Quillen
Quillén is a small jem of a dry fly river.
Approximately an hour and a half drive north from the town of Junin de los Andes or from San Huberto is estancia Quillen. The Quillen Lodge is a 45,000 acre working cattle ranch controlling access to 8 miles of the Quillen River. A sister river of the Malleo, the Quillen is a moderate to small sized spring-creek loaded with aquatic life. Bill Leitch stated in his book A Fly Fisherman’s Guide to Patagonia that the Quillen is “the best dry fly stream in the Northern Fishing Zone”. True to this statement the Quillen offers wonderful hatches of caddis, mayflies, stoneflies, and a January bonanza of dragonflies. Riffles, weed flats, and deep pools provide a variety of water for both trout and angler. The Quillen has fewer fish per mile compared to the Malleo but average slightly larger.
Equally important on this estancia is an amazing tributary- the Malalco. This gorgeous small stream holds excellent numbers of 16-19 inch rainbows and browns with some reaching 25 inches. Most of the stream runs through a small canyon with a meadow section at the border of the estancia’s property. In December there are many productive streams within an hours drive of Quillen Lodge and for small water enthusiasts and those that enjoy hiking and fishing this is the time to visit this lodge. The large Alumine River is 15 minutes away and available for day floats throughout the season. With the variety of waters to choose from and the incredible beauty of the Quillen valley, this lodge is a great addition to any Patagonia adventure.
Approximately an hour and a half drive north from the town of Junin de los Andes or from San Huberto is estancia Quillen. The Quillen Lodge is a 45,000 acre working cattle ranch controlling access to 8 miles of the Quillen River. A sister river of the Malleo, the Quillen is a moderate to small sized spring-creek loaded with aquatic life. Bill Leitch stated in his book A Fly Fisherman’s Guide to Patagonia that the Quillen is “the best dry fly stream in the Northern Fishing Zone”. True to this statement the Quillen offers wonderful hatches of caddis, mayflies, stoneflies, and a January bonanza of dragonflies. Riffles, weed flats, and deep pools provide a variety of water for both trout and angler. The Quillen has fewer fish per mile compared to the Malleo but average slightly larger.
Equally important on this estancia is an amazing tributary- the Malalco. This gorgeous small stream holds excellent numbers of 16-19 inch rainbows and browns with some reaching 25 inches. Most of the stream runs through a small canyon with a meadow section at the border of the estancia’s property. In December there are many productive streams within an hours drive of Quillen Lodge and for small water enthusiasts and those that enjoy hiking and fishing this is the time to visit this lodge. The large Alumine River is 15 minutes away and available for day floats throughout the season. With the variety of waters to choose from and the incredible beauty of the Quillen valley, this lodge is a great addition to any Patagonia adventure.