Wow, the fish are getting bigger! We have never had so many 20-pound-plus fish as we had the last three seasons! The challenge in Gallegos to land these huge sea-run browns on light tackle is what attracts more and more anglers from all over the world to make a visit to our Las Buitreras Lodge.
After the last 3 seasons I think it’s clearer than ever before. If possible, use single-hand rods and keep wading to a minimum. The fish are there, but splashing a long two-hand line on the surface nearly guarantees they will not bite. This is as technical as it gets, but at the same time quite easy! The cast does not need to be so long, only quiet and controlled. Keep contact with the fly and move the fly, wade as little as possible and it will happen!
We have been very spoiled using only certain sections of our available water. There’s still a lot of water to be discovered under varying conditions. How many world class stretches of fishing can say that? The last season was exciting with all the big fish. But it was unsual compared to the 2 seasons before, with low water and sometimes tough conditions with no wind. But, thats fishing, no guarantees, not even in Las Buitreras. In any case the last day of fishing brought in 3 nice fish on small nymfs – 21, 23 and 25lb! Thats class!
The new local regulations with catch & release, and better protection has definitely ment more and bigger fish in the river. We are optimistic about the future of Rio Gallegos to become even beter the years ahead – and that says a lot! As always the lodge functioned perfectly under the supervision of our camp manager Claudio Martin.
Tight lines / Christer
