For us at 2instincts, it is always especially enjoyable to bring new fishers to Argentina and the River Rio Grande. Niklas W. from Sweden and Roald M. from Norway both joined us for the first time to Rio Grande in January 2023. Both came to try their luck with the large fish they, and many others, have heard so much about.
It is a dream come true when you make your first fly casts in this unique river.
And what a start to the fishing it would be for Niklas and Roald.
Let us start with the first day for Niklas, who made his first casts on New Year's Day. Niklas received a tip from guide Tommy to rig a single-handed rod with floating line and a long leader. Said and done, and after only a few casts it tightened up. Niklas's first fight with a Rio Grande trout was underway, and what a fight it would turn out to be. The fish tore off through the entire pool, which is around 150 metres long, with Niklas in tow. After around 12 minutes, Niklas began to gain the upper hand over the fish, which was now feeling the pressure. After a few more rounds, the guide could finally net Niklas's first Rio Grande trout. A fine, fat fish of 18 lb. My goodness, what a start to the week for Niklas.
Later during this first morning session, Niklas followed up with another 4 fish and returned to the lodge for lunch with a big smile on his face. 5 fish landed and some lost in the first session. Every reason to be pleased. That calls for champagne.
This would turn out to be the start of a fantastic fishing week for Niklas, a week yours truly is sure will never be forgotten.
Below are 2 pictures of Niklas with his first Rio Grande trout. Congratulations once again.
Then on to Roald M. from Bergen and his first fishing day on Rio Grande.
The date is 8 January and Roald has rigged up, ready to make his first fly casts in Arturo pool. Arturo is a pool that can vary from completely fantastic to deeply frustrating for many fishers. Why that is remains an ongoing discussion among the most experienced Rio Grande fishers.
The good thing is that on this first morning when Roald visits Arturo, fish can be seen before the car has even stopped. Both head and casting arm are almost vibrating as the rods are carefully taken off the car, parked on the riverbank. Not many metres to walk here.
The Andean condor that sailed above the fishers as they walked from the car towards the river to make their first casts was never observed by them. Completely understandable. All focus was on the current edge and the fish showing there.
Roald uses a new single-handed rod, N2 #7, with floating line and sink 1 tip. After just a few casts it tightens up. Roald strikes, and there it is. And there it came off. Wow wow, we hear enthusiastically from Roald. Fish on after only a few casts, he exclaims. It seems his belief in fish is strongly rising. After checking fly and leader, Roald makes another cast. Nothing happens for about 10 to 12 casts. Then yours truly hears a powerful Ariba shout from the river. Roald has a fish on and water sprays around him. The fish, bright and fresh, tears off and is as much in the air as in the river. At least that is what it feels like. Roald gets good advice from the guide about trying to steer the fish away from the clay clumps, which lie in exposed places in the pool. Roald manages this well, and after a brutal fight he can finally see his first Rio Grande trout in the net. A bright and truly fine fish of 14 lb. My goodness, what a flying start for Roald too. There was indeed more champagne for lunch.
Roald continued his good fishing on this first day in Rio Grande. In the evening, around midnight, Roald could proudly tell us that he had landed 5 fine fish from 5 to 14 lb, and lost 2 large fish. Congratulations once again. It is completely unnecessary to mention that the atmosphere around our 3-course menu this second Sunday in January was very good. That day, 5 fishers landed 15 fish from 5 to 16 lb. Absolutely fantastic.
Below are some pictures of Roald's first fish from the trip to Rio Grande. He landed 20 fine fish during the week and was of course very pleased.
Our experienced guide Tommy and a happy and satisfied fisher from Bergen.
This thing with champis, or as it is actually called, Champagne, is something we at 2instincts feel is appropriate when fishers get their first fish in Rio Grande, or set a new personal best in size. There were a few glasses on this trip too, as tradition demands.
Thank you to Roald and Niklas for allowing us to share these brilliant experiences. Also a big thank you to Tommy, who guided the lads on their first Rio Grande trip. We do not think it will be their last.
Best regards from a satisfied tour leader, who also got a lot of good film this week. Something to look forward to at film evening.
Helge Vetås
2instincts