JURASSIC LAKE LODGE
Destination Overview
Jurassic Lake (Strobel Lake) is located in the Santa Cruz province of Argentina and is possibly the most amazing Rainbow Trout fishery in the world. Such a boastful remark is based on the fact that that it’s not unusual for fishermen to shake off the 8 and 10 pounders, trying to get to one of the chrome 15 to 20 lb behemoths that live in the lake and river! We at Kiene's Fly Fishing Travel don’t think that any other location in the world can provide that kind of action.
The area is so remote that for most fishermen, it takes an 6 to 8 hour 4x4 journey on a poorly maintained dirt road to reach the area, but for Jurassic Lodge guests they have the option to reach the lodge by means of a flight from the town of Comodoro Rivadavia to the lodge’s own landing strip.
Up until recently the Jurassic Lodge existed as a rustic base camp housing its guests in a community of dome tents, but now it has been completely transformed into a modern fishing lodge that will appeal to the most discerning adventurer.
At a 3000 ft elevation the crystal clear Strobel Lake sits in a wide open desolate Patagonian plateau. The lake is literally a smorgasbord of high protein aquatic food, much of which are freshwater scuds and shrimp, which answers the question as to how do the Rainbow Trout grow larger there than any other location in the world.
They get big and fat in the lake and then when they make their spawning runs up the Barrancoso River they literally choke the inlet waiting to take their turn swimming up to the spawning beds. This is the one destination and only destination where you can be assured to catch a fish of a lifetime.
At a Glance
Location: Southwestern Argentina (Pategonia)
Target Fish: Rainbow Trout
Seasons: December through April
Lodge Capacity: 10 guests
Nearest Airport: On site
Electricity: 220 volts. Voltage converters should be purchased prior to arriving.
Documents Needed: Passport (no visa needed for travelers from USA and most western European countries. Also, the reciprocity fee is no longer necessary
Fishing Program
All fly fishing is done while wading or standing on the bank. There are typically up to five guides on-site depending on occupancy. Anglers typically fish stations in nearby bays, on the peninsula, near the river’s mouth, and the lower stretches of the Barrancoso river and cast (often into or across the wind) with floating or intermediate lines and employ a slow retrieve.
There are also several upper river beats that they encourage all anglers to rotate through during the week. There are a wide variety of flies that work well, with woolly buggers, zonkers, egg patterns, and especially assorted nymphs tied on heavy wire hooks being the staples.
There are specific bays on the lake where, during certain condititions and during the low light evening hours, where pods of big fish come within a few feet of the banks and cruise the shallows like massive bonefish. For anyone who has never sight fished for huge trout, this can be an experience you will never forget.
The guides are a combination of camp hosts and guides. They will show you the general fishing program and fishing areas, give advice on fly selection and technique, and then stand back and allow you to fish on your own, unless you need them to take a photo or help landing a fish. They will always be close enough to assist you with whatever you may need.
Accommodations
The lodge is located right at the inlet of the lakes only tributary, the Barrancoso River which is where the fish stage during the river’s two spawning runs that occur at the beginning of the season and also at the end.
It also has exclusive access to 6 miles of shoreline that includes the inlet of the Barrancoso River. The brand new lodge takes up to ten guests in five double occupancy rooms, that include a private bath and shower. Beds are comfortable and the rooms are heated. The lodge has a large and comfortable living room with a lake and river view plus WIFI.
On Site Amenities
Satellite TV
Wi-Fi/internet access
Pool Table
Gourmet Food
Unique collection of 22 single cask whiskies
Private landing strip
The food is awesome and plentiful, and so is the wine and beer. If the unbelievable fishing wasn’t enough the lodge is very proud of its broad whisky selection that includes both single malts and blends, predominately from Scotland. Staring among this vast collection is the Gordon & Macphail Cask Collection of 22 single cask whiskies from 8 to 24 years old. The collection is available by shot or bottle and is an excellent opportunity to taste the worlds best whiskys after catching some of the largest Rainbows in the world. The staff does everything it can to make you feel a part of the family during your stay.
Getting There
CHARTER FLIGHT In/Out (Comodoro R. Airport - Jurassic Lake Lodge) INCLUDED
Day 1 - ( Friday ) Arrive to Buenos Aires - Depart for Comodoro Rivadavia - Overnight in Comodoro Rivadavia
Day 2 (Saturday): Depart Comodoro Rivadavia to Jurassic Lake Lodge at the morning ( Charter flight ). Arrive to Jurassic Lake Lodge after 1hr 15 min flight. Full day fishing.
Day 3 – 8 (Sunday-Friday): Six full days of fishing.
Day 9 (Saturday): Depart for Comodoro Rivadavia in the morning (Charter Flight ) - Departure for Buenos Aires - Departure for Home
Rates
All rates are based on double occupancy
2019 -2020 Season Rates:
Full Week (7 Night/6 ½ Day)
Oct 12-Dec 14 Weeks - $6,330 per person
Dec 21-Jan 18 Weeks – $5,600 per person
Jan 25-Feb 22 Weeks – $5,200 per person
Feb 29-May 1 Weeks – $5,600 per person
Add $570 for charter flight on full week programs
Price includes:
7 nights and 6 days of fishing. All rates are per each and based on double occupancy.
Accommodations and meals at the lodge, guided fishing (2 anglers), beverages, transfers between the the lodge and Comodoro Rivadavia via charter flight, wireless internet, fishing license, and laundry service.