The fishing trips I most enjoy guiding are our multi-day float trips with camping overnight.
These scenic floats allow us more time on the water each day, since there is no need to load the boat on the trailer, pack the truck, drive back to the lodge, unload the gear at headquarters, and then finally go home. Don’t get me wrong, I love being home, but I enjoy the special experience of spending the night out in nature next to the river.
Perhaps what I enjoy the most is not being worried about the clock. On the float trips, there is no rush. We can let the setting sun tell us when the day is over. As we float, the camp staff drifts past us in rafts carrying the tents and cooking supplies we will need for a night spent on the river. By the time we arrive at camp, the staff will have set up the tents for us and prepared a delicious meal complete with Argentine red wine.
During the peak of the summer, when the light slowly starts to fade and the air temperature cools down, insects will hatch in prolific numbers. This is known as the “magic hour” on the river because it is when the river comes alive with trout rising in all directions, revealing the immense population of fish the river holds. With the right fly to match the hatch, we often catch trout after trout until the light finally fades, prompting us to continue down the river to camp.
As we get closer to our campsite for the night, the fire comes into view and we can smell the traditional asado (an assortment of beef steaks and ribs), or maybe a lamb, being slowly cooked by our camp staff over the open flames. When we anchor the raft and step out onto the bank, we can still hear trout rising in the darkness as they gorge themselves on what remains of the evening hatch.
Now it is time to relax and celebrate another successful day on the river with old friends and new ones. We all sit together around the fire to enjoy a glass of wine before dinner and tell fish stories. After dinner, before I slide into my sleeping bag in my tent, I often gaze one more time at the brilliant night sky. There are few things better than falling asleep beside the river of your dreams and waking up next to it eagerly anticipating the great fishing that the beautiful day will offer you and your clients.
Find more information about our camping programs here, or contact us.