Sometimes the stars align
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 and proud to announce 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 mid-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 double-bank section of the Gallegos is a short drive from the lodge, and this +23 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 this new program, we believe we will be able to offer one of the finest fisheries in Argentine Patagonia at a very fair price.
Guest Accommodations
Guest accommodations and our HQ will be at the stylish and beautiful 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 lodge… 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 large, comfortable and private guest bedrooms — each features an en suite bath with shower and flushing toilet. All guest accommodations at Carlota are based on single occupancy. 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. 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.
Carlota / Rio Gallegos Travel Itinerary
From the Northern Hemisphere, a basic itinerary for the trip would be as follows:
Thursday — Depart home
Friday — Arrive Buenos Aires int’l airport / transfer to hotel / overnight
Saturday — Transfer to domestic airport / depart Buenos Aires / arrive Rio Gallegos / transfer to Estancia Carlota (it may be possible for a few fishing hours after arrival)
Sunday–Friday — Guided fishing and accommodations at Estancia Carlota
Saturday — Depart Estancia Carlota / arrive Buenos Aires / transfer to int’l airport / depart Buenos Aires
Sunday — Return to home destination
The Fishing 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 double-bank reach of the Rio Gallegos is a short drive by 4x4 vehicle from the estancia.
The Carlota Team
The Carlota program will be 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 nearly 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.
Fishing Guide and Chef
Our experienced, hard working team at Estancia Carlota will make sure you feel at home in the Patagonia wilderness. Each member of our small crew knows their job extremely well and all are an important cog in a well-oiled and very cosy package.
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.
I hope you have found this information useful. If not or if you should have more detailed questions, please check our web page https://www.salmonjunkies.com/estancia-carlota/, or contact me directly.
Best wishes,
Steffen Juhl