Northern Patagonia, Argentina

La Pilarica Fly Fishing Lodge

A QUIETER CORNER OF NORTHERN PATAGONIA

FLY FISH THE CARRILEUFÚ AND LOS ALERCES

La Pilarica Lodge sits beside the Río Carrileufú at Villa Lago Rivadavia, near Cholila in Chubut Province. Esquel Airport is approximately 90 minutes away, while Los Alerces National Park is on the doorstep. Glacial lakes, clear freestone rivers, ancient alerce forest and working cattle country define this quieter, more rural side of Northern Patagonia.

Five double ensuite rooms give La Pilarica the feeling of a private home rather than a large commercial lodge. The normal fishing program hosts six to eight rods, allowing the guides to respond to river levels, weather, hatches and the priorities of the group instead of following a fixed rotation. Larger private groups of up to ten may be considered by prior arrangement.

The Carrileufú is the home river, supported by the Río Rivadavia, Río Arrayanes, technical spring creeks and stillwater options including Laguna Larga. Fishing can combine drift-boat days, walk-and-wade sessions, lake fishing and selective sight-fishing. Wild brown and rainbow trout are the principal targets, with brook trout and landlocked salmon adding further variety.

Clear, cool water remains available throughout the November to April season. Fewer boats, practical access to contrasting fisheries and local guides who know the productive reaches make La Pilarica particularly well suited to anglers who want a flexible week rather than a pre-set itinerary.

2026/27 LODGE PACKAGES

The standard stay is six nights and five guided fishing days, arriving on Saturday and departing the following Friday. Rates are quoted in US dollars per angler:

Shared room and shared guide/boat: US$4,600
Single room and shared guide/boat: US$5,700
Single room and private guide/boat: US$6,900

A two-week option is US$9,000 per angler on a shared-room and shared-guide basis, including 12 nights and 10 guided fishing days.

The packages include lodge accommodation, all meals and drinks, guided fishing, return transfers from Esquel Airport, fishing licenses and Los Alerces National Park fees.

ISOLATION OUTFITTERS HOSTED WEEKS

Isolation Outfitters will host two La Pilarica lodge weeks during the 2026/27 season:

5–11 December 2026
27 February–5 March 2027

Each hosted group is limited to six guests. The program begins with a Friday meeting in Buenos Aires before the group flies to Esquel and transfers to the lodge on Saturday.

View the Northern Patagonia Hosted Week page for complete details and current availability, or contact us to discuss an independent lodge stay.

VILLA LAGO RIVADAVIA

FLY FISHING THE CARRILEUFÚ AND LOS ALERCES FROM LA PILARICA LODGE

THE HOME RIVER

La Pilarica sits beside the Río Carrileufú near Villa Lago Rivadavia, with Los Alerces National Park on the doorstep. Glacial lakes, clear freestone rivers, ancient alerce forest and working cattle country define this quieter part of Chubut Province.

The Carrileufú is the lodge’s home river. Several floatable and wadeable sections change in character as the flows, terrain and surrounding landscape change. Guides can move between broad drifting water, productive channels and reaches suited to getting out of the boat and fishing on foot.

There is no fixed rotation. Each day is planned around water levels, weather, hatches and the priorities of the anglers. A representative five-day program might include two different sections of the Carrileufú, the Río Rivadavia, the Río Arrayanes and a final day on a spring creek or Laguna Larga. The actual order remains flexible so the guides can select the most productive water each day.

THE WIDER FISHERY

The Río Rivadavia is one of Patagonia’s celebrated trout rivers. The Río Arrayanes adds a contrasting day that can begin with lake fishing before entering its short, clear river section. Guides may also recommend a technical spring-creek session or Laguna Larga when conditions favor searching for larger brown trout.

Wild brown and rainbow trout are the principal targets. Brook trout and landlocked salmon add further variety on selected waters. Dry flies, nymphs and streamers all have a place during the November to April season, while the program can combine drift-boat fishing, walk-and-wade sessions, lake fishing and selective sight-fishing.

January and February normally provide the most dependable dry-fly opportunities. November and December can fish well with fewer visiting anglers, while March and early April can be particularly rewarding for larger brown trout.

A 9-foot 5- or 6-weight with a floating line is the practical all-round setup. A 200-grain or similar sinking tip, dependable waders and layered clothing cover the broader program and Patagonia’s quickly changing conditions.

LODGE LIFE IN CHUBUT

Five double rooms with private bathrooms give La Pilarica the atmosphere of a private country home rather than a large commercial lodge. Mountain views, a generous lounge with fireplace and a dedicated fly-tying corner provide comfortable places to gather after fishing. Starlink Wi-Fi is available, although mobile coverage in the valley is limited.

The lodge normally hosts six to eight rods, allowing the fishing program and hospitality to remain personal. Larger private groups of up to ten may be considered by prior arrangement.

Chef Iñaki’s kitchen is central to the stay. Expect Patagonian lamb, seasonal local produce, homemade dishes and desserts, and carefully chosen Argentine wines. Breakfast is served before the river, lunch travels with the fishing party and dinner brings everyone back together around the lodge table.

The surrounding valley retains a strong gaucho heritage, and the original cabin associated with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid remains nearby. Horseback riding, kayaking and trekking around Los Alerces can be arranged for non-angling partners.

