View the 4:30 Vimeo Video - Chasing the Run
Jurassic Lake Trout - Trophy Rainbows
Estancia Laguna Verde Lodge - Argentina
Jurassic Lake is a 25-square-mile body of water in the absolute middle of nowhere (in wild Southern Patagonia). These burly wild rainbow trout average 6 to 8 pounds, fight like a freight train, and offer you countless opportunities to catch the rainbow of a lifetime. World-class fly fishing, excellent food, wine, and lodging in a very remote landscape.
Fishing Jurassic Lake - Lake Strobel
Lake Strobel, also known as Jurassic Lake, has quickly become a must-visit rainbow fly-fishing destination. Catch your lifetime best rainbow. These fish average ten pounds, and some are over twenty. Due to its remote location, the lake has only recently been discovered. Jurassic Lake is surrounded by three private ranches, so access is limited. Other than the Lodge guests, you should not see any other anglers while fishing. Jurassic Lake and 15 other lakes and streams are available to the Lodge. The first afternoon our hosted group arrived (2010), our group of seven anglers landed over 100 4 to 8-pound rainbows at Laguna Verde within 150 yards of the Lodge.
Monsters Bay Spring Creek is a recent discovery promising to be a guest favorite.
The Barrancoso River: This incredible river is the only tributary of Jurassic Lake. Estancia Laguna Verde Lodge owns this river tributary, and they maintain exclusive access to five miles of these incredible waters. This mountain freestone river is about 30 to 50 feet wide, with transparent waters and large boulders. Amazing rainbows lie in its pools, flats, and pocket waters. Barrancoso rainbows average 4 to 7 pounds, with fish over 15 pounds.
Watch the 3:22 YouTube video of Barrancoso River.
Fishing Facts:
Season: The Lodge is open for peak fishing from mid-October through April 30.
Species: Rainbows, browns, and prolific dry fly hatches give you consistent opportunities for large trout on the surface.
Fishing License: A Fishing License is not included in the package and runs about $60.00 for a one-week license $80.00 for an annual.
Guides: Hardworking English-speaking guides. You'll have the same guide all week for about 8 to 10 hours each day. Two anglers per guide. They'll drive you in Toyota 4WD trucks to the lake and the river.
Travel Time: Jurassic Lake is 15 minutes from the Lodge, and Barrancoso River is 5 to 20 minutes from the Lodge.
Equipment: Please bring your own equipment. In case of breakage, a limited amount of loaner gear is available. Flies are available for purchase ($4.00 each) at the Lodge. ($35.00 per dozen or $100.00 for 36 flies when pre-ordered – subject to change.) Our confirmation packet includes a detailed list of what to bring.
Boots: New boots are not required. The guides wash and disinfect guests' boots and waders at the beginning of the week.
New Improvements:
Estancia Laguna Verde has expanded their fishing program with more access to new fishing areas, new trucks, and guide-prepared daily shore lunches. There are also new rooms at the Lodge, a wider selection of carefully chosen Mendoza wines, and an upgraded kitchen.
Typical Fishing Day:
8:00 a.m. - Breakfast.
9:00 a.m. -
You'll leave for the river with your guide.
1:30 p.m. - You'll enjoy a riverside lunch.
After lunch, enjoy a siesta or a cup of coffee or tea with freshly baked cookies. Then, your guide will drive you to your next fishing spot.
6:30 p.m. - You’ll finish fishing and return to the Lodge.
7:30 p.m. - Cocktail hour and wines served with cold cuts and a variety of cheeses.
8:00 p.m. - A three-course dinner is served. Afterward, enjoy coffee, tea, or a digestif (post-dinner liquor) at the bar in the living room.
Don McCleve's Trip Recap:
Don McCleve with 32-inch, 20 lb. rainbow
Don McCleve's Recap: "My first of four days was probably the best fishing day for trout in my life. Fifteen fish averaging better than 7-8 pounds. Guides would say even 10 pounds, but there were a few small fish. Toward the end, I got my biggest rainbow ever: 32 inches, 10 kilos on the scale, but the net weighs a kilo, so a shade over 9 kilos or 20 pounds. It was also the fiercest trout I've ever caught. It immediately charged away until the backing was dangerously deteriorating, and the guide warned me. Then the fish jumped an incredible distance away, and the line went totally slack. I was sure I'd lost it. I reeled furiously but felt absolutely nothing for the next three minutes, and I didn't feel motion until then. Apparently, it had turned 180 degrees towards me."
