Destination Overview
Destination: Bella Vista Lodge
Country: Argentina
Freshwater: River and stream fishing
Capacity: 8 per week
Season: Early November to Late April
Specialties: Blue water fishing
Species: Brown Trout, Sea Trout

Bella Vista Lodge

Bella Vista Lodge in Argentina sits on the Rio Gallegos, the largest southernmost river on the Argentine mainland. It is one of the finest destinations for fly fishing for sea trout on the planet. Bella Vista Lodge sits within two estancias (farms) which are farmed collectively for sheep. The total acreage of land is approximately 650,000 or an English county the size of Oxfordshire. The estancia owns nearly 50 kms of double bank private access fishing on the Rio Gallegos. This is limited to a maximum of eight rods per week. Guided by a team of experienced fly fishing guides, each pair of rods has only the diverse wildlife of the river valley of the Rio Gallegos for company. A much bigger system than its sister river the Rio Grande, the Rio Gallegos and its’ pools are far more varied in their character. Slow oily looking holding pools are interspersed with fast riffles and boulder strewn runs full of bright sea trout, averaging 9lbs, but sea trout of over 20lbs are caught every season.

The fishing at Bella Vista consists of two principal fisheries. The Rio Gallegos of which the estancia has 50 km and the Gallegos Chico which is a spring creek tributary of the main river of which 20km can be fished. The brown trout of the Rio Gallegos and Gallegos Chico are extremely well documented fish. These trout are uneducated to the ways of the fly rod and readily grab dry flies. Where else can an angler dry fly fish for spring creek trout in the morning and sea run trout in the afternoon . . . nowhere apart from here at the Bella Vista! Originally stocked in the late 1920's and 30's the fish on the Rio Gallegos have gone on to establish a healthy run of large sea trout present in only a few other rivers in the world. High average sizes persist and improve year on year and the chance of a specimen sea trout are present with every cast. The Gallegos Chico is a small charming spring creek with huge character that flows into the main river on the estancia's eastern boundary. Abundant weed growth and rich aquatic food combine to make this an exceptional dry fly fishery.

Bella Vista Lodge represents un-paralleled luxury and comfort from which to enjoy the best of the fishing on the river. Bella Vista Lodge has five en suite bedrooms to accommodate a maximum of 8 guests, a comfortable living room, a large wading room and spacious complimentary bar; fully stocked with local and imported spirits to toast the one that got away! Lamb and beef raised on the farm ensure quality ingredients on which the chef bases an array of delicious, traditional Argentine specialties. Carefully selected wines compliment his mouth-watering menus. On average more than half of the sea trout caught on the Rio Gallegos are 10lbs in weight and one in three fishermen leaves with a 20lber!
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Travel Tips:
Argentina is 4 hours behind GMT and flying time from London is approximately 13 ½ hours plus transfer time.

Visa's are not required for British passport holders.

Please contact Aardvark McLeod with any questions or for booking information.