Kau Tapen's 2012 season saw an incredible team of international and local Argentinean guides. International guides included lodge veterans Max, Pelle, Matthew, and myself. We are always happy to come back to the Rio Grande for another season—to shake hands with old friends and to hook exceptional fish on the best sea trout river in the world!

We started the season with atypical weather in January. The water was low and clear, which made for great fishing with light lines and tips. Instead of big, heavy full-sinking lines and gangly leeches, we fished floaters and slow to fast sink tips, as well as small flies—one of my favorite ways to catch these monster fish.

Returning fish numbers were strong and we noticed several changes in the river's course formed by a powerful spring run-off. Some pools changed shape and got shallower, and we found new pools that turned out to be productive all season long: "Youngie", "Russo", and "Happy Hour" to name a few…. The changes were welcomed. On the other hand, all the guides knew we needed rain to maintain or raise the water level. The rain didn't come, at least not much, and the river kept dropping, with clearer and cooler conditions. We fished long, thin leaders with smaller nymphs and streamers. What sport! And it produced! Although, we experienced tough days getting everything dialed in: the right fly for the right speed, depth, light, and mood of the fish. Constantly altering our techniques and presentations was key. We had great days as well, with more than 35 fish, and guests with 4 to 8 fish for the day.

Overall, the fishing was more challenging, interesting, and entertaining. We quickly found new hot spots. Some pools were good, holding a lot of fish at certain times during the season, while others were not as good. It's always a game of finding out where the "money holes" might be.

As far as the fishing, the catching was good… all season long—11 weeks with more than 100 fish. The fish numbers were more spread out than in previous years, when the best catches have occurred in late January to the end of Feb. March was a great month, while February was much colder than usual with dropping temperatures and tougher days. April was also very good, with big fish on the take all month.

This year at Kau Tapen we hooked and landed many fish exceeding 20 pounds, with one fish over 30 pounds and one 29 pounder. The river is producing a lot of double-digit fish and we were surprised to see how they managed to go upriver in such low water. We learned new things about sea trout techniques and created new flies—smaller in general to compensate for the crystal clear, low water. It was a great challenge that our guests delighted in it. Generally it was amazing to see how this river can produce good fishing despite adverse conditions. While other rivers in Tierra del Fuego and Southern Patagonia had tough times, the Rio Grande proved once again that it is the best sea trout river in the world. Many guests hooked and landed a fish of lifetime in 2012, with the Rio Grande at Kau Tapen and Villa Maria lodges setting the standard for trophy trout fishing in the region.

This year we welcomed repeat guests and also saw new faces from around the world. And are proud to see that Nervous Waters' lodges are coveted by keen fishers in search of luxurious accommodation, fine cuisine, great service and staff, and professional guides. Kau Tapen epitomizes all of this.

Lastly, thanks to all our Kau Tapen guests for sharing in another remarkable year. We're looking forward to seeing you next season.
Have a great 2012, and tight lines.

During the last two weeks, fall never showed up at this latitude. The weather was hot and the other missing guest to the party was rain, which made for low water levels. In my experience at Pirá, I've never seen it so low. It was going to be a challenge for the boats, motors, and guides. But let me say that these Hell's Bay boats can run on a wet floor. And that's exactly what it was like. We fished the headwaters of the river, mainly the North Channel. The fish were stacked and fishing was great—even for beginners. We also fished the small creeks that flow to the south channel and join together at Tito's fork. These creeks, wide as a table, were full of fish running up and down, spooked by our presence. Fishing was technical and required accurate shots and perfect presentations.

The end of the season was coming and we had more than six groups in two weeks. Busy. We were also running short on water, but a miraculous storm showed up and added inches to our thirsty marsh. Between the client groups, some families arrived with children and, due to exceptional fishing conditions, a small 8-year-old girl caught her first dorado.

Technically speaking, we used only floating lines. And the famous "Strip fast!" was replaced by the "Let it swing!" The average size dorado for the last month was 5 pounds. We had some 9, 10, and 13 pounders. Thankfully, the piranhas were M.I.A.

So the days become weeks, then months, and the season comes to an end. In my mind I keep memories of one of the best seasons at Pirá. We worked hard to provide guests a time to remember. The fishing helped matters with an average of 10 fish per day per person. The biggest fish was a 14 pounder, and we caught hundreds of 7s, 8s, and 9s. Fishing these dorado with a 6- or 7-weight rod is something you must do. Although they are not "runners," they jump like monkeys and pull like bulls. They don't give up easy, hook sets can be difficult, and the fishing is always great fun.

The early season allowed us to explore new places we hadn't ever fished. We found a mythical system of channels called "Ombucito" (Om-booh-see-toe). I dare to say that this place is our "el Dorado." The first time there we caught a 13 pounder. The fishing can be technical because the creeks are full of weeds. If you don't stop the fish, there's a good chance of losing it in the salad. The water is clear and requires longer leaders and smooth presentations to avoid spooking fish. It is a shallow area and with low-water conditions it is closed.

Peak season found us fishing the Corrientes River. The fishing was excellent with happy faces found daily at the bar. As I said many times we were running into drought conditions. That meant less places to fish, and fish crammed in the same areas like people in a subway at rush hour. Good for anglers, as well as guides.

In addition to the fishing the marsh was in great shape, with endless purple carpets of hyacinths, capybaras, and Caymans everywhere. During sunset the sky came alive with flocks of Jabirus, Roseate spoonbills, and ducks. Pirá is a bird paradise, with hundreds of species calling it home.

By season's end we started fishing what we call the Headwaters of the River. With low water, two main channels flowing from the marsh join to create the Corrientes. Fishing in those channels is always great, and this season was no exception: sessions of 20+ fish, with more than a half dozen larger than 8 pounds. A "great finale" for one of the best seasons ever.

After seven seasons at Iberá marsh, I've learned that every year is nuanced and different. Maybe the conditions are similar, but the fishing changes—and that's what makes dorado fishing at Pirá lodge so unique.

Hasta la vista…

Our two Bahamas lodges also have plenty to tell us about how their seasons went, not only in terms of fishing but also island news and lodge upgrades.