Unbelievable Sea Trout fishing on the Rio Gallegos, where the sheer numbers and size of fish is just outstanding.
The Rio Gallegos River is nearly 300kms in length and has its origin in the Southern Andes with two pristine and very beautiful streams, the Penitente and the Ruebens. Winding its way through the wild Patagonian landscape, it emerges into the surprisingly mountainous area that encompasses the unique Las Buitreras beats, some 40kms from the river mouth. The flood plain that lies between these outcrops teems with birdlife, alongside large numbers of rheas, silver foxes, horses, hares, flamingos and guanacos.
A trip to Rio Gallegos River offers the adventurous angler the opportunity to pit his skills against the explosive Sea Trout of Patagonia. These fish can reach sizes of 25lbs and over and will reward the angler with arm wrenching takes and blistering runs, interspersed with regular acrobatic displays. Loop’s Las Buitreras lodge is home to the most prolific beats on the Rio Gallegos, consisting of over 40kms of both sides private water comprising over 50 named pools. The fishing is exciting and varied, with pools ranging from deep stony runs to cut banks and streamy shingle flats. Relatively shallow, the river makes for easy wading, obviating the need for fast sinking lines and creating an exciting and challenging fishing environment. It is this variety in combination with the visually inspiring mountainous outcrops that makes this part of the Rio Gallegos quite simply one of the most spectacular stretches of fly fishing water in Patagonia.
Sometimes explosive, always challenging, fishing for Sea Trout requires a level of skill, stealth and understanding that can frustrate the average Salmon angler. However, armed with the correct knowledge to unlock these secrets, the fishing on the Rio Gallegos can be immensely rewarding. To help you we pride ourselves on having whom we consider to be some of the best guides in the world, now with 5 full seasons of experience on Buitreras. Each is a very talented angler, and they are some of the best casters and instructors we have seen anywhere. All of the guides are friendly, able to speak good English and usually keep a fly box tucked away with their secret deadly patterns they have created, ensuring that you get the very most out of your trip.
The season 2009 saw an increase in average weight and there were more fish in the river. Our hard work in the estuary is clearly paying off and we are very optimistic about the future in Rio Gallegos. Biggest fish 2009 was weighted at 25lb!
FISHING METHODS
Freshwater Fly Fishing.
SPECIES TO CATCH
Sea Trout
Season: Oct to April
Peak: Jan to March
Weight: 5lb to 30lb
Average Weight: 14lb |
Brown Trout
Season: Oct to April
Peak: Jan to March
Weight: 1lb to 6lb
Average Weight: 2.5lb |
Rainbow Trout
Season: Oct to April
Peak: Jan to March
Weight: 5lb to 26lb
Average Weight: 12lb |
Note: these figures are complied with catch reports over 5 years, however they can be effected by adverse weather.
TOUR INCLUDES
Flights (WT) International return flights, Internal flights (E) Airport transfers, 6 days full fishing as indicated on itinerary, 2 nights accommodation in Buenos Aires B/B, 7 nights accommodation at lodge F/B.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
Holiday insurance, personal items, local tips, fishing licence.
OPTIONS
Add on Jurassic Lake Rainbow Trout
Seat upgrades available with British Airways.
VISA
A machine-readable passport with at least 6 months before expiry, no visa for UK citizens required.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Hepatitis A and Typhoid
PLEASE NOTE
All details of visa and medical requirements are correct at time of press. However, please check these requirements for changes.
DEPARTURE TAX
There is departure tax of around $18 however this can change regularly.
FLIGHT ROUTE AND FLIGHT TIME
UK - Buenos Aires (approx 16hrs) Buenos Aires - Rio Gallegos (approx 3 hours).
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
(WT/E) 2 checked in items 23 kg (C/B/F) 3 checked in items 23 kg. Most airlines permit each passenger to check in one piece of sporting luggage i.e. a rod holdall, but must not exceed 23 kg.
TRANSFER TIME
Rio Gallegos - Las Buitreras Lodge (approx 1 hour).
ECO TOURS
Everyone that has visited Las Buitreras knows that our former Lodge Manager Martina McNamara is one of the people that has made Buitreras the “magic” place it is, she is also a teacher in the University for Wild Life Management and we know that nobody will take care of you better than Martina. Programs can be customized to guests' specifications and for example could include Monte Leon National Park, Los Glaciers National Park, Stag River and more.
HORSE RIDING
Take the opportunity to ride on the true wild horses and view some of the beautiful scenery.
