Patagonia on a Summer's Day

Photos of the Fish Patagonia Experience.

Argentina was high on the list of places I needed to visit. It feels sort of absurd to go to Tokyo 20 times and not go to Patagonia, but the opportunity had never presented itself. Finally at the end of last year it all came together. Coggins decided to open up the books and invited me to make the trip south.

Everything was organized through Fish Patagonia, an exceptional outfit based in San Martín de los Andes. Everyone involved with our trip from Fish Patagonia was really wonderful. All of the tangible things you really care about on a trip like that were executed perfectly. Everything else which might be considered secondary was also done on a very high level — making the entire experience about as good as I can imagine it could be. Let me go on the record and make a serious endorsement for Fish Patagonia. Their commitment, hard work and general attitude made this trip one of the truly great experiences of my life. I’m forever changed and that’s exactly the point of travel — to expand our field of view.

There was a lot to capture in Argentina and I didn’t want to flood the zone with stories here, but there are some things I really do need to share. I put together some photos for this one last dispatch from our trip to give you all a feel for what happened beyond social media.

By the way — Fish Patagonia is insanely good. There’s really no one else to consider. I’ve never felt more comfortable recommending something in my life.

Beyond the knowledgeable and patient guides, the lodge was truly a special place and every detail was considered. Layer on top of that the Argentinian hospitality and you have a recipe for a memorable week.

The Toyota Hilux is the workhorse standard. I’ve never been involved in a more casual trailer program in my life. Having a boat in tow was just second nature.

Argentina is giving Utah a run for it’s money when it comes to Stanley vessels per capita. The Yerba Mate program is life down there. As an outsider it always felt a bit adventurous to be indulging in some pre-fishing mate.

Long dirt roads are part of a way of life in Patagonia.

There was some big water and smaller water, both had the advantages. Collón Curá, Chimehuin, Aluminé, Malleo — in the beginning of the week you can’t even understand the names of the rivers, by the end of the week they are second nature. It’s Patagonia fly fishing boot camp. 

The Fish Patagonia co-founder Peter Treichel is both highly skilled and highly chill. He’s the dream guide in the dream place.

Peter does his best to forge a strong alliance between the front and back of the boat.

And then he sets up lunch on the river. Of course there’s Malbec!

We don’t take these Coggins smiles for granted. These are the good days.

Big waters carved in beautiful terrain.

This is what we want people.

All local beers were working for me. Perhaps it helped to be in such a positive headspace.

The view from the house. There’s fish down there, we saw them rising.

94% of Marco’s alcohol intake is Champagne.

A casual Argentinian cookout.

Spirits were high.