FLY FISHING – ARGENTINA, RIO GALLEGOS

Fly fishing for seatrout on Rio Gallegos in Argentina. Fishmaster will arrange hosted fly fishing trips to the Rio Gallegos. Rio Gallegos is one of the best seatrout rivers in the world. They also grow big, the average size of seatrout in Rio Gallegos is 4-5 kg. Every season many seatrout over 8 kg will be caught, the biggest ones are over 10 kg.

RIO GALLEGOS

The Rio Gallegos, widely considered one the finest sea run brown trout river in the world. Landscape of Patagonia is a sparsely populated wilderness. Large sheep farming estancias share this land with wild guanacos, grey foxes, beavers and condors. The success of the fishery on the Rio Gallegos is a modern day fly fisherman’s Cinderella story. In just a decade, through access control and the diligent promotion of catch and release, fly fishing average catch results have steadily improved earning it the reputation as one of the world’s finest sea run brown trout fishery.

FLY FISHING

Rio Gallegos is a medium size, 20-25 m wide river, with gentle gradients and easily waded, gravel-bottom pools. While the pools can be covered adequately with a single-handed rod, double-handers have become popular and deal with the famous Patagonia winds more efficiently. Pools are varied and interesting with island pools, traditional runs, undercut banks and meanders. All the pools are ideal fly water.

There is always local fishing guide available per 2 fly fishermen. Local fishing guide will take you by car to the river and show where to cast. They know the fishing places like their own hands and their english is adequate. Both single and double handed fly rods can be used on Rio Gallegos (AFTM class 7-10, rod length 9′-14′). A big seatrout has here plenty of room to run and fishing hours are often allocated when the fishing is best. Fishing is ‘catch and release’ only. Best season for this excellent fly fishing is from first of January until 30th of March.

FISHING PROGRAM

Guests will leave the lodge around 8 AM after breakfast each day, fishing until around 12. Lunch will be served in the Lodge, where you’ll find a great place to relax and enjoy the traditional siesta in spacious bedrooms. Guests return to the river between 5 and 6 PM and fish through until dusk.

FLY FISHING TACKLE

For fly fishing for seatrout on Rio Gallegos we recommend 12-14 ‘ foot double handed rods for lines #8-9 and suitable fly reels with good brakes. Single handed rod of 9-10’ for lines 7-8 will be also fine. Floating, sink tip or intermediate shooting heads are most used fly lines but bring also sinking shooting head for high water conditions. Also Skagit lines with T-8, T-10 and T-14 tips work well here.

FLIES

Popular fly patterns for Rio Gallegos: Bunny Leeches, Zonkers, Woolly Buggers black, olive #4-12, articulated string leech types with electric blue flash on #2-4, Woolly worms in different colours #4-12, Girdle or Yuk Bug rubber legs #4-12, Bead head nymphs Prince, Hare’s Ear #10-14, Bomber, Green Butt, Green Machine #4-8, 1 ½ to 2 inch tube flies, Collie Dog tube flies 3 ½ – 4 ½ long, Sunray Shadow. Only single or double hooks are allowed.

ACCOMODATION

The accomodation for fly fishermen is in a fishing lodge. The estancia house has been totally renovated to the fishing lodge, allows anglers and guests to enjoy spacious rooms, large and fully appointed private bathrooms, a warm and welcoming reception areas, and a fine dining room. In the dining room of the lodge the guests will enjoy delicious local meals and drinks. All meals and drinks are included in the price.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

Unhosted or hosted Fishmaster fishing trips. Jouni Rauha will travel with as a host for the hosted trips. Fly fishing trips to Argentina, Rio Gallegos will be arranged throughout the fishing season and the packages can be booked according to the client’s preferred dates. Anglers will take a flight to Buenos Aires and continue with domestic flight to Rio Gallegos. You will likely need to overnight in Buenos Aires before departing on a morning flight to Rio Gallegos. The guide will be waiting on the airport and take you to the lodge by car. After fishing week guide will take anglers back to Rio Gallegos airport.

• Trip length: 6 fishing days, 7 nights in destination
• Fishing trip includes: Car transport from Rio Gallegos airport, Transports during the week, Accomodation, Fly Fishing, Fishing license, Meals, Wines, Drinks, Guiding
• Fishing trip excludes: Flights to Buenos Aires/Rio Gallegos, Gratuities
• Species: Seatrout, Brown Trout
• Season: 1. January – 15. April