Tipiliuke, Argentina
Tipiliuke is one of Patagonia’s oldest family owned ranches, situated in the Lake District of Patagonia in the Chimehuin river valley.
It offers some of the best fishing available in Patagonia with a lodge that can cater for every whim. As a taster of what Patagonia can offer, Tipiliuke is one of the very best.
Everything is arranged impeccably so that fly fishermen have an unforgettable stay including specialised guides, vehicles, outdoor lunches as well as trips to nearby rivers and lakes.
Fishing is over the Quilquihue and the Chimehuin rivers, casting to brown and rainbow trout rising in the shade of the criollan willow. Flowing from Lake Lolog, the Quilquihue is a stunning dry fly river providing excellent wading over its freestone bed. The Chimehuin has been likened to a spate river with a meandering course that creates deep holding pools, shallow riffles and pebbled beaches.
An exciting development has been that of a private spring creek which the owners have recently built. Not only will this offer 2.5 kms of absolutely private fishing, which can not always be guaranteed in Argentina, but it has been built with the fisherman firmly in mind and presents a range of exciting challenges.
The fish are not huge, they are not in any part of Patagonia, but their fighting ability belies their size and makes a mockery of the trout we can expect to catch in the UK. Backing is seen very often and it is very rare that you can make an accurate judgement on the size of the fish before it has come to hand.
Accommodation
Tipiliuke is one of Patagonia’s oldest family owned ranches, situated in the Lake District of Patagonia in the Chimehuin river valley. Located near to San Martin de los Andes it is easily accessible from Buenos Aires and fishermen can be fishing on the same day as they arrive in Argentina.
This huge working estancia of over 50,00 acres is owned by the Larminat family, descendants of French settlers to this northern region of Patagonia. This estancia pays tribute to their hard work in a big land with few people.
The lodge itself is a fine example of French architectural influence. The main house and chapel offer six spacious bedrooms, a living room and dining room with meals served outside in the shade of pine trees. Kevin and Mary Jo Tiemersma and their excellent staff have made this delightful lodge a home from home and fishermen return here year after year.
Tipiliuke Lodge is located in the centre of the estancia. It has nine bedrooms with private bathrooms, a living room, a dining room and all the necessary common spaces.
The lodge has a special garden within the park of the main Estancia. There are about 200 species of different trees from all over the world, acquired and planted during three generations of the family.
A wonderful destination for all visitors, Tipiliuke offers myriad choices from riding across the estancia with the gauchos to spotting red deer, wild boar, burrowing parrots, ibis and condors.
In addition there are visits to the Mapuche Indian market for traditional goods, as well as beautiful walks and picnics.
A Jack Nicklaus designed golf course is within 20 minutes of the main lodge and there are many experts in the area who can be booked to come to the lodge for specialist days, from traditional cooking to ornithology to a botanical exploration of the property.
