Glacier King

Glacier King is a unique program built around targeting the consistently largest race of king salmon in the world today. These fish are not only exceptional in terms of size, but for the fact that they are Atlantic chinook salmon that are descendants of Washington State kings that were introduced to systems in south/central Chile in the 1970’s and have since expanded their range south through the Straight of Magellan and then north to Argentina’s mighty Rio Santa Cruz. After ascending 300 miles of the Rio Santa Cruz, these fish cross Lago Argentino and enter a relatively small and incredibly scenic river on the federally owned Estancia Christina, deep within Los Glaciares National Park. Anglers stay at Estancia Christina, a high-end eco-tourist destination frequented by guests who typically spend one or two nights there as well as day trippers. They come for the stunning 3.5 hour boat ride to the estancia past ancient blue freshwater icebergs and for several incredible hikes on the property. The lodge also accommodates six anglers per week. These anglers are taken care of by the Tres Amigos team who are seasoned crew of professional fly fishing outfitters and have essentially their own program and schedule. The January and February fly fishing targets the brightest fish and is challenging Spey fishing that often entails long blind casts into an upper lake as well as traditional swing fishing in several key runs in the river. During this time of year conventional anglers are also welcome and they tend to do well as they cover exponentially more water. Come March the big fish move into their pre-spawn and spawning lies and become easier to spot and target for fly anglers.

Guests will primarily fish the upper three miles of the Caterina River and the rocky shore of the upper lake. For folks open to hiking 50 minutes, Mammoth Bay on the lake is neat trip where salmon can often be sighted from high up on the rocky bank. In the lake they will still use sinking tips, but the flies need not be extra heavy. While Spey fishing the lake, wind can be a big issue making overhead casting helpful, and guests will actively strip flies, often well past the junction with the head. In the river guests will swing heavy tips and weighted flies.

January and February are the best months to target the freshest pre-spawn fish. During this time fish can be caught in the river but the upper lake is where the fish spend the most time and where they are caught consistently by conventional anglers, and fortunate hard-working fly anglers with double handed rods. During this time the guides are happy to have guests switch back and forth between fly fishing and conventional fishing.  In March the fish back down to their spawning grounds and are very visible to anglers. During this month they are much more effectively targeted by fly anglers.

Guests will fish with highly skilled English speaking fly fishing guides that are part of the larger Tres Amigos team.  The program takes six anglers per week and guests will fish three anglers per guide. 

This is a very atypical yet interesting Fly Water destination. Estancia Christina is a large remote eco-tourist operation that employs 35 full-time employees. Day trip guests have their own dining area, and the overnight guests have their own, upgraded dining area. Most overnight guests stay for one or two nights but most anglers stay for 4-6 nights and enjoy the nicer dining and common area. The anglers also tend to share a nice unit with three very nice double occupancy bedrooms and a small common area, and they get seated together in the larger dining area making for a nice cohesive atmosphere. The level of service is good but differs from the small family style lodges that we specialize in.

The meals are served in a large attractive hexagonal structure that has a central sitting area and a small bar. The meals are tasty and thoughtfully prepared. Breakfasts are buffet style with table-service lunches and dinners from a set menu.  At times anglers might mix it up and build their own lunches, and stay out for the entire day.

Saturday: Overnight in El Calafate, Argentina

Sunday: Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the marina for a three-hour scenic ferry transfer to Estancia Cristina.  Fish the afternoon session.

Monday - Friday: Full days of guided fishing and lodging

Saturday: Fish the morning session. Depart estancia and transfer to El Calafate. Overnight in El Calafate.

2026 Rate: Per person based on double occupancy

• 6 night/6 day package: $8,990

Included: Accommodations and meals, beverages including local beer and house wine, transfers to/from the estancia and El Calafate, fishing license and guided fishing.

Not Included: International and domestic airfare, hard alcohol beverages and additional wine, hotels/transfers/meals in El Calafate, fishing tackle, flies and equipment and guide and staff gratuities.

Species: King Salmon

Season: January - March

Capacity: 6 anglers

Location: Lago Argentino, El Calafate, Argentina

What are the top reasons to go?

• Fly fish and conventional fish for the largest race of king salmon in the world. The largest landed to date on a fly was 91 pounds!
• Enjoy a remarkable boat trip into the estancia where you will see beautiful blue freshwater icebergs shed from the glaciers
• Fish with skilled English fly fishing speaking guides
• Enjoy spectacular scenery complimented great accommodations and meals

Who is best suited to this destination? This destination is best suited to anglers who want a chance at the world’s largest king salmon or anyone who wants to visit a spectacular area within Los Glaciares National Park. For early-season anglers wanting to target these fish in the lake before they move into their shallow river spanning beds, the fly fishing is very challenging, but those willing throw large spoons with conventional gear tend to catch most session.

Where is the lodge? The lodge, known as Estancia Christina is located deep with Los Glaciares National Park on a remote arm of Lago Argentino, northwest of the city of El Calafate, Argentina.

How do I get there? Guests typically take an evening flight from the US to arrive early morning at the Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) in Argentina. Upon landing, guests will clear customs and transfer to the domestic airport (AEP), expect 4 hours for this transfer. From here, all guests will head to El Calafate to overnight. The following morning guests will get picked up and driven roughly 25 minutes to a lakeside port where they will board a large comfortable double-decked touring boat for a stunning three hour ride past freshwater icebergs into the estancia. The estancia is very remote and only accessible by the ferry ride or multi-day horseback ride.

When should I go? January and February are the best months to target the freshest pre-spawn fish. During this time fish can be caught in the river but the upper lake is where the fish spend the most time and where they are caught consistently by conventional anglers, and fortunate hard-working fly anglers with double handed rods. In March the fish back down to their spawning grounds and are very visible to anglers. During this month they are much more effectively targeted by fly anglers.

