RIO SANTA CRUZ SLIDE SHOW

Rio Santa Cruz anglers are presented the unique opportunity at for Atlantic Steelhead. Each morning anglers will load into vehicles and drive roughly 15 minutes down to the river’s edge where the boats are. After suiting up at a simple riverside structure, anglers will load into their appointed zodiac (two to three anglers per guide) and head out for the day’s fishing. At the days end anglers will leave their rods and waders at the riverside structure before making the 15 minute drive back up to the lodge. Fishing the Rio Santa Cruz is by easy wading from the banks and even though the river is large, the steelhead come quite close to the banks. The river is glacial fed, so the water has a milky blue colour, with 3’-4’ of visibility under normal conditions. The river is soft bottomed and silty. Large and semi-bulky flies works well with black, purple, blue, red and orange all being great choices. Two handed rods are preferred for covering the water, with fast action 12’ – 14’, 8-9 weight rods working very well. Fast action single handed 9’- 10’, 8-9 weight rods also work well. Sink tip lines are pretty much a requirement on the Rio Santa Cruz and we have found Skagit style spey lines with Type- 8 and T-14 sink tips, running between 12’ – 20’ working best. The single handers would well with any sink tip system that is 24’ – 30’ in length. Some of the locals have become masters with a 30’ sinking shooting head systems making long casts with heavy flies rather effortless. Just remember you will be trying to keep your deep, so bring several different tips for your lines. The river is run with Zodiac’s. The fishing takes place from the shore and casts are made at 90 degree angles. Many local anglers like to strip the fly in or impart action during the swing. The takes can be hard and aggressive.

Rio Santa Cruz Travel:
All anglers visiting Argentina will arrive in Buenos Aires and have a layover or an overnight. We are happy to help you plan your itinerary, meet and great service, and accommodations in BA as well as doing all that we can to dovetail a trip to the Rio Santa Cruz with your additional travels in Argentina. Full weeks at the Rio Santa Cruz are also available. One of the best trips is a combination week (during March or April) with three days at the Rio Santa Cruz and two days at Jurassic Lake.

Steelhead trips to the Rio Santa Cruz originate in the town of Rio Gallegoes. After being met outside baggage claim by members of the Loop staff you will make the four hour drive from Rio Gallegos to Estancia San Ramon, which is located approximately 70 km up river from Pedra Buena.

Rio Santa Cruz Documentation:
You will need a valid passport to enter Argentina!

There is no advance visa application requirement for travel to Argentina for citizens of most European countries and the USA. You will automatically be issued a tourist visa upon arrival at the first point of entry. We will advise on receipt of your passport details if the Argentinean authorities require additional information relative to your nationality.

Rio Santa Cruz Meals and Accommodations:
The Estancia is a large sprawling working estancia. Of the many buildings on site, two are dedicated to the fishing program. The main quarters are in a compact but cozy house with two bunk rooms (two bunk beds in each room) as well as one room with two standard beds. In general it is safe to describe the accommodations as simple and without frills. Typically LOOP strives for 6 anglers or less per week so the guests have some room to spread out. The house has two shared baths with showers. Breakfasts are severed in the sleeping quarters dining area with dinners being served at a simple but more spacious building roughly 200 yards away. Meals are hearty and well prepared and there is plenty of complimentary beer and wine.

Rio Santa Cruz Climate:
The region is very windy so come well prepared! Since the season peaks in March and April, be prepared for wind and cold. Sunscreen should always be packed as should quality wind proof clothing and gloves.

Rio Santa Cruz Fish Species:
Atlantic Steelhead

Rio Santa Cruz 2009 Rates:
Please call Fly Water Travel for rates.

Included:
Lodging, meals, all local transportation into Estancia San Ramon from Gallegos, fishing, guiding, wine and beer.

Not Included:
International airfare to Buenos Aires, lodging and meals in Buenos Aires, in country transportation from Buenos Aires to Gallegoes, hard alcohol (bring your own) and gratuities. Recommended tips are $50 per person per day and will be split among the entire staff.