Santa Cruz | Steelhead Fly Fishing | Argentina
This is fishing for Steelhead in probably the world’s last great-untapped Steelhead river, in the middle of the immeasurable plains of Patagonia. Steelhead has often been credited as being one if not the hardest fighting migratory fish and the specimens in Santa Cruz are no exception.
The Santa Cruz River flows from the Argentino Lake towards the Atlantic Ocean for approximately 240 miles. This mighty river is home to the only Steelhead run on the whole Atlantic coast. From late February to May chrome bright Steelhead enter the river from the ocean in huge numbers. We’ve been able to set our cabins next to probably the most productive piece of water in this river due to its structure holding and spawning water.
Our fishing has been divided into four different beats and over 30 named pools. Guests will rotate among the different zones to fish the most productive pools and runs. In case of difficult weather conditions, we’ve made a river road that parallels beats 2 and a part of 3, accessible by truck and only a few minutes away from the cabin.
Steelhead on the Santa Cruz hit the fly hard and because of the powerful environment they live in, often run out huge lengths of line in acrobatic fashion. Once you hook a fish, your life won’t be the same. Some of the strongest and biggest fish of Patagonia swim upstream every year to spawn.
The takes are aggressive and the flow of the river can make you get rapidly to your backing. Chasing these fish is a profound experience and the magnificence of the river and landscape will make you feel its magic.
If you have any questions on any of fishing trips we offer then contact us in the office, our experienced team will be happy to help you with any queries you have. Additionally, you can request a free brochure.
You can see all our Fly Fishing destinations in Argentina here.
Los Plateados River Cabin is located 50 miles upstream from the rivers estuary. The accommodation is arranged for 4 anglers in two double rooms.
Simple, but comfortable, the cabin has everything you need. There is a nice wind-protected veranda overlooking the river. Hot water always available for showers. A generator supplies the electricity and the power is 220 volt. Both breakfast and dinner will be served in the Cabin. An argentine chef will take care of the meals, where some of Argentinas finest beef and lamb will be prepared with vegetables grown in the lodges own greenhouse. Lunch is served by the river side to get the most of the fishing day.
After a day of fishing, you get back to the cabin, where the warmth of the fireplace and a glass of wine are always there for you.
There will be a satellite telephone in the lodge for outgoing phone calls. You’ll also find anything you might need at our fly shop in the cabin.
We use a variety of Hotels in Buenos Aries for your overnight stay, from hotels close to the airport to hotels in downtown Buenos Aries that allow you to see a bit more of Buenos Aries and even extend your stay.
All hotels that we use are a minimum of 3 stars and will at least include all the basic facilities listed below. If you wish, we can discuss, which hotel to use to suit your own personal requirements. Also, for overnight hotels, there is always the option to upgrade to single rooms.
Season: End March to beginning May
Peak: April
Weight: 5LB to 29LB
Average Weight: 12LB
Although the fishing has set weeks, we have daily flights departing from the UK, therefore should you wish to either extend your stay with additional days at the beginning or end in Buenos Aires, the itinerary below can be tailored to suit. It is also possible to combine Steelhead Fishing with Golden Dorado, Sea Trout and King Salmon fishing. You can even combine all our Argentina fishing packages with any of our shooting packages to make the ultimate trip.
Note: We also offer half week fishing packages on this destination, please ask for more details.
DAY 1: (Thursday)
Depart UK (alternative routes available)
DAY 2: (Friday)
Arrive Buenos Aires
On arrival take a taxi to the Jorge Newbery Airport.
Depart Jorge Newbery
Arrive Rio Gallegos
On arrival our staff will be waiting to transfer you to your overnight hotel.
Overnight Accommodation: Rio Gallegos Hotel (Twin rooms) B/B
DAY 3: (Saturday) Fishing Day.
Around 8:30 AM you will be picked up and driven to Santa Cruz (3.5 hours)
On arrival there’s a short briefing about the coming weeks fishing.
Once everyone is ready, it will be time to hit the home pools with your guides.
Overnight Accommodation: Los Plateados River Cabin (Twin rooms) B/B
DAYS 4 & 5: (Sunday & Monday) Fishing Days.
For each days fishing we suggest you bring double-handed rods.
Fly rods in 8 or 9 wt.
Skagit lines with assortment of tips for the different types of water.
Flies in black, blue, fuchsia, red etc. make great contrast with this milky glacier water.
Fish slow while working your way downstream along these massive runs and pools.
Swinging flies works very well, but don’t hesitate in stripping, as it can trigger some fierce takes.
Overnight Accommodation: Los Plateados River Cabin (Twin rooms) B/B
DAYS 6 & 7: (Tuesday & Wednesday) Fishing Days.
