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King Salmon Caterina River Argentina Fly Fishing For Glacial Kings

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Customer Rating 92%
Tour Code ARG013

The Largest Atlantic King Salmon In The World

Hidden on a small peninsula in the majestic Los Glaciares National Park located in the Southwest of Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, the beautiful Rio Caterina River runs for over 10 kilometres. Beginning its journey in a high plateau lagoon called Lago Anita, it cuts its way through the spectacular Patagonian landscape before emptying into Argentina’s largest freshwater lake, Lago Argentino. The sacred headwaters of the river are home to the only known run of Atlantic King Salmon in the world, and it’s these monsters that attract travelling freshwater fly fishing anglers from around the globe.

With their unmatched strength and stamina, King Salmon are widely considered the spey fishermen’s ultimate dream, and the fish found in the Caterina are some of the biggest on the planet. Fish from 30lb to 45lb are widespread, and fish between 60lb and 70lb get caught regularly. The biggest King Salmon landed on the river was during the 2018 season, when a giant fish was measured and estimated at 90lb. In the same week, following just a few days later, another monster of 88lb was also landed.

It’s no secret that Argentina and the Patagonian region especially, is well known for their sport fishing, but due to its location, fishing, and the size of the fish, fly fishing for these glacial kings on the Rio Caterina River is an extraordinary experience.

Caterina River Argentina

The Rio Caterina River in Argentina is a truly mesmerising river. Carrying a glacial blue and green tinge, it runs for over 10 kilometres, is deep, powerful, and home to vast numbers of hard fighting Salmon. The Salmon face an incredible journey to reach the river, migrating from the Atlantic Ocean, crossing the whole of the Santa Cruz River and even Argentina’s largest freshwater lake, Lago Argentino. This journey isn’t for the faint-hearted and ensures that only the strongest fish arrive in the Rio Caterina.

From the end of December through to mid-April, huge numbers of Kings, also known as Chinook Salmon, fill the river. This run of fish usually peaks from February to mid-March, and by this time, the sheer number of fish is quite spectacular. During the first part of this run, the fish are fresh silver colours and can be witnessed moving through the rivers deep channels. Although the river is deep, it’s not deep enough to be inaccessible to fly anglers, and the fish can get targeted with intermediate lines and sink tips, rigged with big intruders.

Come mid-March, as the number of fish in the river increases, they start transitioning to a darker colour, become more aggressive, and can be observed fighting over territory in the river’s shallow fast runs. During this latter part of the season, intermediate lines and intruders or even floating lines with bombers and surface flies all work well. It’s even possible to sight cast to fish in the clear shallow water.

True River Monsters

The Rio Caterina River in Argentina doesn’t hand out dividends without expecting a level of perseverance from the angler. However, those willing to put the time in could find themselves hooked into that fish of a lifetime. When you finally bank one of the rivers true giants and cradle that prize, all those blank rod hours will soon seem a distant memory.

As well as having a certain level of dedication and perseverance, if you wish to land one of these monsters, you must tackle the river with the correct equipment, as fly fishing for King Salmon is no joke. Double-handed or switch rods matched with a smooth drag large arbour reel, loaded with plenty of backing, is essential. These fish swim thousands of miles to spawn and won’t mind swimming another mile to get rid of your fly. Skagit lines with an assortment of tips are very practical to have; this will ensure you’re well equipped for all the different water types you might encounter. For the deeper pools on the river, fast sinking shooting heads are best.

Flies in black, blue, fuchsia, and red make a great contrast with this glacial blue water, and regular King Salmon patterns such as intruders and articulated leeches will do the job just fine. We recommend that all anglers bring various sizes of flies tied on substantial, strong hooks.

If you’re not familiar with this style of fishing and want to learn to spey cast or improve your technique, all guides are keen instructors.

GUIDES, SEASON & CLIMATE

The team of guides at Estancia Cristina Lodge on the Caterina River in Argentina are dedicated professionals and know the waterway like the back of their hand. Their profound knowledge and experience will enhance your fly fishing days on the river, but most of all, their passion for Atlantic King Salmon, fishing and friendly approach is what see’s anglers return year after year. Rest assured, all the guides will go the extra mile in search of your fish of a lifetime.

The fishing on the Caterina sees two distinctive seasons, early season and late season. The first run of Salmon commonly hit the river towards the end of December, and these fish are generally in peak condition with clean, silver flanks and bristling fins. This first run peaks from February to the middle of March. By the middle of March, the vast numbers of fish already in the river are joined by even more and slowly begin to transition to a darker colour and become more aggressive.

