The Mythical Gallegos

The Gallegos River, located south of the Argentine province of Santa Cruz, is called by many the “paradise of brown trout.” The species of brown trout most sought after by fishermen around the world has been developed here. In an environment of wild nature, it is possible for you to enjoy fly fishing while your eyes sink into the immensity of the landscape and your voice becomes air carried by the wind. 

We invite you to live a unique and fascinating experience.

The Gallegos River, at 51º south latitude, running through the province from the foothills to the Atlantic Ocean, forming a wide valley full of curves and meanders, which make wildlife conducive and abundant, rich in fauna and flora typical of the Patagonian plateau.

It arises from the confluence of the Ruben and Penitente rivers (from Chile) in its first stage, receiving a few kilometers later the tribute of the Turbio river (Argentine), and then, on its journey to the ocean, the waters of the El Zurdo streams. and El Roble and the Gallegos Chico and Chico Sur rivers, the latter already in the estuary that the Gallegos forms at its entrance to the sea.

From its source to its mouth it runs approximately 300 km with a flow rate in times of flood between 12 and 15 m3/second.

Because it is a river with slow currents, it has a great variety of underwater life, proliferating nymphs, larvae and insects in different stages of metamorphosis. This biodiversity is conducive to the development of trout, which use it for their food, favoring the growth of both the resident brown trout and the anadromous ones, sea-run-brown-trouts, that come up from the sea to spawn.

For fishing purposes, we could divide the river into three sections: the headwater Gallegos, the middle Gallegos, and the Gallegos estuary.

At its source, the river has numerous places where trout can find shelter and safety for spawning. In fact, the Rubens and Penitentes rivers have low flow with important pools and spaces populated with branches, logs and stones, which make fly fishing a true paradise where we can test our patience, skill and ability.

Wildlife such as Guanacos (kind of llamas), Silver Foxes, flamingos, geese, ducks and grebes are seen at almost every pool. In mid-March, the upland Geese congregate in huge flocks all along the river before heading north for the winter.

The Fly Fishing

Flyfishing on the Rio Gallegos is for serious sea trout and salmon anglers. The Rio Gallegos is full of character and challenges, with Sea Run Brown Trout population and quantity of 15-25lb fish.

There are an estimated 80,000 Sea Run Brown Trout that return to the Rio Gallegos every year, yet they are scattered over 300 km of water.

The Rio Gallegos has some high rocky cliffs, a few boulders and willow trees that dot the river corridor. 

The river itself is shallow and easy to wade. Often times anglers will be using small nymphs, light tippets, floating or intermediate lines and single or double handed rods. Stealth must be practiced in approaching each pool and in fly presentations.

The Sea Run Browns on the Rio Gallegos start to enter in late October. January, February and March are peak months and fresh, by the way, silvery Sea Run Brown Trout exist all season long. 

By April, spawning beds can be seen in the middle to upper portions of the Rio Gallegos and by May 1st, sea trout are also spawning in the Penitente and Rubens tributaries. After winter time,  groups of fish are back in the Rio Gallegos estuary to fattening.

                    

                                                                          

                 

                                                                       

How do you Get Río Gallegos?

• After an international flight, anglers land at the Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and staying one night in a hotel.
• On next day anglers will have to go to the Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery Domestic Airport and fly three hours south to Rio Gallegos (RGL).
• Transfers and hotel in Buenos Aires not included in your package.
• Anglers are picked up at the Rio Gallegos Airport and could be transferred to the lodge or hotel in the city (depending of your agreement)

Best time to come?

Season starts from October 1st until May 1st, but we highly recommend to come from December to last week of April. Local conditions play more of a rol than seasonal variations and you can expect to catch fresh silver fish at any stage of the season regardless of water height.

What about the guide?

The long-standing guide is as knowledgeable as they are friendly and equally hard-working. Crucially he knows their stretch of the river backwards. Unquestionably a key component in the success  and another reason why anglers return each year.   

Each session you will be picked up by your guide and taken to your bit where you might fish anything from 4-7 pools, all double-bank.   The guide is very proficient casters and will never hesitate to jump in if you need advice with casting techniques and styles to ensure you fish the river as effectively as possible.

 

Carlos Nieto - Fly fishing Guide & Lara´s father

Contact:

email: flycan64@gmail.com

Phone: +549 11 26737849