Who is best suited to this destination?
Any angler in pursuit of trophy rainbow trout. Folks that like large numbers of fish prefer the early season and folks who like the highest quality fish like the late season.
Where is the lodge?
Jurassic Lake Lodge is in the Santa Cruz Province in southern Argentina. The lodge is located on Strobel Lake or “Jurassic Lake” which is roughly 5 – 6 hours north of Calafate by vehicle and 1 hour by charter flight.
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 before being transferred to the lodge. Guests will book their flights leaving El Calafate no sooner than 3PM on their departure day, and it is recommended to stay Saturday evening in El Calafate or Buenos Aires, before returning home on Sunday.
Starting for the 2024/2025 season, Jurassic Lake Lodge now offers guests the opportunity to take a 1 hour charter flight to and from the lodge from El Calafate for additional expense.
When should I go?
It is possible to catch a trophy rainbow trout at Jurassic Lake any day during their season from October – April. Each of the three different seasons have their own merits and reasons to go. From mid-October through mid-January fish concentrate in large numbers in the areas surrounding the mouth of the Barrancoso River, where it flows into Lago Strobel (i.e. Jurassic Lake). The river’s lower reaches allow anglers to catch large numbers of fish during this time. Late January through February offer lower catch rate with anglers averaging 0-4 large fish to hand each day. This is still a great time for opportunities at a true trophy rainbow trout and a great way to add on to a trip to Patagonia with a half week visit to Jurassic Lake. If quality over quantity sounds best, then mid-March through April can be incredibly rewarding for anglers. Anglers commonly average 5 - 15 quality fish per day and we find the trout are in excellent shape with no signs of the earlier spawn. They are very strong, acrobatic, and seemingly more willing to eat dry flies during this part of the season.
How will I fish?
The fishing program at Jurassic Lake Lodge is considered “lightly guided”. The guides will show guests the fishing beats, offer advice on fly selection and technique, help land fish, take photos, and assist throughout the day but are not “over your shoulder” at all times. Guests and guides are assigned beats each morning and rotate water throughout the day to assure guests have equal opportunity to fish each piece of water. The most productive technique while on the lake is to blind or sight cast scud/nymph patterns and employ a very slow retrieve. Nearly every trout technique can be effective when fishing the river whether skating or twitching dries, dead-drifting nymphs, or stripping streamers.
Is there wade fishing?
All fishing is done while wading.
Where will I fish?
Most of the fishing occurs on the several hundred yards of lake shore flanking the river mouth and roughly half mile up the river from the lake. The lodge also has access to several upriver beats, small lakes, and bays should you want to see other water away from the lodge. By in large most guests opt to fish the productive waters within walking distance from the lodge. For variety guests can venture off with guides to beats farther away.
How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds?
Most of the prime fishing waters are a few minutes’ walk from the lodge. Other areas are accessed by 4×4 truck in 30 minutes or less.
What type(s) of fish will I catch?
Some of the world’s largest rainbow trout!
How many fish will I catch?
Mid-October – Mid January historically has the highest catch rates with many anglers reporting uncountable numbers. Mid-January to February has typically been the slowest time with anglers averaging 0-4 fish a day. The late season typically picks back up with an average of 5-15 per day.
Will I see other anglers?
No
What are the guides like?
The guides are all friendly Patagonia locals and collectively have a wide range of guiding and fishing experience. Most of the guides speak good fishing English.
What are the physical demands?
The physical demands are relatively low but dealing with high winds is very common.
Are there any special skills required?
Not really, however having some experience casting in windy conditions can be helpful.
Does the lodge provide equipment?
As a Sage Experiences Outfitter, the lodge provides all guests with top-of-the-line Sage rods and reels, with appropriately matched RIO lines specific to the fishery at no additional charge.
The lodge does offer a curated assortment of flies that can be purchased individually or as a package. Each fly runs approximately $3. We have found this to be a tremendous asset in simplifying the dreaded “Which flies should I buy” dilemma and you can purchase them all on-site based on the conditions during your stay.
There are very limited loaner waders and boots available, so we recommend you bring these with you on the trip.
What is your favorite setup for the trip?
A 9-foot 8-weight is perfect for fighting the wind and big fish. If comfortable with a two-hand rod, I recommend a short 6- to 7-weight Spey or switch rod for casting on windy days and in specific areas. A 5- or 6-weight rod is fun while fishing in the Barancoso River. Note when traveling in Argentina you must pack all fishing gear into checked luggage, thus two-handed rods can be more burdensome due to their size.
What are the top flies?
Scuds are a predominant food source in the lake, although anglers fish an assortment of classic trout flies depending on conditions, including big and small dries, nymphs, and balanced leaches. The most important factor in fly selection is a stout hook to ensure you can land the fish without the hook giving out.
What are the options if water conditions become challenging?
Wind is a constant at Jurassic Lake so you must be prepared for challenging wind conditions. Their mantra is to “Be friends with the wind.” If conditions are too challenging, guests can choose to sight-see local petroglyphs, or hang out with a drink at the lodge just a short walk away from the most productive waters.
What is a typical day like?
Guests awake and head to the main dining area for a freshly prepared breakfast around 7:30AM. Guests then learn their fishing beat for the day. After breakfast anglers get suited up and depart for their respective waters. Lunch is served back at the lodge at about 1PM and after eating guests can take a siesta or continue fishing. In the afternoon, anglers will rotate their beat and fish the remainder of the day until drinks and appetizers are served. Dinner in Patagonia is notoriously late, so be prepared to eat no earlier than 9:00 PM or later.
What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the lodge?
The lodge has a laid-back feel. Meals are generally the only things set on a schedule. With the main fishery being merely yards from the lodge guests can return to the lodge at any time to relax, take a nap or grab a drink.
Is there an on-site owner, manager, or other point-person at the lodge?
There is always a manager on-site and available to assist guests. Throughout the season, the owners Carlos and Julian are also often on site to help and assist with hosting guests.
Where do we eat, and what are the meals like?
Meals are hearty and plentiful with a heavy focus on meats, homemade pastas, and other locally sourced goods.
What is the alcohol policy?
Beer, wine, and alcohol is included in the package. They also have a selection of premium whiskeys that are available by the shot or bottle for additional expense.
Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like?
The lodge has 8 rooms for a maximum of 12 guests. All rooms have private baths. A large dining room, and lounge area are shared by all. The rooms are clean, comfortable and have ample storage space for gear. The rooms are based on double occupancy, but single accommodations are available for a limited number of guests each week at additional expense. Single rooms must be scheduled in advance.
Is there internet and/or cell service?
There is no cell service. There is slow yet reliable satellite internet service available. We recommend downloading WhatsApp to communicate with family and friends back home.
Are there other activities?
The main event is the fishing, and guests should be prepared for a fishing-focused trip. Additionally, guests can enjoy hikes to ancient petroglyphs. There is not much in the way of organized additional activities available for non-fishing guests.
Are there any other expenses?
Fishing licenses are included in the package and are issued on-site. Single occupancy rooms and premium alcohol are an additional expense if desired.
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 should be expected as part of the experience. Should a guest experience an injury requiring medical care it will take considerable time to reach nearest hospital. We recommend Global Rescue medical evacuation insurance. When the charter flight operates to and from Jurassic Lake there is a strict, maximum luggage weight allowance of 50 pounds per person. This includes all carry-on luggage as well. Please consult with the U.S. Department of State and the Center for Disease Control websites to get current recommendations before traveling internationally.
