Where to Catch Sea Trout – tackling the Rio Gallegos

We get many people asking what it’s like to fish for Sea Trout Fly Fishing in Argentina or where to catch Sea Trout as many have heard that the fishing is only for the die hard anglers, some of the fishing in Argentina can be challenging but there are rivers and lodges that suit all levels of anglers and one such destination is Las Buitreras Lodge on the Rio Gallegos River.

A trip to Rio Gallegos River offers the angler the opportunity to pit his or her skills against the explosive Sea Trout of Patagonia. These fish can reach sizes of 31lb and will reward the angler with arm wrenching takes and blistering runs, interspersed with regular acrobatic displays.

• 

• 

• 

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. You can also find some great video content of this amazing river over on our Youtube channel.

• 

• 

• 

Where to Catch Sea Trout

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. It also makes for a great destination where beginner sea trout anglers can fish with single-handed rods, moving up to switch rods once gaining more experience.

Fishing for sea trout requires a level of skill, watercraft and understanding that can frustrate the average salmon angler. However, armed with the correct knowledge and the FULL support of your guides it is possible for everyone to unlock these secrets, making the fishing immensely rewarding. All our guides are very knowledgeable and talented fishermen in their own right, they are also some of the best casters and instructors we have ever seen, they are the epitome of what guided fishing is all about. Friendly, able to speak good English and usually with a secret fly box tucked away with unsightly but deadly creations they will ensure that you get the very most out of your trip.

• 

• 

• 

Flies, tackle and technique.

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. Conversely, as the water clears, smaller flies are much more effective. 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. Small nymphs are also used regularly when the trout won´t take anything else. Doubles are fine, but please leave the trebles at home.

Most of the fishing requires you to strip the fly. 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 flies as salmon do. They lie in quieter seams and tails and the motion imparted by stripping the fly produces some fantastic “induced” takes.

• 

• 

• 

We like shooting heads because the maximum effective fishing distance with each cast is much greater than with that of a normal line. It´s nice to have a two-handed rod in heavy wind, but most of the fishing can be accomplished with a single-handed rod, It is a matter of personal preference.

• 

• 

• 

If you have ever dreamed of taking on these Sea Trout, do not let all the stories put you off from a trip of a lifetime? In Feb 2022 we had a hosted week dedicated to people just like you, who wish to experience the thrill of fishing for sea trout. A hosted trip where you will receive the full support and advice from the whole team to ensure you maximize the most from your adventure.

For full details Click Here

Tight lines,

Peter

Contact us

If you would like to discuss any potential trips for Sea Trout fishing, you can contact our fly fishing expert, Peter Collingsworth, on 01603 407596 or by email at peter@sportquestholidays.com. Alternatively, you can view all our Sea Trout destinations from around the world here.