Rio Gallegos Sea Trout, Las Buitreras Fly Fishing Lodge

The Rio Gallegos River is nearly 300 kilometers in length and has its origin in the Southern Andes from two pristine and very beautiful streams, the Penitente and the Ruebens. Winding its way through the wild Patagonian landscape,the Rio Gallegos emerges into the mountainous landcape that encompasses the unique Las Buitreras beats, some 40kms from the river mouth. The setting teems with birdlife, alongside large numbers of rheas, silver foxes, horses, hares, flamingos and guanacos.

Solid Adventures’ (Loop) 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 fly fishing is exciting and varied with pools ranging from deep stony runs to cut banks and streamy shingle flats. Relatively shallow, the fishing at Las Buitreras makes for easy wading, and fast sinking lines create an exciting and challenging fly fishing environment. It’s this versatile fishing combined 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.

The Fish at Las Buitreras:
A fly fishing trip to Rio Gallegos River and the Las Buitreras Lodge offers the adventurous angler the opportunity to pit his skills against the explosive sea running trouts of Patagonia. The new local regulations with catch & release, and better protection has definitely meant more and bigger fish in the Rio Gallegos. These fish can reach sizes of 25-30lbs+ and will reward the angler with arm wrenching takes and blistering runs, interspersed with regular acrobatic displays. Sometimes explosive, always challenging, fly fishing for seatrout 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 fly fishing on the Rio Gallegos and the Las Buitreras beats can be immensely rewarding.

The Guides at Solid Adventures’ Las Buitreras Lodge:
At the Las Buitreras Lodge, we pride ourselves on having some of the best guides in the world, now with five full seasons of experience on the Rio Gallegos River. Each is a very talented fly fisherman, and they are some of the best casters and instructors in the world. All of our fly fishing guides are friendly, speak good English, and keep a fly box tucked away with their secret, deadly patterns they have created. The fly fishing guides at Las Buitreras Lodge will ensure that you get the very most out of your fly fishing trip on the Rio Gallegos.

The Las Buitreras Lodge:
Solid Adventures (Loop) has renovated an old house on the estancia and furnished it with traditional “campo” style antiques. At the Las Buitreras Lodge, the living is comfortable and clean. There are five double rooms, two single rooms and a new annex with an indoor barbeque and an extra room with three beds. In addition to the structural renovation, the entire heating, water, electrical and gas systems at Las Buitreras have been replaced. There is a wine cellar with a fantastic selection from the Mendoza and San Juan regions of Argentina. The Las Buitreras Lodge 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 rate at Las Buitreras, 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. No smoking inside the Las Buitreras Lodge.

Clothing:
Pack light, warm and windproof clothing on your trip to Jurassic Lake.Most of the fly fishing occurs in the Argentine summer, but at parallel 53 south, the days can be chilly, particularly when the wind blows! Those visiting Solid Adventures and the Las Buitreras Lodge in the late season can count on cold mornings and evenings. Windbloc and Windstopper fleece products are very good and when combined with breathable waders and jacket, they offer superior protection that will keep you warm and comfortable all day. Prepare to dress in layers, as the temperature tends to shift at on the Rio Gallegos. And remember your sunscreen and polarized sunglasses!

Travel Information:
From Buenos Aires domestic airport, you will need to fly to Rio Gallegos with Aerolineas Argentinas. On arrival at Rio Gallegos you will be met by Las Buitreras staff and transported by 4×4 or mini bus to the lodge.The journey takes approximately 50 minutes to arrive at the Las Buitreras Lodge on the Rio Gallegos.

Jurassic Lake Addition
Half or full week before or after Las Buitreras: less 15% of regular Jurassic prices.

Itinerary
Fishing is Saturday – Saturday. Arrive at Rio Gallegos Saturday afternoon – depart from Rio Gallegos following Saturday.