San Huberto & the Rio Malleo

San Huberto was one of the very first of Argentina’s fishing destination lodges to be enjoyed by visiting American anglers.  The lodge is located on a cultivated oasis of the 24,000 acre estancia of the Olsen family. The land was homesteaded by the family in 1890’s and still operates as a working ranch. The lodge was originally built in  1976 as a hunting lodge for the red deer and wild boar of the area but the wonderful fishing found on the Rio Malleo changed that intention.  The  Rio Malleo winds its’ way through this incredible property and the guest angler has access to over 20 miles of this delightful river. 

The Rio Malleo is one of the classic trout streams in the world and one of the very favorite rivers of GUIDED CONNECTIONS. The Malleo offers three distinct types of fishing waters.  It has Spring Creek-like water conformation on the upper reaches, fast boulder strewn canyon waters in its’ middle section, and riffle/runs with overhanging willows and shadowed pools on the lower reaches.  An angler could easily fish here over a week plus and never cover the same beat, depending on the type water preferred.  The fishing is fun with catches averaging between 14-20 inches plus.

The Malleo is best known for offering dry fly fishing and match the hatch scenarios yet the diversity of the river can lend itself to nymphing and also streamer fishing especially if the wind is up.   The wading is relatively easy.  The more adventurous angler can fish the canyon of the Malleo with some added walking and wading and come up with some great fish from more difficult to reach holding water.

The hospitality and accommodations at San Huberto are tops. The lodge is limited to twelve persons, and Ronnie Olsen sees to it that all guests are well attended. The scenery on this estancia with the volcano Lanin as a backdrop is quite stunning, and the entire setting lends itself to a very pleasant fishing experience.

San Huberto is a popular lodge for returning anglers to Argentina and it books up early in the season, so plan ahead!