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Wild Steelhead Fly Fishing | Santa Cruz River | 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.

Steelheads on the Santa Cruz River Argentina hit the fly hard. Due to 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 the 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.

Accommodation

Los Plateados River Cabin

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.

Board: Full board

Rooms: twin rooms

Telephone: Satellite (chargeable)

Power: 220 Volt

Meals: In lodge

Alcohol: Beer & wine

Equipment Hire: Rods & reels

Shop: Fly Shop

Cash Accepted: US Dollars

Species Information

Steelhead
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.

Day 1: (Thursday)

Depart UK (alternative routes available).

Day 2: (Friday)

Arrive in Buenos Aires.

On arrival take a taxi to the Jorge Newbery Airport.

On arrival, a member of our team will be waiting to transfer you to your overnight hotel.

Overnight Accommodation: Rio Gallegos Hotel (Twin rooms) B/B

Day 3: Fishing Day (Saturday)

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

Day 4 & 5: Fishing Day (Sunday & Monday)

For each day’s fishing, we suggest you bring double-handed rods – fly rods in 8 or 9 wt. We also recommend you bring Skagit lines with an assortment of tips for the different types of water and flies in black, blue, fuchsia and red as these make a great contrast with this milky glacier water.

You will fish slowly whilst working your way downstream along these massive runs and pools. Swinging flies work 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

Day 6 & 7: Fishing Day (Tuesday & Wednesday)

Fishing each day is only limited by daylight, so normally you will fish from 8:30 am until 7:00 pm. Lunch is taken beside the river.

Overnight Accommodation: Los Plateados River Cabin (Twin rooms) B/B

Day 8: Fishing Day (Thursday)

Fishing is based on two anglers per guide and jetboat.

We have divided the fishing into 4 main beats, which between them provide 30 named pools.

Overnight Accommodation: Los Plateados River Cabin (Twin rooms) B/B

Day 9: Fishing Day (Friday)

You will fish until lunchtime after which our staff will transport you to the domestic airport.

Depart from Rio Gallegos
Arrive in Jorge Newbery.

On arrival, you will take a taxi to your hotel.

Overnight Accommodation: Buenos Aires Hotel (Twin rooms) B/B

Day 10: (Saturday)

You will 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.

Start Date	End Date	Days	Nights	Fishing	Angler	Non-Angler	Availability	Notes
11/03/2021	21/03/2021	11	10	6	£5,690	N/A	Sold Out	only full groups (min 3)
18/03/2021	28/03/2021	11	10	6	£5,690	N/A	Sold Out	only full groups (min 3)
25/03/2021	04/04/2021	11	10	6	£5,690	N/A	Enquire Now	N/A
01/04/2021	11/04/2021	11	10	6	£5,690	N/A	Enquire Now	N/A
08/04/2021	18/04/2021	11	10	6	£5,690	N/A	Sold Out	N/A
15/04/2021	25/04/2021	11	10	6	£5,690	N/A	Sold Out	N/A
22/04/2021	02/05/2021	11	10	6	£5,690	N/A	Enquire Now	N/A
29/04/2021	09/05/2021	11	10	6	£5,690	N/A	Enquire Now	N/A
10/03/2022	20/03/2022	11	10	6	£5,690	N/A	Enquire Now	N/A
17/03/2022	27/03/2022	11	10	6	£5,690	N/A	Enquire Now	N/A
24/03/2022	03/04/2022	11	10	6	£5,690	N/A	Enquire Now	N/A
31/03/2022	10/04/2022	11	10	6	£5,690	N/A	Enquire Now	N/A
07/04/2022	17/04/2022	11	10	6	£5,690	N/A	Enquire Now	N/A
14/04/2022	24/04/2022	11	10	6	£5,690	N/A	Enquire Now	N/A
21/04/2022	01/05/2022	11	10	6	£5,690	N/A	Enquire Now	N/A
28/04/2022	08/05/2022	11	10	6	£5,690	N/A	Enquire Now	N/A

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.

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.

What's Included

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

What's Excluded

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

Options

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

Price Supplements

Price Match Promise

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.

Financial Security

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.

Tour Notes

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)