
WUIJOOR LODGE
PATAGONIA
WUIJOOR LODGE, RIO MENÉNDEZ, TIERRA DEL FUEGO
Chase Trophy Sea-Run Brown Trout in Southern Patagonia
If you’re planning a fly fishing trip to target the legendary sea-run brown trout of Tierra del Fuego, consider Wuijoor Lodge – a remote, high-quality base on the banks of the Río Menéndez in Argentine Patagonia. With access to the Río Menéndez, Río Ona, and a productive stretch of the lower Río Grande, this destination offers the perfect blend of large and small water for serious anglers.
Ideal for single-handed rods with Spey lines or light switch setups, Wuijoor is a great option for those who enjoy technical presentations and swinging flies in classic holding water. Expect encounters with 10–20 lb trout in a truly wild setting.
Hosted Trip – Late March 2026
Subject to demand, Isolation Outfitters is planning a hosted week at Wuijoor Lodge in late March 2026. We’ll fly into Buenos Aires and on to Río Grande, before transferring to the estancia for six full days of guided fishing. Your host will be Southflyfisher — an experienced Patagonia angler, gear reviewer, and writer, who will bring a range of single- and two-handed rods and lines for the group to trial on the estancia’s streams.
This is a rare opportunity for solo or small-group anglers (max 6) to fish the famed Río Grande system in excellent company, with all logistics fully handled. Please register your interest early for this trip (no firm commitment is necessary until October 2025).
ABOUT WUIJOOR LODGE
Located on the southern reaches of the legendary Río Grande, Wuijoor Lodge is an exclusive retreat set on the private Estancia Laura. With over 15 km of water and access to the Menéndez and lower Río Ona rivers, this is a rare, high-quality destination for sea-run and resident trout. Wuijoor means “light” in the native Selk'nam language — and that spirit shines through in its remote beauty, warm hospitality, and unforgettable fishing.
FISHING THE MENÉNDEZ & ONA RIVERS
In addition to fishing the Rio Grande for large sea-run browns, two tributaries of the Río Grande on the estancia offer ideal smaller swing water, prime holding lies, and lower pressure.
The Menéndez River holds some of the largest migratory brown trout in the system, while the Ona delivers dynamic water across its private stretches. You’ll find classic pools, broad glides, and intimate riffles—perfect for both Spey and single-handed presentations.
The river water is natural and clear, greenish in tone. Fishing is very technical, since the river has very short and very deep pools where the trout seeks to pause without wasting energy. This normally forces us to use short and sinking lines to be able to present our flies in the place where the fish are.
SEA-RUN BROWN TROUT (10-20+LB)
Sea-run browns are the main draw here, with fish regularly in the 10–15 lb class and trophy specimens exceeding 20+ lb caught each season. These fish are aggressive, hard-fighting, and deeply rewarding to target on swung flies.
RESIDENT BROWNS (UP TO 4LB)
Resident fish offer consistent action in backchannels, pockets, and lighter riffles. These wild brown (and rainbow) trout are incredibly fit and eager to eat a well-presented nymph or dry, particularly during stable weather windows.
ACCOMMODATION & DINING
Wuijoor Lodge is warm, simple, and comfortable – built for anglers. The lodge accommodates small private groups in shared rooms with ensuite bathrooms, hearty meals, and a relaxed atmosphere. Dinners feature Patagonian flavors matched with local wines, ideal after a day on the water.
SEASONALITY & BEST TIMING
The late summer window, from late February to late-March, offers ideal river conditions, consistent water temperatures, and strong trout activity. This timing also avoids peak winds and coincides with prime sea trout runs.
SMALL GROUP DETAILS
Wuijoor Lodge caters to 4–6 anglers per week, ideal for private groups or small hosted trips. Space is limited, and exclusive bookings are recommended for the best experience. Contact Isolation Outfitters for 2026 availability.
Travel Logistics & Access via Río Grande
Guests typically fly into Río Grande, Argentina (RGA), where you are met by lodge staff and transferred by 4x4 to Estancia Laura. Ground transfers are seamless and coordinated with your itinerary.
Gear Recommendations & Techniques
Bring an 8–9wt Spey or switch rod with Skagit heads and sink tips (T-8 to T-14). A single-hand 7–8wt works well on calm days. Flies should include leeches, rubber-leg nymphs, and weighted streamers in black, olive, and purple. Don’t forget fluorocarbon tippet (12lb up to 20lb), quality reels with sealed drag, and backup gear.
In the northwest of the province of Tierra del Fuego, about 60 km southwest of the city of Río Grande, “Scikentapen Lodge” is located within the lands of Estancia Laura. The lodge was founded in 2023, using a remodeled ranch house that was built in the 1930s. A privileged place, immersed in the southernmost Patagonia of Argentina, surrounded by rolling foothills with native - Ñire and Lenga – trees, mountains, and valleys created by the course of the Menendez River and the Ona River.
The remote environment where we do our fishing is mainly composed of the Menendez River and a few steppe streams without trees on their banks. This river is home to a large population of Brown and Rainbow trout up to 2kg and the famous anadromous Sea Run Brown Trout up to 12kg.
DATES
We have some pre-booked capacity for late February to early March 2026. Please message us to discuss joining our group at Wuijoor Lodge at this time. Note that group bookings for Wuijoor Lodge are very difficult to obtain for the remainder of the 2025-2026 season, however we may be able to place individuals. Contact us for availability.
