Opened in 1995, Bella Vista Lodge is the most exclusive lodge on the Rio Gallegos, offering exciting fishing for giant sea-run brown trout as well as some of the world's finest dry fly brown trout fishing, on an intimate spring creek. This perfect combination of incredible resident trout fishing adjacent to the more challenging nature of sea trout fishing allows guests to choose how to spend their fishing time. Whether you spend a day catching dozens of chunky browns on oversized dry flies or ply the larger river in search of elusive sea-run fish, your stay at Bella Vista will be an unforgettable one.

Fishing Program

A much longer system than its sister river the Rio Grande, the Gallegos and its pools are far more varied in their character. Slow, deep pools are interspersed with fast riffles and boulder strewn runs, and the gravel bottom makes wading very easy. The Estancia owns nearly 50 kms of double bank private access fishing which is limited to a maxi mum of ten rods per week. Guided by one of a team of experienced guides, each pair of rods have only the diverse wildlife of the river valley for company. Even the most expe rienced angler will learn new techniques and skills that will improve his averages elsewhere. A cha llenging but infinitely rewarding river, the Galle gos' list of devotees grows year after year.

The season runs from December – mid April.

Location

Bella Vista Lodge is located half way up the Rio Gallegos Valley, which is the southernmoston major drainage on the Argentine mainland in Southern Patagonia.

The lodge sits within two working estancias (farms) which are farmed collectively for sheep. The total acreage of land is around 650,000 or an English county the size of Oxfordshire.

Santa Cruz Province in Southern Patagonia is a bleak land similar to the open plains of Wyoming or the Flow country of Northern Scotland. Barren rolling hills stretch from the coast all the way to the Andean "Cordillera", the mountain chain that is the natural border between Argentina and Chile. Although at first glance the area environment appears barren and hostile, the Estancia actually plays host to a surprising array of animals and bird life. During your stay you can expect to see Darwin's Rhea (Argentina's Ostrich), Grey and Red fox, Skunk, Armadillo, Flamingo, Peregrine Falcon, and a wide variety of waterfowl that includes the rare Coscoroba Swan and Flightless Steamer Duck. If you're really lucky you might see Condor or a Puma (Mountain Lion).

Accommodations and Food
Designed to offer the discerning angler the utmost in comfort and easy access to the best pools, Bella Vista Lodge is located only a five minute walk from the home pool. It accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 en-suite bedrooms (4 twin rooms and 1 single). Guests enjoy a large living room area, wood fireplaces and a well stocked bar to welcome you after every fishing session. Phone, internet, laundry and maid services, a fly tying table and fully stocked fly shop are additional amenities available to guests.

Bella Vista offers wonderful cuisine based on local meats, fresh vegetable and delicious deserts. A traditional Asado (BBQ) will be held once during your stay, and you can sample different cuts of meat and wonderful salads. A full cooked breakfast is available, together with fresh fruit, yogurts, home baked breads and jams and a selection of cereals. Bella Vista's cellars feature a wonderful selection of fine wines from the Luigi Bosca Bodega, which will be served during lunch and dinner.

For non-anglers there is unparalleled bird and wildlife viewing.

2008/2009 Prices: 4,950 USD per person per week. Based on double occupancy.

Included
Ground transfer from Rio Gallegos to the lodge
Fishing License
Meals, all wines, beer and local spirits at the lodge
Professional guide services

Not Included
Gratuities for guides and house staff
Airfares
Buenos Aires transfers and hotels
Laundry service.

For more information or questions, please drop us a line at info@FarawayFlyFishing.com, or you can call or chat with us instantly using Skype: