Las Buitreras

Argentina

220v, 50hz

3 hrs

Season

December to April

Estancia Las Buitreras

Flowing for over 360 km across the windswept Patagonian steppe before meeting the Atlantic near the Strait of Magellan, the Rio Gallegos is a dream destination for serious fly anglers. Its raw beauty alone makes the journey worthwhile, but it’s the legendary sea-run brown trout that truly steal the show.

At Estancia Las Buitreras, anglers enjoy exclusive access to the river’s most productive stretch — over 40 km of private water and 50+ named pools, now expanded with ten newly scouted beats. The river’s powerful trout, known for size and attitude, continue to awe even the most seasoned fly fishers. There’s never been a better time to experience the magic of Rio Gallegos fly fishing.

The Lodge

Estancia Las Buitreras Lodge combines Patagonian character with warm comfort just a short 10-minute walk from the river. The lodge features four double rooms and max five singles, all with private bathrooms, accommodating up to 12 anglers per week.

Inside, a cozy winter garden welcomes guests for a post-fishing drink, while the sheltered courtyard outside hosts traditional Argentine asados around a large stone grill.

The atmosphere is both relaxed and authentic — the perfect balance of rustic elegance and Patagonian spirit.

Las Buitreras | Argentina

The fishing itself

The Buitreras section of the Rio Gallegos is pure southern Patagonia — wild, remote, and full of character. Since our first visit in 2002, we’ve been drawn back every year by its charm and the thrill of chasing sea trout through its ever-changing runs and pools.

The river’s layout offers variety — deep pools, fast riffles, and easy wading thanks to its shallow flow. Most fishing is done with single or light double-hand rods using floating or intermediate lines, focusing on line control and presentation rather than long casting. Strikes are explosive, and hookups can happen right at your feet.

With English-speaking guides who know every bend of the river, some having fished it their entire lives. They’ll ensure you make the most of each session — and are happy to help refine your casting if needed.

SPECIES

Seatrout

Seatrout

Las Buitreras | Argentina

Weather

The season runs from late December to April, Patagonia’s summer and early fall. Expect daytime highs of 19–20°C in January–February, cooling to 15°C by April, with nights often near 10°C or lower.

Patagonian winds are part of the adventure — calm, sunny days can mean fishing in a t-shirt, while late-season sessions call for layers and windproof gear. The weather changes fast here, so dressing in layers is the golden rule.

TACKLE

If we were to recommend one setup for Las Buitreras it would be a 7 wt., 12 ft. double-hand rod rigged with a scandi-style floating body and an intermediate front/tip. Add a line wallet with a variation of interchangeable tips from float to fast sink and you will be able to cover most situations and conditions you are likely to encounter. Additional recommendations are as follows:

Rods: A 7 wt. 9-10 ft. single-hand rod will work exceptionally well during calm days and low water conditions. A 7 or 8-wt. 12-13 ft. double- hand rod is probably the most functional setup one can have at Las Buitreras and will have you covered all day, every day.

Single-hand lines: Please bring at least one floating line and one intermediate line. We recommend Rio outbound, Rio single-hand spey float, Rio single-hand spey 3D, Rio outbound intermediate (full head), or any clear intermediate shooting heads.

Switch lines: Rio Scandi heads with different tips ranging from float to fast sink.

Double-hand / Spey lines: Scandi heads are popular as they suit the conditions in Rio Gallegos perfectly and allow you to strip your line in while fishing it (this is a must when fishing for sea trout). Another big advantage with the scandi heads is that they allow for more quiet presentations. Having a light presentation is crucial when fishing at Las Buitreras as most pools are quite shallow. We recommend you carry a variety of tips in different densities and sinking rates with you each day as conditions amongst the pools vary greatly, even within the same beat.

Argentina

Las Buitreras

Season

December to April