Overview- From Fly Water Travel
Possibly the most prolific trophy Rainbow Trout fishery on the planet.
Description
If we were put on the spot and asked specifically where the most prolific 100 yards of trophy trout water in the world was, our response would be instant, and our tone would be confident. “It is where Argentina’s Rio Barrancoso flows into Lago Strobel.” We have been there and fished it and must say that in all our years of fly fishing, we have never seen, heard of or experienced anything remotely like it. Some label it surreal or incomprehensible, but for simplicity and accuracy let us call it the one and only Jurassic Lake Lodge.
Jurassic Lake is nothing short of a biological anomaly and must be the most prolific trophy rainbow fishery on the planet. The lake itself is a large desert sink lake measuring approximately 20 by 15 km. It is located at approximately 3,000 ft. elevation in the wide open desolate expanse of the Patagonian Steppe. And while it looks like a saltwater body of water with its wind-chopped, blue water channels and shelves, it is teaming with small scuds and massive rainbow trout. Here the rainbow trout average over 10 pounds with countless fish in the mid-teens as well as good numbers of fish into the 20 + pound class. These fish are extremely stout, and most are incredibly strong and acrobatic.
The Lodge has the good fortune of being located at the mouth of Jurassic lake’s only significant tributary. With no outlet, this is far and away the best location on the lake with anglers stacking up big numbers of big fish virtually every day of the season. There have been some reports of slower fishing in February where anglers might only catch 5-10 big fish a day, but by in large the general level of productivity of the camp water is hard to comprehend.
Rates and Details
Species: Rainbow trout
Season: Mid-October to April
Capacity: 10 anglers
2019-2020 Rates: 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
Included: Accommodations and meals at the lodge, wine/beer/alcohol, guided fishing, round-trip charter flight to/from the Lodge and Comodoro Rivadavia and fishing license.
Not Included: International and domestic airfare, hotels/meals/transfers in Buenos Aires and Comodoro Rivadavia, fishing equipment, laundry and staff and guide gratuities.
For more information: https://reservations.flywatertravel.com/inquire/jurassic-lake-lodge?ref=Ogxt5
Fishing Program
All fly fishing is done while wading or standing on the bank. Guests fish two anglers per guide. 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. Also, there are several excellent upper river beats that we encourage all anglers to rotate through during the week. There are a wide variety of flies that work well, with woolly buggers, zonkers, various sizes and styles of dry flies, and especially assorted nymphs tied on heavy wire hooks being the staples.
There are certain times and specific bays where, during certain conditions (especially during the low light evening hours) the big fish (most often pods of them) come within a few feet of the banks and cruise the shallows like massive bonefish. Even in harsh wind keep mindful of sight fishing opportunities as you can often make out dark pods of fish.
Recommended Tackle
Due to the size of fish and high winds encountered at Jurassic Lake, a strong, fast action 9’, 7- or 8-weight rod is essential for all anglers. Pair this rod with an aggressive weight forward, floating fly line and a reel with an adjustable drag for a great all-purpose setup. An additional, optional setup to be used when winds are light or when fishing the river beats is a 9’, 6-weight rod, also paired with a weight forward, floating fly line and a reel with an adjustable drag. Another optional setup, for use on the lake in situations where extreme distance is beneficial, or simply as another enjoyable way to cast, is a two-handed setup. For this setup, we recommend a 5- or 6-weight two handed rod between 11’ and 12’6”, matched with an integrated head and shooting line system, and light sink tips.
For more information: https://reservations.flywatertravel.com/inquire/jurassic-lake-lodge?ref=Ogxt5