LA PILARICA AT A GLANCE

LOCATION
Villa Lago Rivadavia near Cholila, Chubut, Argentina. Esquel Airport is approximately 90 minutes away by road, with Los Alerces National Park on the doorstep.

SEASON
November to April. January and February normally provide the most dependable dry-fly fishing; November and December can mean fewer visiting anglers, while March and early April can favor larger brown trout.

STAY
The standard package includes six nights and five guided fishing days, arriving at Esquel on Saturday and departing the following Friday.

HOME WATER
The Río Carrileufú, supported by the Río Rivadavia, Río Arrayanes, technical spring creeks, Laguna Larga and other lake-fishing options.

FISHING
Drift-boat fishing, walk-and-wade sessions, lake fishing, spring-creek fishing and selective sight-fishing using dry flies, nymphs and streamers.

SPECIES
Wild brown and rainbow trout, with brook trout and landlocked salmon available on selected waters.

ACCOMMODATION
Five double ensuite rooms with mountain views, a shared lounge and fireplace, fly-tying corner and lodge dining. The operation normally hosts six to eight rods; larger private groups may be considered by prior arrangement.

CONNECTIVITY
Starlink Wi-Fi is available at the lodge. Mobile coverage in Villa Lago Rivadavia and on the surrounding rivers is limited.

2026/27 RATES
US$4,600 per angler for a shared room and shared guide and boat; US$5,700 for a single room with a shared guide and boat; or US$6,900 for a single room and private guide and boat. The two-week shared-room and shared-guide option is US$9,000 per angler for 12 nights and 10 guided fishing days.

FLEXIBLE FISHING ACROSS CHUBUT

WHY FISH LA PILARICA?

La Pilarica provides access to several distinctly different fisheries without locking the week into a fixed rotation. The Carrileufú is the home river, with multiple floatable and wadeable reaches. The Rivadavia and Arrayanes add clear, lake-fed water, while technical spring creeks and Laguna Larga create opportunities for sight-fishing and searching for larger brown trout.

That range allows the guides to respond to river levels, weather, hatches and the priorities of each group. One day might center on dry flies from a drift boat, the next on careful wading or a stillwater session.

La Pilarica normally hosts only six to eight rods, keeping the fishing program personal and allowing pressure to be managed carefully. Local knowledge and relationships also provide access that can be difficult to arrange independently. For anglers seeking varied wild-trout fishing, clear water that remains cool throughout summer and the hospitality of a small country lodge, La Pilarica offers a particularly complete week in Northern Patagonia.

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO LA PILARICA LODGE

TRIP ENQUIRIES

Contact Isolation Outfitters with your preferred dates, number of anglers and non-angling companions, room choice and fishing priorities. We will confirm current availability and build the lodge stay into a practical end-to-end itinerary. Solo anglers, couples and private groups are welcome; shared and single rooms remain subject to availability. Enquire early for peak January and February dates.

GETTING THERE

Most international guests travel through Buenos Aires before connecting to Esquel Airport (EQS). Buenos Aires’ international airport at Ezeiza and domestic airport at Aeroparque are separate, so a generous transfer window or overnight stay may be required. La Pilarica is approximately 90 minutes from Esquel by road, and return airport transfers are included. The standard stay runs from Saturday arrival to Friday departure. We can coordinate domestic flights, airport transfers and Buenos Aires accommodation.

NON-ANGLING PARTNERS

Horseback riding, kayaking and trekking around Los Alerces can be arranged locally, subject to availability and conditions. We can also incorporate Buenos Aires, Mendoza wine touring or a wider Patagonia itinerary before or after the lodge stay. Tell us the interests of every traveler so fishing and non-angling arrangements can be planned together.

CURRENT PACKAGE

The 2026/27 six-night and five-day package is US$4,600 per angler for a shared room and shared guide and boat; US$5,700 for a single room with a shared guide and boat; or US$6,900 for a single room and private guide and boat. The two-week shared-room and shared-guide option is US$9,000 per angler for 12 nights and 10 guided fishing days. Packages include ensuite accommodation, guided fishing based on two anglers sharing a guide and boat, all meals and beverages, return Esquel Airport transfers, fishing licenses, Los Alerces National Park fees, a flexible daily fishing program and Isolation Outfitters’ planning support. Airfares, gratuities, insurance, personal fishing equipment, optional activities and itinerary extensions are not included.

BOOKING AND PAYMENT

Rates are quoted in US dollars per angler. Once dates, room arrangements and guiding requirements are confirmed, Isolation Outfitters will provide the detailed itinerary, confirmed inclusions and exclusions, invoice and payment schedule. A reservation is confirmed only after the required deposit has been received. Solo anglers can join a compatible independent or hosted week, with a shared or single room arranged according to availability.

CONNECTIVITY AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

La Pilarica has Starlink Wi-Fi, but mobile coverage around Villa Lago Rivadavia and on the rivers is limited. Reliable connectivity should not be assumed during the fishing day. Comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation, interruption, medical treatment and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended, with appropriate medical cover required for anglers traveling to Argentina.

FOR BOOKINGS & ENQUIRES

USA & CANADA Toll Free +1 (888) 404 1390

Bozeman MT +1 (406) 577 1040
Wānaka, NZ +64 (27) 223-6796
Mendoza, ARG +54 9261 546 5084

Email: hi@isolationoutfitters.com

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