ALUMINE RIVER LODGE - Kienes' Premiere Destination
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Destination Overview
Aluminé River Lodge sits along the banks of the Aluminé River, a rich and beautiful Patagonian mountain river that is the headwaters of the Rio Collon Cura. It is in the Junin de los Andes region of Patagonia, Argentina, not far from the mountain village of San Martin de los Andes
Located 7 kilometers downstream from the Pilolil Bridge (close to the small town of Pilolil), this secluded stretch of the Aluminé is very difficult to access. It is a classic riffle-run-pool river with classic willow-lined banks, fished both by floating in drift boats, catarafts and by wading. The river is filled with powerful rainbows and browns that can be fished for with dries, nymphs and streamers.
GPS Coordinates: (39°39’44.32″S) (70°55’49.29″W)
Aluminé River Lodge is the brainchild of Jorge Trucco, a living legend and one of the most respected names in Argentine fly fishing. Jorge has assembled a talented, seasoned crew of professional guides, lodge staff and chefs that are committed to offering a world-class experience.
The lodge provides an intimate living room with a fireplace and large windows providing incredible views of the surrounding environment.
We offer 4 rooms with private bath each to accommodate up to 8 anglers based on double occupancy.
A full deck overlooking the upper Alumine River and the Andes mountain range for relaxing after an active day enjoying nature.
You will be delighted by our gourmet Patagonia fusion cuisine all served with a distinguished selection of fine wines from Mendoza region.
At a Glance
Target Fish: Rainbow and Brown Trout
Location: Neuquén Province, Argentina
Seasons: November 1 to End of April
Lodge Capacity: 8 guests
Fishing Program Operator: Jorge Trucco's Patagonia Outfitters.
Nearest Airport: San Martin de los Andes, (Bariloche is a good second choice)
Electricity: 220 volts. It is recommended that you purchase an adapter (or converter, if needed for your device) prior to your arrival
Documents Needed: Passport (no visa needed for travelers from USA and most western European countries. Also, the reciprocity fee is no longer required.)
Fishing Program
Two anglers fish together with a professional guide to give every angler the finest experience possible. Each guide has all of the finest equipment necessary to make your fly fishing experience ideal including: trucks, hard RO Skiffs, driftboats or catarafts, flies, lines, leaders and tippet. For anyone needing them, the lodge will also provide rods and reels, and/or waders and wading shoes.
Fishing programs normally starts with an 8:30 to 9:30 am departure time after a hearty breakfast and a meeting with your guide. The lodge is centrally located and the different floats we fish are normally within a 15 - 45 minute drive. Most days end around 6:00 to 7:00 pm, at which time you are driven (or floated) back to the lodge for a hot shower, cocktails, and a magnificent dinner complimented by a great bottle of Argentine wine served by the lodge host.
The Aluminé River starts in Lake Aluminé and flows through canyons and valleys that will remind you of the lower section of the Snake River below Wilson, Wyoming. Surrounded by prolific willow-lined banks and cedar trees, the Aluminé looks and fishes like a giant Malleo River.
As it makes its way south, the Aluminé collects water from the Quillén and the Malleo rivers. The Aluminé is known for its exciting dry-fly fishing under the thousands of overhanging willow trees. These willow-lined banks provide shelter and food for healthy populations of brown and rainbow trout. It’s a beautiful and scenic river where each bend provides a panoramic view of ancient canyon walls, distant mountains and the next fish-filled run.
During January and February the willow trees are infested with green inchworms - locally called ‘gusano worms’ - that fall from the trees into the river. The trout key on the worms and the fishing during this time is both challenging and exciting!
From the Aluminé River Lodge, anglers have access to four productive stretches of the Aluminé River, as well as its tributaries (Malleo, Quillén, Malalco, Pulmarí) and other off-the-beaten-path rivers such as the Litrán, Relén and Calfiquitra. The sheer variety of water to fish is unparalleled at Aluminé River Lodge, and daily drives to the days’ fishing are short and scenic. The toughest decision you have to make each day is where to go…
The lodge can launch RO Skiffs driftboats or rafts 3 kilometers below the lodge (at Condor Rock) and float all the way down to an Indian Reservation called Mamá Margarita in one day (without having to camp out), where they take out. This is the most sought after stretch of river, and they can do it in a one day float; no other lodge or outfitter in the area can do this.
