Our Team

Rance Rathie

Rance’s fishing, guiding, and angling experience is second to none. He is one of a handful of third-generation guides from Montana and was brought up with a rod in his hand. Rance spent his younger guide years traveling the planet and guiding in numerous countries like Mongolia, the Bahamas, Argentina, and Chile. When on the water, Rance is a predator who mostly enjoys fishing through his client’s rod and sharing Patagonia summer days with them. He is a member of the Simms, Winston Rod, Hatch Reel, and RO Drift Boats pro staff and has always enjoyed sharing his casting skills with guests, guides, and friends. He loves Patagonia and sharing his knowledge of flora, fauna, and history with anyone that will listen – including his four children, who he is also anxious to share the “if you can’t row, you can’t go” policy set by his father so his kids, in turn, will have a great love and appreciation of flyfishing.

Travis Smith

Travis Smith has enjoyed nearly twenty years guiding trout fishing in Montana, Idaho, Argentina, and Chile. He is one of the most well-known and most respected guides in all of the American West.  If you drop his name in a fly shop or a fishing bar, most will know him or his reputation, which is larger than life. He is a member of the Simms, Winston Rod, Hatch Reels, and RO Drift Boats pro staff, and is not only an excellent caster and fisherman but also an incredible teacher. Travis learned to cast and row before most learned to read and grew up fishing with his Dad and his buddy Rance on the Ruby, Big Hole, Beaverhead, and Jefferson Rivers in Montana.  His laid back demeanor, sense of humor, work ethic, and endurance are second to none.  Travis is one of the most personable and patient guides you will ever meet and a day spent with him is filled with great stories, many laughs, and screaming reels.  He is an expert on stalking and catching selective trout thanks to over fifteen years of experience on the Henry’s Fork River.  Apart from fishing, he is a gracious host and will make you feel like part of our family when you visit.  Travis splits his seasons in Argentina and Montana with his beautiful wife Caitlin and adorable daughters Tallula and Delila.

John Roberts

Rance and Travis have known John since their first day in Argentina, and have been working together for over fifteen years. John is one of the most experienced guides in all of Patagonia, and for more than twenty years, he has been working as a guide, outfitter and manager of local fishing and hunting lodges. John’s laid-back demeanor, knowledge, fishing expertise, and teaching ability have won him unsurpassed praise from our guests. John knows most of the trout in Patagonia by name and is an expert on local history, flora, and fauna. Prior to becoming one with the fish, John worked in the beef industry. His knowledge of Argentine beef, cuts of meat, and ability to barbecue it can’t be outdone. He keeps the PRG quincho (barbecue house) in his back yard and hosts frequent barbecues for the PRG “think tank”. Although born and raised in Argentina, John reminds most of an Australian rugby player for the use of his perfect queen’s English and his intimidating size. John is married to his beautiful wife Valerie, who just so happens to be PRG’s masseuse and non-fishing guide. John and Valerie have two great college age kids, Melanie and Alex, who also work for PRG.

Adolfo Aloso

Adolfo has been working with the Patagonia River Guides crew since he was fifteen years old and was PRG’s first employee. He was born and raised in Esquel and is very well known in the area since his family homesteaded there. Adolfo is an extremely hard worker and provides PRG with logistic support, hunting guiding, and assists guides. Don’t be fooled because he isn’t a full-time guide, Adolfo is an excellent caster, great fisherman, good oarsman, and great guide. He specializes on walk wading trips with other PRG guides and knows better than most how to put his clients on fish. His English is still a work in progress and the only thing holding him back from being a full-time guide. Adolfo is a very fun guy to hang out with and will make you laugh throughout your day. In the winter, Adolfo is a partner with Rance in Argentina Doves Unlimited and manages that program in Tucuman province.

Alex Roberts

Agustin

Alejandro

Cuni

Diego

Emiliano

Gustavo

Juan

Juany

Julio

Miguel

Nacho

Nahuel

Nehuen

Nico

Pablo

Paco

Santi

Sebastian

William

Alex Knüll

Alex was born and raised in San Martin de los Andes and educated in an English boarding school in Buenos Aires. He caught his first fish on a fly rod at age nine and never looked back. In high school, Alex would take tourists and friends fishing just for fun and in 2000 became a professional guide. He realized that guiding was the best way to stay in Patagonia and to live and immerse himself in flyfishing. A decade after working for area outfitters and traveling to fish, Alex partnered with Patagonia River Guides and helped form the incomparable PRG North private estancia program. Alex is an expert angler and a great leader.  He is the only Argentine member of the Winston Rod and Hatch Reel pro staff. Alex offers all the experience and charisma necessary to extend the signature PRG standard of service and unforgettable flyfishing on his home waters. Alex is also a semi-professional photographer and enjoys taking pictures when he doesn’t have his hands on the oars.

