Martin and his team are first class. The friendliness, customer service, and professionalism are the best I have experienced on an all-inclusive guided fishing trip... and I've been on quite a few. We did a three night/four day camping trip and then two day trips (staying at a beautiful perfect waterfront hotel). The 'camping' was glamping - large tents, cots and air mattresses, etc. And it was all set up and waiting for us after a long day of fishing. After hors d'oeuvres and plentiful adult beverages, the in-camp chef provided amazing meals. And Argentinian wine was always on the table. In the morning, we were treated to a full hot breakfast before heading back onto the river... the crew took care of packing up everything and leap frogged us during the day to set up the next glamping site. Oh, and the lunches on the river were almost as good as in camp - table cloths, wine, etc.
I would give the fishing maybe 3.5 stars... BUT, we were late in the season and it was our first time ever chunking big streamers all day long for trophy trout. It is a trophy fishing trip - at least ours was - and the possibility of true monster trout (ten pounders) exists. We did catch a couple 3-4 pounders and one 5+, but the numbers and size of fish relative to four decent fishermen continuously fishing for 8-10 hours a day was less than I expected. This has nothing to do with the enthusiasm and expertise of the guides, and more to do with 'fish being fish' and the late part of the season (and probably our unfamiliarity with dragging big streamers in deep fast water all day long). If I were to go back, it would be in December or January.
What sets Outfitters Patagonia apart from others is the genuine friendliness and personableness of Martin and his guides and crew. From even before we officially booked, Martin was easily and promptly accessible, answering any and all questions and making the often complex process of airplane tickets, licenses, international payments etc., very easy. Once on the ground, he 'held our hand' from the airport to the river. He took us to the best restaurants in town (always staying with us and helping us sort through the menu and engaging in enthusiastic conversation), completely sorted out the hotel, and catered to our every request. His English is as good as ours and his business is professional in all aspects. His guides even took us to an 'off the tourist path' gaucho store on the way back from the river one day so we could buy authentic souvenirs.
For us at least, an Argentinian trout expedition was a once in a lifetime bucket list event, and I am certainly glad I found an outfitter like Outfitters Patagonia.
rebeccabG2847EE
30 Mar 2023
After hearing about Outfitters Patagonia from some good friends who have done this trip many times, 4 intermediate fly fishermen decided that it was time to see what all the fuss was about. We were not disappointed!
Martin was extremely helpful in answering all of our questions - we had a lot. His advice was extremely valuable. Flights, currency, hotels, clothing, food were all topics he helped us with. When we arrived in Bariloche, we never had to worry about a thing as Martin was there to make sure everything was taken care of.
We decided to go on a 4 day/3 night camping and fishing trip, followed by 2 days chasing the big Browns in the Limay River. All our equipment (besides our clothes and personal items) were provided at no extra cost. That included fishing gear, waders, wading boots and flies. The equipment was all good quality and well maintained. The camping was well done - great meals, great guides, great people, great fishing. The camp tents were set up as 2 people per tent on comfortable cots. We caught plenty of Brown and Rainbow Trout - probably 10-25 per day/per person in the 12 to 22 inch range. While camping we were able to see plenty of wildlife such as birds of prey (I saw a condor!), wild boar, llamas, etc. The Red Stag were bugling all over, while camping but we were not lucky enough to see them - maybe next time. The food was great while camping - I am now a fan of red wine with lunch - and the full bar and cold beer were a bonus. Our guides, who go through an extensive training program for their certification, were Herman and Juan. Both were excellent. Our group has fished with many guides in the US over the years, both good and bad.
After the camping trip, we spent a couple nights at our comfortable hotel and did two day trips on the Limay, including a (requested) hands on lesson on how to fish the Boca de Limay. Chasing the big Browns is a high cast to low catch proposition, but the payoff can be great. We did not land the huge one, but did manage a couple 1.5 to 2 kg fish. Not bad for a first time.
While in Bariloche, we did some tourist shopping and ate like kings thanks to Martin's guidance.
Some notes:
The red wine beer are great and reasonable. Mixed drinks at restaurants are available but selection can be limited.
The fishing we did was primarily streamer fishing. Different times of year can be dry flies or droppers, so check with Martin if you have a preference. There is even a dragonfly hatch on the lakes at some point. That sounded fun.
March is a cooler month with some wind, but it was very pleasant (40 to 70 degrees F on average).
The camping trip we did was east of Bariloche and was rainfree. It is drier the further east you get from Bariloche.
The camping trip allowed for long days of fishing. Some days were 11 hours, but you can let Martin know if you have a preference for shorter days. He will accomodate your wishes.
The people of Argentina are extremely friendly. We always felt safe and everyone made an effort to speak to us in English (our Spanish is terrible).
I hope you get a chance to experience the country and Outfitters Patagonia!