As the whistle blew on the first half of the season, we were delighted to welcome another group of (mostly) well-seasoned Las Buitreras veterans.
Flying in from Germany for their annual two-week pilgrimage were Sven, Toni, Dietmar and Michael. It’s safe to say these gentlemen know a thing or two about Patagonian Sea Trout. They often divide their time between Las Buitreras and our upstream operation, Glencross — as was the case for Michael this season.
Joining our German friends was another familiar face, our dear friend Andrea from Italy. A regular visitor to these waters, he was accompanied this year by first-time guest and good friend, Clemente.
Completing the guest list were two couples on their very first visit to Las Buitreras. From the USA, Bernard (“Barney”) and his delightful wife Judith, both keen anglers. They were joined by Swiss residents Richard (originally from Scotland) and his partner Julie (Australia). While Richard spent his days in pursuit of “Silver,” Julie embraced a more relaxed pace — hiking, exploring, and soaking in the wild beauty of Patagonia.
Weather conditions this week felt a little like déjà vu — almost identical to the previous report.
Daytime temperatures during the first half of the week were typical for this time of year (15–21°C). In the second half, things warmed considerably, peaking at 28°C on Thursday before easing back to a comfortable 20°C on Friday.
Nighttime temperatures were steady at the beginning and end of the week (10–12°C), with a brief dip to a chilly 4–6°C on Tuesday and Wednesday.
And the wind… once again, a talking point.
But not in the usual “blow your hat off” Patagonian fashion. This season, it’s more a question of: where is it? The moderate to strong westerlies and south-westerlies we’ve grown accustomed to have been largely absent. Instead, we’ve experienced variable and mostly light winds — and on several occasions, complete calm.
Skies remained bright for much of the week, especially midweek, while Monday and Friday delivered welcome cloud cover and a few light rain showers.
River conditions remained low throughout the week. Early on, we received a few small pushes of fresh water, lifting levels from -50cm to around -30cm. Despite the continued low water conditions, we once again experienced some truly excellent fishing this week. The river rewarded those willing to adapt, and there were some outstanding highlights across the board for our group — proving that even in challenging conditions, Las Buitreras continues to deliver.
Water clarity remained “gin clear,” and combined with bright skies and light winds, demanded the stealthy — almost puma-like — approach that has defined much of this season.
Tactics for Week 7 remained consistent with the pattern established throughout the season.
Floating heads and lines were paired with both single- and double-handed rods in the usual 7# and 8# weight classes. For most situations, a full floating setup was the go-to option, while deeper holding pools called for an intermediate tip or polyleader.
Fly selection followed a familiar script. Small bead-head nymphs once again led the charge. At times, we opted for lighter or unweighted patterns, including “Girdle Bugs” and small plastic “Scandi”-style tubes, paired with small doubles and singles. In faster runs, traditionally dressed salmon doubles were excellent choices.
Making the journey from Switzerland for their first visit were Richard and Julie. Richard, an experienced angler who regularly returns to Scotland to pursue Atlantic Salmon, quickly demonstrated that his skill set would translate perfectly to the Sea Trout of the Río Gallegos.
While Richard focused on fishing, Julie embraced Patagonia at her own rhythm, exploring the landscape and enjoying the serenity of this unique region.
It didn’t take long for Richard to find success. Fish came steadily, and after a few smaller specimens, it was clear bigger things were on the horizon.
Fishing Zone 3 with a size 14 double “Silver Stoat’s Tail,” he landed his first double-figure fish of the week. But the highlight came at the ever-exciting pool “Outer Limits.”
On arrival, fish were rolling — always a heart-raising sight. A precise cast tight to the far bank set up the perfect swing. The take was inevitable. The fly was hit like an express train.
After a spirited battle, Richard brought to hand a stunning chrome Sea Trout weighing just over 14lbs. He went on to land several more impressive fish, including an 11lb specimen from Zone 1 and a 10lb fish from Zone 2.
