Jurassic Lake Lodge
Travel & Tackle Guide

Welcome to your Fly Water Travel trip guide. We’re excited to help you prepare for your upcoming adventure! Inside, you’ll find everything you need: your to-do list, travel logistics, destination notes, and a curated tackle guide tailored to your trip.

Getting Ready

We’ve created a quick checklist of essential tasks to make sure you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead. If questions come up or you need anything at all, just give us a call, we’re here to help every step of the way.

To-Do List: 
✓  Arrange flights to/from Buenos Aires, Argentina

✓  Arrange flights to/from El Calafate, Argentina

✓  Arrange hotel in El Calafate

✓  Get travel cash 

Jurassic Lake Lodge
Travel Guide

From how to get there and what documents you’ll need to tipping guidelines and destination details, this section covers the practical information to ensure smooth travels.

Getting to the Lodge: 
To reach Jurassic Lake Lodge, guests need to arrange travel to and from El Calafate, Argentina (FTE). All flights connect through Buenos Aires (EZE). Most international flights arrive in the morning, making it possible to connect to El Calafate on an afternoon flight.   

Arrival Day: 
Guests need to arrive in El Calafate one day before their scheduled transfer to the lodge. Flights can arrive at any time on this day. Guests will need to arrange a hotel for this night; however, transfers from the airport to the hotel are included in the package. The transfer driver will confirm the pickup time for the following morning’s transfer to the lodge at drop-off.

Recommended Hotel (El Calafate): 
Posado de los Alamos 
Ing. Guatti 1135, El Calafate    

Departure Day: 
Guests need to book a flight that departs from El Calafate after 3:00 PM. Due to the timing of the transfer out of the lodge, earlier departures are not possible. Most guests will need to stay in Buenos Aires the evening of coming out of the lodge, catching an international flight home the following day. 

Charter Flight: 
The round-trip charter flight between El Calafate and the lodge flies on Saturdays. Guests who elect not to take the charter flight will be ground transferred approximately six hours one-way to/from the lodge; this ground transfer is included in the package rate. The plane can take six guests per flight, plus each guest’s fishing gear (see note on Charter Luggage Requirements below). There will be two flights each morning with about a three-hour delay. Guests will be notified of their flight schedules when they are met by a representative of the lodge on their arrival day and notified via email from the lodge right before the start of the trip.  

  • Cancellation/Interruption Policy: 
    Charter flight operation is highly dependent on safe weather conditions, and the plane can only fly during daylight. The exact flight times are dependent on the weather, and the charter flight operators will do their best to adhere to the scheduled flight times. In the rare event that guests are not able to fly by plane due to unsafe weather conditions, guests will be ground transferred at no additional expense. They will be refunded after the trip for any charter flight costs due to non-operation. The lodge will not assume costs associated with international and domestic flight changes, meals, or reimburse guests for lost fishing time due to charter flight cancellation/interruption. We highly recommend securing travel insurance for this trip for this reason. 
  • Baggage Restrictions: 
    Please pack just the essentials you need for fishing for the day you arrive, in your carry-on. Carry-on luggage is restricted to 26 pounds/12 kilos per person. All remaining luggage will be ground transferred into the lodge at no additional cost. 

Documentation Requirements: 
To enter Argentina, all guests are required to have the following: 

  • Passport: Valid for the duration of your trip 

Recommended Travel Agent: 
The domestic airline carrier in Argentina is notorious for changing and canceling flights, so to make things easier on our guests, we highly recommend using a travel agent when booking domestic flights within Argentina.  

Alicia Regueiro, Holdy Tours 
800-446-1111 or 925-927-6617 
alicia@holdytours.com  

Domestic Flight Note: 
Domestic flights within Argentina fly through either the Ezeiza international airport (EZE) or domestic airport, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP).  

All domestic flights within Argentina prohibit carry-on baggage of fishing equipment (rods, reels, lines, flies, etc.) and must be checked. 

Buenos Aires Transfers: 
After arriving at the international airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires, clearing customs and immigrations (45 min – 1 ½ hour process), in most cases guests will need to transfer to the domestic airport (AEP), to make the connecting flights within Argentina. The transfer between airports or to downtown hotels takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic, however we recommend allowing four hours between flights. The following are transfer options:  

  • Tienda Leon – Located just outside of customs through sliding glass doors. Transfers can be pre-arranged online or arranged after arrival for approximately USD $40-$60 per person.  
  • Private Transfer – A private driver and/or driver and guide can be arranged through our recommended travel agent.   