The fishing for the glacier kings runs over the Patagonian summers months of February and March, and at this time of year, the climate is primarily dry. The temperature gets heavily influenced by Argentina’s biggest lake, Lago Argentino, which helps keep the extremes of hot and cold moderated. The weather is dry, sunny, cool and windy; the average temperature is around 20 degrees but can reach up to 30 degrees on bright, clear days, but can also drop way down to just 5 degrees at night.

Accommodation

Estancia Cristina Lodge is a beautiful old Estancia founded in 1914 by English settlers. A charming lodge with a warm rustic atmosphere that offers luxury accommodation embedded deep within the heart of Patagonia’s Glacier National Park; It’s regarded as one of the finest and most authentic lodging experiences in the region and is part of the Best Of Patagonia (BOP) programme.

Stunning in its remoteness, Estancia Cristina has a natural lookout point to the Upsala Glacier, which is the largest in South America. It’s the perfect destination from which you can enjoy Patagonia’s incredible surroundings and understand the history and culture of the area.

Warm woods run throughout each of the five lodges and 20 rooms, adding a delightfully rustic touch to the tranquil setting. Each spacious room is naturally lit through the large picture windows and provides guests with spectacular views. All rooms come equipped with a private bathroom.

Sleep in plush beds each night, stretch out on comfortable lounges, soak in the beauty of Patagonia and enjoy everything that Estancia Cristina has to offer.

Food & Drink

The cuisine is particularly exquisite – all of the dishes are crafted from traditional recipes, flavours, and locally sourced products, including quality meats and vegetables; this, coupled with some of the finest wines in Argentina, makes for a fantastic dining experience.

Other Activities

For either travelling non-anglers or anglers who don’t wish to fish on every session, you can explore the thousands of stunning acres of the surrounding countryside on either foot or by horseback, and the guides can take you to the best sightseeing spots.

To find out more about the Caterina River Argentina and Atlantic Salmon fishing, visit our YouTube channel.

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Itinerary

TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS

Although the fishing days are fixed, the below itinerary is still flexible should you require additional free days to explore at the beginning or end of your holiday; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.

Travel Days

Please note that depending on what international airport you depart from, travel to this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel.

Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.

Day 1:

Depart Any international Airport (See Details)

Arrive Buenos Aires

Transfer from International airport to Jorge Newbery Internal Airport

Once you have arrived and collected your bags make your way out of the terminal building and arrange a taxi to take you to Jorge Newbery airport for your small internal flight. (Taxi not included)

Depart Jorge Newbery

Arrive El Calafate

Transfer from airport to El Calafate hotel

On arrival at Calafate, our staff and transport will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

Overnight Accommodation: Calafate Parque Hotel in a twin room on a bed & breakfast basis

Day 2: Fishing Day

Travel from El Calafate airport to Punta Bandero Port

Early in the morning you will all be picked up and transferred to Punta Bandera Port where you will board a ferry.

Depart
Punta Bandera

Arrive Estancia Cristina

From Punta Bandera Port you will take a 3 hour glacier cruise to the foot of Upsala glacier before arriving at Estancia Cristina. You will arrive at the Estancia around 11:30 am and once everyone has checked in and settled, it will be time for lunch.

After lunch, around 1.30pm you’ll depart for your first half day of fishing. This is an excellent opportunity to familiarise yourself with the river and learn more about what the Caterina offers. All the fishing on this impressive waterway is based on three anglers per guide.

You will fish until around 8:30 pm and then return to the Estancia for dinner around 9:00pm.

Overnight Accommodation: Estancia Cristina Lodge in a single room on a full board basis

Days 3 to 4: Fishing Days

On your first and second full fishing day, you’ll depart with your guide after breakfast around 8.30am, fishing until 8.30pm. Lunch is supplied on the river back around 1.00pm.

You’ll soon see that the Rio Caterina River is truly mesmerising. Carrying a glacial blue and green tinge, it runs for over 10 kilometres, is deep, powerful, and home to vast numbers of hard fighting Salmon.

Overnight Accommodation: Estancia Cristina Lodge in a single room on a full board basis

Days 5 to 7: Fishing Days

On your third, fourth and fifth full fishing days, you will enjoy more fishing on the Caterina. It’s a river that only hands out dividends, expecting a level of perseverance from the angler, but if you put the time in, you could easily find yourself hooked into a fish of a lifetime. When you finally bank one of the rivers true giants and cradle that prize, all those blank rod hours will soon seem a distant memory.

