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Rio Gallegos
The Rio Gallegos, in the far South East of the Argentine mainland, runs over 300km from the Southern Andes into the Atlantic Ocean and has established itself as one of the most prolific Sea Trout Rivers in the world. Eventually it emerges into unexpectedly mountainous landscapes and a floodplain that plays host to magnificent bird life as well as rheas, wild horses and guanacos to name but a few.
Las Buitreras Las Buitreras has over 40kms of private water, including 50 named pools, offering some of the most exclusive and peaceful fishing on the river. The Gallegos offers challenging fishing, but the lodge’s guides are among the most experienced in the region all with over five seasons’ experience on the river, dedicated to help you hook into one of the monsters that lurk within their waters. They all speak excellent English and are all accomplished instructors.
The beats are in general quite shallow, not only providing easy wading, but means that there is no need for fast sinking lines. In addition, these levels promise phenomenal runs once fish are hooked.
Much of the river can be fished with single handed rods, but double-handers are preferred when the legendary TDF winds start to blow. In terms of flies used, it very much depends on water conditions. When the water is stirred up by the wind or coloured from rain, tubes and larger flies work very well. In turbid water conditions, we like bulky flies that “push” water. Tubes tied in the “Temple Dog” style on plastic and/or brass in all colours and sizes are good to have along. Traditional sea trout and salmon patterns are good and the locals also fish with a wide variety of trout patterns such as bitch creek nymphs, yuk bugs, egg-sucking leeches, wooly buggers and muddlers. There are a few pools where sea trout can be taken by simply swinging the fly as one would for Atlantic Salmon, but generally speaking, these fish don’t favour the same types of lies as salmon do. They lie in quieter seams and tails and the motion imparted by stripping the fly produces some fantastic “induced” takes.
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The Lodge
Las Buitreras Lodge is a renovated house on the estancia and furnished with traditional “campo” style antiques. The living area is comfortable and clean. There are 5 double rooms, 2 single rooms and a new annex with indoor barbeque and an extra room with 3 beds. In addition to the structural renovation, the entire heating, water, electrical and gas systems have been replaced.
There is a wine cellar with a fantastic selection from the Mendoza and San Juan regions. It is also stocked with Cerveza Isenbeck, an outstanding local beer. Outside, there is a huge veranda, a spacious courtyard that is protected from the wind, and a large, fixed stone grill and terrace for barbeques. House wine and beer is included in the lodge rate but we do keep a wide selection of local wines not often available elsewhere and guests are welcome to purchase these at a very reasonable rate.
There is a small gear shop within the lodge with a restricted selection of flies, leader materials, rods, reels, lines, and clothing.
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