Fishing each day is only limited by daylight, so normally from 8:30 AM till 7:00 PM and lunch is taken beside the river.
Overnight Accommodation: Los Plateados River Cabin (Twin rooms) B/B
DAY 8: (Thursday) Fishing Day.
Fishing is based on 2 anglers per guide and jetboat.
We have divided the fishing in to 4 main beats, which between them provide 30 named pools.
Overnight Accommodation: Los Plateados River Cabin (Twin rooms) B/B
DAY 9: (Friday) Fishing Day.
Fishing until lunchtime after which our staff will transport you to the domestic airport.
Depart Rio Gallegos
Arrive Jorge Newbery
On arrival take a taxi to your hotel.
Overnight Accommodation: Buenos Aires Hotel (Twin rooms) B/B
DAY 10: (Saturday)
Take a taxi back to Buenos Aires International Airport.
Depart Buenos Aires
DAY 11: (Sunday)
Arrive UK
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. Plus what’s more if you book with Sportquest Holidays your holiday is protect by our ATOL and the Travel Package Regulations Act. To see more details CLICK HERE.
| Start Date | End Date | Days | Nights | Fishing | Angler | Non-Angler | Availability |
| 18/04/2019 | 28/04/2019 | 11 | 10 | 6 | £5,452 | N/A | Book Now |
| 25/04/2019 | 05/05/2019 | 11 | 10 | 6 | £5,452 | N/A | Sold Out |
| 12/03/2020 | 22/03/2020 | 11 | 10 | 6 | £5,502 | N/A | Sold Out |
| 19/03/2020 | 29/03/2020 | 11 | 10 | 6 | £5,502 | N/A | Sold Out |
| 26/03/2020 | 05/04/2020 | 11 | 10 | 6 | £5,502 | N/A | Sold Out |
| 02/04/2020 | 12/04/2020 | 11 | 10 | 6 | £5,502 | N/A | Sold Out |
| 09/04/2020 | 19/04/2020 | 11 | 10 | 6 | £5,502 | N/A | Book Now |
| 16/04/2020 | 26/04/2020 | 11 | 10 | 6 | £5,502 | N/A | Sold Out |
| 23/04/2020 | 03/05/2020 | 11 | 10 | 6 | £5,502 | N/A | Book Now |
| 30/04/2020 | 10/05/2020 | 11 | 10 | 6 | £5,502 | N/A | Book Now |
We are so confident that our packaged prices are the best available and offer great value for money.
If, however, you find an identical holiday available with any other fully bonded Tour Operator at a lower price, we will match that price.
Price NotesPrices 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.
ATOL
Holidays or flights booked with Sportquest Holidays Limited are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority by our ATOL bond (Number 6371). ATOL protects you from losing your money or being stranded abroad. It does this by carrying out financial checks on the firms it licenses and requiring a guarantee, called a bond.
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- All international flights
- Internal flight Buenos Aries to Rio Gallegos
- Transfers to and from Lodge
- All accommodation as per itinerary
- All meals at Lodge
- All soft drinks, beer & house wine at Lodge
- 6 days fishing
- Fishing license
- Personal holiday insurance
- Meals at Buenos Aries Hotels or bar expenses
- Transfers in Buenos Aries
- Tips for guides and all camp staff
- Fishing tackle
- Waders & Boots
3 day fishing packages available
Flight upgrades
Additional nights in Buenos Aries
Single rooms in Buenos Aries
Tackle hire $250 per week paid direct to lodge
Dorado Fishing add on
Sea Trout Fishing add on
King Salmon Fishing add on
Dove shooting add on
Visa
A machine-readable passport with at least 6 months before expiry, no visa for UK citizens required.
Medical Requirements
No vaccinations currently required
Please Note
All details of visa and medical requirements are correct at time of press however please check these requirements for changes.
Departure tax
There is no additional airport departure tax when leaving Argentina
Flight Route & Flight Time
UK – Buenos Aires (approx 14hrs) Buenos Aires – Rio Gallegos (approx 3 hours).
Baggage Allowance
Your actual allowance is based on both which airline you are flying with and also what class of seat you are travelling in. Normally in economy it is 1 checked bag, Premium Economy / Business 2 checked bags, First 3 checked bags. In addition to your checked bags you are also allowed 1 cabin bag and either 1-laptop bag or ladies handbag. The actual size and weight limit for bags is dependent on the airline. We therefore recommend that once your flights are booked you check on the airlines website for the up to date allowances.
If your itinerary includes private light aircraft or helicopter flights we will advise you on your baggage and weight allowance.
Transfer Time
Rio Gallegos -Los Plateados River Cabin (approx 3.5 hours)
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