Le Fario Reflections
Here’s what I always thought to be true about fishing lodges. They fall into two categories: The first are the super-fancy and refined places with five-star cuisine and pristine accommodations that may geel a bit too fancy to really relax in and after long days of fishing. Then there is the other category that are the somewhat down and dirty lodges that can be a bit tired, threadbare, and a menu with ok food but nothing to get excited about.
But my visit to Argentine Water’s Le Fario Lodge completely blew up this perception. To begin with, the fishing and the guides are both blue ribbon. Enormous brook and rainbow trout in both the rivers as well as lakes the lodge fishes, and some of the most qualified and fun to be around guides you could wish for. But then there’s the lodge itself which finds the perfect sweet-spot between elegance and comfort, haute cuisine and comfort food, and a gracious staff but thoroughly warm humans.
A day in the life at Le Fario generally begins with an excellent breakfast at the time of your choosing followed by a trip to some of the most productive rivers and lakes I’ve ever fished. Lunch time is beautifully set up on the bank of the river with great food, a bottle of wine, and plenty of time for a nap if you choose. Then it’s back on the river for a more fishing and off to the lodge for a relaxed evening. Gonzalo and Laura, the lodge owners and managers, go way out of their way to make you feel like family while also catering to your every need. They are both extremely talented chefs, have a well-trained staff who know their business, and if you’re lucky, two amazing kids who may serenade you with some wonderful songs accompanied by the guitar and piano.
I’ve fished an awful lot of lodges in an awful lot of places and would put Le Fario in the very top tier. It’s about as close to a fishing paradise as I’ve ever encountered and I intend to make it an on-going destination in my fishing calendar.
George Carey
Westport, CT USA