cholila valley

Cholila

     In the a quiet and spectacular valley three hours south of Bariloche, cattle roam the open lush grasslands and gauchos are seen trotting along fence lines with their hand in the air in a friendly greeting. This area is a cowboy's dreamland boarded by dry scrub brush to the east, the snow capped Andes mountains and the cordillera to the west and the lush forests of the Alerces National Park to the south. This is the Cholila Valley and was where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid found refuge in the early 1900's.
     While fishing the area we stay in the Hosteria El Trebol which is one of the most charming lodges we frequent.
El Trebol was founded by German farmers years ago that had escaped Germany to order to freely practice Christianity. After working all over Argentina, they settled in the Cholila Valley to farm and live quietly. Today it is run as a guest lodge for mostly anglers but it is also open to those passing through. Juan and Lucy are two of the original founders and although they are slowed down by their age, they still help in running the lodge. Juan will capture your attention by his gentleness and good humor and Lucy is happy to show you her flowers, grains and herbs she has been growing for years. You will see various fruit trees in which they make their jellies, jams, and juices. All foods served including cheese, creams and honey are grown and made by the hands at El Trebol. A tour around the grounds will give you an idea of a hard working and simplistic life style that has not changed for one hundred years. New buildings have been added to the property to comfortably accommodate more anglers. However, the lodge is still small with only six rooms.
      From El Trebol we fish the beautiful Rivadavia River, the Carrileufu River for landlocked salmon and the Arroyo Pescado.

Fishing the Cholila Valley

  
   The waters most frequently fished in this area are all part of the same river system made up short rivers and large lakes that meander through the Alerces National Park located 40 mins. South of El Tre bol The most enjoyable river is probably the Rivadavia where anglers will be awestruck by the incredible green forest and turquoise water. Rainbows and browns are the target species here although there is a slight possibility of hooking a landlocked salmon here as well. Halfway down the 5-mile river is a beautiful and technical spring creel loaded with rainbows, brook trout and browns. This is perhaps our favorite spring creek to fish because the rewards are spectacular and the style and excitement are unmatched!
     Higher up the same water system that brings the Rivadavia is the Carrileufu River, which drains Lake Cholila and is the first lake that starts the chain of lakes and rivers fo rthis particular water system.Landlocked Salmon are the targeted species here and offer a serious challenge to any angler. The water is clear and long casts and swinging flies will be most effective for both browns, rainbows and salmon.
     In the Cholila Lake we fish for large rainbows up against the reeds. Browns and salmon and the native perca are also caught on the lake shore and in the inlets. The lake has incredible emerald color and is surrounded by tall colorful mountains.

Click here to learn about lodges in Junin, Bariloche, Esquel or Rio Pico.