Guy Schoenborn with Rainbow Trout
Guy Schoenborn's Recap: "The fishing was fantastic. The facilities and food were great, and the guides were excellent. I captured the top four largest rainbows of my life, including a monster that was 23 pounds."
Brad Staples with Rainbow Trout
Brad Staples' Recap: “If you are okay with standing in 47-degree water and casting as far as you can with an 8-weight and stripping it back, it is the best trip in the world for big rainbows. I loved it because I like BIG trout!”
About Estancia Laguna Verde Lodge
Estancia Laguna Verde Lodge overlooks the emerald green waters of Laguna Verde, for which it was named. Anglers can explore the rugged, dramatic landscape and then return to this luxurious haven.
The spacious living room has a 42” LCD TV with a satellite connection, a DVD player, a fly-tying desk, and a library. There is a drying room for waders and clothing. Laundry service is twice a week.
Comfortable Bedrooms with Ensuite Bath
The Lodge hosts up to 12 anglers in twelve single-occupancy bedrooms with an ensuite bathroom in each room.
The Lodge is able to accommodate guests in wheelchairs.
Communications: The Lodge has free Wi-Fi. A computer is available for guests to use. WhatsApp is recommended.
4WD Trucks for Access to the Lake
The guides drive anglers in Toyota 4WD trucks from the Lodge to the fishing areas.
World-Class Three-Course Dinners
Meals: The lodge offers world-class three-course dinners with entrees such as its famous asado (barbecue), traditional Patagonia lamb, homemade pasta, and more. It has two chefs, an exclusive chef, and a sous chef.
Alcohol: The Lodge has an open bar. Wine and cocktails are served in the evenings. All beverages are included—soft drinks, beer, bottled water, outstanding wines, and a moderate liquor selection.
The Lodge Overlooks Laguna Verde
Getting to the Lodge:
1.) You'll fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
2.) From Buenos Aires, you’ll take a 3-hour and 15-minute flight to El Calafate. This domestic flight has a 45-pound luggage weight limit. You'll stay at a hotel in El Calafate. You'll stay at a hotel in El Calafate. Our confirmation packet includes hotel recommendations. (The Lodge requests guests to be in El Calafate on the night before the start of their trip. The package does not include any flights or hotel nights.)
3.) The next morning, a Lodge representative will pick you up at your hotel. It is a five-hour drive from El Calafate to the Lodge.
Departure Day: On the night of departure, an overnight stay in El Calafate is not required, as you should be able to take an overnight flight home.
USD Rates Valid through April 30, 2025:
Season: mid-October through April 30.
Single occupancy rooms for anglers.
Two anglers per guide:
7-nights and 6.5-days guided fishing $7,500.00 per person
5-nights and 4.5-days guided fishing $6,200.00 per person
4-nights and 3.5-days guided fishing $5,400.00 per person
Save on these dates:
October 1-21 and April 5-30, 2025:
7-nights and 6.5-days guided fishing $5,950.00 per person
5-nights and 4.5-days guided fishing $4,960.00 per person
4-nights and 3.5-days guided fishing $4,320.00 per person
One angler per guide:
7-nights and 6.5-days guided fishing $10,125.00 per person
5-nights and 4.5-days guided fishing $8,370.00 per person
4-nights and 3.5-days guided fishing $7,290.00 per person
Non-Angler Companion:
7-nights and 6.5-days guided fishing $3,750.00 per person
5-nights and 4.5-days guided fishing $3,100.00 per person
4-nights and 3.5-days guided fishing $2,700.00 per person
Information Packet.
The Packages Include:
• Ground transfers between El Calafate and the Lodge
• Lodging
• Meal at the Lodge
• Open bar and wine with dinner
• Guided fishing
• Use of ATVs inside the estancia
• Daily rides in Toyota 4WD trucks to fishing areas
• Laundry service (twice per week)
• Wi-Fi at the Lodge
The Packages Do Not Include:
• International and domestic airfare• Ground transfers in Buenos Aires
• First night hotel and meals in El Calafate
• Gratuities to guides and lodge staff
• Fishing equipment
• Flies $4.00 each at the Lodge
($44.00 per dozen or $100.00 for 30 flies when pre-ordered)
• Fishing license ($60.00/week or $80.00/annual)
• Global Rescue
• Travel Insurance
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions
• All rates are subject to change
Estancia Laguna Verde Lodge
Martin J. Landholm with Jurassic Rainbow
Robin Cartwright with Jurassic Rainbow
Mike Wright’s Rainbow at Estancia Laguna
Mario Masciola at the Barrancoso River
