El Rincon Lodge

Fly Fishing the Rio Gallegos, Argentina for Sea-Run Brown Trout

El Rincón Lodge is set in the middle of a working 57,000-acre estancia along the upper reaches of the Río Gallegos and its tributary, the Río Penitente. And this program offers unmatched access to one of the most revered sea-run brown trout fisheries in the world. These waters have earned international acclaim for their consistency, solitude, and the size of their fish.

But what sets El Rincón apart isn’t just the fish. It’s the combination of wild, unpressured water, world-class guides, genuine Argentine hospitality, and a program that’s been finely tuned to maximize success across a range of conditions. Whether swinging traditional two-handed rods or stalking holding lies with single-handers and nymph rigs, anglers will find ample opportunity to connect with sea trout of a lifetime. The operation has exclusive access to 30 kilometers of the Río Gallegos and another 20 kilometers of the Penitente—waters that see minimal pressure thanks to the remote location and private ownership.

This is Patagonia at its finest: broad valleys of golden steppe, condors circling overhead, and the whisper of a wind that never stops moving, even though sometimes we wish it would! El Rincón is a program for serious anglers who can appreciate the challenge of mastering a world-class anadromous fishery.

Fishing

El Rincón offers technical and varied fishing across a mosaic of water types. The main river, the Río Gallegos, is a moderately sized, meandering system with clear water and gravel-bottomed pools, riffles, and undercut banks. It is uniquely suited to both Spey and single-handed tactics, and responds well to subtle presentation and careful reading of the water.

Anglers typically fish early mornings and late evenings to maximize chances at fresh-moving sea trout during prime light and water temps. Midday hours are often reserved for targeting resident brown trout in the upper Penitente, resting, or exploring alternate water.

Species:

Sea-run brown trout (sea trout): Average 6–12 lbs, with regular encounters in the 15–20+ lb range. These fish enter the Gallegos from the Atlantic and hold in pools until spawning conditions trigger upstream movement.

Resident brown trout: Especially prevalent in the Río Penitente, these wild fish are beautifully marked, aggressive, and often overlooked.

Occasional steelhead and chinook salmon are reported during certain seasons but are not reliable targets.

Techniques:

Two-handed rods (12.5–14 ft, 7–9 wt) are standard for covering water on the Gallegos, particularly in windy conditions.

Single-hand rods (6–8 wt) are useful in tighter pools and on the Penitente where delicate presentation is critical.

Floating and intermediate Scandi or Skagit lines are recommended, along with poly or sink-tip leaders.

Flies: A blend of traditional Atlantic salmon patterns, leeches, nymphs, and flashy streamers work well. Common patterns include zonkers, rubber-leg nymphs, and various tube flies. Dead-drifting or swinging under tension are both productive, depending on fish mood and water clarity.

Fishing is mostly walk-and-wade, with guests driven to new beats daily across the estancia’s expansive landscape. Anglers are accompanied by expert bilingual guides who provide instruction and river knowledge, making the program ideal for experienced spey casters as well as newer anglers looking to learn.

Accommodations

The lodge at El Rincón is a restored historic estancia house from the late 1800s, originally built during the height of Patagonia’s wool trade. It’s been carefully modernized to offer comfort and convenience without losing its authentic Argentine character. Thick stone walls, wood floors, and gaucho artifacts set the tone, while well-appointed bedrooms and modern bathrooms provide a relaxing retreat at the end of each fishing day.

Lodge Features:

Eight guest rooms, double-occupancy with shared bathrooms (upgrades to single occupancy available).

Dining and common rooms featuring wood-burning stoves and leather armchairs.

Fly tying area and gear room for storage, wader drying, and prep.

Reliable Wi-Fi and Starlink internet access.

Outdoor fire pit and horses roaming the grounds, all with wide open views of the Argentine steppe.

The atmosphere at El Rincón is intimate and friendly. With a guest capacity of just 6–8 anglers per week, there’s a strong sense of camaraderie between guests, guides, and staff. The lodge dogs—working border collies—are beloved companions and add charm to the estancia lifestyle.

Cuisine

Meals at El Rincón reflect the deep culinary traditions of rural Patagonia. With a full-time chef trained in both Argentine and international cuisine, guests can expect hearty, flavorful meals designed to restore energy after long days on the river.

Daily Menus Include:

Breakfast: Farm-fresh eggs, meats, homemade breads, fresh fruit, coffee, and pastries.

Lunch: Typically taken riverside; expect grilled meats or sandwiches, soups, salads, and sweets, packed each morning and enjoyed by the water.

Dinner: The culinary highlight of each day. Traditional asado (grilled lamb, beef, or sausages), roasted vegetables, homemade empanadas, stews, and rich desserts.

The lodge has an excellent cellar of Argentine Malbecs, Torrontés, and other regional wines, served each evening. Local beers and cocktails are also available. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.

Travel Details

Reaching El Rincón requires planning, but the journey is straightforward and well-supported.

Standard Travel Path:

1. International flight to Buenos Aires (Ezeiza International Airport – EZE).

2. Ground Transfer to Aeroparque (AEP) for a domestic flight south to Río Gallegos (RGL)—approximately 3 hours.

3. Ground transfer from RGL to the lodge is included, and takes 1.5 to 2 hours, often with chances to see guanacos, flamingos, rheas, and Patagonian foxes along the way.

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