Los Plateados Lodge

While there are a great many appealing and productive steelhead rivers in the world, the argument for Argentina's mighty Rio Santa Cruz being far and away the most unique is near bulletproof. The reasons are many; its massive size, the harsh and surreal Dali-esque landscape through which it flows, the subtlety of its lies and structure, and the simple fact that is that it is the only true Atlantic steelhead return in the world. We have no real idea as to how many fish it holds but what we do know is that after more than a decade of commitment to the system by some of Argentina's top guides, its secrets have been revealed exposing a consistent and viable gem that might possibly be the last major river to be added to the cannon of steelhead classics. Like many steelhead rivers, the fish here average 9-10 pounds, but what is unusual is that one in ten of these fish is likely to exceed 20 pounds.

While anglers have 30 proven pools and runs to fish, Los Plateados Lodge was built to host only four anglers per week ensuring all guests the best shot at quality water each and every day. This intimate riverside lodge offers both boat and vehicle access to prime runs, exceptional guides, as well as delicious meals paired with fine Argentine wines.

At Los Plateados Lodge, the fishing hours are scheduled according to the best angling opportunity, and a typical day at Los Plateados starts early and ends late. Anglers head to the river following an early breakfast, fish until mid-day, take in a riverside lunch, and then fish into the evening hours before returning to the lodge for a late dinner. There are four different zones with 30 named pools available and anglers rotate to fish the most productive pools and runs, using trucks and powered boats for access. All of the guides speak good English and are talented instructors, casters and anglers. They rotate among paired anglers, giving guests the opportunity to fish with multiple guides throughout their stay. Depending on the particular pool or water conditions, anglers will find themselves swinging flies in a traditional manner or more likely imparting motion to the fly by stripping in line. In most cases, Spey rods are employed to efficiently cover water and deal with the wind.

Estancia Los Plateados is located 50 miles upstream from its tidewaters in the Atlantic. This simple yet practical lodge has a nice covered veranda overlooking the river, cozy dining and living area with fireplace, and comfortably sleeps four anglers in two double-occupancy rooms. The seasoned chef prepares a variety of hearty and healthy meals with some of Argentina's finest beef and lamb. Breakfasts and dinners are served in the lodge and lunch is served riverside to get the most of the fishing day.

Friday: Arrive Buenos Aires. Fly to Rio Gallegos, overnight at hotel.

Saturday: A lodge representative will meet you at your hotel and transfer you 3 hours to the lodge. Fish ½ day upon arrival.

Sunday - Thursday:  Full days of guided fishing on the Santa Cruz.

Friday: Fish ½ day. Depart the lodge after lunch. Transfer to Rio Gallegos and overnight at a hotel.

Saturday: Depart Rio Gallegos for Buenos Aires. Evening return flight home.

2026 Rate: Per person based on double occupancy

• 6 night/6 day package: $5,200

Included: Accommodations, meals and beverages including beer and wine at the lodge, transfer to/from Rio Gallegos, guided fishing.

Not Included: International or domestic airfare, hotels/meals/transfer in Buenos Aires and Rio Gallegos, fishing equipment, alcohol, staff and guide gratuities.

Species: Atlantic Steelhead

Season: Mid-March - April

Capacity: 4 anglers

Location: Los Plateados is located in southern Argentina nearest to the town of Piedra Buena which is 130 miles north from Río Gallegos.

Who is best suited to this destination? Experienced and well-traveled anglers interested in fishing all the great steelhead rivers in the world are natural fit. It is a great choice for anyone who likes remote places and enjoys the challenge of steelhead angling, especially in big water.

Where is the lodge? Los Plateados is in southern Argentina. The nearest town is Piedra Buena, which is 130 miles north from the city of Río Gallegos.

How do I get there? Most anglers fly from Buenos Aires south to the city of Rio Gallegos. From there, guests are transferred by truck three hours to the lodge.

When should I go? Mid-March through April. 

How will I fish? Guides use trucks and power boats to access the river. Anglers rotate among the different zones to fish the most productive pools and runs. A typical day at Los Plateados starts early and ends late. Anglers head to the river following an early breakfast, fish until midday, take in a riverside lunch, and fish into the evening hours before returning to the lodge for a late dinner. Guides rotate among paired anglers, giving guests the opportunity to fish with multiple guides throughout their stay. Depending on the pool or water conditions, anglers will find themselves swinging flies in a traditional manner or more likely imparting motion to the fly by stripping in line.

Is there wade fishing? All fishing is done while wading.

Where will I fish? There are four different zones with 30 named pools on a stretch of the mighty and massive Rio Santa Cruz, roughly 50 miles upriver from its terminus at the Atlantic.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? Travel times to fishing areas range from 15 minutes to 1.5 hours by way of a vehicle, motorized boat, or both.

What type(s) of fish will I catch? Atlantic-run steelhead.

How many fish will I catch? Anglers typically hookup one to three fish a day and on average, land one per day.

Will I see other anglers? It is very rare see anglers other than those staying at the lodge.

What are the guides like? The guides are friendly and professional and are some of the most experienced Spey guides in Argentina. They work as a team to ensure each guest gets the most out of their fishing week. All the guides and lodge staff speak very good English.

What are the physical demands? None to speak of but the wind is strong and in places the bottom is sticky with silt based sediment.

Are there any special skills required? The ability to cast medium and heavy sink tips with large flies 80-plus feet is a good skill to have under your belt. Although single-handed casting is doable, most visiting anglers use Spey techniques to cover more water with ease and effectiveness.

Does the lodge provide equipment? The lodge can provide quality fishing equipment for an additional cost, if needed. However, for those with specific fishing preferences, we highly recommend bringing gear. The guides have a small selection of productive, custom flies for sale to complement private supplies.

What is your favorite setup for the trip? Any medium-fast action Spey rod from 13- to 13.5-feet that is capable of throwing Skagit heads up to 625 grains with a 12- to 15-feet of T-14 or T-17 will suffice.

What are the top flies? Standards include large profile leech and intruder style patterns in dark colors.

What are the options if water conditions become challenging? The wind can be challenging and if conditions deteriorate guests will return to the lodge and wait it out. If the river were to blow out (which is very rare) you will either continue to fish or wait it out.

What is a typical day like? After an early breakfast guests will head to the river to begin a full day of fishing and stay out on the water all day.  Typically guests will fish from 9 AM to 7PM, and break midday for a riverside lunch before returning to the river to finish the fishing day.  Dinners can be served late to maximize time on the water. On arrival and departure days, there are half days of fishing.

What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the lodge? The lodge has a simple, rustic, and no-frills feel that fosters an environment where anglers are treated as fishing friends rather paying clients.

Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge? Claudio Martin is the on-site host and head guide. Claudio is a super nice, friendly guy who is always available to assist with guests’ needs.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? The seasoned chef prepares a variety of fresh, hearty, and thoughtfully prepared meals using locally sourced ingredients. 

What is the alcohol policy? Beer and wine are included, and guests are welcome to bring their own hard alcohol.

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? The lodge is small and utilitarian with a cozy dining and living area, a brick fireplace, shared bath, and shower, and two double-occupancy rooms.

Is there internet and/or cell service? There is no cell service, but internet is available at the lodge for guests to use.

Are there other activities? No

Are there any other expenses? International or domestic airfare, hotels/meals/transfer in Buenos Aires and Rio Gallegos and gratuities.

Do I need a visa? No. Argentina no longer requires a reciprocity fee or visa. Guests must have a valid passport that expires no less than six months prior to the trip date.

Are there any health concerns, dangers, or annoyances? Wind can be a big factor here, but it is not a given.

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