How will I fish? Fly anglers will use larger Spey tackle and sink tips. In the river they will swing heavy tips and flies. In the lake they will still use tips but the flies need not be extra heavy. While Spey fishing the lake, wind can be a big issue making overhead casting helpful, and guests will actively strip flies, often well past the junction with the head.

Is there wade fishing? Yes, it is 100 percent wade fishing and fishing from shore perches.

Where will I fish? Guests will primarily fish the upper three miles of the Caterina River and the shore of the upper lake. For folks open to hiking 50 minutes, Mammoth Bay on the lake is neat trip where salmon can often be sighted from high up on the rocky bank.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? The most productive waters take about 25 minutes to reach by vehicle. The roads are bumpy and are accessed by a large 4x4 truck with back cargo seating area.

What type(s) of fish will I catch? Chinook salmon and maybe a few small rainbows and or lake trout.

How many fish will I catch? In January and February, dedicated fly anglers need to set modest expectations. One or two large fish in three days of fishing is proof of a job well done. Later in March, as target zones and methods change, the likelihood of slightly higher catch rates increases and a fish or more per person per day is common. For anglers willing to throw spoons into the lake in January and February, a fish or two per person per day is realistic.

Will I see other anglers? No, there are just six anglers at the lodge per week and they are the exclusive fishing outfitters on the estancia.

What are the guides like? They are highly skilled fly fishers, Spey casters, tyers and English speakers. They are also open to having guests fish conventional gear with no shaming whatsoever. They want guests to feel and see these remarkable fish. They work here very deliberately because the location is absolutely stunning, and the size of the fish are so extraordinary. 

What are the physical demands? Guests need to be able to do moderate off trail hiking, some river crossings, navigate large lakeshore boulders and cast heavy tackle in windy conditions.

Are there any special skills required? Fly anglers should be competent with larger Spey tackle, including heavy tips and large flies. Fly fishing the lake in the January and February is challenging and physical, as wind is common, and it is strong. Being willing to put the Spey rod down and pick up a spinning rod when the lake conditions are tough is an option that can mitigate the challenges for anyone interested in mixing it up a bit.

Does the lodge provide equipment? The lodge is happy to rent and or loan spinning gear that is well suited to the task at hand. They are also happy to provide a few of the appropriate flies if guests do not have the right flies. Guests should bring all their own fly tackle.

What is your favorite setup for the trip? A 12.5 ft to 14 ft 8 or 9 weight Spey rod is the ideal tool. This should be paired with an appropriate Skagit head, a 30 pound mono running line and range of T8-T17 tips. A clear intermediate tip can also come in handy during low water conditions.

What are the top flies? Larger steelhead and king salmon tubes and intruders are the norm, and Black, blue, fuchsia, chartreuse, and red are all good colors. Moderately weighted and heavy flies are both useful. Hooks should be in the 1-3/0 range.

What are the options if water conditions become challenging? There can be times when the wind could make fishing impractical, but it is unlikely that the river or lake will blow out. There are some great hikes available from the estancia, but there is no plan B fishing program.

What is a typical day like? Our outfitters, which are part of the Tres Amigos team, like to fish a split day schedule. This typically means breakfast around 7:30 AM and then heading out about 8:30 AM. Most days guests will return to the lodge for lunch and a siesta. The evening session will typically begin about 3:30 and end around 8PM. Then there will be a late dinner starting shortly before 9 PM.

What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge? This is a very atypical yet interesting Fly Water destination. Estancia Christina is a large remote eco-tourist operation that employs 35 full-time employees. Day trip guests have their own dining area, and the overnight guests have their own, upgraded dining area. Most overnight guests stay for one or two nights but most anglers stay for 4-6 nights and enjoy the nicer dining and common area. The anglers also tend to share a nice unit with three double occupancy bedrooms and a small common area, and they get seated together in the larger dining area making for a nice cohesive atmosphere. The level of service is good but differs from the small family style lodges that we specialize in.

Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge? There will be Christina staff managers on site and your guides will always be ready to help you address any needs or concerns you have.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? The meals are served in a large attractive hexagonal structure that has a central sitting area and a small bar. The meals are tasty and thought fully prepared. Breakfasts are buffet style with table service lunches and dinners from a set menu. 

What is the alcohol policy? Beer and wine are included with meals, hard alcohol is available at the bar and the tab can be settled at the end of the stay.

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? All angling guests will stay in a nice quad-plex building where four double occupancy rooms with attached baths share a small common area and covered deck. The rooms are very nice and most have great views of the surrounding peaks.

Is there internet and/or cell service? There is slow Wi-Fi in the main dining area suitable for sending messages but no cell service.

Are there other activities? Yes. Almost all the guests that visit the estancia are there to hike or ride horses and never fish. There are two primary hikes. One is roughly five miles long to a waterfall and the other is a spectacular full day trip to the Sala Glacier and Fossil Canyon. It entails a rugged 1.5 hour drive in which considerable elevation is gained and then it is 10 mile downhill loop back to the estancia. It is a stunning, semi-private hike within a national park, but only accessed by guests of the estancia. We strongly recommend that anglers consider this hike to break up their stay, and really experience the wonders of what lay behind the ridge to the south of the river.

Are there any other expenses? Flights, accommodations and meals before and after in El Calafate, bar tabs, and gratuities are not included. 

Do I need a visa? No.

Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances? While rain is relatively rare in the region, wind is prevalent and to be expected. 

We recommend that guests always consult with the U.S. Department of State and the Center for Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines.