At Estancia Glencross, our guests 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 browns.

The sections of the Rio Gallegos accessible to anglers at this destination are characterized by varying structures. While the upper sections feature weed beds, rocks, and backwaters, 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 as the Glencross section of the Rio Gallegos offers some amazing pools for spey fishing. 

While fishing the tributaries (the Rubens and Penitente Rivers), 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.