Sue Mathewson with Mel Krieger in Argentina.

Sue Mathewson fishing with Mel Kreiger in Patagonia

The Rio Gallegos River had very high water which limited our take, but was still just a marvelous experience. Guer Aike Lodge has at least 18 kms. of river on the Gallegos of rolling pampas, low hills and loads of wildlife, just as you picture Patagonia to be. With our bad weather we were saved by fishing another small spring creek Guer Aike owns called the Chico, which holds what must be THE loveliest browns on the face of the earth; they were absolutely copper in color.

On my most successful day on the Rio Gallegos, a double rainbow appeared finally becoming two complete circles with their reflections in the river. I was too busy fishing to capture that amazing sight. Fishing with Mel Krieger was an adventure in and of itself; what a charming man. He has nearly the stature of the Pope among fly fishermen in Argentina.

Along with his four clients came an equal number of cameramen plus a director and a producer to capture Mel’s over 30 years of fishing in Argentina. It’s likely I will end up on the cutting room floor, but was an interesting experience, red wine, matte and all.

Another fine Patagonian catch