Las Buitreras Lodge

Las Buitreras Lodge on the lower Río Gallegos offers one of the most sought-after Sea Run Brown Trout fishing programs in Argentina. Catch statistics for size and numbers closely mirror those of the well-known Río Grande, yet serious sea trout anglers remain loyal to Las Buitreras Lodge and the Rio Gallegos for its low gradient, technical character, abundant wildlife, and highly skilled guides. Hosting just 12 guests per week, Las Buitreras manages 25 private miles on the lower river allowing anglers to fish their 50 named pools in solitude. A structured beat and guide rotation keeps the water well rested while giving angler the benefit of learning from each professional guide.

For Atlantic Salmon enthusiasts, fly fishing the Río Gallegos in Argentina provides the opportunity to cast Scandi lines and lighter flies to some of the world’s largest Sea-Run Brown Trout. Anglers loyal to Las Buitreras Lodge further appreciate the ultra-relaxed atmosphere, an arsenal of loaner rods, and the welcoming hospitality from the staff.

Estancia Las Buitreras Lodge is located about 3.5 hours from the El Calafate Airport and sits just 300 meters from the river bank. The lodge is a renovated traditional Patagonian ranch house with one large open room on the first floor where guests dine, lounge, check email and converse with the guides. On the second floor, up to 12 anglers are accommodated in a mix of single and twin rooms, each with a private bathroom, generous storage, and large windows looking out over the steppe.
Las Buitreras Lodge has a well-stocked wine cellar, a self-serve beverage cooler and an outdoor “tincho” built for their highly anticipated midday barbecues. Anglers lounge and get in and out of their waders on the wrap-around veranda that provides wide views of the poplar-lined courtyard.
Las Buitreras Lodge combines warm, attentive hospitality with a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere and top-tier service. The welcoming lodge and the fishing on the Río Gallegos draw veteran anadromous fly anglers from around the world.

Las Buitreras controls roughly 25 private miles of the lower Rio Gallegos, with exclusive access to both banks and more than 50 named pools. Compared to the Rio Grande, the Gallegos is shallower, easier to wade, and full of character – cut banks, willow-dotted bends, high bluffs or rolling pampas.  It’s pools can be deep or shallow with the river bottom being sandy, pebbly or contain a few scattered boulders – all of which hold fish. Catch rates and average size of its Sea Run Brown Trout closely mirror those on the Rio Grande, but many anglers prefer the Gallegos for its varied scenery, abundant wildlife and a more technical style of fishing that suits light-tackle anglers. The Rio Gallegos’ shallow and gentle waters require minimal wading and stealthy, delicate presentations with single-handed rods or double-handed rods with floating Scandi style lines. When the winds get strong, a double-handed rod with a Scandi or even Skagit head is right tool for the job.

Sea Run Brown Trout begin entering the Rio Gallegos in late spring, with prime fishing from January through March and even excellent fishing during the first and last weeks of the season. Guests fish two anglers per guide on a rotating beat system that keeps water rested and angler pairs out of sight of each other.  The twist at Las Buitreras Lodge is that guides stay on the same beat all week while anglers move, so that each guide knows every lie, seam, and nuance of their section.

The bilingual guide team are also outstanding casters and teachers, helping you fine-tune casting, swing angles, sink rates, and fly selection.

Learn More about the Rio Gallegos and it’s Sea Run Brown Trout fishing…

ESTANCIA LAS BUITRERAS
(7 nights/6 days fishing)

Friday    Arrive Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE). Overnight at your preferred
hotel downtown (we can recommend great hotels.)

Saturday    Fly Buenos Aires Domestic Airport (AEP) to El Calafate (FTE) landing before 4pm. You will be met by a Las Buitreras Lodge representative and transferred 3 hours and 45 minutes to the lodge. Prepare your gear, cocktails and dinner.

Sun-Fri     Six days Sea Run Brown Trout fishing on the lower Rio Gallegos

Saturday     6am shuttle back to the El Calafate Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires and home.

Rate: $9,990/angler
Included: Lodging, meals, open bar, guided fishing, license, loaner rods, scheduled transfers to/from the El Calafate Airport
Not Included: Flights, terminal tackle, single rooms ($500 cash), off-schedule transfers between the El Calafate Airport and the lodge ($300/vehicle/leg) and all 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) on Friday and transfer 45 mins to their hotel.
• On Saturday anglers will transfer to the Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery Domestic Airport and fly three hours south to the El Calafate Airport (FTE), landing before 4pm.
• Anglers will be met by a Las Buitreras Lodge representative and be transferred 3 hours and 45 minutes to the lodge. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
• On checkout day, all guests will be transferred at 6am back to the El Calafate Airport, arriving around 9:30am. There are plenty of flights back to Buenos Aires and we recommend booking any flight departing after 11:30am that allows you to connect with your international flight home.
• Private transfers in Buenos Aires can be added your package.