The lodge can also float downstream to the Condor Rock (this is a short float) or they can drive up near the Pilolil Bridge and float down to the Condor Rock (which makes for a longer float), or to the lodge which is 3 kilometers above the Condor Rock. These floats are from the Pilolil downstream, and are very productive floats.
The rest of the 4 – 5 beats the lodge floats are upstream from the lodge, from the Pilolil Bridge, and downstream from the confluence of the Aluminé and the Quillén.
Best Fly Fishing Seasons:
November to April
Accommodations
Our lodge provides an intimate living room with a fireplace and large windows providing incredible views of the surrounding environment.
We offer 4 rooms with private bath each to accommodate up to 8 anglers based on double occupancy.
A full deck overlooking the upper Aluminé River and the Andes mountain range for relaxing after an active day enjoying nature.
You will be delighted by our gourmet Patagonia fusion cuisine all served with a distinguished selection of fine wines from Mendoza region.
Lodge Amenities
LAUNDRY SERVICE: Available, with additional cost
TRANSFERS: To and from the lodge are available with additional cost.
WI-FI: internet connection available throughout the lodge as well as at the outdoor seating areas.
Getting There
Traveling to Argentina is relatively simple and painless. There are a wide choice of convenient, daily flights from Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Miami, and New York. Most flights are direct, departing the States in the afternoon or early evening and arriving early the next morning.
Almost all the international flights into Argentina arrive at the Ministro Pistarini Ezeiza (EZE) International Airport of Buenos Aires, 35 km from the Federal Capital. First you will clear Immigrations (Passport Control) then you will retrieve your luggage, and clear Customs.
Buenos Aires has two airports, an international and a domestic. You will arrive from your country of origin at Ezezia (EZE) and depart to San Martin de los Andes or Bariloche from the domestic airport, Aeroparque (AEP). It is necessary to transfer by ground from the international airport to the domestic airport for your flight to Patagonia. Our agents can set up your transfers. Depending on the time your international flight lands, you might be able to travel directly to Patagonia on the same day. Or you can opt to spend a night or two in Buenos Aires, the Paris of South America, and relax and enjoy the city.
Arrival Day: Flying to San Martin de los Andes (CPC), (or Bariloche, BRC, as a secondary choice) and transferring to Aluminé River Lodge
When you arrive at either the San Martin de los Andes or Bariloche Airports a representative of Aluminé River Lodge will meet your flight, assist you with luggage and provide auto transfer to the lodge where you’ll begin your trip. The drive from San Martin de los Andes to the lodge takes about an hour and a half, and from Bariloche, approximately 3 hours.
When you arrive at the lodge, your luggage will be taken to your room and you will have a chance to get un-packed, settle in and organize your fishing gear. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served at approximately 7:00 p.m., and dinner at around 9:00 p.m.
During cocktail hour the lodge manager and/or head guide will provide a comprehensive orientation on the days ahead and answer any questions you might have.
Departure Day: Anglers will be transported to their departure airport – either Chapelco Airport outside of San Martin de los Andes (CPC), or the airport at Bariloche (BRC) - to connect back to Buenos Aires to begin their journey homeward. Flights bound for the United States usually depart Buenos Aires late in the evening for an easy and comfortable connection home.
Rates:
$6510 pp dbl occ. 7 nights, 6 days fishing
Price includes:
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Accommodation on double occupancy in private suites.
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Gourmet meals (breakfast and dinner).
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Lunch during fishing days (outdoor picnic with wine, non-alcoholic beverages and beer)
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Beverages (top wines from the best areas in the Mendoza province, beer and non-alcoholic refreshments).
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Private Fishing guide (one per boat for 2 fishermen) and boat.
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Private in and out transfers from San Martin de los Andes airport to the lodge.
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Wi-Fi connection throughout the lodge as well as in the outdoor seating areas.
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Local taxes.
Shorter or longer stays are available @ $930/night for fishing pp
Though the lodge suggests guests bring their own waders and fly fishing gear, they have high-quality loaner gear available, on request.
Aluminé River Lodge can be easily combined with other Patagonia Outfitters destinations such as Limay River Lodge and Collon Cura Lodge, and others.