Santa Cruz Steelhead

Pioneers in the 1900’s introduced rainbow trout originating from California’s McCloud River. Forgotten and virtually untouched by the hand of man these fish were allowed to flourish and now represent probably the single largest untapped steelhead resource in the world. Steelhead on the Santa Cruz hit the fly hard and as befits their powerful environment often run out huge lengths of line in acrobatic fashion. Steelhead have often been credited as being one, if not the, hardest fighting migratory fish and the specimens in Santa Cruz are no exception.

Anglers will use powerful zodiac boots to navigate the river with mile after mile of unfished water at your disposal. Although the Santa Cruz river is a powerful and initially intimidating river it is not a pre-requisite in most areas to cast an especially long line as the fish will lie wherever there is a reasonable break from the main flow of the river, along seams and natural lies. Some locals even have a preference for single-handed rods over doubles. Sinking lines are used as standard with typical large profile Steelhead flies being the most effective in the milky glacial water. There are 4 different beats with 30 named pools and you will rotate amongst these depending on the conditions.

A purpose built fishing cabin/lodge, part of the very impressive Los Plateados Estancia has been constructed alongside what has proved to be the most productive part of the river.  The building is straightforward and comfortable sleeping four anglers in two double rooms.  Simple but pracctical lodging, a nice sheltered veranda looking onto the river, good Argentinean food with steaks, lamb assados and house wine and beer on tap make it a great base to fish this exciting river.

Guests fly into Rio Gallegos on the early am flight on Sunday and from there will be collected and driven to the lodging at San Ramon estancia arriving around midday. Following lunch and a briefing you will have a full afternoon’s fishing. Monday to Thursday, a typical day covers the daylight hours from 8.30 am until 7 pm with a cooked river-bank lunch being prepared each day. On Friday you will have a morning and afternoon fishing session, being driven back to the airport at Rio Gallegos that afternoon.

Pioneered by Claudio Martin, one of the longest standing guides on the Rio Gallegos river, Claudio has put together a team of guides that speak good English and are as enthusiastic about the river as the fish. The guides are all ardent fly-anglers and casting instructors and will happily help you improve your casting as much as the fishing itself. As standard you can expect a professional service, dedication and good company