Bella Vista Lodge 

Argentina

Opened in 1995, Bella Vista Lodge is the most exclusive fly fishing lodge on the Rio Gallegos, offering exciting fly fishing for giant sea-run trout as well as some of the finest dry fly brown trout fishing, on an intimate spring creek. A much bigger system than its sister river the Rio Grande, the Gallegos and its pools are far more varied in their character. Slow oily looking holding pools are interspersed with fast riffles and boulder strewn runs, and the gravel bottom makes wading very easy. The Estancia owns nearly 50 kilometers of double bank private access fly fishing which is limited to a maximum of ten rods per week. Guided by a one of a kind team of experienced guides, each pair of rods have only the diverse wildlife of the river valley for company. Even the most experienced angler will learn new fly fishing techniques and skills that will improve their averages elsewhere. A challenging but infinitely rewarding river, the Gallegos’ list of devotees grows year after year.

Large sheep farming estancias share this land with herds of wild llama-like guanacos, red foxes, and condors. This Argentine fly fishing lodge is located in the fully refurbished main house of a working estancia which runs to nearly 700,000 acres or an English county of the size of Oxfordshire. Santa Cruz province in southern Patagonia is a bleak land similar to the open plains of Wyoming or the low country of Northern Scotland. Barren rolling hills, stretch from the coast all the way to the “Cordillera” the mountain chain that is the termination of the Andes and a natural border between Argentina and Chile.

Location:
Bella Vista Lodge is located half way up the Rio Gallegos Valley, which is the southern-most, large river, on the Argentine mainland in Southern Patagonia

Fishing Program:
Bella Vista fly fishes two species of trout: sea-run brown trout on 50 km of the Rio Gallegos, averaging 10 lbs in size and running up to 25/28 lbs. Resident brown trout can be found on 20 kms of the Rio Gallegos Chico, a pristine spring creek producing large browns up to 7 lbs. with an average of 2/3 lbs. The fly fishing at Bella Vista comprises of two principal fisheries. The Rio Gallegos of which the Estancia has 50 km and the Gallegos Chico which is a spring creek tributary of the main river of which they fly fish 20 km. The brown trout of the Rio Gallegos and Gallegos Chico are extremely well documented fish, originally stocked in the late 1920’s and 30’s the fish on the main river have gone on to establish a healthy sea-run strain of large running fish, present in only a few other rivers in the world. High average sizes persist and improve year after year and the chance of a trophy sea-trout are present with every cast. The Gallegos Chico is a small charming spring creek with huge character that flows into the main river on the estancia’s eastern boundary. Abundant weed growth and rich aquatic food combine to make this one of the world’s most exceptional dry fly fisheries.

The lodge has private access to both banks of the Rio Gallegos and to the Rio Gallegos Chico. The Home pool is a 5 minute walk from the lodge, and is open to all during siesta hours.

Fishing Schedule is approximately 9 hours of fishing. Lunch is taken back at the lodge and followed by a siesta. The afternoon session starts later during the months of December and January to capitalize on the magical dusk fishing hours. Bella Vista is a strictly CATCH AND RELEASE fishery. Guides are equipped with nets and will assist guests in weighing and releasing fish without damaging them..

Accommodations and Meals:
Bella Vista Lodge represents un-paralleled luxury and comfort from which to enjoy the best of the fishing on the river. Completely renovated in 1996, the charming Estancia is situated a five minute walk from the river at the heart of one of the largest working sheep farms in Patagonia.

The lodge comprises 5 en suite bedrooms (4 twin rooms and 1 double room) to accommodate a maximum of 10 guests, a comfortable living room, a large wading room and spacious complimentary bar; fully stocked with local and imported spirits and a fly tying table with facilities.

Bella Vista offers wonderful cuisine based on local meats, fresh vegetable and delicious deserts. A traditional Asado (BBQ) will be held once during your stay, and you can sample different cuts of meat and wonderful salads. A full cooked breakfast will be available together with fresh fruits, yogurts, home baked breads and jams and a selection of cereals. Bella Vista’s cellars feature a wonderful selection of fine wines from the Luigi Bosca Bodega, which will be served during lunch and dinner.

There is a loaner rod service provided as well as first class professional international and Argentine guides. All the guides are able to give casting instructions with single and double handed rods (spey casting).

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires and overnight.
Day 2: Fly to Rio Gallegos. Travel by car to lodge.
Days 3-8: Full days of guided fishing
Day 9: Depart lodge.

Typical Daily Schedule:
8:00AM: Breakfast
9:00AM: Depart for the river
1:00PM: Back to the cabins for lunch and siesta
4:00–5:00PM: Return to the river to fish till dusk

Note: Fishing hours will change slightly depending on the time of the year. The daily fishing time can be rearranged depending on many factors.

Complete Trip Details