Our second couple, Barney and Judith, brought enthusiasm and energy to the week. Barney had long planned this trip, and his steelheading background served him well in these challenging conditions.
Judith opted for a more relaxed approach, fishing selectively while taking the opportunity to refine her skills under the guidance of our team.
Barney enjoyed consistent action throughout the week. While early sessions brought numbers rather than size, persistence paid off in the latter half.
Zone 2’s “Old Bridge” — one of our deepest and most productive pools this season — once again delivered. Fishing a lightly weighted “Girdle Bug” on a slow strip, Barney sent a long downstream cast into the shallower tailout.
What followed is every angler’s dream: A large Sea Trout raced across the pool, bow wave forming as it tracked the fly. That split second of anticipation — will it or won’t it? — ended in explosive fashion. The take was violent. The fight, long and nerve-wracking.
In the end, Barney prevailed, landing a magnificent fresh fish of nearly 13lbs. A well-earned reward for a focused and determined week.
Andrea, a cherished regular from Italy, returned once again together with his good friend Clemente.
Few know this river as intimately as Andrea. Having experienced it in every condition imaginable, he once again demonstrated his understanding, landing impressive numbers including several well into double figures.
“Old Bridge” produced a solid 13lb male on the trusted “LB Marianne.” But the highlight came at the famous “Seventy-Five.”
Fishing a size 12 “Stoat’s Tail,” Andrea connected with a stunning 16lb chrome torpedo — a fish that did not look overly impressed during its photo session!
Later in the week, returning to “Old Bridge,” Andrea revisited an old classic: the “Yuk Bug.” Fishing it deeper and slower on an intermediate tip and long leader proved decisive. The result — a powerful 14lb Sea Trout and a timely reminder that sometimes looking back helps move forward.
For Clemente, fortune proved more elusive when it came to the larger specimens. He enjoyed solid action, but the bigger fish slipped away when opportunity knocked. As we all know, luck plays its part — and we’ve all been there
Week 7 also marked the first of a two-week stay for our German quartet: Sven, Michael, Toni and Dietmar — dear friends who have joined us annually for over a decade.
Sven enjoyed a particularly memorable evening in Zone 5 at “Barranca Blanca,” a pool renowned for producing large fish year after year.
Opting for a medium-sized “Girdle Bug” — a bold choice under bright skies — he first landed a fresh 5lb fish. Encouraged, he stayed with the pattern.
Just a few casts later, he hooked something much heavier.
The fish powered downstream, hugging the riverbed in classic big-fish fashion. In the blink of an eye, Sven’s fly line was gone and he was staring at backing flying out from his reel. Suddenly, 50 meters downstream, a huge fish jumped out of the water – what a moment. After a relentless run and a prolonged, tactical battle, Sven and his guide Cristian managed to .
At 95 cm long with a 52cm girth, the tape suggested something special. The final verdict: 19.6 lbs. Just shy of the magical twenty — but an extraordinary achievement in demanding conditions.
A masterclass in thinking outside the box.
Michael also enjoyed an excellent week, landing several fish just under double figures before finally breaking through with an 11lb fresh fish from “Barranca Blanca” on the classic “Ally’s Shrimp” and even landing one on the dry fly!
Later, during an evening session at the legendary “Kitchen,” the faithful “Sunray Shadow” produced again — this time a beautiful 12lb Sea Trout.
Toni’s week followed a similar pattern. He opened his account with a fine 12lb chromer from “Barranca Blanca,” adding solid numbers throughout the week, even if that first fish remained his largest.
As we reach the halfway mark of the season and prepare to begin the second half, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our guests from Week 7.
To our returning friends — Sven, Toni, Dietmar, Michael and Andrea — and to our new guests Richard, Julie, Barney, Judith and Curti: thank you for a week filled with stories, laughter and memorable moments on the river.
Stay tuned for Week 8!
Stats of the week
Biggest sea-run brown trout landed: 19 lbs by Sven.
Average size: 8.36 lbs.
Best fly: Copper John, Salmon doubles, Sunray Shadow.
