Guide Talk - Brian Devetak (Backcountry Patagonia trout guide)
Jurassic lake Rainbow Trout (Great morning at the Barrancoso River)
Patagonia Trout Guide:
In this feature of our Guide talk series we have the absolute pleasure of catching up with one of Argentinas best Brian Devetak. Brian has been guiding in Argentina for almost 16 years and has worked on some of the most famous fisheries in Patagonia like, Jurassic lake, and the Barrancoso River. Some of our favorite content from Brian is when he’s in the backcountry chasing wild brook trout and Brown trout. Obviously we love the giants from jurrasic but there is nothing like backcountry Patagonia. Brian is one of the nicest and most humble humans you will ever meet, and has a wealth of knowledge from his area like none other.
FLYLIFE: Can you tell us about your experience as a fly fishing guide in Argentina? How long have you been guiding and what regions do you primarily fish?
Brian: I have been guiding for 15 years, here in Argentina and have always guided for trout. I am from the small town of Esquel Chubut, and I work here at Argentina Waters Lodge. I have been working here for over a decade and have fallen in love with this job and this way of life. I also work in Santa Cruz at Jurassic Lake Lodge, during the season and still can’t believe how big those rainbows can get.
FLYLIFE: What initially sparked your passion for fly fishing, and how did it lead you to become a guide in Argentina?
Brian: I grew up in small town in Argentina and was always drawn to the water, as a kid we were always heading down to the river to play and swim. As soon as I figured out I could catch trout in the river I was hooked, and my passion for the sport has only grown as i’ve gotten older. Naturally I became a guide and I am blessed to get to spend every day doing what I love.
FLYLIFE: Are there any specific fly fishing techniques or strategies that you have developed or refined over the years? How have they contributed to your success as a guide?
BRIAN: Learning how to row a raft and dial in my float fishing techniques has truly been an amazing journey and has completely changed the way I fish. The raft has been such a huge part of guiding now for me in the backcountry and makes it so much easier for my clients and creates and amazing experiences for them.
FLYLIFE: Have you had the opportunity to explore other fly fishing destinations outside of Argentina?
BRIAN: No I have never had the opportunity to leave Argentina on a fishing trip, would love to some day but i’m busy here with my wife and kids and honestly I live in a fly fishing paradise so its hard to leave. I would love to hit the salt water at some point but don’t have any plans currently.
FLYLIFE: What do you find most rewarding about being a fly fishing guide?
BRIAN: The most rewarding part of my job is the time I get to spend with clients, hearing stories from all over the world. Watching them catch fish is also an amazing aspect of my job because when everything comes together we get to share an absolute moment of joy together that is an unmatched feelings in my life.
FLYLIFE: Looking ahead, are there any specific goals or aspirations you have for your fly fishing career?
BRIAN: I Just wanna continue to make clients smile, get better at teaching new techniques and continue to perfect my job on my home waters. I also really hope to one day be able to go fish in the United States and possibly chase some US trout. I’m honestly content with everything in my life and just can’t wait for the next trip.
Be sure to go check out Brian on instagram https://www.instagram.com/brian.flyfishing/