Many anglers think of trout when considering a trip to Argentina, but only a smaller subset make the journey south to target sea-run browns in Tierra del Fuego. Brown trout were introduced to these rivers from Europe, where they experienced intense conditions and a harsh environment. Life found a way and these fish endured, becoming some of the largest trout in the world. The story of how these fish arrived and adapted in Argentina is fascinating and its essential for every traveling angler to know the tale, it makes catching these southern giants, all the more interesting.

The story goes that in the 1930’s, John Goodall, a settler from Scotland, inherited two estancias on the Rio Grande. Missing the comforts of home, Goodall felt that some European sport could relieve some of the isolation he felt at the “End of the World”. Between 1935 and 1937, Goodall began stocking the tributaries of the river with brown trout from Hamburg, Germany, and rainbow trout from California.

The river system conditions were harsh, and the trout starved in the river, resulting in malnourishment. Nature eventually took its course and life found a way. The fish were forced out to sea and eventually evolved and adapted to become Anadromous. Meaning these fish were now capable of living in both freshwater and saltwater. They live primarily in the sea and migrate into the rivers to spawn, much like that of salmon. In the strong currents and harsh conditions of the sea, these new Argentinian trout grew massive, much like their steelhead cousins in the north. These massive fish went undetected for over a decade, and in the aftermath of World War II, sport fishing was back in full swing, and the giants of Tierra del Fuego would be unearthed. In the mid-to-late 50s, word of these fish spread around the world, and “the land of fire” quickly became the stuff of legend.

Today, Argentina boasts the densest population of the largest sea-run brown trout in the world. This is one of the best opportunities in the world to catch large anadromous fish. Frontiers has been sending avid fly fishers to Tierra del Fuego since the early 80’s, starting the day that Kau Tapen Lodge first opened their doors. Kau Tapen Lodge recently celebrated their 40th anniversary, you can read about Frontiers’ own, Roddy Hall, recounting his tales at Kau Tapen here.

Tierra del Fuego has often been described as “the end of the world”, this island archipelago marks the southernmost extreme of the Americas. Similar to the steelhead in the northern hemisphere, the anadromous brown trout of Tierra del Fuego enjoys a cult following. Catching giants that break the 20-pound mark is a regular occurrence and there’s occasionally a 30 pounder as well. For years, the legends of the fly-fishing community have fished the waters of Tierra del Fuego. Our friend Cathy Beck, who sadly recently passed away, traveled repeatedly to this incredible region. Some anglers travel all over the world, wherever and whenever they want, so when you repeatedly return to one region or lodge, it’s a big compliment.

Deciding to fish in Argentina is only the beginning, there are a plethora of options across Tierra del Fuego for sea-run Brown trout. The season runs from January to early April, so plan your trip accordingly. If you’re planning a trip to “the end of the world,” some of our favorite lodges for you to stay at include Kau Tapen Lodge & Villa Maria Lodge.

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