Estancia Carlota
Patagonia, argentina
Below the majestic glacier-capped Andes, the world’s top sea trout rivers flow eastward through an endless, windswept prairie on their coiled ways to the Atlantic Ocean.
In recent history, this magical, remote region of Argentine Patagonia, has been THE place for traveling anglers looking to swing flies for exquisite fish. Here the abundant species is sea trout, the anadromous expression of Salmo trutta, the brown trout. We at Salmon Junkies are extremely happy that we have just secured full exclusivity on what many consider the gem of these internationally renowned rivers: the incomparable Rio Gallegos. Together with the prominent landowner of the Carlota Estancia — running January through March — we will share this stunning fishery with a very limited number of rods.
ESTANCIA CARLOTA
The Estancia Carlota encompasses 100,000 acres (42,000 hectares) in the lower third of the famous Rio Gallegos watershed. Only one hour’s drive from Rio Gallegos Airport, Estancia Carlota is located between Estancia El Rincon and Estancia Bella Vista upstream and Estancia Las Buitreras downstream.
At Carlota we will have access to highly desirable water on Rio Gallegos. Our private section of the Gallegos is a short drive from the lodge, and this 25 km reach features a selection of classic holding pools for migrating sea trout. Resident brown trout are here, as well, but typically we are concentrating our efforts on the sea trout populating the river on their migration upstream. These fish are big! And, when hooked, angry at having their journey interrupted. Be prepared for rod bending action when encountering one of these hard fighting chromers!
We will run the program for maximum 4 rods weekly, which allows the pools on our part of the river to rest, minimizing stress on the fish, as well the angler. For the angler seeking big resident browns, we will also have access to Rio Chico. A tributary to the Gallegos, Rio Chico offers the opportunity to present dries to big, fat Argentinian brown trout.
With our Carlota program, we believe we will be able to offer one of the finest and most private fisheries in Argentine Patagonia at a very fair price.
NEW FOR SEASON 2024 - ESTANCIA MORRO CHICO
Salmon Junkies feel very privileged to have secured the exclusivity on this very unique part of the Rio Gallegos river
For season 2024 we have managed to get access to the most exclusive and most well preserved Estancias on Rio Gallegos - the famous Estancia Morro Chico (27,000 hectare of private land). Morro Chico is located between Estancia Sophia and Estancia El Rincon, 60km upstream Estancia Carlota. At Estancia Morro Chico we will get access to almost 20 km of total untouched Rio Gallegos water with many specular pools and unique runs. The owners of Morro Chico objective is to care of Patagonia nature through a sustainable use of its natural resources, that recovers the habitat and condition of the land and the health of the Río Gallegos, Rubens and Penitentes rivers. Beside raising high quality Marino wool and cattle at Estancia Morro Chico they focus on sustainable use of the native forest and grassland.
CARLOTA PROGRAM
Sea trout Fishing in Argentina… Two rivers have evolved to become the standard-bearers for modern sea trout fishing, and arguably provide the most reliable fishing to be had for the traveling spey fisher. While sea trout, or sea-run browns, can still be found in the Northern Hemisphere — tributaries to the Baltic Sea come to mind — nowhere on the planet today can match the number and size of the specimens returning to these two rivers each austral summer.
In Rio Gallegos you have a very real chance to connect with sea trout between 8 and 25 pounds on a daily — not weekly — basis. The major sea trout rivers of southern Argentina should be at the very top of your go-to list! Fishing at Carlota is for fresh-run sea trout to 20-plus pounds. Sea trout make their way into the Gallegos system around the end of December and continue with strong runs through the end of April. Guests have complete access to fishing on both the Rio Gallegos and the Rio Chico during their stay. The Estancia Carlota’s private bank reach of the Rio Gallegos is a short drive by 4x4 vehicle from the estancia.
Friday / Day 1: Arrive Buenos Aires. Transfer to your hotel and overnight in downtown Buenos Aires (see our recommendations above).
Saturday / Day 2: Travel to Rio Gallegos. Pick up service at Rio Gallegos airport upon arrival. From Rio Gallegos Airport the drive to the Carlota takes roughly 1 hour. Upon arrival at Carlota you will settle in, have a delicious Argentina Lunch, and will have an option for a guided afternoon session on the river
Sunday / Day 3: Fishing
Monday / Day 4: Fishing
Tuesday / Day 5: Fishing
Wednesday / Day 6: Fishing
Thursday / Day 7: Fishing
Friday / Day 8: Fishing
Saturday / Day 9: Depart Estancia Carlota for the Rio Gallegos airport and your flight to Buenos Aires. You can schedule the return flight to your home destination for Saturday evening, or spend an additional night or nights in Buenos Aires before departing.
FILM: Out there!
Watch Columbus Leth’s wonderfull film from Estancia Carlota.
A big fat Sea trout from patagonia has always been a shining prize. But for some, the Sea Trout is more. For some, the Sea Trout is an object of obsession whose draw is so complete as to haunt every waking thought and fantasy.
