SEASON: Nov-April
TRAVEL: Arrive San Martin; 40-minute drive to the lodge
RECOMMENDED STAY: 5-7 nights
FISHING: Rivers, wade only
CAPACITY: 12 hunters/anglers
RATE: $1100/night/angler; $630/night/non-angler
INCLUDED: Lodging, meals, open bar, nonguided activities on the property, guided fishing and transportation in Patagonia
NOT INCLUDED: Flights, license, gear and services in Buenos Aires
San Huberto Lodge offers arguably the best dry fly fishing in Argentina on roughly 18 private miles of the Malleo River. This classic dry fly river allows wading anglers to spot and stalk Rainbow and Brown Trout with only a guide and the towering Lanín Volcano for company.
Founded by the Olsen Family in 1890, San Huberto Lodge is one of the first ranches in Patagonia. For years it hosted intrepid travelers until 1975, when it evolved into a hunting lodge. Shortly thereafter, San Huberto Lodge welcomed anglers. It is now one of the most sought-after Patagonia trout fishing destinations in Argentina.
Anglers who experience San Huberto Lodge and the Malleo River with Fly Fishing Patagonia rebook the following year. Please contact us at least a year in advance. We will also advise what other destinations compliment a stay at San Huberto.
The 25,000-acre Estancia San Huberto lies outside Junín de Los Andes. The lodge offers 6 double and 4 single rooms, accommodating a maximum of 12 anglers. With high ceilings and a central fireplace, the expansive living room and bar provide a warm, inviting atmosphere where guests gather for cocktails and appetizers. Further amenities include a tennis court, in-house masseuses, Jacuzzi, Wi-Fi and cell service. Gastronomy is an important part of the San Huberto experience. Family recipes showcase a variety of meats, vegetables and herbs, all grown organically on the ranch.
San Huberto Ranch has been owned and operated by the Olsen family since its inception. It is second nature for the Olsens to ensure their guests’ expectations are exceeded each and every day. They personally attend to all guests and make every effort to share San Huberto traditions, making guests feel like they are part of the family.
The biggest draw for anglers at San Huberto Lodge is the 18-mile stretch of the famous Malleo River that is accessible only to lodge guests. Thanks to its superior insect hatches throughout the season, the freestone Malleo River enjoys a the reputation for the best dry fly fishing in Argentina: a totally private, blue ribbon trout stream, where anglers cast dry flies to rising fish. San Huberto Lodge also offers 5.5 private miles of the Hauca Mamuil tributary, which fishes well in November and December.
Malleo River
The Malleo River runs from Tromen Lake to the Aluminé River. In its upper sections, the Malleo flows through ravines and over boulders, thus creating beautiful pocket water. The middle section offers easy wading with a soft, even river bottom and slow, meandering currents that resemble a classic spring creek.
The Malleo offers deep clear pools for dredging streamers, cut banks and willows for skating hoppers and glassy runs for drifting nymphs. Browns and Rainbows average 16-17 inches, but anglers should expect to land some in the 20-inch category as well. The Malleo River has prolific insect hatches and is perfect for anglers wishing to cast dry flies to rising fish. Since floating is not permitted anglers will travel up and down the river in trucks, stopping to wade the best sections.
Weekly packages at San Huberto Lodge are recommended for certain times of the season. A customized itinerary combining San Huberto with a multi-day float trip or another lodge may offer a more dynamic fishing experience.
San Huberto Lodge
(5 nights; 4 days fishing the Malleo River)
Day 1: Arrive Buenos Aires (EZE). Transfer to the domestic airport (AEP) and fly to San Martin (CPC.) FFP staff will pick you up and transfer you 50 minutes to San Huberto Lodge. Fish the afternoon.
Day 2-5: Four days fishing the Malleo River.
Day 6: Check out, transfer back to the San Martin Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires and home.
Rate: $5500/angler
Included: Lodging, meals, open bar, guided fishing, non-guided activities on the property, transportation to/from the San Martin Airport
Not Included: Flights, license, gear, activities off the ranch, transportation to/from the Bariloche Airport, travel insurance, gratuities and services in Buenos Aires
Popular Add-Ons:
4 days Wilderness Fishing Expedition on the Collon Cura or Limay Medio Rivers
4 days trout fishing out of another lodge in Junín or Bariloche
4 days Golden Dorado fishing and/or dove shooting at Los Laureles Lodge
With our intimate knowledge of Argentina and our specialized travel agent, we take all the guesswork out of travel so you can concentrate on packing.
We had an awesome time! Nico, of course, was great. The Expedition was an absolute blast! And of course San Huberto fished really well. We’ll have to discuss options for a next trip. As always, many thanks for all your help. You and the team make these trips not only incredibly enjoyable but stress free. All details are always covered.
The fishing, lodge and people were all top notch. FFP guides Alex and Nico are really great guys and guides. The staff at San Huberto run a first-class operation and are enjoyable to be around. It was one the best trips we’ve taken.
We had terrific weather, great fishing, and were treated like royalty by Ronnie and the staff at San Huberto. Your guides, Alex and Nico are the best guides you can find anywhere on this earth. They are patient, attentive, and excellent teachers In addition, they are just great people to spend time with. Thanks for making this happen — again. I am so fond of this place, I’d like to spend as much time there as possible.
I have done three trips with Justi and the FFP group. Great guides who take care of you from the moment you arrive through to departure. The float trip was great. GLAMPING at its best! Each time they have nailed it for us. I WILL use them again.
We had another wonderful week at San Huberto with terrific weather, great fishing, and were treated like royalty by Ronnie and the staff. Your guides, Alex and Nico, are the best guides you can find anywhere on this earth! They are patient, attentive, and excellent teachers. Alex and I tag-teamed another beautiful Brown Trout that looked exactly like the 26-inch Brown we caught two years ago, except 5 inches shorter. I am so fond of this place; I’d like to spend as much time there as possible.
With our variety of destinations and lodges, we’ll have the skinny on whatever you’re looking for. We often combine multiple destinations and adventures for our guests.
Our previous travelers want to speak with you about their trip(s) with Fly Fishing Patagonia. Questions about a specific trip, or general questions on the experience?