Santa Cruz

Pursuing steelhead on their freshwater spawning run in the Pacific Northwest is a well-documented obsession for many fly anglers. Today, in this intriguing venue, anglers have the unique opportunity to fish for Atlantic steelhead in the austral autumn under the warm Argentine sun.

To fish steelhead on Rio Santa Cruz calls for patience, a boat, and a knowledgeable fishing guide. It’s widely accepted that steelhead are “fish of a thousand casts.” Santa Cruz steelhead are no exception. But a growing and under-the-radar population of sea trout in the Santa Cruz will interrupt your steelhead concentration on daily basis.

During our test fishing in 2023, we caught several trophy fish — steelhead and sea trout — up to 19 pounds.

Ekaluk on my mind

Follow Salmon Junkies in Alaska in the search for their next fix, Artic Char on the Swing!

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

LESS BUT BETTER!

My fishing gear reflex my devotion to the nature and the game.
I will always prefer Craftsmanship and not technology. Manmade and not mass produced stuff. I prefer Fishing gear with character and attitude and not last year model.
I appreciate a fly reel that show my appreciation of the tradition and beauty - I appreciate a fly reel I can grow with and I can use for the rest of my life
I’m not looking for the lightest and sexiest reel, or the cheapest or most expensive reel - I’m looking for the best made and not a mass produced product.
Not long ago much, of what we owned, was alive with the skill and idealism of who made our tackle.
If we retain our belongings well they will over time grow in value and rich our life when we are using them.
In a very short period of time, everything we own begins to fall apart the moment it comes out of the box - “buy it use it, and buried it in the ground”.
It looks like we are about to forget that we are anglers and environmentalist

Buy less - Choose well - Make it last!

Chasing Sea Trout under the wide blue Patagonia sky.

Watch Columbus Leth’s latest masterpeice from Patagonia Argentina visit our gallery

Under the wide blue Patagonia sky the matchless Rio Gallegos, meandering unhindered for more than 360 km before meeting the wind-whipped Atlantic Ocean just north of the Magellan Straight.

Each year, from January through March, fly fishers from the world over convene here to pursue the river’s prized sea-run trout. While their sheer size — each year fish of 25 pounds or more are caught — can leave anglers and spectators alike overwhelmed, it’s the Gallegos sea trout’s raging temper that fuels our addiction. Nowhere else in the world will you find stronger sea trout than in this unique place.

New Film - "Out There"

NEW FILM - “OUT HERE”

Estancia Carlota - Top-drawer Sea Trout in Argentine Patagonia on the magnificent Rio Gallegos

Our first season at Estancia Carlota wrapped up in early March. BELIEVE US WHEN WE SAY THAT THE RIO GALLEGOS DID NOT DISAPPOINT!

During a two-month period, we managed to slice and map out 28 holding pools and juicy runs along our +25 km in the lower third of the famous Rio Gallegos river — more water than most anglers will be able to cover during a week fishing. And when we finished the season, we still had sections of the river that remained unexplored in 2020.

MORE IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER

To maximize chances for a unique and extraordinary experience, it is our goal to run Carlota in a relaxed yet exclusive manner, with a minimum of fishing pressure, and at a very fair price. As we move forward with this exciting program, with only two rods weekly, privacy and coziness will be our trademarks.

There is much more to say about Carlota, but sometimes words just get in the way — especially when trying to describe the indescribable. In such cases it’s often best to let pictures deliver the message, and even better if the pictures are moving and accompanied by a compelling soundtrack. So, without further introduction or preamble, here is “OUT THERE” an exquisitely rendered new video short from Salmon Junkies filmmaker and photographer extraordinaire Columbus Leth chronicling his visit to — and by extension, the 2020 season — at Estancia Carlota in Argentine Patagonia.

Join photographer Columbus Leth’s latest masterpiece “Out Here” by clicking on the link here http://www.salmonjunkies.com/estancia-carlota/ We hope you will enjoy the film.

CARLOTA 2021 AND COVID-19

We are living in a changed world and are all finding innovative ways in which to manage our day-to-day lives. We hope that the Covid-19 pandemic will come to an end before the 2021 season — and we hope you’ll want to join us. HOWEVER, we do recognize that uncertain times lie ahead; various factors could affect our ability to operate next year. With that in mind, to minimize your financial risk, should your trip be affected by official domestic or international travel closures due to Covid-19, Salmon Junkies will offer full refund of your deposit/balance payments.

Introduction of Carlota

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. Together with the prominent landowner of the Estancia Carlota, running January through mid-March — we will share this stunning fishery with a very limited number of rods at a very fair price.

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 +20 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!

For season 2021 we will run the program for only three rods weekly, which allows the pools on our part of the river to rest, minimizing stress on the fish, as well the angler.

With our Carlota 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. Weekly we will use our shelled Asado fireplace for a traditional “Meety” Argentine lunch

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. 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

Fishing guide will be “ senior Rio Gallegos himself” Mr “Loro” Hector Acuna. Loro have been guiding on Rio Gallegos for more than twenty years, and his knowledge and skills are not questionable - We are very happy to have Loro on board our small crew.

The experienced and hard working team at Estancia Carlota will ensure you feel at home in the Patagonia wilderness. we look forward to featuring the services of a highly skilled and experienced chef. Expect more information in due time regarding our staff.

The Carlota Package

Salmon Junkies Carlota program offers a perfect opportunity for two fishing buddies to have the angling experience of a lifetime. For 2021 the price will be 4600 USD. for 7-night / 6-day single occupancy package at Estancia Carlota plus meet and greet at Rio Gallegos airport and transfer to the estancia. Included are all meals, including beer and wine at the lodge, and daily guided fishing.

Not included in the price are international and domestic airfare, hotel and meals en route and in Buenos Aires, and gratuities for guides and camp staff. In short, the financial hurdle is significantly lower than most other equivalent packages available.

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 www.salmonjunkies.com, or contact me directly.

Best wishes,

Steffen Juhl