Week four at Villa María Lodge delivered a full spectrum of Patagonian conditions.
While there were no major extreme events, the weather remained completely erratic. Classic sunny days with traditional westerlies were followed by powerful north winds that at times made casting extremely demanding. Scattered rain showers moved through, the river rose roughly two inches before quickly dropping again, mornings began cold, and by midweek temperatures climbed close to 25°C. It was a week of constant change.
As expected, these fluctuations had a direct impact on the fishing.
Results were inconsistent, and fish were clearly on the move rather than holding predictably in specific lies. Success required careful reading of the water, disciplined coverage, and a willingness to adjust throughout every session. Persistence and flexibility once again proved essential on the Río Grande.
In terms of setups, floating lines paired with fast-sinking 10 to 12-foot tips were highly effective, allowing anglers to control depth while maintaining natural swing speed. Longer leaders helped refine presentation. Smaller flies dominated during daylight hours, while larger, well-defined silhouette patterns produced stronger reactions in low-light windows at dawn and dusk.
All anglers worked hard for their fish this week, and the effort showed.
A special highlight belongs to John, visiting Villa María Lodge for the first time. After a rapid and impressive adaptation to the river’s rhythm, he landed an outstanding 21-pound hen — fresh from the sea and in exceptional condition. A powerful fish and a memorable first experience on the Río Grande.
Looking ahead, the forecast suggests more stable weather. If conditions settle, we should see improved consistency and a more predictable fishing pattern develop as we move further into the season.
Alejandro Martello
Fishing Manager