Facundo “Facu” Huarriz

Facu leads the PRG North support team and is a natural for that job being born in the region. Facu has a love of the outdoors much like all the PRG guides and assistants but likes most to be “out there”. The “unplugged” program would not be possible without his logistical and planning support of the program and also his hands on assistance and work at the camps. Facu speaks nearly perfect English and is also a skilled guide when walk wading. Simply put, if you had to be stranded somewhere, you would want to be with Facu to enjoy his sense of humor, kind spirit, and ability to catch dinner! Facu enjoys snowboarding, biking, and spending time with his wife and two children when not working.

Andrés Hermosilla

Andres “Andy” Hermosilla is one of the most experienced guides at Patagonia River Guides, bringing a wealth of knowledge to every fishing trip. Not only is he an excellent fly tier, but he also has a toolkit of tricks up his sleeve to help anyone hook a fish. With a cocky attitude that comes with confidence, Andy never fails to keep a smile on his face and make every day on the water a fun experience. His expertise and laid-back charm make him a favorite among anglers looking for an unforgettable experience!

Fede “Tiburón” Wehncke

Federico Wehncke is a highly experienced guide with over 20 years in the world of fly fishing. Renowned for his natural leadership, has a unique ability to inspire confidence in his clients, making every outing both not only successful but also highly educational. With his calm demeanor he is an excellent teacher, dedicated to sharing his extensive knowledge and techniques, ensuring that anglers of all skill levels feel comfortable on the water. With Federico, a.k.a El Capitán, you’re not just fishing; you’re learning from one of the best, all while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Patagonia.

Nico Natalucci

Nico Natalucci began his journey at Patagonia River Guides as an assistant guide over 10 years ago, first as an assistant and camp staff, and then as one of the most talented professional guides. Known for his amazing ability to keep everyone smiling and laughing, Nico has a talent for making jokes and playfully teasing his clients throughout the day. A skilled angler with a deep understanding of fish hunting, he’s developed a wealth of tools and techniques to ensure everyone has a great chance of catching fish. Don’t let his carefree look fool you; Nico is a thorough teacher and guide, dedicated to making your fishing experience both fun and rewarding!

Facu Ventura

Facu Ventura started his journey at Patagonia River Guides as an assistant guide and has quickly made a name for himself as a great fisherman and skilled fly tier. A true enthusiast, Facu is passionate about hunting down brown trout and finds joy in exploring the waters and walking the landscapes in search of the perfect catch. His love for fishing runs deep, making him a fishing fanatic who is always eager to share his excitement and knowledge with fellow anglers. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, fishing with Facu promises an adventurous and memorable experience on the water.

Jose Beretta

Jose Beretta has been hunting fish since his early childhood, and his passion for fishing shines through in everything he does. He started at Patagonia River Guides as an assistant guide about 10 years ago and quickly proved his skills and dedication, earning a promotion to guide in no time. Known as one of the “most passionate fishermen “fishiest” people on the team, Jose is incredibly motivated and 100% focused on catching fish. With an unyielding enthusiasm, he’ll keep you fishing until you beg him to stop, making a day on the water with Jose an unforgettable adventure!

Sandro Gonzalez

Sandro Gonzales a.k.a. “Big Sandro”, is a seasoned fishing guide with over 30 years of experience navigating the waters of the region. Known for his gentle demeanor and permanent smile, Sandro has a knack for making every fishing trip a delightful experience filled with laughter. His wealth of stories and anecdotes reflects his deep connection to the sport, making him not just a guide but a storyteller who can bring the local fishing culture to life. As a senior guide, Sandro possesses a treasure trove of knowledge about fishing techniques, local waters, and the best spots for hooking the catch of the day. But most importantly, with Big Sandro you will always feel well taken care of.

Juan Pablo

Juano

Teo