Overnight Accommodation: Estancia Cristina Lodge in a single room on a full board basis

Day 8: Fishing Day

On your last day, you’ll depart for a half-day of fishing, leaving the lodge around 8.30am and returning to the Estancia by 2:00pm. This will give you a couple of hours to get packed and ready to start your journey home.

Travel from Estancia Cristina to Punta Bandero Port

Around 4:30 in the afternoon you will travel back by ferry to Punta Bandero Port.

Depart
Estancia Cristina

Arrive Punta Bandera

On arrival at Punta Bandera Port you will be transferred to you El Calafate hotel.

Overnight Accommodation: Calafate Parque Hotel in a twin room on a bed & breakfast basis

Day 9:

Transfer from El Calafate Hotel to airport

In the morning, our staff will transfer you back to El Calafate airport.

Depart El Calafate

Arrive Buenos Aires

Transfer from the airport to Buenos Aires Hotel

On arrival in Buenos Aires, take a taxi (Not Included) to your hotel.

The remainder of the day is free to relax and explore this beautiful city.

Overnight Accommodation: Loi Suites in a single room on a bed & breakfast basis

Day 10:

Transfer from Buenos Aires Hotel to International Airport

Subject to your international flight times, allow enough time to take a taxi (Not Included) to the international airport for your return flights.

Aim to arrive at the airport no later than 3 hours before departure.

Depart Buenos Aires

Arrive Home

Travel Days

Please note that depending on what international airport you wish to return to, travel from this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel. Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Satisfaction Score 92%

View all reviews

FISHING Seasons

The season runs from End of January to Mid March.

King / Chinook Salmon

Season: January to March
Peak: February
Weight: 5LB to 70LB
Average Weight: 30LB

Package Details

Prices from
£9,588
per person

Included

  • All accommodation as per itinerary
  • All meals at the lodge
  • Fishing as per itinerary
  • Fishing licence
  • Fully guided
  • Internal flights
  • International flights
  • Lodge transfers
  • Soft drinks

Excluded

  • Airport transfers
  • All alcoholic drinks
  • Fishing tackle hire
  • Personal holiday insurance
  • Tips
  • Visa
  • Waders and boots

Optional extras

  • Flight upgrades
  • Additional nights in Buenos Aires
  • Tackle hire $250 per week paid directly to Lodge
  • Dorado Fishing add on
  • Sea Trout Fishing add on
  • Steelhead Fishing add on
  • Dove shooting add on

Price Supplements

N/A

View Latest Availability

Dates, Prices & Availability

Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.

From To Duration Price Availability
17/01/2025 28/01/2025 12 £9,588 Enquire Now
24/01/2025 04/02/2025 12 £9,588 Enquire Now
31/01/2025 11/02/2025 12 £9,588 Enquire Now
07/02/2025 18/02/2025 12 £9,588 Enquire Now
14/02/2025 25/02/2025 12 £9,588 Enquire Now
21/02/2025 03/03/2025 12 £9,588 Enquire Now
28/02/2025 11/03/2025 12 £9,588 Enquire Now
07/03/2025 18/03/2025 12 £9,588 Enquire Now

Price Notes

Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, fishing and accommodation (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharge.

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Reviews

David

Fishing with a group of like minded people in a beautiful location, we all caught fish and laughed lots.

The guides were excellent particularly Christian. A huge thanks to King Salmon Kevin for his flies do not know what we would have done without him.

The only issue was the repetitive menu at Estancia Christina which was saved by the two guide evenings with the BBQ night and Pizza night.

Would love to return one day for an even bigger KIng.

Response from Sportquest Holidays

David my friend, thanks for taking the time to write a review as they are very important. Glad you had a great time, it was a great trip and I was so happy that everyone caught some good fish. You did have me worried for a little while but it all came perfect in the end.

I look forward until we can fish together again soon.

Tight lines and good luck in Cuba.

Regards Peter

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Would recommend Sportquest

Tony

King Salmon at Estancia Christina

Simply wild stunning fishing in a turquoise river paradise in the foothills of the Andes. Cruising through glacier melt icebergs under Condors circling above just to get there.

Fishing was fishing seeing fish but not getting a take was frustrating on the first day and first blank. No fish for anyone.

