Argentina
Estancia Mamuil Malal Lodge
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Trip Summary
Set beneath Lanín Volcano on a working cattle estancia, Estancia Mamuil Malal offers an intimate and distinctly Argentine fly fishing experience. The family-run lodge accommodates only eight guests and provides quick access to private water on the upper Malleo River.
The Malleo is best known for technical walk-and-wade fishing, careful presentations, and strong dry-fly opportunities for wild Brown and Rainbow Trout. A private creek flowing through the property adds another spring-creek-style challenge, while nearby rivers and lakes provide additional variety.
Back at the estancia, the atmosphere is relaxed and authentic. Guests can expect regional meals, Argentine wines, working gauchos, cattle, and views of Lanín Volcano. Mamuil Malal is best suited to anglers who value private water, ranch culture, and a quiet lodge experience over polished luxury.
Who's It For?
Access private water on the upper Malleo
Estancia Mamuil Malal provides quick access to approximately 15 miles of private water on the upper Malleo River. Anglers can also explore the intimate creek flowing through the property, allowing for productive fishing without long daily drives.
Technical walk-and-wade trout fishing
The Malleo is known for clear water, consistent insect activity, and selective wild Brown and Rainbow Trout. Sight fishing, careful presentations, and match-the-hatch dry-fly fishing are central to the experience, with nymphs and streamers adding variety throughout the season.
Authentic working-estancia hospitality
Mamuil Malal is the longtime home of the Grahn family and remains an active cattle estancia. With only eight guests, the atmosphere is personal and relaxed, offering an authentic connection to Patagonian ranch culture, local cuisine, working gauchos, and family hospitality.
Flexible addition to a Patagonia itinerary
A typical stay includes four nights and three days of fishing, making Mamuil Malal easy to pair with another lodge, river program, or wilderness camp. This allows anglers to combine its private walk-and-wade fisheries with float fishing and other experiences elsewhere in northern Patagonia.
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
WHY BOOK WITH TRIDENT
- No Credit Card Fees
- Same Price as Booking Direct
- Earn Trident Rewards
Trident Travel’s expert planning service is free of charge. Our rates are the same as you would pay by booking directly with the lodge or outfitter.
Rates and inclusions are subject to change. Contact us for the most current pricing.
What’s Included
- Guided fishing with a professional, English-speaking guide
- Accommodations and meals at Estancia Mamuil Malal
- House wine, beer, regular spirits, and nonalcoholic beverages
- Local ground transportation, including transfers to and from San Martín de los Andes Airport when applicable
- Private water access fees
- Complimentary WiFi
What’s Not Included
- International and domestic airfare
- Lodging, meals, and transfers in Buenos Aires
- Fishing license, approximately $100
- Fishing equipment and tackle
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Laundry and personal expenses
- Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
Gallery
Seasonal Fishing
Calendar
The season begins with higher flows, long days, and relatively light fishing pressure. Streamers, nymphs, and larger dry flies may all come into play depending on water levels. Conditions generally become more consistent through December as rivers settle and dry-fly opportunities expand.
Midsummer brings the warmest weather and the widest variety of fishing options. Terrestrials become increasingly important, with trout looking for grasshoppers, beetles, ants, and other land-based insects. Lower, clearer water can also create excellent sight-fishing opportunities and demand more precise presentations.
March marks the transition into autumn. Cooler mornings, fewer visitors, and gradually falling water temperatures create comfortable fishing conditions. Dry flies remain productive when insects are active, while streamers become increasingly relevant as Brown Trout begin feeding more aggressively ahead of the spawning season.
April offers cool weather, autumn colors, and a quieter atmosphere throughout northern Patagonia. Brown Trout become more aggressive as the spawning season approaches, making streamers an important part of the fishing. Dry-fly opportunities can still develop during warmer portions of the day, though anglers should be prepared for shorter days and changing weather.
Lodging & Accommodations
Accommodations
Estancia Mamuil Malal accommodates up to eight guests in four comfortable rooms, each with a private bathroom. Guest rooms are located upstairs, while the ground floor features a country-style living room, bar, and dining area. The lodge is casual, cozy, and filled with character. Guests stay in the Grahn family’s longtime home and experience the rhythms of a working Patagonian estancia. The atmosphere is best suited to travelers who value genuine hospitality and local culture over polished luxury.
Food
Meals at Mamuil Malal are hearty, home-cooked, and rooted in traditional Argentine family recipes. Breakfast typically includes cooked-to-order eggs and bacon with coffee and tea. Lunch is often served at the lodge between fishing sessions, although riverside picnics can be arranged when fishing farther from the property. Evenings begin with appetizers and drinks at the bar, followed by a three-course dinner featuring dishes such as Argentine meats, milanesa, pasta, ravioli, vegetables, and potatoes. Local wines, beer, and spirits are also served.
