Estancia Glencross

Estancia Glencross is located in the Santa Cruz region of southern Patagonia, right on the border between Argentina and Chile. Positioned high on the slopes of the magnificent Cordillera de los Andes, Glencross offers fantastic scenery and invites guests to explore the surrounding area on foot or horseback.  The 85,000 hectare estancia is an active cattle and sheep ranch complete with a number of picturesque buildings, including a school, a library, sheep shearing station, bakery, stables, and more. 

Anglers at Glencross have the opportunity to fish three different rivers all characterized by their own unique scenery and structure. These rivers include the Rio Gallegos (the mainstream) and the Rubens and Penitente Rivers (both tributaries to the larger Rio Gallegos). The larger Rio Gallegos is considered one of the best sea-run brown trout fishing destinations on the planet, whereas the smaller tributaries offer anglers an unmatched opportunity to target native brown trout.

The sections of the Rio Gallegos accessible to anglers at this destination are characterized by varying structure. While the upper sections feature weed beds, rocks, and back waters, the lower sections look more like a traditional southern Patagonian sea trout river with cut banks and gravel banks. For those wanting to fish these sections, a light spey rod will come in handy. The Glencross section of Las Buitreras includes the most upper part of Rio Gallegos and offers some amazing pools for spey fishing.

While fishing the tributaries anglers typically use single hand rods and may employ several different meth­ods, including swinging flies, casting into pockets, and strip streamers. Both tributaries feature smaller pools that are easier to cover and the up­per section of the Rubens is surrounded by lenga trees making one feel as if they are fishing in a tropical jungle. Although the trout in the upper parts of the tributaries tend to be a little smaller in size compared to those found lower in the system, the surrounding scenery is out of this world.

Given the diverse structure and landscapes this location has to offer, anglers will not only get a chance to practice several types of trout fish­ing and techniques, but will also experience one of the most iconic estancias in the Santa Cruz province, as well as some of the most beautiful landscapes southern Patagonia has to offer.

As always when fishing brown trout in clear, mostly shallow water, a stealthy approach is required. In certain sections of this destination this means avoiding wading completely and in other areas, it means crouching down when approaching the pool or section you are about to fish. We recommend you make a soft cast, let the fly sink and swing for a second, then strip, strip, boom!

When fishing for resident browns up here it’s hard to go wrong with a smaller streamer or leech imitation. Leeches in particular seem to bring out the worst (or best) in these fish. Just like in Rio Gallegos, rubber leg nymphs also work exceptionally well. On calm days, drifting a dry or skating a surface fly can also be ridiculously fun and extremely effective. We also recommend bringing heavier nymphs to be able to drop the fly into some of the deeper holes that usually hold some bigger fish.

You’ll want to bring a standard single hand rod in weight class 5 or 6 loaded with an easy-to-cast floating line, which will enable you to cover and fish most of the water at this site. One exception is the lower part of the Rio Gallegos, where a 7 or 8 weight rod is to be preferred, alter­natively a light number 6 or 7 spey rod. A little bit wider, this section is more exposed to wind and holds more sea-run brown trout which can weigh up to 30 lbs. Landing one of these is a hard enough task on any rod.  

The main lodge where guests stay at Estancia Glencross is a beautiful and traditionally decored Argentina building.  Sleeping a max of 6 anglers in 3 twin ensuite bedrooms it has a delightful and intimate feel making it ideal for both small parties or families who would enjoty a lecvel of exclusivity as well as those who simply wantb to enjoy an extended stay in Argentina. Aloingside the guest rooms the estancia is complete with a main dining area, a separate lounge, and a large outdoor asado area (where Argentinian barbeques are held). 

Estancia Glen-cross is ideally suited to those who are both keen to make the most of their time whilst in Southern Argentina as well as enjoying a varied fishing experience, with the fill of a large Sea Trout as well as the often prolific and exciting fishing for resident brown Trout.  The fishing is of couyres the main component  but it is a fabulous place to either gently warm up for a week at Las Buitreras or wind down as appropriate.  Horseback riding or hiking through the Estancia’s varying landscape is an amazing experience and recommended for those wanting to try something more than fishing. It is also possible to arrange trips to watch the mighty condors inhabiting these areas.

Glencross has a team of dedicated guides that rotate between Las Buitreras and Glencross.  They are all Argentinean guides, typical from the Santa Cruz region but all with a good command of spoken English.  As importantly they are passionate fly anglers who will derive a huge amount of pleasure ensuring their guests pick up all the tips, techniques and skills to ensure they can successfully adapt to the local fishing conditions, whether the wind is blowing hard or requiring anglers to fish in low-water stealth mode!  Each pair of anglers is accompanied by a dedicated guide with a 4x4 vehicle used to access the areas you will fish.