Second day Bingo great take strong fish played well hugely strong ..I can only relate it to feeling like but stronger than a 100lb Sturgeons fight...no jumps no dramas in the fight...fish holding steady neither myself or guide glimpsed the fish..ping line parts...heart in boots. Fish of a lifetime gone...gutted.

Third day long walk through the park a hike of around 90 mins....not for the unfit it's a good walk, past Puma and cub tracks, both exciting and nerve wracking...

Get to the lake wow, Peter sets up six casts in, huge female jumps fish on!...I had little hope casting in alongside but second cast bang huge cock fish jumps and cartwheels and it's on my line...knees are shaking.

Drama was to follow, my fish takes off and gets tangled with Peters, had to slacken off ...Peter lands his huge fish, after what seems like 10 mins clears my line from around his fish and screams at me reel in !.

Reeling in the line it knots around the top eye of my rod, but the fish is still on. I shout for Peter who runs up to the rod by this time it had parted and I was praying for the fish not to run...Peter untangles the line and pushes the rod together, fish is still on!...

It's landed and I shouted loud enough to wake the dead...My fish of my dreams a cock fish of approx 50lb, looking prehistoric. Me looking extremely happy, job done! Two amazing fish!.

Be nice to see them on the web page together??.. Last day boom big fight and lost a fish after about 20 mins walking down river the line rubbed on the rocks and eventually parted.

As Peter says inexperience lost me the fish should have tightened the drag up more..trouble is they are so strong you just are nervous of snapping off.. Although the fish were difficult to catch a true wild experience and when you look around you at this place you say "how lucky am I, just to be here, never mind catch fish!"

The lodge staff and guides were really great too, a lovely place and We will return that's a promise.

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Tony

Thanks for the feedback and you made me smile as I read your account of when we had the double hook up. It was so so funny, my fish in the net, untangling your line only to then see your rod pull in half as the tangled line around the tip ring. Running up to help you I have fished with you a few times now but I have NEVER seen you either so excited or nervous before. Thats probably why you did wake the dead, we thought you were going to cause an avalanche with the cry of joy......

It was a great sight of the fish both together in the net and being held up for the pictures. I am saving the best pictures for latter and our new website, with more stories about the trip.

Do not worry too much about losing the fish on the last day I know its not easy to play and land these big fish in a very powerful river. Its easy for me to say as I have been very lucky for many years travelling the world and having experience in playing such fish. I know when you have another great fish on the end of your line your head is telling you, be careful do not lose it. However you need to do the opposite, show them who is the boss. You did a great job and hopefully we will have more fishing times together and I am always more than willing to help in anyway.

So congratulations on your massive King Salmon it sure is a fish of a lifetime buddy.

Tight lines

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Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Kevin

My work colleagues always tell me i am “lucky” to visit such places as diverse as Christmas Island to Cuba,Alaska and now Argentina (I think it’s all the overtime myself).

I could put on this review I was disappointed not to catch one of the 50lb monsters this place is famous for but how can you not enjoy standing surrounded by the snow capped Andes, condors circling overhead and being able to sight fish and watch 30 lb fishing chasing down you’re fly.

A big thanks to Peter to who even though was struck down with illness kept everything running smoothly, to the excellent guides for their assistance and invaluable advice, to my travel companions, some old friends and some new and finally to Abraham(Lam Kin Wai) whose enthusiasm and attitude raised everyone he meets spirits and was a joy to fish with.

And the question my colleagues always ask on my return, would you go back?.Yes in a heart beat, but Peter has already tempted elsewhere next with tails of gold in the Bolivian jungle and monsters in the reserves of Brazil, but one day I will return for that Caterina monster(luck permitting).

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Kevin or should we now call you king Kevin as you caught the most King Salmon in the week. I was so pleased for you that you had such a great trip as you work so hard in preparing for your trips, tying amazing flies and basically making sure you are as prepared as much as possible before arriving ( Makes my job as a host so much easier)

Thank you also for being so kind with the rest of the group as you were always happy to share all your hard work and flies with all the group.

As you mentioned I have already tempted you to Bolivia and Brazil for the next two adventures and I am sure you will do as equally as well.