ACCOMODATION
Guest accommodations and our HQ will be at the stylish and cosy Estancia Carlota, where we have secured full access to the owners’ private house on the Estancia. Recently renovated, the main house includes all the facilities needed for a comfortable and memorable week fishing.
A short walk through the Estancia… Upon entering the main house, in typical Argentine Patagonia style, a wide hallway leads into the main house. From the hall, guests will access a spacious dining room, and adjacent to the dining area, a cozy socializing room with an open fireplace. From the socializing room guests will also have direct access to an inviting covered patio. Here, we guess, most of the true AND untrue stories from the river will be shared and savored together with a glass of fine Malbec during the evenings.
In addition to the social rooms, the main house includes four very large, comfortable and private guest bedrooms — each features an en suite bath with shower and flushing toilet. Our big kitchen will be one of the anchor points in the program. And it will be from this kitchen delicious Argentine meals will be prepared for guests, or in the garden where the lunch such as local Asado or lamb will be prepared over open fire.
You will of course have access to Wi-Fi in the Estancia.
Without a doubt, we believe Estancia Carlota is unique — a comfortable wilderness palace surrounded by the breathtaking and endless south Argentine prairie, and situated perfectly to reveal the enchanting soul of Patagonia.
HOOKED on sea trout?
OUR TEAM
The Carlota program is managed by Steffen Juhl.
For over 25 years Steffen managed camps and fishing programs on now famous rivers such as the Umba, Kharlovka, Rynda, Yokanga, Varzuga and Ponoi. Outside of Russia, in a career spanning three decades, Steffen has logged thousands of miles pursuing Atlantic salmon, steelhead, Chinook, Sea Trout and other desirable anadromous fish. Steffen believes firmly in interacting closely with a few carefully selected programs, and in building long-term friendships with guests. Following this philosophy, Steffen will be on site to manage and host the Carlota program during the entire season.
Carlota staff
The experienced and hard working team at Estancia Carlota will ensure you feel at home in the Patagonia wilderness. some of the finest sea trout guides on the Rio Gallegos will join forces with Salmon Junkies for the Carlota program, and we look forward to featuring the services of a highly skilled and experienced chef.
We at Salmon Junkies feel sure this incredible sea trout fishery will meet the highest expectations any angler could have. We guarantee that a week sea trout fishing in Argentina will enchant your soul and forever remain in your heart. Our aim is to provide a remarkable and unforgettable fishing experience — perhaps the fishing trip of a lifetime - Be sure you are one of the fortunate few to fish with us at Carlota.
Tackle & technique
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The most popular and widely used rods for sea trout on Rio Gallegos are light 12- to 13-foot Spey rods, together with a 11- to 12-foot micro-Spey / switch rods around 7- or 8-weight and a 9- to 9 ½-foot 6- or 7-weight single-hander. We will strongly suggest that you leave your 15-footer at home as it will be too long in the considerable and famous Patagonia wind. Equipped with these rods an angler can cover most situations.
Whether you’re into a classic gear & pawl reel or a modern drag reel is a question of personal taste. Any good quality reel capable of carrying the associated line and 150 yards of backing should suffice. BUT please check your connections; the sea trout of Argentina are very hot and strong!
Floating lines combined with intermediate tips are the common choice for both outfits will address most conditions, but it is a good idea to pack spare lines and various sinking tips to cover different high or low water conditions.
More detailed info will be forwarded upon reservation.
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We recommend high quality leader material between 10 and 20 pounds breaking strain.
Recommended flies include Girdle Bug, EMB, Yuk Bug, Bitch Creek, Wooly Bugger, Zonker, Sunray Shadow, as well as various bead-head nymphs and various leeches. You can buy flies on location at Estancia Carlota.
At Carlota we adhere to a strict catch-and-release policy. All fishing is fly only, with single or double barbless hooks, and we request extreme care in handling all fish.
More detailed info will be forwarded upon reservation.
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Waders and jackets are personal preference items, but we recommend those made from high quality breathable Gore-Tex, or a material with similar characteristics. Waders should be chest-high. Most wading at Carlota is fairly user-friendly, so boots can have either felt or rubber soles. Please ensure that all felt-soled boots are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to your trip to prevent the spread of invasive species such as Didymo and mud snails are not transported to Patagonia.
Regarding clothing, we favor a layering system. In this part of the world, the weather can be highly variable, so the ability to add or take off layers is advisable. Also, a lightweight quilted down (or synthetic) jacket, can be very useful on cool days later in the season. A buff and cap/hat are always a good idea — remember Patagonia can be a windy place on occasion!
Bring sunscreen for hot, sunny days, though we always have a good supply on hand for general use.
Sunglasses with polarized lenses are another key item. Don’t leave home without them! Also, for safety, always carry a pair of yellow or clear lens glasses for low light conditions.
More detailed info will be forwarded upon reservation.
FILM: Let’s Get Serious
One mans hunt for rio gallegos famous sea trout!
Get in touch with us.
In close cooperation with the top professional team at Estancia Carlota, we will be your guardian angel. Our aim is to provide you with a remarkable and unforgettable fishing trip — perhaps the fishing trip of a lifetime.
- Steffen Juhl