Last year, filmmaker and angler Will Phelps traveled to Argentina to film Return of the Guide, a project shot at Estancia Laguna Verde, on the legendary waters of Lago Strobel and the Barrancoso River.

This January, he's returning. Not to make another film, but to host a week at Estancia Chochoy Mallín.

It's a different kind of Patagonia. A working estancia, three rivers, horses, gauchos, and days that revolve around far more than just the fishing.

Below, Will shares a look behind the making of the film, along with what drew him back to Patagonia—and why he believes Chochoy Mallín is the perfect place to experience it.

Behind the Scenes of Return of the Guide

Last year, we ventured down to Argentina to make a film with Off the Grid Studios called Return of the Guide.

The trip was an unforgettable mix of incredible fishing, wild landscapes, unpredictable weather, and a whole lot of work behind the camera. What eventually became a film was the result of countless hours of planning, filming, waiting, chasing light, and attempting to get as many fish on camera as possible.

We're excited to share that Return of the Guide is now available to stream on YouTube.

But what you see on the screen is only part of the story.

When you're making a fishing film, there are a lot of moving pieces: cameras, drones, audio, anglers, logistics, weather, and the quality of fishing itself.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at some of the stories from the making of Return of the Guide, along with an opportunity to fish with us in Patagonia this January.

The Wind We Needed

Estancia Laguna Verde is known as one of the windiest fly-fishing destinations on earth, with typical winds of 20–35 mph and gusts up to 40–70 mph.

That wind was an important part of telling the story. And then we arrived. For five straight days, there was almost no wind. From a fishing perspective, it was incredible. For the sake of telling the story of Jurassic Lake, it was a bit concerning. We had traveled to one of the windiest places on earth and somehow arrived during its calmest week.

Then, on the very last day, the wind arrived. It came with a vengeance. The landscape looked completely different. The water ripped across the lake, creating huge waves crashing against the shore, the grass bent sideways, and we finally had the conditions we'd been waiting for.

Every shot in the film showing the infamous wind was captured on that one day.

It's one of our favorite parts of filmmaking: you can plan the story, but you can't plan the moment. Sometimes you just have to wait, and be ready when it comes.

When the Fish Follow the Script

The same thing happened with the fish.

One scene called for Erik to catch a fish on a mouse fly. On paper, it was an absurd request, and we had no way of knowing if the fish would cooperate. But somehow, they did.

We spent an entire day on the river fishing solely with a mouse. We filmed every cast, a wide and a tight shot. Thankfully, we were able to capture several eats on camera, and managed to bring one to hand. They turned out to be some of our favorite shots in the film.

Sometimes, against all odds, the fish follows the script.

One Fish, Multiple Cameras

Once a fish is hooked, the work isn't over.

We're typically running multiple cameras, audio, and sometimes a drone. When a fish comes to hand, we're immediately figuring out who needs which shot.

The wide angle captures the scene. The tight camera captures the details and intricacies of the fish. The underwater camera gives another perspective, and the drone can show just how remote the setting really is.

We're constantly moving, communicating, and trying not to get in each other's way. You never know if that fish is going to be the last one of the trip.

All of that work might eventually become just a few seconds in the finished film. The hours waiting for the right light. The countless batteries. The changing weather. The endless repositioning. And then, occasionally, everything comes together. Those are the moments that end up in front of you on your screen.

From the Film to the River

After spending last year in Argentina chasing a story, we're excited to return for something a little different.

This January, we're heading to Estancia Chochoy Mallín for a more relaxed Patagonia experience. With more time to fish, explore, and simply enjoy being there.

There are multiple freestone rivers to explore, an authentic gaucho culture, and plenty of time to experience Patagonia beyond the fly rod.

Mornings drinking coffee while watching the gauchos work on horseback, days chasing trout, and evenings around the fire with an asado, wine, and stories from the river.

It's the kind of experience that feels like a five-star adventure without losing the wildness that brought us to Patagonia in the first place.

We'll share some of what we've learned behind the rod and behind the camera. From reading water and approaching fish, to finding light, composing shots, and turning unpredictable moments into stories.

But more than anything, we want to share the experience. The adventures. The mistakes. The unexplainable moments. Fly fishing has never been just about catching fish for us. It's a reason to explore wild places, experience different cultures, meet new people, and create stories worth remembering. This time, we'd love for you to be part of the story.

Join Us in Patagonia

January 3–10, 2027

We're heading back to Argentina for a week at Estancia Chochoy Mallín, and there are only four spots left.

Whether you're looking for a father-son adventure, a husband-wife getaway, a solo trip, or simply an unforgettable week of fly fishing in Patagonia, we'd love to have you join us.

Fish the rivers. Experience the gaucho culture. Gather around the fire. And get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating the films and photographs from our adventures.

Four spots. One week. Patagonia.

For more information and to book your spot, visit willphelpsmedia.com.

We'll see you in Argentina.