30 pound range.

Aurelia Lodge can comfortably host 12 guests in 5 double-rooms, one of which is a very large suite and is ideal for families of up to 4 people. The lodge was totally renovated in 2005 and guests will enjoy spacious rooms, warm and welcoming reception areas, a homely dining room with a great view, an indoor barbecue area (quincho) with bar, lounge with a pool table and a fly-tying area.
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There are also recreational options for non fishing guests such as local wildlife sightseeing, including visits to beaver lodges and dam sites, and photographic safaris. There are also horses for riding and complimentary use of bicycles.
 
The fishing season begins on November 1st and the lodge is open and operative from January 1st through the middle of April of each year. Reservations for parties of six fishermen during the period December 1st through standard opening date can be arranged upon request at special rates. Likewise we are willing to consider reservations of the entire lodge on an exclusive basis on a case by case evaluation.

2008-2009 Season Rates: