Fly Fishing Patagonia's Hidden Gem: Estancia Chochoy Mallin
Episode 170 of the Destination Angler Fly Fishing Podcast – May 7, 2026
Our destination is Estancia Chochoy Mallin in Northern Patagonia, Argentina with Lucho Alba, founder of Dream Waters Angling and head guide, Fernando Beltran
Few fly fishing destinations on the planet can match the raw beauty, solitude, and authentic culture of Northern Patagonia, Argentina — and in this episode of the Destination Angler Podcast, host Steve Haigh pulls back the curtain on one of its best-kept secrets.
Steve sits down with Luciano Alba (Lucho), founder of Dream Waters Angling and operator of six world-class lodges across Argentina, and Fernando Beltran, head guide and agricultural engineer turned passionate Patagonian fishing ambassador, to share what made his seven days at Estancia Chochoy Mallin one of the greatest experiences of his adult life.
In this episode:
- What makes Chochoy Mallín one of Patagonia's most unique fly fishing destinations
- The diversity of water across a region the size of the entire U.S. East Coast
- The full experience: horseback riding, traditional asado & authentic Argentine hospitality
- Fernando's 30+ years of guiding wisdom on reading water and chasing big trout
- Why this destination belongs on every traveling angler's bucket list
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Contact Lucho: https://www.dreamwatersangling.com/ | booking@dreamwatersangling.com | Instagram @EstanciaChochoyMallin @lucioano_alba
Contact Fernando: 54 9 3547 51-6877
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Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Recorded Mar 19, 2026
Key Topics:
- Why Northern Patagonia may be the last true hidden frontier in Argentina fly fishing
- The unique culture and hospitality of a working Patagonian estancia
- What makes Estancia Chochoy Mallin different from other Patagonia lodges
- Fly fishing private spring creeks from horseback
- The three distinct rivers that make up the Chochoy Mallin experience
- Why unpressured trout behave differently in these remote waters
- Fernando Beltran’s approach to guiding and reading anglers psychologically
- The micro streamer techniques that fooled aggressive Patagonia browns
- How giant Chubby Chernobyls produced surprisingly large trout
- The role of gauchos, cattle ranching, and rural Argentine culture in the experience
- Why Argentine asado is much more than just “barbecue”
- The similarities between Northern Patagonia and iconic western U.S. trout fisheries
- How Patagonia offers opportunities for every style of fly angler
- What makes solitude and lack of crowds so special in modern fly fishing
- Why Steve says this was one of the greatest travel and fishing experiences of his life
