Chime lodge
Strategically located on the banks of the upper Chimehuín River, Chime Lodge serves as the ultimate hub for exploring the most diverse trout waters in Argentine Patagonia. This isn't just a lodge; it’s a gateway to a legendary circuit that includes the Collón Curá and Aluminé rivers, as well as trophy-rich lakes like Huechulafquen and Tromen—all under the majestic shadow of the Lanín Volcano. Whether you are chasing aggressive post-winter browns in the Spring or sight-casting to rising rainbows during the Summer hopper season, the experience is anchored by the world-class expertise of Patagonia River Guides (PRG). For those seeking a deeper connection to the wild, Chime Lodge offers "Unplugged" deluxe tent camp expeditions, blending remote wilderness floats with the refined service and gourmet cuisine that define the Nervous Waters standard.
LOCATION
- Junín de los Andes, Argentina
TARGET SPECIES
- Rainbow & Brown Trout
Accommodations
- 8 Anglers Maximum — Up to 12 Guests
SEASON
- December to April
Why Choose Chime Lodge
Choosing Chime Lodge means positioning yourself at the strategic epicenter of Northern Patagonia’s most legendary trout waters. Located directly on the upper Chimehuín River, the lodge serves as a premier hub with unrivaled access to a diverse circuit of rivers and lakes, including the Collón Curá, the Aluminé, and trophy still-waters like Lake Tromen. This geographic advantage allows for a fully customizable itinerary where you can pivot from floating expansive river systems in specialized rafts to technical wade-fishing in crystalline spring creeks, ensuring that every day on the water offers a fresh landscape and a new challenge.
The angling experience is further elevated by an exclusive partnership with Patagonia River Guides (PRG), widely considered the most elite guiding squad in the Andes. Their expertise ensures you are always in the right place at the right time, whether you are throwing large terrestrial patterns during the world-famous summer hopper season or stalking migratory "monster" browns in the fall. For those seeking the ultimate wilderness immersion, Chime offers a "deluxe unplugged" tent camp option—a two-night expedition that reaches the most remote, unpressured beats of the region without sacrificing the gourmet meals and comfort that define the lodge experience.
Back at the lodge, the atmosphere is one of refined Patagonian elegance, featuring an intimate setting for just ten guests and breathtaking views of the iconic Lanín Volcano. Between sessions, guests enjoy world-class service, including a sophisticated culinary program centered on traditional Argentine asados and a prestigious selection of Catena Zapata wines. With seamless logistics—located just 45 minutes from the San Martin de los Andes airport—Chime Lodge perfectly balances the raw, "junk-throwing" excitement of wild trout fishing with the sophisticated comforts of a high-end mountain retreat.
Chime Lodge HIGHLIGHTS
Fly Fish the finest waters in Argentina
The fishing at Chime Lodge is defined by its seasonality and sheer variety. In the Spring (December), high water levels make the largest fish aggressive, favoring "junk" patterns like large foam terrestrials and streamers. As Summer (January – March) arrives, the focus shifts to the "South American phenomenon": bright, bluebird days that offer world-class dry fly fishing with hoppers and beetles in crystal-clear water. By Fall (March – May), the feeding frenzy begins as trophy browns migrate from the lakes into the rivers to spawn. With a mix of float trips in specialized rafts and technical wading sessions, the itinerary is fully customizable to your preference, whether you're prospecting undercut banks or sight-casting to a 20-inch rainbow.
HOW TO GET THERE
Getting to the heart of Patagonia is surprisingly efficient, with the primary gateway being Chapelco Airport (CPC) in San Martin de los Andes. Located just a 45-minute drive from the lodge, CPC is served by regular commercial flights from Buenos Aires’ Aeroparque (AEP) via Aerolineas Argentinas. While Bariloche (BRC) offers a secondary alternative, it requires a longer 2.5-hour transfer, making CPC the preferred choice for those eager to maximize their time on the water. Simply share your flight details with us in advance, and our team will be waiting at the terminal to handle the logistics, ensuring your transition from the tarmac to the trout stream is as smooth as a well-timed mend.
Legendary hospitality and accommodations
Constructed in 2008, Chime Lodge is a beautifully appointed retreat designed to host an intimate group of 10 guests across six large bedrooms. Each room features private en-suite bathrooms and comfortable twin beds, providing a peaceful sanctuary after a day on the water. The lodge’s common areas—including two cozy living rooms, a reading room, and an open kitchen—are designed to foster camaraderie, while the large dining area serves as the stage for nightly celebrations. Perhaps the most striking feature is the matchless view of the Lanín Volcano, which provides a dramatic backdrop to your morning coffee and evening cocktails on the veranda.
Gourmet Culinary Experience
At Chime Lodge, the culinary experience is as legendary as the fishing. The kitchen specializes in regionally representative meats—primarily grass-fed Black Angus beef—prepared with an artisan’s touch. Guests enjoy traditional Argentine Asados (BBQs) both in the field and at the lodge, paired with the freshest organic fruits and vegetables. To complement these bold flavors, the lodge maintains a world-class wine selection through a partnership with Bodega Catena Zapata, serving some of Argentina’s finest Malbecs. From the hand-made chipá rolls at breakfast to the final glass of wine under the Patagonian stars, every meal is a celebration of the "Bright Waters" culture.
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