Estancia El Rincon
Patagonia, Argentina
We are very excited to announce, that salmon junkies have engaged in long-term cooperation with Estancia El Rincon, on what many consider to be perhaps Argentina’s top sea trout river - Rio Gallegos.
Imagine yourself in wild Patagonia… After a hearty and delicious breakfast, your only trouble is deciding where to go fishing that day! Our El Rincon program has access to over 50 km of private, double-bank water, shared in rotation with only five other rods. This reach of Rio Gallegos is regarded as the river’s most scenic and inviting part, with a significant run of fully wild sea trout and a robust population of large resident browns. We will offer this unique fishery to ONLY six rods weekly from January through mid-March.
Estancia EL RINCON
In the heart of Argentine Patagonia, the El Rincon estancia encompasses some 57,000 acres in the southern region of Santa Cruz province. Coursing through the property is the renowned Rio Gallegos, arguably the most famous sea trout destination in the world. El Rincon’s private boundaries include a 20 km stretch of the Gallegos plus 35 km of its major tributary — and a spectacular river in its own right — the Rio Penitente.
Combined, the Gallegos and Penitente offer the angler remarkable, exclusive fly fishing for both sea trout and resident brown trout. Both enjoy strong runs of sea trout throughout the season, and the Penitente boasts a very healthy population of resident brown trout ranging to ten pounds and more.
At Rincon we pride ourselves in running a highly efficient but totally relaxed program catering to all tastes. And with the diversity of our river systems, no matter what the conditions, good fishing can always be found.
FILM: Sea trout fishing at Estancia El Rincon
FILM: Penitente river - Plan A
Fly fishing for fresh run sea trout & resident brown trout in the province of Santa Cruz, Southern Patagonia, Argentina.
El Ricon Program
In the heart of Argentine Patagonia, the El Rincon estancia encompasses some 57,000 acres in the southern region of Santa Cruz province.
Coursing through the property is the renowned Rio Gallegos, arguably the most famous sea trout destination in the world. El Rincon’s private boundaries include a 20 km stretch of the Gallegos plus 35 km of its major tributary — and a spectacular river in its own right — the Rio Penitente.
Combined, the Gallegos and Penitente offer the angler remarkable, exclusive fly fishing for both sea trout and resident brown trout. Both enjoy strong runs of sea trout throughout the season, and the Penitente boasts a very healthy population of resident brown trout ranging to ten pounds and more.
At Rincon we pride ourselves in running a highly efficient but totally relaxed program catering to all tastes. And with the diversity of our river systems, no matter what the conditions, good fishing can always be found.
The fishing package at Rincon consists of six full days fishing, two anglers per guide, and seven nights single-occupancy accommodation. Included in the price are transfers to and from the local airport, as well as all meals and drinks, including alcoholic beverages. International and Internal flights not included.
Fishing Program
Fishing at El Rincon is for both fresh run sea trout to 20+ pounds, and for resident brown trout averaging 3–4 pounds, but with many large specimens in double figures.
Sea trout make their way into the Gallegos system around the end of December / first week of January, and continue with strong runs through the season until the end of April and beyond. Guests have complete access to fishing on both the Rio Gallegos and the Rio Penitente during their stay.
RIO PENITENTE
Our 35 km of the Rio Penitente is just a short distance from the lodge. Guests have the opportunity to pick up a rod and walk the few steps across the garden to try a few casts in any of the home pools of this stunningly pretty river. At its normal level the Penitente is best fished with a single handed rod or a light double-handed switch rods. A 7-weight is about right. Lines should be floating/sink tip or intermediate in normal conditions. Slightly heavier sinking lines (S3 or S6) work well during periods of higher water.
The Penitente clears and returns to its normal height quickly after a spate. For sea trout in normal conditions most of the Argentinian-style rubber-leg patterns work well here, as do more traditional nymphs. Dry flies can be used effectively in settled and lower water conditions. And streamer patterns are often turned to in higher water or in the numerous cut channels and deep holes spread throughout the river system.
RIO GALLEGOS
Our private double-bank section of the Rio Gallegos is a short drive from the lodge. In this 20 km reach we have a selection of classic pools holding good numbers of migrating sea trout. Brown trout are also here, but usually we are concentrating our efforts on the sea trout populating the river on their migration upstream. These fish are big! And angry at having their journey interrupted. Be prepared for rod bending action when encountering one of these hard fighting chromers!
Rods can be single- or double-hand, depending on personal preference. But we recommend a double-hander around 8-weight matched to an intermediate line for normal conditions, moving to a S3 or S6 line in higher water following a spate. A floating line/sink tip maybe used in lower water, and if the conditions are right, a skated fly can produce explosive results.
Our guests frequently enthuse about the excitement of never really knowing what size fish you might encounter next. Consequently, we recommend bringing top quality leader material.
Our expert guides use 4×4 vehicles to transport guests to different sections of the river each day. And because of the meandering nature of the river, with its myriad of glides, streams, pots and deep cut channels, time is never wasted driving long distances. Walking from pool to pool in any chosen area is quite easy.
Tackle & technique
for the El Ricon.
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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 El Rincon.
At El Rincon 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.
Our Team
The management team at El Rincon consists of Diego Peralta and Paul Becher. Both are passionate fly fishermen. Diego was born and raised in Rio Gallegos and has fished the local rivers all his life. He knows them intimately. Paul has fished extensively around the world, but has always been drawn back to Patagonia. He has developed a passion for its rivers over the last 15 years. Diego and Paul have been good friends and fishing companions for many years. The permanent guide team are professional local fishing guides Luciano Arata, Fedrico Quintero and Diego Peralta.
Our experienced and hard working team at El Rincon will make sure you feel at home in the one of the most astonishing sea trout fisheries available today. Each member of our small crew knows their job extremely well and each is an important cog in a well-oiled and very cozy package.
Contact us.
In close cooperation with the top professional team at El Rincon 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