Buenos Aires Hotels (Recoleta District): 
Intersur Recoleta 
Av. Callao 1764 

Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires 
Posadas 1086/88  

Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel 
Vincente Lopez 1955 

Arc Recoleta Boutique Hotel & Spa 
Peña 2155 

Buenos Aires Restaurants: 
La Cabrera  
José A. Cabrera 5127  

Las Violetas 
Av. Rivadavia 3899  

Cabaña Las Lilas 
Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 516  

Don Julio Parrilla 
Guatemala 4699 

Parrilla La Brigada 
Estados Unidos 465   

Currency: 
The official Argentine currency is the peso (ARG) however US dollars (USD) are accepted throughout the country and for gratuities. We recommend exchanging no more than $100 (USD) into pesos (ARG) for small tipping, such as baggage handlers, taxis or tips at restaurants, throughout your travels in Argentina.  

Exchange Options:
We recommend the following for exchanges.  

  • Airport Convenience Stores – Purchase something small using a $100 (USD) bill and change will be provided in pesos, which should be enough pesos during your travels.   
  • Hotels  
  • ATMs  

 Electrical Requirements: 
A Type I adapter is needed throughout Argentina 

Communications:  
While traveling in Argentina we recommend using WhatsApp as this is the way most lodges and outfitters communicate. Texting through the app will allow you to keep in touch with the outfitter, friends, and family when connected to Wi-Fi.   

Travel Cash: 
We recommend each guest travel with 

  • $1,800 (USD) per week of travel 
  • Bills should be new and in larger denominations, such as $50s and $100s   

Credit Cards: 
The lodge does not accept credit cards   

Gratuities:  
The following are guidelines, and all gratuities are up to the discretion of the individual guest. Gratuities can be left with the lodge manager at the end of the week for distribution to guides and lodge staff. 

  • $900 (USD) per person per week  

Fishing Licenses:  
Included in package 

Cell Coverage and Wi-Fi:  

  • Cell Coverage: There is no cell phone service at the lodge 
  • Wi-Fi: The lodge has slow, but reliable satellite-based internet service 

Power:
24-hour electric power supplied by a solar system. 

Laundry: 
Limited laundry service is available at no additional charge.  

Water:
The tap water is safe to drink. The lodge will provide guests with a reusable water bottle for use during the stay. 

Beverages/Alcohol: 

  • Soft Drinks: Included  
  • Beer and Wine: Included 
  • Alcohol: Limited selection included. Selection of whisky available for purchase. 

Emergency Medical Assistance:
The closest medical facility is in El Calafate (1 ½ hours by plane, 6 hours by car). In emergency situations, a charter flight may be required to reach a medical facility. For more challenging health issues, evacuation to Buenos Aires may be necessary. Guests are responsible for any necessary medical evacuation and are encouraged to have medical insurance and evacuation coverage. 

Recommended Medical Evacuation Carrier and Insurance Provider:   
Global Rescue 

Jurassic Lake Lodge
Tackle Guide

Here you’ll find everything you need to be ready on the water: our preferred setups, favorite flies, recommended packing list, and notes on tackle available at the lodge.

JURASSIC LAKE LODGE - SAGE EXPERIENCES PROVIDED TACKLE:

As a Sage Experiences Outfitter, Jurassic Lake Lodge is an elite outfitter that has committed to offering their guests onsite access to first-class Sage and RIO tackle that has been carefully curated to ideally suit their respective fisheries.

Jurassic Lake Lodge Perfect Setups:

  • SAGE R8 CORE 890-4
  • SAGE ARBOR XL 6/7/8
  • RIO ELITE PREDATOR 8WT

  • SAGE R8 CORE 590-4
  • SAGE TROUT 4/5/6
  • RIO ELITE GOLD XP 5WT

  • SAGE R8 SPEY 7116-4
  • SAGE SPEY II 5/6/7
  • RIO ELITE GAMECHANGER BODY F/H/I

Jurassic Lake Lodge Tackle Overview

We always travel with at least two set-ups for this trip. A 9ft 8-weight paired with a floating weight forward line and a 9ft 5-weight. The 8-weight with a floating line is our primary set up and we would expect to use it 90% of the time. The 5-weight is for fishing up the Barrancoso River which is an absolute blast but as the fish are smaller most people tend to spend their time on the lake and at the river mouth. Some guests choose to bring along a two-handed rod for fishing the lake, although this is not a spey focused destination.

Jurassic Lake Lodge-Provided Equipment: 

  • Rods/Reels/Lines: As a Sage Experiences Outfitter, Jurassic Lake Lodge provides guests with first-class Sage rods, reels, and RIO lines curated specifically for their fishery.

  • Flies: The lodge carries a full selection of proven patterns, available for purchase at approximately $5 per fly. Because all flies for Jurassic need to be tied on strong, heavy-wire hooks (not always available commercially), we strongly recommend purchasing flies at the lodge.

  • Waders/Boots: The lodge has only a very limited selection of loaner waders and boots for emergencies. Guests are highly encouraged to bring their own properly fitted wading gear. Rubber soles or felt are allowed, and all gear will be disinfected prior to fishing to prevent the spread of invasive species. 

Jurassic Lake Lodge Primary Setup

This is the go-to setup for the majority of fishing at Jurassic Lake. Wind is a constant factor, so lines with aggressive front-loaded tapers and any rod/line combination you trust in windy conditions will be especially valuable.

