The Rio Gallegos is considered by many to be the cream of Argentina’s sea trout rivers. It is 300kms in length and its origins lie in the Southern Andes. Having carved its way through the Patagonian landscape, it emerges into the surprisingly mountainous area that encompasses the unique Las Buitreras beat, some 50 named pools over 40kms of double bank fishing, providing undoubtedly the most productive beats on the entire river. The river is set amid a vast wilderness, populated by flamingos, rheas, silver foxes, horses, eagles and guanacos. It is one of the most breathtaking locations you’ll ever fish.

The Gallegos’s sea trout have been getting bigger and bigger, with fish topping 20lb regularly featuring in the catches and fish over 25lb a real possibility. The fishing is exciting and varied with pools ranging from deep stony runs to cut banks and streamy shingle flats. Relatively shallow, the river makes for easy wading, obviating the need for fast sinking lines and creating an exciting and challenging fishing environment. Fishing is typically with intermediate lines and long leaders, often with small nymphs or rubberleg patterns, in conjunction with single-handed, switch or light double-handed rods. The lodge prides itself in its guides, who all speak English and are passionate about their river. Anglers fish in pairs, sharing a guide and rotate beats every session. After the morning session, anglers return to the lodge for a large lunch and siesta, and the afternoon session begins around 5pm and lasts until the magical time when dusk fades into darkness.

Las Buitreras lodge is an old house on the estancia, thoroughly renovated and furnished with traditional “campo” style antiques. There are five double bedrooms and two single bedrooms and a new annex with indoor barbeque. There is a wine cellar with a fantastic selection from the Mendoza and San Juan regions. It is also stocked with cerveza Isenbeck, an outstanding local beer. Outside, there is a huge veranda, a spacious courtyard that is protected from the wind, and a large, fixed stone grill and terrace for barbeques. House wine and beer is included in the lodge rate but the lodge also keeps a wide selection of local wines not often available elsewhere. Lunch is the main meal of the day, often a typical Argentine “asado”, while anglers return in the evening to drinks and an informal buffet.

as printed in FT Pursuits Weekend