Week three at Villa María Lodge was another reminder that Patagonia rarely offers long stretches of stability.
Intermittent rain and shifting winds defined much of the week, making it difficult to settle into that classic multi-day rhythm that often brings predictable patterns on the Río Grande. Changing light, moving weather systems, and variable wind direction kept both guides and anglers constantly adjusting.
Despite the instability, the river continued its gradual drop and steady clearing. By the final days, water levels had returned to where they stood before the earlier heavy rains. Clarity improved noticeably, and the river began transitioning back toward a more traditional summer profile.
Flexibility remained essential.
Early in the week, heavier sinking lines and longer tips were still necessary in deeper buckets and stronger seams. As flows softened, floating lines, lighter tips, and smaller flies became increasingly effective. Presentations turned more delicate and technical, with precision, angle, and controlled swing speed playing a larger role in success. The Río Grande is slowly returning to its classic Villa María mode, where finesse begins to outweigh depth.
The highlight of the week belonged to Louis.
He fished with discipline from start to finish, reading water carefully and covering it properly. The river tested him — fish were hooked and lost, opportunities slipped away — but on the final afternoon everything aligned. Louis connected with a magnificent 22-pound female, a powerful and well-earned reward that perfectly captured the spirit of persistence on the Río Grande.
Looking ahead, the river should continue its gradual drop, which is encouraging. Some weather variability may remain, but even a short window of stable conditions could push the fishing into an even more consistent phase as we move deeper into the season.
Alejandro Martello
Fishing Manager
