Jurassic Lake Lodge
Argentina
Accommodation
Lakeside Lodge
Season
September – May
Species
Rainbow Trout
Fishing Style
Fly Fishing
Jurassic Lake Lodge 🇦🇷
Jurassic Lake Lodge is a fly fishing lodge on the southwestern shore of Lago Strobel in southern Argentine Patagonia. The lodge sits in a protected bay beside the mouth of the Barrancoso River, the lake’s only major tributary and the centre of its most productive trout fishing. Anglers have private access to more than ten miles of shoreline, most of the Barrancoso River and a network of smaller creeks and lagoons. Trophy rainbow trout are the sole focus, with fish over ten pounds regularly encountered and genuine opportunities for trout exceeding 20 pounds.
Jurassic Lake Lodge is built around one of the most remarkable fly-fishing opportunities in the world: targeting exceptionally large wild rainbow trout in Lago Strobel. The lake’s cold, nutrient-rich water supports rapid growth, and anglers regularly encounter fish in the double-digit weight range, with trout exceeding 20 pounds possible. These are powerful, deep-bodied fish known for long runs, heavy head shakes and repeated jumps.
Most fishing is done from the bank or while wading, using 7 or 8-weight single-handed rods. Floating lines cover much of the fishing, while intermediate and sink-tip lines are useful when wind, depth or fish movement require a deeper presentation. Anglers use a mixture of scud patterns, nymphs, streamers and dry flies, with the most productive method changing according to light, wind and water conditions.
The fishing can range from blind-casting into likely holding water to sight-fishing for large trout cruising close to shore. Calm conditions may allow anglers to watch individual fish move along the margins, while stronger Patagonian wind often calls for heavier flies, efficient casting and firm line control. The trout are strong enough to expose weak knots, light tippet and poorly maintained reels, so dependable equipment and careful preparation are essential.
The season runs from September into early May. Early summer brings active fish and strong numbers, while the warmer months can provide longer days and more visual fishing. Autumn offers cooler conditions and heavily conditioned trout feeding before winter. Fishing is strictly catch and release, with guides helping anglers manage the fight, photograph fish quickly and return them safely.
Jurassic Lake Lodge accommodates a maximum of ten anglers in ten comfortable rooms. Single and double occupancy can be arranged, and every room has a private bathroom with a hot shower. The lodge overlooks the mouth of the Barrancoso River, placing some of the most productive fishing within a short walk of the accommodation.
The shared areas include a warm lounge and dining space with panoramic views across the lake and river mouth. The lodge has 24-hour electricity supplied by a solar power system, Starlink Wi-Fi, satellite television and a satellite phone for emergencies. There is no mobile phone signal.
Meals are prepared by a dedicated chef and include hearty Argentine and Patagonian dishes, including traditional asado and locally raised lamb. Beer, Argentine wine and standard spirits are included, while the lodge’s whisky selection is charged separately. Limited emergency laundry service is available without charge.
Jurassic Lake Lodge is located on Lago Strobel in Santa Cruz Province, deep within the Patagonian steppe. The nearest main tourism centre and airport is El Calafate. International anglers generally travel through Buenos Aires before taking a domestic flight to El Calafate.
Anglers should arrive in El Calafate at least one day before the lodge transfer and stay overnight. The included ground transfer leaves early the following morning and takes approximately six hours, travelling through the remote landscape of southern Patagonia before reaching the lodge.
An optional charter flight operates from El Calafate to a private airstrip approximately 15 minutes from the lodge. The flight takes around one hour and normally operates on selected Saturdays, although private flights can be arranged on other days. The charter is not included in the standard package and is subject to weather, aircraft availability and passenger numbers.
The recommended charter luggage allowance is 15 kilograms of checked baggage and seven kilograms of carry-on luggage per angler. Excess baggage may be transported separately by road and delivered later that day. On the return journey, flights from El Calafate to Buenos Aires should not be booked before 3:00 pm because transfer and charter schedules can be affected by weather.
Rates Per Angler:
Starting from $5,200 per person
What’s Included:
- Accommodation at Jurassic Lake Lodge
- The specified number of guided fishing days
- Professional fishing guides
- Ground transfers between El Calafate and the lodge
- All meals at the lodge
- Beer, Argentine wine and standard spirits
- Fishing licence
- 24-hour electricity
- Starlink Wi-Fi
- Emergency satellite-phone access
- Limited emergency laundry service
- Daily access to the lodge’s private fishing beats
What’s Not Included:
- International flights to and from Argentina
- Domestic flights between Buenos Aires and El Calafate
- Hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires or El Calafate
- Optional charter flights between El Calafate and the lodge
- Rods, reels, lines, leaders, flies and other fishing tackle
- Waders, boots and personal fishing clothing
- Flies and tackle purchased at the lodge
- Whisky from the lodge’s specialist selection
Day 1: Transfer to Jurassic Lake Lodge
Leave El Calafate early in the morning by included ground transfer or optional charter flight. On arrival, anglers check into their rooms, meet the guides and prepare equipment. An afternoon fishing session is normally available.
Days 2 to 7: Full Fishing Days
Each day begins with breakfast before anglers meet their guide and move to the selected beat. The group rotates between the Barrancoso mouth, lower river and productive shoreline areas of Lago Strobel, with more distant river sections, bays, Moro Creek and the lagoons available according to conditions and the interests of the anglers. Lunch is served during the fishing day, followed by an afternoon session and dinner at the lodge.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, anglers return to El Calafate by ground transfer or optional charter flight. Onward flights should be scheduled for 3:00 pm or later, with an additional night in El Calafate recommended when international connections are tight.
What level of fishing experience is required?
Jurassic Lake Lodge can accommodate anglers with different levels of fly-fishing experience, but the conditions can be demanding. Wind is common, and anglers will benefit from being able to cast accurately with 7 or 8-weight equipment. Guides help with fly selection, presentation, wading and fish handling.
How many anglers fish with each guide?
A guide normally works with two or three anglers, depending on the beat being fished. Groups rotate between the main lake and river areas during the morning and afternoon sessions.
What equipment should anglers bring?
A 7 or 8-weight single-handed rod is the main outfit for Lago Strobel and the lower Barrancoso. A lighter 4 or 5-weight is useful for the middle and upper river. Floating, intermediate and sink-tip lines should be packed, together with strong reels carrying at least 100 to 150 metres of 30-pound backing.
Are waders required?
Yes. All fishing is from the bank or while wading. Anglers should bring breathable waders, wading boots and dependable windproof and waterproof clothing. A wading staff can be useful in the river and around uneven lake margins.
Are flies and fishing equipment provided?
Anglers should bring their own rods, reels, lines, leaders and flies. Productive flies are available for purchase at the lodge, but anglers should not rely on the lodge to supply a complete tackle setup.
Is a fishing licence required?
Yes. The required fishing licence is included in the package and issued at the lodge on arrival.
How physically demanding is the fishing?
The main beats are close to the lodge and involve relatively short walks. More distant sections of the Barrancoso and shoreline can require longer walks over uneven terrain. Anglers should discuss mobility concerns before booking so the guiding team can plan appropriate water.
What weather should anglers expect?
Patagonian weather can change quickly and strong wind is possible throughout the season. Early and late-season trips can be cold, with snow possible in March and April. Anglers should pack thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves, warm hats and high-quality windproof clothing.
Is internet available?
Yes. The lodge has 24-hour Starlink Wi-Fi. There is no mobile phone service, so anglers should use internet-based messaging and calling applications.