Again thanks for your custom and all your support over these years

Tight lines Peter

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Would recommend Sportquest

Andy

This was my second visit to Las Buitreras. As before (2016), we experienced low water conditions. As a result the total for sea trout was well down on the average. The fishing was both challenging & interesting. Personally I would not have it any other way. I caught more sea trout than last time and as a bonus had my best ever!
This success was largely down to the excellent guides, but also due to using double handed rods; both switch & spey. I am a recent convert, having fished the single handed rod for nearly 40 years. So it is safe to say that I had good & bad days with the double hander! However the guides were extremely patient and passed on tips for me to work on.
Although you can get away with just using the single hander (particularly if you are right handed and the wind is not too strong), you will get more out of the fishing in all conditions, if you are able to use the "double" as well.
The Rio Gallegos is a lovely river to fish with the floating line; generally shallow with a good variety of pools, runs and glides. The scenery is spectacular and there is always some wildlife to look at. Great sunsets and, with no light pollution, amazing night skies.
The accommodation at the lodge was comfortable and we were well served by the staff.
With regard to the travel through Buenos Aires, transferring between airports and to/from the hotel on the return journey, this proved to be hassle free, thanks to the excellent service provided by Gabby.
To summarise, it was a great trip and I hope to be able to go again

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Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Alex

A couple of months ago I was lucky enough to be part of the last scouting party to this place for Solid Adventures and Sportquest Holidays. Even though I have been home for a while now I still get shaky when I look back at the pictures from this trip and all the memories come flooding back to me!

Fishing for Kings in this amazing scenery is almost too vivid to explain in words. This is a unique adventure for sure and the whole experience with the fishing, the nature, the wild scenery is just amazing!

As soon as you arrive and see the snowy mountaintops with the crystal clear turquoise colored water you instantly get overwhelmed as the place has a sort of mystical feel to it! For a true fisherman and traveller there is really nothing more to ask for! This is fishing heaven!

The accommodation we stayed in was luxurious. I have travelled a lot but I never felt so good and received such over the top service. The food is excellent with more than comfortable rooms that are really integrated into the natural park.

So how was the fishing? Well in three days fishing with 2 anglers we landed 72 King Salmon. (Yes you did read correct 72 fish landed) The majority of the Kings were between 10 – 30 kg (22 – 66 lbs) with one true monster that far exceeded 30 kgs.

The potential of this place is great and we saw and hooked fish regularly. It’s not so easy to land them as the fight so hard, but that is just part of the fun! Apart from King Salmon we also landed Rainbow trout and lake trout all in fantastic condition.

The river is quite small which for me added to the excitement as you see many salmon and the hook ups and fights are absolutely brutal with endless runs in all directions! This is pure violence, adrenaline-pumping fishing and I cannot wait to go back to this majestic place and fight the Glacier beasts once more!

I hope you enjoy a few pictures from the trip.

Regards Alex

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Alex what an amazing trip, I can not wait to take the first group out in 2016.

If you wish to get into this amazing King Salmon fishing in Argentina which is going to really shack up the angling world for sure. We have very limited rods each week so contact us today.

Remember we take bookings for customers based anywhere in the world.

Regards Peter

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Would recommend Sportquest

Peter

What a place and what amazing scenery. I have been lucky to travel the world but this place I just fell in love with. Its only a small river but offers lots of technical fishing which is what I love.

Its a real salmon water, its just like salmon fishing for Atlantic's, but for monster Kings. There are no other salmon in the river with the Kings which is unusual for Pacific salmon fishing, but that to me makes it even better. My best fish was a 52LB female King Salmon.

If you love Salmon fishing for some real beasts and love being off the beaten track this is defiantly the destination.

One note to point out currently the operation does involve some good hikes so not for anyone with walking difficulties.

I am already counting the days until we all return next year.

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Would recommend Sportquest

Alison

We went to Estancia Cristina as a follow on from Las Buitreras and for me it enhanced the "fish in holiday" because it gave non-fishing experiences not to be missed.

The 3 hour drive thru sparsely populated pampas with nearly as many guanaco as sheep, on to Lake Argentina and the bustling tourist town of El Calafate gave us an idea of the scale of the country.

Shops, people & Ricki Martin in town seemed exciting after the remoteness of Buitreras. We stayed in a hotel just out of town with beautiful views of the turquoise lake but I personally would have preferred to be in the town itself. I would suggest not using that hotel again. Service was very poor except for the front desk.

The boat trip to Cristina was memorable with ever larger icebergs of a surreal blue coming into view as we made our way further into the foothills of the Andes; the vast flat plains changing into soaring snow capped mountains with many visible glaciers. The estancia is of a high standard with very comfortable 4 bed bungalows for the staying guests with a delightful bar/dining room built in the hexagonal with stunning views to the mountains; wild hares & horses just grazing feet in front of you.