Connectivity
WiFi is available at the lodge, although guests should expect slower and less consistent service than they would find in a city. Cell service is limited, making Mamuil Malal a good place to disconnect between fishing days.
Target Species
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
8-Day Itinerary
Each day is carefully planned to maximize your fishing success while experiencing the best of what this destination has to offer. Itineraries are flexible based on conditions and guest preferences.
Depart your home airport on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Upon arriving at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) the following morning, transfer to your prearranged hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring the city or relaxing after your flight.
Transfer to Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) for your flight to San Martín de los Andes Airport (CPC). Upon arrival, you will be met and driven approximately 45 minutes to Estancia Mamuil Malal. After settling into your room, enjoy dinner and prepare for the days ahead. Depending on your flight schedule, there may also be time for a short afternoon fishing session.
After breakfast each morning, you will depart with your guide for a full day of fishing. Days are commonly spent walk-and-wade fishing the upper Malleo River or the private creek flowing through the estancia. Other nearby rivers and lakes may also be incorporated based on conditions and your fishing preferences. Lunch may be served beside the river or back at the lodge. After fishing, return to the estancia for drinks, Argentine wines, and a hearty regional dinner.
After breakfast, transfer to San Martín de los Andes Airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, transfer to your prearranged hotel for one final night in Argentina. Mamuil Malal is often paired with another lodge, estancia, or wilderness program. In a combination itinerary, you would instead fish your way to the next property or transfer there after breakfast.
Transfer to Ezeiza International Airport for your return flight home.
Frequently Asked Questions
GET IN TOUCHMamuil Malal is primarily a walk-and-wade trout fishing program. The upper Malleo River is known for clear water, reliable insect activity, and technical match-the-hatch fishing. Depending on conditions, anglers may use dry flies, nymphs, and streamers throughout their stay.
The primary species are wild Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Both are found in the Malleo River and throughout the surrounding northern Patagonia fisheries.
No. The estancia provides convenient access to approximately 15 miles of private water on the upper Malleo River, as well as an intimate private creek flowing through the property. Nearby rivers and lakes, including Tromen Lake, may also be incorporated based on conditions and angler preferences.
Mamuil Malal can accommodate a range of skill levels, but intermediate and advanced anglers are particularly well suited to the program. Accurate casting, delicate presentations, and the ability to adjust techniques will help anglers make the most of the Malleo’s clear water and selective trout. Beginners should practice casting before the trip.
Most days involve walking and wading. Some sections offer relatively easy access, while others have uneven banks, rocky riverbeds, and stronger currents. Guides can tailor each day to the group’s mobility and comfort level, but guests should be prepared to spend extended periods on their feet.
The main fishing season runs from November through April. Early-season anglers may encounter higher water and active streamer fishing, while January and February typically bring warmer weather, terrestrial activity, and clear-water sight fishing. March and April offer cooler conditions, lighter crowds, and increasingly productive streamer opportunities.
A common standalone stay includes four nights and three days of guided fishing. Mamuil Malal is also frequently paired with another estancia, lodge, or wilderness camp to create a longer itinerary featuring several different fisheries and lodging experiences.
The lodge accommodates a maximum of eight guests in four rooms with private bathrooms. Its small capacity creates an intimate atmosphere and helps preserve the relaxed feeling of staying in a family home rather than a conventional commercial lodge.
Anglers should generally bring their own rods, reels, waders, boots, clothing, and personal fishing equipment. A 9-foot 5-weight or 6-weight rod will cover much of the dry-fly and nymph fishing, while a heavier rod may be useful for streamers. Trident will provide a detailed packing list based on the season and planned itinerary.
Yes, particularly for guests who enjoy outdoor activities and authentic rural settings. Horseback riding, hiking, birdwatching, and time spent exploring the working estancia may be arranged. However, Mamuil Malal is remote and is best suited to travelers who are comfortable with a quiet, fishing-oriented experience.
Mamuil Malal is comfortable, but it is not a traditional luxury fishing lodge. Guests stay in the Grahn family’s longtime home and experience the daily rhythms of a working cattle estancia. The hospitality is personal, the meals are home-cooked, and the overall atmosphere is casual and authentic.
Medical emergencies and evacuations can happen in remote destinations, which is why we strongly recommend enrolling with Global Rescue before your trip. Global Rescue provides industry-leading medical and security evacuation services, and they also offer comprehensive travel insurance plans serviced through IMG. This all-in-one solution allows anglers to secure both emergency evacuation coverage and travel insurance through a single provider, helping ensure you’re protected if something unexpected occurs before or during your trip.
