ARGENTINA – GLACIER KING
Monster Kings In Spectacular Surroundings
Join our hosts to some of the most spectacular and remote places and fly fish for species you did not know existed. Volcanos, waterfall, and Ice age brown trout.
Our Glacier King Program is based in Los Glaciares National Park, with the historical Estancia Cristina lodge as our base, located in the Andean-Patagonia. We are truly fortunate to have access to the mighty Caterina River since it’s the home to the largest run of Atlantic king salmon this world has to offer. The Kings are known to be the spey fisherman’s ultimate dream due to their remarkable strength and stamina and to be able to fish them in this particular location is an extraordinary experience.
The river offers everything from shallow fast running streams where you are able to sight cast for them to deep glacial pools in majestic canyons and so much more. Landing a fish in the 30-45lb range is very common, guests also land 60-70lb fish on regular basis. The biggest fish caught in this river was in 2018 and was measured and estimated at 90lb, another one landed the same week estimated at 88lb. With that said, you have a chance to hook a fish of a lifetime, that’s why people from all over the world visit this destination!
The Caterina River is 8 miles long and runs through the epic valley of Los Glaciares National Park, starting from a high plateau lagoon called Lago Anita and then running into Argentina’s largest freshwater lake, Lago Argentino. From the end of December to mid-April, massive amounts of King Salmon, also known as Chinook Salmon, run up the river. The fish run usually peaks from February to mid-March that’s also usually when the biggest ones start to come up the river. During this period of time, we commonly encounter fresh silver Kings moving through or standing in the deep runs, and therefore, we mainly fish intermediate lines triggered with sink tips and big intruders. By mid-March as the number of fish increases, they start to turn into a darker color and become more aggressive, that’s when you’re able to watch them fighting over territory in the river’s shallower parts. During this period of time, we start using intermediate lines and intruders or even floating lines with bombers and surface flies.
King Salmon
Fly fishing for King Salmon requires the right gear if your want to succeed in landing one of the monsters.
We suggest bringing double-hand or switch rods. Skagit lines with different tips are very practical in this river. We also like to use fast-sinking shooting heads for the deeper pools. Flies in blue, red, black, and fuchsia make great contrasts to this glacial blue river. Also, regular King salmon patterns such as intruders and articulated leeches will do the job!
Bring variously sized of flies tied on strong, tested hooks to be on the safe side.
It’s also great to bring a spare rod.
Estancia Cristina is a part of (BOP) Best of Patagonia program which represents one of the finest and most authentic lodging experiences in this region. It offers luxury accommodation within Patagonia Glacier National Park. The food is based on traditional recipes, flavors, and locally sourced products and is coupled with some of the finest wines from across Argentina. Vegetarian options are also available. Spacious rooms provide our guests with spectacular views and all rooms are equipped with a private bathroom.
This location also offers a number of non-fishing activities such as horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, etc.
January – March
Anglers: Maximum anglers per week: 6
Period: 6 nights / 6 days of fishing
GALLERY
