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Bella Vista Lodge
(Rio Gallegos - SANTA CRUZ)

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INFO PACK

Opened in 1995, Bella Vista Lodge is the most exclusive lodge on the Rio Gallegos, offering exciting fishing for giant sea-run trout as well as some of the finest dry fly brown trout fishing, on an intimate spring creek. A much bigger system than its sister river the Rio Grande, the 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, 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 maximum of eight rods per week. Guided by one of a team of experienced guides, each pair of rods have only the the diverse wildlife of the river valley for company. The Rio Gallegos has earned a deserved reputation as being a true "Fisherman's River". Though most pools can be covered with a single handed rod, the Rio Gallegos is most effectively fished with double handed rods. These will also help deal with the legendary Patagonian wind! Even the most experienced angler will learn new techniques
and skills that will improve his averages elsewhere. A challenging but infinitely
rewarding river, the Gallegos' list of devotees grows year after year. Should fishermen tire of catching the mighty sea-runs, a day excursion to the beautiful
Gallegos Chico is a paradise for the trout fisherman. The Chico is one of the world's best trout rivers and is lightly fished, resulting in free rising beautiful browns. The Lodge represents un-paralleled luxury and comfort from which to enjoy the best of the fishing on the river. Completely renovated in 1996, the charming Estancia is situated a five minute walk from the river at the heart of one of the largest working sheep farms in Patagonia. Continually improved and added to, the lodge comprises 5 en suite bedrooms to accommodate a maximum of 8 guests, a comfortable living room, a large wading room and spacious fully stocked complimentary bar; 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 specialities. Carefully selected top Argentine wines compliment his mouth-watering menus. With a now legendary standard of service, throughout the house-staff and guide team, Bella Vista has become the benchmark other local lodges must reach.

LOCATION

*Located in the province of santa cruz in southernmost patagonia. the nearest town is rio gallegos.
*The lodge is located in the fully refurbished main house of a working estancia which runs  to nearly 700,000 acres. The main house is situated a few minutes walk from some of the river's most productive pools
*Anglers fly into the buenos aires international airport and take a 3 hour flight to rio gallegos.
*The transfer from the airport to the lodge by four wheel drive takes 1 1/2 hours.

THE FISHING

*Bella Vista fishes two species of trout:
- Sea-run brown trout on 50 km of the rio gallegos, averaging 10 lbs in size and running up to 25/28 lbs.
- Resident brown trout on 20 kms of the rio gallegos chico, a pristine spring creek producing large browns up to 7lbs with an average of 2/3 lbs.
*The lodge has private access to both banks of the rio Gallegos and to the rio Gallegos Chico.
*Home pool is a 5 minute walk from the lodge and open to all during siesta hours.
*The rivers offers easy wading on fine gravel bottom.
*Tackle: single handed rods (8 and 9 wts, 9 to 10 ft) a.nd double handed rods for the sea-run browns. For the spring creek, 4 to 7 wts.
*Flies: small dry flies, nymphs, traditional salmon and sea run trout wet flies for the main river. Terrestrial patterns for the Gallegos Chico(hoppers, beetles, etc).
*Lines: floating, sink tip or heavy sink depending on water conditions
*Fishing schedule: approx 9 hours of fishing. Lunch is taken back at the Lodge and followed by a siesta. The afternoon session starts later during the months of Dec and Jan to capitalise on the magical dusk fishing hours.
*Bella Vista is a strictly CATCH AND RELEASE fishery. Guides are equipped with nets ad will assist guests in weighing and releasing fish without damaging them.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES

*Capacity: 8 rods.
*Rooms: 5 en suite bedrooms (1 twin, 3 double and 1 singles).
*There is no surcharge for single rooms. These are allocated on a first come first served basis.
*Dining room, sitting room, bar, wading room, fly-tying table and facilities.
*Satellite telephone and internet access.
*Gourmet dining, with Argentina's famed beef and fine wines, traditional Asados (BBQs) and delicious desserts.
*Maid and laundry service.
*Fly shop fully equipped with flies, rods, reels, lines, and suitable clothing and Argentine crafts.
*Loaner rod service.
*First class Professional international and Argentine guides. All our guides are able to give casting tuition with single and double handed rods (Spey casting).
*Comfortable double cabin 4-wheel trucks fitted with rod racks and radios.
*Unparalleled bird watching and rich wildlife (rheas, flamingos, foxes, llama-like guanacos).

Rates are based on double occupancy and shared guide

Included
*Transfer to the Lodge from Rio Gallegos
*Fishing Licence
*Lodging
*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.