I found the fishing hard so left that to the men in our party to hike a good distance to a smaller top lake. I mastered a form of Spey cast (thanks Tracey Buckenham) and was content with fishing mornings only in a narrow, fast flowing gully then getting a ride back to the lodge for lunch, hot bath, horse riding, reading and exploring and wine drinking. Very relaxing and a lovely end to my strenuous success at Buitreras!

This is a very new destination and it was great that guides/program could be so flexible and a wonderful place even if not fishing.

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Hi Ali

As you mentioned it was our first exploratory trip to this brand new destination so a huge thank you to the both of you to join us on it. However at least you can always say your were the first ever to go :)

As we all found out the destination did involve some quite stiff walking to the upper reaches of the river, however I am pleased that you and Tracey could still fish some of the lower sections and I am sure she will be pleased to hear that she helped you with your casting. You have over the last few trips turned in to a right lady angler and have caught some amazing fish.

It was also good for you and Tracey to take some time off to relax and explore all the other options for non fishing while at Cristina.

Both Tracey and myself would like to say a huge thanks to you both, we have and always will enjoy both your company, so lets all do it again sometime soon.

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Would recommend Sportquest

Michael

What an amazing adventure, the place and scenery was just stunning. Salmon fishing ion the foothills of the Andes was something else.

Once I saw the fish starting to roll in the river I was not sure if I wanted to hook one, however I was lucky to land two great fish with the biggest going 31LB

The trip did nearly kill me as there is considerable amount of walking plus we fished long hard days. Having said that I think this is a destination that everyone should do AT LEAST ONCE just for the experience. Some of these Salmon are just monstrous.

Peter again was a the prefect host, I even had to share a room with him was was also a laugh.

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Lamby

Thank you for the feedback and comments. I hope I did not kill you too much my friend.

The week was a good laugh and we certainly learnt lots for the future trips.

I enjoyed fishing with you and your company as always my friend.

I only hope we get to repeat it all again soon

Regards Peter

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Tim

Yet another excellent couple of weeks of a hosted trip.

I just can not wait till the next one

Regards Tim

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Tim

Thanks for the feedback and scores as it is very much appreciated.

As normal it was a pleasure on having both you and your dad along for the journey.

Also congratulations on the fish you landed, I bet you are still smiling even today.

So until next year keep in touch.

Regards Peter

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Would recommend Sportquest

Graham

Fantastic trip!

Highlights where the scenery and the company as it was always full of laughter. Also catching my biggest ever salmon 68LB on the fly did not hurt.....

Would recommend the trip to anyone who doesn't mind long walks and technical fishing. all for the possibility of a fish of a lifetime.

Thanks Sportquest for all the organisation, the whole trip world so smoothly and I have such good memories.

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Graham

Thanks for the feedback it is very much appreciated as everyone works hard putting and running these trips.

I was so glad to be fishing with you on the day you caught the huge Salmon, We had just landed a fish of 48LB for me and we could hardly get it in the landing net. So when we saw the size of your fish we had no idea just how to land it. Lucky with everyone helping once the head was in the net we all grabbed the rest of the fish.

Your face and reaction was priceless. so a huge congratulations and I look forward in doing it all again we you are free.

Regards Peter

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(John ) Paul

Estancia Cristina - River Caterina - Patagonia.

The ferry journey up the lake to Estancia Cristina is the most stunning arrival experience I have ever had.

The comfort of our accommodation was 5 star.

It was a slight shame that the most experienced and knowledgeable guide ( Cristian ) had a relatively poor command of English - he could have
imparted so much more.

Take a Go-Pro camera to capture the moment of a lifetime - we were lucky to have 2 exponents in our party and it made for great viewing in the evenings.

Worth mentioning that there are also a lot of wild rainbows to be caught.

What a great party - I would love to fish with them all again some time.

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Paul

yes what a place, I an lucky to travel the world but this place has graced me in a way that not many places do.

I have the catch reports of the second and third week and boy is the places coming alive. The guides have also found more fishing places.

I know the fish this year seemed about a week and a bit later than normal, but thats salmon fishing for you.

Cristian was such a lovely guide just like Tomas, I know we have planned lessons for Cristian as soon as the season is over to improve his English. He is so keen I am sure he will learn very quickly.

The rainbow trout fishing was at times silly, it would have been nice to fish for them with light tackle but the Kings can just as easy grab the small fly and we would never land them on lighter tackle.

I am looking forward to Grahams finished edited up footage as i am sure it will bring back find memories for everyone.

I would certainly love to have both you and Tim back sometime, as I think we ALL feel there is some unfinished business let back there

Thanks so much for your time it was and alway is a real pleasure.

Regards Peter

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Guy

Thanks very much for the phone call this week and for a great experience down in Patagonia.

Organising fishing holidays is pretty complex I can imagine, as people are there primarily to catch fish and the co operation of the fish is not under your control. It’s a bit like organising golfing holidays and not being sure there are any holes dug in the greens.

I am pretty obsessive about fishing and so regrettably struggle to appreciate the beauty of the wonderful surroundings until I have caught something! I chose the glacier kings trip as it was very different and new, plus challenging. The latter makes getting “all your ducks in a row” in order to maximise chances of catching a fish all the more important. That is where I think my constructive feedback/criticism will hopefully be of some benefit for future trips.

Feedback of “lovely trip/beautiful place/great food/catching a fish was a bonus” is not really very helpful for improving the chance of people catching really, and to give sensible feedback requires some thought and time.

I think you said to me in the past that as long as people catch something they are happy and the rest - weather accommodation etc becomes so much less of a problem. Conversely, not catching then opens the floodgates about moaning about the hard beds, lack of sun, tasteless food etc etc.

The trip was a great experience and well worth the two years of saving plus the hours of practice during the winter. The above comments are all aimed at maximising the future customer experience and building on the strengths of your great business.
I was very hateful to you for your assistance and encouragement and especially for taking me up to mammoth bay on the last morning.

I look forward to visiting your new office and many trips with you in the future.

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Hi Guy

Wow thanks for that and yes it is extremely helpful. to be totally re-writting all the pre trip information and advice for the King program as it has changed so much in the 4 years we have been running it and also over this period we have learnt so much.

So totally agree if the information is better people will be more prepared. After spending that day with you I also realised that the guides where not really giving customers much advice in what to do and I also found out that they did not like correcting customers or pointing out to customers what they are doing incorrect or how they could improve their chances.

Again thank you for all the feedback that is a great help and very much appreciated, perhaps once we have moved we can chat about all the points over a cup of coffee. Then we can even look at sorting out things with Mike.

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Carl

Peter

Thanks for the call earlier in the week

I just want to pass on my personal thanks to yourself and Tracy for your professionalism and friendship on our recent trip.

This was my first experience of organized adventure and my expectations were surpassed in every respect. Both on and off the river, I gained memories which will live with me forever.

I can’t wait until the next trip !

Please pass on my thanks to the guys and girls in the office who have helped to gain a customer for many years to come.

Best wishes and speak soon.

Carl

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Carl

Thank you for your kind words I have passed them on to the staff in the office as they do work hard so its always nice to pass on compliments to them as they do desire it.

It was a pleasure to both meet you and have you on the trip and as you are returning for the Sea Trout next year we will see each other again soon. The group of customers for next year is already looking amazing it looks like it is going to be a laugh a minute…

Again thanks for your custom

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Peter

WHAT A TRIP ! It was my first time at Las B. I have always wanted to fish for sea trout in Argentina ,but did not know prior to going if it would live up to the years of hopes & expectations built up from viewing, reading & hearing about sea trout fishing in Patagonia.

Thanks to Peter & Tracey our hosts it far exceeded my dreams, the whole team, including the other guests were all fantastic.

The guiding team were top notch, patient, knowledgeable & helpful I was lent lines flies etc. I could not fault them & they were nice guys, to boot .

The lodge staff were equally good attentive & nothing was too much trouble. The food was very very good but I do have one complaint ! there was so much food & drink & it was so delicious that i will have to slim for months to get in my clothes.

The thing that really takes my breath away is that conditions, I was told by everyone ,were not good ,as can often happen in any fishing scenario yet I beat my previous personal best sea trout with four fish caught on this trip ! the best of which beat my previous PB by 300% I cannot wait to go back & find better water !

Please convey my thanks to everyone.

Response from Sportquest Holidays

Peter thank you so much for your customer feedback and yes what a week it was and it seems that everyone had a good time.

I am already looking forward in getting you back out there and this time lets get you over the magical 20lb fish.

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