Estancia Alquinta
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 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 Estancia Alquinta — running January through mid-Apil — we will share this stunning fishery with a very limited number of rods.
ESTANCIA Alquinta
Alquinta encompasses 127,000 acres (50,000 hectares) in the lower third of the famous Rio Gallegos watershed. Only one hour’s drive from Rio Gallegos Airport, Estancia Alquinta is located downstreams Estancia El Rincon, Estancia Carlota and Estancia Bella Vista upstream and Estancia Las Buitreras downstream.
At Alquinta we will have access to some of the most desirable water on Rio Gallegos. Our private section of the Gallegos is a short drive from the lodge, and this 45 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 6 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.
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.
Accommodation
-a house with a view
Guest accommodations and our HQ will be at the stylish and beautiful 800 m2 Estancia Stonehouse, where we have secured full access to the owners’ private house on the Estancia. Only fifteen old, the main house includes all the facilities needed for a comfortable and memorable week fishing.
A short walk through the House… Upon entering the main house, in typical Argentine Patagonia style, a wide hallway leads into the main house our spectacular socializing room. From the big socializing room, guests will access a spacious dining room, and adjacent to the dining area, a cozy socializing room with an open fireplace and integrated kitchen, where all kind of delicious dishes will be served. 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 and very large, comfortable and private guest bedrooms — each features an en suite bath with shower and flushing toilet. All guest accommodations at Alquinta are based on double room occupancy, except one room that can be booked. Our big open 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 Alquinta 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.
Take a moment to browse through our gallery of unforgettable memories on the banks of Rio Gallegos.
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 Alquinta 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 Alquinta and Carlota water during their stay. The Estancia Alquinta double-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 Alquinta takes roughly 1 hour. Upon arrival at Alquinta 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 Alquinta 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.
Tackle & technique
for Rio Gallegos
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The most popular and widely used rods for sea trout on Rio Gallegos are light 11 ½ - to 13-foot Spey rods, together with a 11 - to 12-foot micro-Spey / switch rods around 6 - 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!
Intermediate lines are the common choice for both outfits will address most conditions, but it is a good idea to pack spare lines and sinking tips to cover different high or low water conditions.
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We recommend high quality leader material between 15 and 20 pounds breaking strain.
Recommended flies include Girdle Bug, 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 Alquinta.
At Alquinta 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.
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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 Alquinta 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.
FILM: Let’s Get Serious
- One mans hunt for rio gallegos famous sea trout!
OUR TEAM
The 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.
Alquinta staff
The experienced and hard working team at Estancia Alquinta will ensure you feel at home in the Patagonia wilderness - 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 Salmon Junkies team want to provide a remarkable and unforgettable fishing experience — perhaps the fishing trip of a lifetime
Get in touch with us.
In close cooperation with the top professional team at Estancia Alquinte, 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.
f you have questions, contact me directly.
Best wishes Steffen Juhl
Cell phone: +45 – 31 34 25 90
E-mail: sj@salmonjunkies.com