More often than not the focus of fishing in Argentina is to travel south in search of sea trout, fishing on great rivers like the Rio Grande. What is less spoken of are the superb trout fishing opportunities here. This can be an excellent stand alone trip or the perfect add on to a week’s sea trout fishing (our recent blog covers some good examples). We are delighted to have added Estancia Chochoy Mallin (owned by the same operator as Jurassic Lake Lodge and Estancia Lugana Verde) to our stable of trout lodges in Patagonia. This gem is a wonderful option for both hardcore and relaxed anglers or couples or non-anglers looking for a true Patagonian escape.
A pre-season update from the ground gives a good account of what visitors can expect here:
To start with, there’s an extraordinary amount of private water. Until this season, much of it was only accessible by helicopter, which required complicated logistics and a very expensive cost. That has now changed with the opening of several miles of new access roads, with more in progress.
A snapshot of the waters now available:
• Ñireco Spring Creek – An absolute jewel, running more than 10km through the estancia before meeting the Reñi Leuvú. This creek alone would justify the trip.
• Trocomán River – A larger, versatile fishery perfect for both float and wade fishing.
• Reñi Leuvú River – Think of the Malleo, but without the crowds. The lodge offers extensive access: the river borders a dirt road and there are multiple new entry points to the estancia’s riverfront. Neighbour permissions offer an additional 20km. It’s arguably the best fishery in the region.
Beyond the estancia (all within an hour):
• Lileó River – A small, private-access brown and rainbow trout stream, known as a trophy producer (by northern Patagonia standards).
• Nahueve River – The biggest of them all, reminiscent of the Aluminé, and perfect for floating.
And the fishing is only part of the story. The lodge itself is stunning—built with impeccable taste, featuring beautiful décor, top-of-the-line furniture and materials, spacious rooms with en-suite bathrooms, central heating, and a fantastic bar that naturally becomes the gathering place after a day on the water.
The full experience is elevated with:
• Outstanding cuisine, built around grass-fed beef from the estancia, lamb, and goat from the estancia, plus fresh vegetables from the garden. The chef is an accomplished woman from the province of Chaco, very well known in Argentina for a fantastic culinary experience.
• Excellent wines from a selection of boutique Argentine producers. Lots of variety to try at every meal, wine tastings, etc.
• A warm, family-run atmosphere that feels authentic and welcoming, a concept tried and tested at Jurassic lake Lodge and Estancia Laguna Verde.
Estancia Chochoy Mallin is a truly off-the-radar fishery, perhaps the last hidden jewel of northern Patagonia. If you are keen to be among the first anglers to discover it please contact Olly Thompson or call us on or phone 01980 847 389 for further information.
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