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The
Traful is 15 miles long from its headwater lake to where it empties
into the Limay river. The river runs through an enchanted verdant
valley with sandstone monoliths and sculpted rock outcroppings,
flanked by tawny, windswept mountains. The Traful is a small
pool-and-run festooner with blue-green clear waters holding large
lake-fed browns and rainbows, while the smaller dark-gray shadows
lying in ranks are landlocked Atlantic salmon (introduced from Sebago
Lake, Maine, in 1905, provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).
The Traful is the only river in South America holding an important
population of landlocked salmon, apart from a great concentration of
rainbows and browns. |
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It
is characterized by the size of its catches, the average being 2 to 3
pounds, although every season several fish over 10 pounds are caught,
and it is usual to take various in the range of 4 to 6 pounds. It is
ideal for dry-fly, nymphs and streamers all throughout the season.
The
Traful runs through the beautiful Estancia
Arroyo Verde, quoted by Charles Gaines, one of the finest
and most experienced outdoorsmen and writer, in "Forbes FYI
magazine" as "The Greatest Fishing Lodge in the World.
Period". It offers elegant accommodations, gourmet cuisine, apart
of one of the best fisheries in the world.
The countryside of
Arroyo Verde is absolutely beautiful, the ranch is embedded in one of
the loveliest valleys in Patagonia, with amazing rock formations,
voodoo spires, rolling foothills, the gin clear Traful river, deep
pools and giant boulders, the scenic Traful Lake surrounded by the
majestic snow-capped peaks of the Andes and lush green forests. The
main house is beautiful, elegantly appointed and very comfortable,
with obtrusively landscaped gardens, with flowers and flowering
shrubs, bronze statuary, a fish-holding casting pond and stream, and a
stone terrace looking out to the open views and the mountains. There
is also an enchanting guest cabin perched on a cliff with a
breath-taking view of the lake and the Andes.
Arroyo Verde is a
paradise for fly-fishermen and outdoor lovers, combining fine
accommodations, excellent service and food with princely hospitality
and the opportunity of sharing the lifestyle of true Argentine
ranchers, the Larivieres. The regal ambience is enhanced by the
customary visit of prominent guests, you may find yourself seated next
to a cabinet minister, foreign dignitary or famous sportsman. The
ranch is a study in rustic refinement; seldom have nature and
civilization achieved such harmony. The amenities offered for
non-fishing companions are diverse: horseback-riding in this
captivating region: up the mountains through picture forests to hidden
lakes, to caves with Indian paintings, to watch the incredible flight
of the condors, walking and hiking in this terrain of astounding
beauty, a crystal lake for water-sports, a lovely beach, savoring the
delicious and typical Argentine barbecues and relaxing in a paradise
place |
