The Rio Gallegos is nearly 300 kilometers in length and has its origin in the southern Andes with two pristine and very beautiful streams, the Penitente and the Ruebens. The Buitreras section of the Rio Gallegos includes nearly 50 named, proven pools, on the 40km private water. The fishing is exciting and varied with pools ranging from deep, stony runs to cut banks and streamy, shingle flats. The river is generally shallow and the wading is extremely easy. It is wonderful fly water and while nearly all pools can be covered with a one-hand rod, the two-hander is often useful when conditions are windy or dictate the use of larger flies. Two anglers per guide are transported to their assigned section of river in a 4wd vehicle. Beats contain 6-9 pools (depending upon water level) and are rotated each half-day. The Home Pool is situated a short distance from the Lodge and can be fished by guests at anytime. This pool is a tremendous fish producer and many fish has been captured by anglers who chose to forego their siesta !

The wind can be very strong in this section of Patagonia. The southern tip of the South American continent is narrow and but for the southern Cordillera there are no obstructions to break the wind
as it sweeps in from the ocean. Believe it or not, this is a good thing! The prevailing wind is westerly and blows straight down the river! Huge casts are possible and the wind nearly always assists and hardly ever hinders the fishing. Normally the wind calms down a bit as the sun drops in the evening. However, the daytime wind also keeps the surface broken enabling anglers to take large, normally wary Seatrout all throughout the bright, sunny days.

The Gallegos has a slight "brown" tint and heavy rain on local tributaries or in the headwaters can color the main river quickly. However, the Patagonian summer angling season is normally quite dry. If it does rain, the river normally settles quickly and is even fishable in the interim with a great deal of color. Larger tubes do the trick when the visibility reaches a minimum. The fish are aggressive and respond well to the fly. Smaller flies and nymphs work well in low-water conditions and the river is best approached in lower light during these circumstances. When the water level is normal, the river fishes well all day long and the biggest fish can even be taken in bright midday sun!

Season is 27. december to mid april.

(from Loop homesite)