Summary
Often thought of as the jewel of the Argentinean seat trout rivers, known as the fisherman’s river the Rio Gallegos a bigger river system and different in nature to its famous cousin the Rio Grande with more defined pools runs and riffles.

Bella Vista Lodge is the most exclusive lodge on the Rio Gallegos, offering exciting fishing for giant sea-run trout as well as some of the finest dry fly brown trout fishing, on an intimate spring creek.

Fishing
The Bella Vista stretch of the Rio Gallegos offers 12 miles of pristine sea trout fishing in spectacular surroundings. Although much of the fishing is accessible with a single handed rod the double hander can make life easier when the infamous wind starts to blow. Expect to fish a full range of lines depending on the conditions, from floating and intermediate lines through to fast sink tips. High average sizes persist and improve year on year and the chance of a trophy sea-trout are present with every cast. Also the lodge has access a tributary called the Rio Chico, a beautiful spring creek offering fantastic dry fly fishing. 

The Lodge
Bella Vista Lodge is a charming estancia situated on one of the largest sheep farms in Patagonia, catering for a maximum of eight guests. As one of the Nervous Waters stable of lodges the food and accommodation is excellent, the perfect place to spend those long siestas whilst enjoying a glass of wine.

Experience gourmet dining, with Argentina's famed beef and fine wines, traditional Asados (BBQ’s)  and delicious desserts.

Equipment
Despite many anglers preconceptions the Rio Gallegos is not a huge river by UK and Scottish standards. Therefore a 13 or 14 ft double hander coupled with short headed multi tip line or shooting head set up is perfect. Many of our clients have also fished exclusively with single handed rods, with great success, using a combination of floating and intermediate lines. The double handers are certainly an advantage if the legendary winds pick up.

General Information

Season
The season runs from November through to April

Time difference from GMT
- 4 hours

Electricity
The electricity is supplied to 220 voltage sockets and clients are advised to take travel adapters to comply with Argentinean plugs.

Currency

The official currency is the Argentine Peso, but the US dollor is widely used USD$.

Tips
Tipping is entirely at your discretion but, as a guideline, each satisfied rod generally gives approximately US$250 - US$300 per week to their guide. Many also choose to tip the lodge staff and this is generally from $75-$100. Therefore the total tips can be US$400.

Visa requirements for UK citizens
None

Medical Requirements
There are no required inoculations for travel to Argentina, though you are advised to check with your doctor prior to departure regarding any vaccinations that may be recommended. If you are taking prescription medicines please ensure that you bring enough for the duration of your stay.

Insects
They are no biting insects in Tierra del Fuego.

Getting there
Clients fly to Buenos Aires international airport and from there take the 3 hr flight to Rio Gallegos. You will be collected on arrival at the airport and transferred by four-wheel drive vehicle to the lodge, which takes approx  1 ½ hours.