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Jurassic Lake Lodge Barrancoso River Setup

While most fishing takes place on the lake, a lighter setup can be useful for exploring the upper creek, which offers a fun change of pace and often a break from the wind.

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Jurassic Lake Lodge Optional Spey Setup

Some anglers enjoy speycasting at Jurassic with shortspeyor switch rods, which can be beneficial for reaching the fish just out of most anglers’ casting range. Just know it requires traveling with a longerrod tube, which must be in your checked luggage. Others prefer to keep it simple with single-hand rods.

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Jurassic Lake Lodge Recommended Flies

Jurassic Lake Lodge's rainbow’s primary diet consists largely of scuds, which are plentiful in the lake. A variety of nymphs and streamers will be effective throughout the entire season, and it is good to have a good cross selection of colors and patterns. 

Nymphs (10–14): Bead Head Rubber Leg Prince, Hare’s Ear, Pheasant Tail, Girdle Bugs, Copper Johns (red, green, copper), Scuds (green, grey, rusty orange). 

Streamers (6–12): Woolly Buggers (black, olive, chartreuse, brown, white, yellow; weighted/unweighted, with/without rubber legs), Zonkers (black, white, olive), Matukas, small baitfish patterns (juvenile rainbow), balanced leeches (black, dark brown, olive). 

Dries (6–12): Chernobyl Ants (black, tan, yellow), Bombers, Fat Albert Beetles, Tarantulas, Parachute Madam X, Gypsy King, Stimulators (yellow, green), Elk Hair Caddis (tan, brown), Morrish Mouse. 

Top 5 Flies for Jurassic Lake Lodge

For convenience and reliability, we recommend purchasing flies directly at the lodge which can be paid in cash onsite. Please note that all flies for Jurassic Lake Lodge should be tied on heavy-wire hooks. If you wish to tie or bring your own, here are some of our favorite patterns:

Top 5 Jurassic Lake Lodge Flies

  • Bead Head Rubber Leg Prince – Assorted Colors (Size 10)
  • Bead Head Pheasant Tail (Size 10)
  • Copper John – Copper and Red (Size 10)
  • Woolly Bugger – Black (Size 8)
  • Chernobyl Ant – Tan (Size 10)

Suggested Packing List

We understand packing for an adventure is not easy. On a trip like this it is very important to have everything you need and nothing you do not. As the climate is extremely changeable and a wide range of temperatures and conditions can be expected, we recommend layering clothes. Anglers should be prepared with thermal underwear, fleece/soft shell jacket, and a rain jacket. Synthetic fabrics are preferred to cotton. Dress at the lodges/camps is neat but casual.

Documents:
Passport, plane tickets, itinerary, credit card, cash, business cards

Fishing Tackle:
As needed

Waders:
Breathable Gore-Tex stocking foot waders are recommended. For anglers prone to cold (especially feet), boot foot waders are excellent. Anglers with breathable waders should bring several layers of mid/heavy weight fleece leggings.

Boots:
Guests can bring felt soled boots that will be disinfected prior to fishing. Rubber soles without cleats will also work.

Forceps:
We like the Dr. Slick scissor pliers for crimping barbs, releasing fish and trimming flies

Clippers:
One line clipper

Wading Staff:
One wading staff and belt

Socks:
Four pairs of wool or synthetic socks to wear under your waders. Two pairs of camp socks.

Base Layers:
One to two pairs of synthetic or merino wool long underwear (tops and bottoms) to wear beneath your waders. One mid-weight and one heavyweight. These can be worn alone or together depending on conditions.

Shirts:
Two or three long sleeve fishing shirts. One or two lodge shirts

Warm Layers:
One or two warm insulating layers. Down, synthetic or fleece mid layers are good options. Avoid cotton.

Rain Jacket:
One high quality rain jacket

Gloves:
Insulated gloves and thin rubber nitrile gloves are good for cutting the wind chill. Handwarmers in the late season are also recommended.

Hats:
Two fishing/baseball hats. One warm cap.

Lodge Shoes:
One pair of shoes for around the lodge

Buff:
One “Buff” facial sun protector (good for bugs too)

Sunglasses:
One pair of polarized sunglasses. It is great to have a lens cleaner and a soft cleaning cloth as well.

Sunscreen:
One bottle SPF 30+

Lip Balm:
One tube of SPF 30+ lip balm

Backpack:
One waterproof backpack or boat bag for day gear

Camera:
Don’t forget extra batteries and waterproof case/bag

Headlamp:
One small LED headlamp with batteries

Contact Liam Donohoe

Liam was born and raised on the trout rivers of Idaho, where a lifelong passion for the outdoors eventually led him into the world of professional guiding. Over the past decade, he has built a career guiding and managing lodges across some of the world’s most celebrated fisheries, from Alaska’s Bristol Bay to Chilean Patagonia and the Rocky Mountains in Idaho.

CONTACT US