The Antiquities Act was put in place to protect America’s special outdoor sites. Sixteen presidents, both Republican and Democrat, have used the Antiquities Act to establish National Monuments to be enjoyed by all, now and in the future.
Over the last decade many cultures, which at one time were very different from ours, have become increasingly homogeneous. This is especially evident to those of us that travel for either work or pleasure. Unfortunately, one of the negative side effects of this “sameness” is that it is becoming harder and harder to find true adventure. Many of us conclude trips feeling as though the adventure we dreamed about and envisioned somehow eluded us or never materialized. If you have ever experienced these feelings or are just looking for some adventure - then head to Argentina’s Northern Patagonia. Here you will find a culture that is rich in tradition set against a landscape of natural beauty. More importantly, this is home to some of the best trout fishing on the planet. Discover this unique environment and experience firsthand its crystal clear rivers, pristine mountain lakes, numerous streams and unique spring creeks.
One way to fulfill your quest for adventure is to combine fly-fishing with camping as your lodging option. This will provide you with the opportunity to fully immerse yourself into the Patagonia wilderness without skimping on the creature comforts. Imagine a day where you fish the river, stream or lake of your dreams and then conclude the evening gazing into the star filled southern sky. You will be experiencing a side of Argentina that most people will never know.
Andes Drifters, located in San Martin de los Andes, has perfected the art of deluxe camping. After multiple years of offering this unique lodging option they have literally equipped themselves to provide for all your needs. From sleeping bags and cots to solar showers and fine wines, it’s all included. They have thought of everything and your dedicated camp staff will pamper you so that you never have to lift a finger!
Another advantage to camping is the ability to fish water that may otherwise be inaccessible. Many rivers, streams and lakes in Patagonia are remote or have limited 
access. Camping becomes a practical lodging solution for those looking to fish on these waters less traveled. Equally important, camping allows you to maximize your time on the water, gives you a chance to fish the evening hatch and minimizes your time spent traveling.
If you are planning a trout-fishing trip to Argentina, give the deluxe camping option some consideration. You can choose this as a one-night option or consecutive nights on an extended float trip. Either way, this is a wonderful way to enjoy Patagonia.
About Andes Drifters
Andes Drifters is located in San Martin de los Andes, Argentina. Our northern Patagonia headquarters is home to some of the best trout fishing in the world. Our seasoned guide team would love to show you this angler’s paradise! If you would like more information please contact: Kevin Landon from Andes Drifters. kevinlandon@me.com or www.andesdrifters.com
Andes Drifters is a proud supporter of Colorado Trout Unlimited.
Argentina Dream Stream - Andes Drifters from Andes Drifters on Vimeo.
Fishing doesn't have to end when the winter season rolls in. Many anglers find icefishing to be a fun way to enjoy to enjoy being outside on a brisk day with the fish swimming below the ice surface. In Colorado, there are many locations where ice fishing is allowed and with reliable reporting on ice thickness for safety. You can check out the Colorado interactive parks map here. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife also has some quick tips before you start walking out onto the ice that you can read here.
Or if you don't want to bust out all the winter gear, then you can always head down to Pueblo and fish the Arkansas River tailwater below Pueblo Reservoir, one of Colorado's best winter fly fishing destinations. You can check out the local TU chapter, The Southern Colorado Greenbacks Trout Unlimited Chapter, if you want to know some of their best Arkansas River fishing tactics and locations.
Additional Resources:
Beginning Ice Fishing 2017 (Denver Post)
8 Ice Fishing Lakes in Colorado
Colorado Statewide Current Fishing Conditions
Join us “behind the fin” with Michele White, V.P. Government Affairs, Pikes Peak Chapter of Trout Unlimited and Owner-Operator of Tumbling Trout Fly Shop in Lake George, Colorado.
How long have you been a TU member?
Since 1998.
Why did you become a member and what chapter are you involved with?
I became a non-participating member because I wanted my money to be used in a donation capacity toward protecting trout habitat all over the United States.
What made you want to become involved with TU?
I met the people in our Pikes Peak Chapter and I realized that I like them...
What is your favorite activity or project you have done with TU?
So many... I would almost say teaching fly tying hands down but when I am out on a river helping a group of people do some really laborious task (like harvest and plant willows) - I really do enjoy myself. (Sometimes I cook at the grill for groups and sometimes I man a booth, I like that too...)
I know you won’t tell me your favorite spot, but what is your second favorite place to fish or favorite fishing story?
Some fishing stories are about places, boats, bars, trucks, and dogs. Michele White, who writes under the name, Michele Murray, has submitted a humorous essay for Trout Unlimited readers to enjoy from a compilation of short stories written by three authors (Michele Murray, Al Marlowe, and Karen Rae Christopherson) in “Between the Rivers” – stories about adventures that happen on the road, at the campsite, in a bar, as well as during the fishing trips. “Joe’s Bar” is a tale in common with most fishing people living the dream.
What does being a part of TU mean to you?
I am part of the solution. Being part of TU means I am contributing to the preservation of riparian habits, not only for trout but also for other wildlife and to the enhancement of recreation for humans.
What else do you do in your spare time or work?
I have a close family and I spend a lot of time with my loved ones. That said, in my spare time I paint, I write short stories, I play the bassoon, I hunt upland game birds, and I ride my horses. The writing has played out as an alternate sub-career / hobby, in that I have multiple books now. The latest is under review for print, "BETWEEN THE RIVERS - FLY FISHING STORIES OF THE WEST". It may be ready by Christmas. In the meanwhile, I have copies of "Lesser known Fly Fishing Venues in South Park" for sale in my shop and online. This is a 71 page map booklet (atlas) with color maps, images, and description of every free public fishing access in South Park basin excluding the Dream Stream and Eleven Mile Canyon.
Coloradans have a special connection with our headwaters; in many ways we are the headwaters of the nation. For Colorado Trout Unlimited, our members in 24 local chapters across the state engage under the Clean Water Act both as advocates for healthy streams and by filing for and securing permits that allow us to partake in collaborative instream habitat improvement and fish passage projects.
Colorado Trout Unlimited stands with the 2015 Clean Water Rule and we believe it provides a reasonable amount of protection for our coldwater resources and therefore needs to stay intact. America's headwaters are the start of our country's iconic rivers. These waters provide the spawning and rearing habitat for trout, salmon, and other wild and native fish that contribute greatly to the $50 billion recreational fishing industry in the United States. What's more, these streams send clean water downstream, where it is used for our farms and communities.
Water is an important resource for all and deserves the protections that keep it clean, flowing, and usable. To make that happen, we need to protect our waterways from their sources: the small, seasonal headwater and feeder streams whose flow makes up our larger perennial rivers downstream.
Colorado TU submitted comments to the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers on the scope of the Clean Water Act and why headwater protection is so important. Click here to read the full letter written by David Nickum, Executive Director of Colorado Trout Unlimited.
