Glacier King

Glacier King is a rare program built around targeting the world’s largest strain of King Salmon—and the only known population of Atlantic King Salmon. These fish descend from Washington State chinook introduced to southern Chile in the 1970s. Over time, they migrated through the Strait of Magellan into the Atlantic and Argentina’s Rio Santa Cruz.  After swimming hundreds of mile upstream, these King Salmon cross Lago Argentino and enter the glacial Rio Caterina, which flows through Estancia Cristina, inside Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Guests access the lodge by a stunning 3.5-hour boat ride past icebergs, arriving at a historic eco-lodge that hosts only six anglers per week. The fishery is guided by the seasoned Tres Amigos team, who operate independently from the lodge’s schedule for their non-fishing guests.

Fishing here is raw and demanding—but deeply rewarding. In January and February, fly anglers swing for sea-bright King weighing 30–90 lbs in both the river and upper lake. By March, the fish settle into shallower, pre-spawn lies, offering a rare and unforgettable chance at sight-fishing truly massive King in one of Patagonia’s most dramatic settings.

Glacier King guests stay at Estancia Cristina, a historic eco-lodge located within Los Glaciares National Park, along the shores of Argentina’s largest lake, Lago Argentino. Getting there is part of the adventure: after flying from Buenos Aires to El Calafate and overnighting, guests board a double-decker catamaran for a stunning three-hour cruise across glacier-fed waters scattered with icebergs and framed by towering peaks. The journey alone draws international travelers eager to witness this raw and remote landscape.

While the lodge accommodates many guests, Glacier King caps it’s anglers to only 6, who enjoy a separate lodging and dining experience. Anglers typically share a four-room cabin with double-occupancy rooms, each with ensuite bathroom, shared living space, and a covered deck. Accommodations are simple but comfortable, with expansive mountain views and a profound sense of isolation.

Meals are served in the main lodge’s dining room. Breakfasts are buffet-style, and lunches and dinners are ordered from a rotating menu of traditional Argentine dishes. Dinner begins around 9:00 p.m. and includes wine and beer, with spirits available at the bar.

Glacier King anglers target massive 30-90lb Atlantic Chinook salmon in the 8-mile-long Rio Caterina running between Lago Anita and Lago Argentino. These sea-run giants begin entering the system in early January, with peak fishing from late January through March. Early-season fish are fresh from the ocean, but numbers are normally low until mid-January. As the season progresses, fish grow more aggressive, with late February through March offering the highest concentration and the best chance for sight-fishing.

Fly anglers use 8- or 9-weight Spey rods (12–14 ft) paired with Skagit heads and a range of sink tips from intermediate to T-17. While technical casting isn’t required, persistence is: one solid hook-up per day is a realistic goal, and a handful of fish landed in a week is a strong result.

Quality gear is essential—reels with strong drags and 200+ yards of 30lb backing are a must. Intruder and tube-style flies in black, blue, fuchsia, red, and chartreuse produce best. To be on the safe side, bring spare gear and be ready to run.  These fish swim 1,000 miles to spawn and will gladly swim another mile to get rid of your fly.

GLACIER KING
(6 nights/ 6 days)

Saturday:    Arrive Buenos Aires (EZE). Transfer to the domestic airport (AEP) and fly to El Calafate (FTE.) The staff will pick you up and transfer you 15 mins to your elected hotel at 5pm. If you miss the 5pm transfer you will take a taxi to your hotel and receive a call to your hotel confirming tomorrows pick up time.

Sunday:    7:30-8am hotel pick up and transfer to the marina to board a ferry which makes a pass by the world famous Perito Moreno Glacier before arriving at Estancia Christina at 11am. Lunch, guide debriefing and fish the afternoon.

Mon-Fri:    6 days spey fishing for gigantic King Salmon on the Caterina River.

Saturday:    Fish till lunch, transfer back to El Calafate arriving around 8pm. We recommend staying at a hotel this night and taking a taxi to the airport the next day.

Rate: $8990/angler
Half week: $4990/angler
Included: Lodging, meals, guided fishing with license and a 5pm transfer from the El Calafate Airport to hotel the day before check in.
Not included: Flights, gear, spirits and additional wines, hotels/meals in El Calafate and airport – hotel transfers before or after 5pm, El Calafate hotel – airport transfer and services in Buenos Aires.

With over 26 years organizing trips in exclusively Chile and Argentina, we make travel planning efficient and worry free. We’ll give you the domestic flights you need for your lodge dates and our travel team ensures your international flights connect smoothly. If preferred, we’ll even have our team in Buenos Aires meet you when you land.

• After an easy overnight flight, anglers land at the Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), transfer 45 minutes to the Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery Domestic Airport (AEP) and fly 2.5 hours south to El Calafate (FTE.) Four hours minimum is required between your international and domestic flights in Buenos Aires.
• The staff will pick you up and transfer you 15 mins to your elected hotel at 5pm. If you miss the 5pm transfer you will take a taxi to your hotel and receive a call at your hotel confirming tomorrows pick up time.
• Early morning hotel pick up and transfer to the marina to board a ferry to Estancia Christina, arriving at 11am.
• Anglers are dropped off at the El Calafate Airport for their flight back to Buenos Aires and home.