Chocolate Lab Expeditions- Patagonia, Argentina
Based in San Martin de los Andes, Chocolate Lab Expeditions (CLE), offers some of the best fly fishing in all of Patagonia and more private access water than anyone else in the area. Owners Ron and Vanessa Sorensen have been guiding and outfitting anglers in Northern Patagonia since 1996, building a reputation for dependable excellence as they have shared their passion for fishing Patagonia over the years. Vanessa’s three generations of family history in San Martin has enabled CLE to access properties and establish a great staff of local Argentines. Ron offers a long guiding career that started in ’91 on the Madison river, then for Mike Lawson from ’92-2002, and finally under his own Montana license starting in 2003. CLE was featured in the movie “Rise” by Confluence Films (http://confluencefilms.com/), The Drake, and multiple times in the Angling Report, including a feature article in the October 2010 issue. Ron was twice covered by Columbia Country’s “Fishing The West”, in Flyfishing & Tying Journal’s Spring 2011 Guide Profile , various articles in Trout and Salmon, Gamefisher, FlyFishing & Fly Tying, and others.
The CLE team offers excellent guides, great meals and wines, and top quality equipment on their hosted fishing trips. They are one of the few outfitters in Argentina operating a full fleet of drift boats- which might not sound like much until you spend a day hung up on the straps and buckles of a raft.
Industry Recommendations
“Ron & Vanessa’s guides are the best in the entire region. These guys are hands-down the finest, most knowledgeable, experienced guides in the region. I can tell you that EVERYONE that we send down to fish with CLE comes home blown away by their professionalism, their experience, their work ethic, and their ability to put their customers on fish.”
Jim Klug
Owner- Yellowdog Flyfishing Adventures
You have the best track record for “return” clients out of the 180 destination line up by far. We really appreciate what you guys are doing and delivering
John Hudgens S. America Program Head 2008-2017
Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures
Ron Sorensen with Chocolate Lab Expeditions is the outfitter in Argentina and I have known Ron for many years. Ron is the consummate professional and someone I look up to and aspire to emulate. I have worked for him and had him work for me and he is a great guy and guide. He has been guiding for almost 30 years and has never lost his passion for guiding clients from all walks of life and I believe is one of the finest individuals I know. He builds custom trips for his clients based on their wants, needs and budget.
The thing that impressed me the most about Ron’s operation is the network he has developed over twenty years of guiding Patagonia and the private access he has. Logistics are one of the toughest things to negotiate down there with limited public access and Ron has it all dialed. His guide staff is excellent as well. They are all well versed in English and there are not any communication problems.
Dane Huzarski (outfitter)
Montana Trout Wranglers
Thank you both for putting together a great trip for my group. Everyone had a great time and mentioned numerous times that they would love a return trip. Your team of guides, transfer drivers and chefs was fantastic. The logistical planning that goes into making a great trip in Argentina looks near impossible and you show that it not only can be done, but done exceptionally well! The down side to that is that it makes me realize how pathetically easy we have it here in Montana!
Jason Fluery (lodge and outfitter owner)
TroutChasers
Client Trip Comments
D. Koch- Dec 2017
“One of the most fabulous trips ever!
Niko: Very animated and fun. Certainly knew his waters and fish. Was very accomodating.
Diego: An excellent instructor. I felt I learned alot on the stream and improved my casting. Also knew his waters.
As a single, small size woman fishing I appreciated both guides attentiveness, yet also their ability to let me “do it on my own”
J. Britton- Jan 2018
“The trip met my expectations, which is not something that happens much. The tour group and fishing guide service, as well as accomodations and food/drink were all outstanding. Argentina river fishing is different and on our trip we were predominantly on very big rivers, which has a number of unique challenges. While I would have preferred more opportunities for dry fly fishing, conditions were not always favorable for that. Nevertheless, the rivers were amazing and provided a number of large trout. What stands out is the shear isolation of the experience, as we often did not see another fisherman on the water, despite the enormity of the rivers. It was like fishing miles of private water every day.
I will return to Argentina and Patagonia with Yellow Dog. There are so many reasons for that, including the abundance of good trout water and the incredible personalized treatment I received throughout the trip. Long days of quality fishing coupled with great food, awesome service, and comfortable quarters made this a bucket list trip that must be repeated. Often.”
D. Doherty Jan 2018
“Yes, what a great time! Thank you Ron and Vanessa, for hosting such a great trip. You live in such a beautiful part of the world and surround yourselves with tender, patient, and very capable people. I would lOOOOOve to come back and fish your waters again.”
M. & D. Moseley Feb 2018
“Ron and Vanessa
Thanks very much for everything! The trip was spectacular. Your group did a great job of keeping us comfortable during our journey. Can’t wait to come back! Let us know if you come to the states so that we can show you the same hospitality. “
