Port Lussich
Mario Lussich's life revolves around fishing. From November through March he works as an expert instructor and guide on his estancia, on the shores of Lake Quillen; and the rest of his year is spent in Buenos Aires, promoting fly fishing as Secretary of the Mel Krieger Foundation, the worldwide fly-fishing organization.

Formerly, banking meetings were his favorite pastime - however, he doesn't regret the change, not likely! The view from any of the three buildings on his estancia -two on Lake Quillen and one on the river by the same name, some 7 km away from the others- would relax the most overstressed businessman.

All the guest houses are very well equipped, and include food specially prepared to each guest's taste and preference. Purchasing is done at Alumine, a 45 minute drive away. For Argentine Residents, the fully equipped houses -for 6 people- range from US$ 150 to US$ 300 a day, including the services of a caretaker, horses and a horse-trekking guide, foot hiking and fishing in the lake.

Fly-fishing classes cost US$ 30 for one and a half hours, and a sailing or fishing guide US$ 80. LUGARES readers get a free fishing class in Buenos Aires or in Port Lussich. Phone: (02942) 49-6013. In Buenos Aires, Phone/fax: 4393-1997. e-maiI: mlussich@aguaspataqonicas.org

Lomas del Correntoso
Although it is not specifically a fishing lodge, few places combine as well as Lomas does an excellent location with the services required by a fisherman. That is why this place is also ideal to combine fishing and family life. The units are semi-detached, with bedrooms on the upper floor, and a sitting room, dining room and services on the ground floor. It also has an "in/out" climatized pool, paddle and tennis courts, a covered barbeque area, and a TV and games room.

All units include a kitchenette with an oven, an under-the-counter mini-fridge, a microwave oven, crockery, and electric coffee machine, bed linen, a wood-burning fireplace, heating, central hot water and cleaning service. The units designed for 7 people also have a large fridge, that is a welcome item after long days on the Correntoso and the secret arms of Lake Nahuel Huapi. From December 28 to February 28, from $230 for the 2/4-guest apartment, breakfast included. Up to December 6, from $165. Route 231 n/n and Lumilla. Phone: (02944) 49-4361. In Buenos Aires, Phone: 4394-2146 and 4814-1667. e-mail: Iomasdelcorrentoso@ciudad.com.ar

El Dormilon del Machete
Some trout gillies even go into the lodge business. This was the case with Gustavo Fernandez, from Bariloche and a resident in ViIla La Angostura, a winter snowboarding instructor and a Nahuel Huapi Park guide and gillie. A short time ago his dream of a cabin of his own on the Machete arm of the lake finally came true. It is at the foot of Mt Dormilon (Sleepy Mountain) and is only accessible from the lake. It has three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Among excursions offered are those of the Machete river valley, Lake Gallardo and Dormilon Peninsula. Gustavo advocates conservation and says, "no to greedy hoarding"; he is a keen trekker and a "mountain cooking" fan, i.e.: cooking over an open bonfire, sharing "mates" and stories. He accepts up to four guests at a time. He has a motorboat, a semi-rigid rubber raft and a rowboat. The complete package of fishing, adventure touring and trekking for a minimum time of 2 days and maximum of 4 people costs $1.500 per day. This includes lodging, shipping, food and equipment. Phone: (02944) 49-4778. e-mail: snowboardbayo@ciudad.com.ar

Piedra Pintada
This is the deluxe hostelry that Italian Domenico Panciotto opened on the shores of Lake Pulmari, on the Villa Pehuenia circuit. The project took years to complete, and no one could believe he would make such a large investment in such a remote wilderness area of Northern Patagonia, 190 km from San Martin de los Andes.

There he built not only 12 rooms with magnificent bathrooms and a splendid view, but also a vegetable garden, supplying the needs of the restaurant, whose gourmet menu is designed by chef Pablo Buzzo, of Caleuche. It is worthwhile merely stopping by to eat or have tea, although a couple of days' stay guarantee the non-fishermen a proper rest and a good time, and to the fishermen a few good-sized 1 ½ k trout from the Pulmari river and, if they're lucky specimens of up to 6 ½ kilos in the lake. For the latter there are also courses on fly-tying and fly-fishing.

From November 1 to December 15, take advantage of the promotional "buy one, take two" offer of a double room with full board at US$ 150. Children from 2 to 10 years of age pay 75%. In/out transfers from San Martin de los Andes included for a minimum of two people and three-days' stay. Additional gillie fly-fishing service and transfer to fishing areas cost US$ 100 a day per person. Phone: (02942) 49-6396. e-mail: info@piedrapintada.com.ar.

Spring Creek
On the banks of the Chimehuin river, the noted trout-man, gillie Carlos "Tuqui" Viscarro works with the Spring Creek cabins as a basis for an intensive fly-fishing program. Ten km away from the town of Junin de los Andes, this is a complex consisting of six large and super-comfortable bungalows, with an excellent clubhouse.

For non-fishermen, Tuqui organizes horse-riding outings and other programs. A 4-day package, with transfers from San Martin de los Andes, two Rio Malleo wading sessions, fishing in the Chimehuin, floating on the Alumine, and wading the Chimehuin before returning to Chapelco airport, from $1,950 per person on a double room basis. This includes a guide, permits, lodging with half-board without drinks, including picnic refreshments for the fishing outings. Otherwise, cabins for 4 go at $200 a day. Phone: (02972) 49-2568. e-mail: tuqui@topmail.com.ar

Quinen
Located on the Vega de Maipu, the Quinen Inn has just joined the Wild Stream Group, together with Damonte Turismo. Wild Stream offers fly fishing programs in this area with the best gillies. A day's typical fishing starts off with an excellent breakfast in the inn, later leaving for the Alumine river, along the valleys of the Chimehuin and Malleo rivers.

After the morning's "bites", expect a delicious roast kid, accompanied by an excellent wine. Following a welcome rest, you will resume the browns and rainbows "trail", to end the day at the river's edge and return to Quinen at dusk. The 4-day program consists of floating on the Collon Cura, wading on the Caleufu and floating on the Chimehuin, from $1,165 per person. This includes lodging, transfers, one gillie every two fishermen, inflatable raft, food and drink, as well as transport to fishing sites. Ruta 234 km 65.6. Phone: (02972) 42-5455. e-mail: posadaquinen@smandes.com.ar