GROUP SIZE
Each group is limited to six anglers.
If you are a single angler or two anglers coming together, we may be able to accommodate you within our March 2026 hosted trip. Please contact us to discuss dates.
Wuijoor Lodge, Menendez River, PATAGONIA
Sea‑Run Brown Trout
LODGE ACCOMMODATION
Wuijoor Lodge accommodates a maximum of six anglers in three double rooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, and an excellent view of the surrounding valley.
Dining at the Lodge is first-class. Choose between Continental or American breakfasts to start your day. Lunch will be prepared and packed for the riverside.
The dinners are a special time. Each day, the chef creates abundant and delicious dishes, combining products from the province’s extensive coast and from the Argentine countryside – always accompanied by delicious regional wines. There is no shortage of good after-dinner whiskeys so you can relax in good company and enjoy the stories shared at the end of the day.
ITINERARY
We recommend spending a day or two to acclimatise and enjoy Argentina’s vibrant culture in Buenos Aires. You’ll then fly down to Rio Grande Airport in Patagonia to start your week with us at Wuijoor Lodge.
Our days begin at 7am, with breakfast served and at approximately 7:30am, the guides have everything ready to leave for the river. At 1pm, we return to the Lodge where our chef and service team are waiting for us with lunch. At 4pm, after a comfortable and restorative nap as is the Argentine way, we don our waders again and head out to the river until 9pm or later depending on the sunset, to finally return to the Lodge for a well-deserved drink, dinner and rest.
EXPEDITION FARE
Based on two anglers, the fare is from US$3,900 per angler including six nights of accommodation in Wuijoor Lodge including all meals, guiding and your required fishing licence. We also include complimentary road travel transferring you to and from Rio Grande Airport.
This fare excludes your international return air travel into Buenos Aires and domestic airline transfers to/from Rio Grande Airport (RGA) where you will be met by your host.
THE BEST WAY FOR SUCCESS ON SeA RUN BROWN TROUT
If you’ve ever investigated fishing for large sea-run browns, you will be familiar with the Rio Grande on the island province of Tierra del Fuego in Argentina’s side of Patagonia.
The largest tributary of the Rio Grande is Rio Menendez, where Wuijoor Lodge is located. Silvery fresh sea-run brown trout migrate up the Rio Menendez from the Rio Grande and offer an excellent chance of success during the November to April season.
Wuijoor Lodge is practically furnished, set up for the serious fly angler, and offers a full guided service including airport transfers to/from Rio Grande township & airport.
GENERAL INFORMATION
TRIP ENQUIRIES
Please contact us by sending us a message via our Contact Form, or calling us to discuss availability at Wuijoor Lodge.
After your enquiry, we will share more trip information with you via email and phone, and discuss your fly fishing experience and understand what you’re looking for from this lodge trip.
We have a hosted trip in partnership with Southflyfisher, scheduled for March 2026. If this date aligns with your plans to fish the Rio Grande, please get in touch.
AIRLINE OPTIONS
Flying into Rio Grande Airport (RGA) from the United States requires you to land in Buenos Aires first, switch airports then take a domestic flight. Having a day/night in Buenos Aires to sort any jetlag, acquire some local currency (Blue Dolar) and enjoy a good steak and red wine will set you up for the week ahead.
Check internal flights with your travel agent early on as some flights to RGA depart in the early morning hours (2am or 3.30am at time of writing) so you’ll likely need to be at the airport at midnight.
SATELLITE PHONE/MESSAGING
Our hosted trips with Southflyfisher include access to Iridium Extreme Satellite Telephone and Garmin InReach Mini 2 messaging devices so even when you’re at the lodge or on the river, you’ll always have connectivity to the outside world (assuming that’s what you want!). You can call home, send messages to cellphones as you wish, or message between teams on the river to keep up with the action.
In the event of a riverside medical emergency, we will have direct contact with the lodge and have procedures in place for urgent evacuation to the nearest medical centre. We recommend holding comprehensive cover with Global Rescue to cover any evacuation and medical costs and provide access to high quality medical support.
FARE PAYMENT
The fare for this expedition is outlined on this page in US Dollars (USD$) and will not change after confirmation of your booking, regardless of any fluctuations in international currency, fuel or travel costs. A detailed list of what is included is provided with your booking. Individual anglers are invoiced separately or together as you wish.
Currency: Payment can be made in US Dollars (USD$), on receipt of our invoice, paid into our Montana USA deposit account or via credit card online. If you wish to pay in NZ Dollars (NZD$), we will agree a suitable foreign exchange rate into NZD$ from your preferred currency at the time of booking.
Credit Cards: Alternatively you may wish to pay by credit card. We accept most major international credit cards and can provide a link for online payments.
Deposit: A deposit of 50% of the fare is payable to confirm your booking. Payment of deposit is deemed acceptance of our Terms and Conditions.
Remaining Fare: We require settlement of your full account 30 days before the trip proceeds. If you are a visitor to Argentina, proof of comprehensive travel insurance and any required medical insurance will be required at this point.
Additional Travel or Tackle: We can arrange road or air transfers, and provide fishing gear for you to keep after the trip. Any costs for these will be invoiced directly to you and are payable before the trip commences. Any additional trip preferences, changes to the expedition travel, or specialist gear obtained on your behalf at your request will be payable on invoice.
SINGLE ANGLERS
Whilst our hosted lodge trips are set up for angling groups, we can often accommodate a single angler. Please contact us to discuss this option.