El Puma Lodge

Every spring in southern Patagonia Chinook Salmon start their run up the Santa Cruz river to their spawning areas in the heart of the continent.

We have access to different locations where at different times of the season we can catch these magnificent fish. Their brutal power is a challenge even for the most experienced anglers. The size of the Salmon is quite respectable ranging from 20 to 50 pounds in average with some exceptional specimens happening every year.

10 weight rods with both floating and sinking tips strong short leaders are the way to go, double handed rods work very well too. We suggest adding a 6 weight kit also for the numerous resident trout. Dali Lama streamers in black & white, olive and pink work wonders at making the Salmon attack.

The options we have are the Santa Cruz River Lodge, Wanaco lodge and Eolo Relais & Chateaux Hotel.

Depending on the time of the year we would suggest different areas to fish, these being the Santa Cruz river done by motor boat, the Wanaco and X rivers by wading.

Heli-fishing; with short hops on the chopper we can access virtually unfished rivers and streams while staying in absolute comfort at the Eolo, which can be combined with visits to the glacier area by vehicle or by boat from the Punta Bandera dock.