Welcome to Patagonia

Location, Type of Fishing:

Anglers from around the world know "Jurassic Lake" as the place to go when you want to tangle with monster rainbows, but with a mixture of great food, authentic lodging and the opportunity to catch some hard-fighting browns and brookies as well, you’ll find that the fun doesn’t have to end right there. A private and secluded ranch at the foothills of the Andes, Estancia Laguna Verde Fishing Lodge has unprecedented access to the critically-acclaimed waters of Lago Strobel and Rio Barrancoso in the Patagonia Region of Southern Argentina. Adventuresome anglers willing to trek here seldom leave disappointed. A fly fishing-only lodge, anglers have exclusive access to fish for trout on several high desert lakes, a freestone river and a number of smaller creeks, the largest of which is strung together by some small lakes and enticing pools. Catching big rainbows, aggressive browns and brookies on large foam dries, nymphs and streamers all in one day is not uncommon, as the fishing program is very diverse. The ultimate fly fishing experience for big trout, a growing number of guests return each year to this remote and wild location to experience another taste of glory. Come for the chance to land what could possibly be “the fish of a lifetime”, sample rich food and delicious wines, and explore what this far-side of the world destination has to offer.

 

• Season: November through April
• Species: Rainbow, Brown and Brook Trout
• Rods: 6-9 wt. Fast-Action
• Rates: 7 night/ 6.5 days fishing $5200

 

 

 

 

 

What Makes It Special:

The Strobel Lake fishery enables wild rainbows to grow very, very large on the scuds, leeches and minnows found there. Anglers are fortunate to be able to catch these big trophies with surprising regularity from week to week throughout the season. The only lodge operating in the area, Estancia Laguna Verde Fishing Lodge is the only outfitter offering an all-round and complete fishing program at Stobel Lake. With access like no other to the prime areas of the lake at the inlet, there are also several private miles of a splendid freestone river where it enters the lake. A highlight of the fishing program at the lodge is the wild and beautiful Barrancoso River, running for more than 6 miles through the property. The cold waters of this freestone river tumble and drop over rocks and boulders before pouring into fishy runs and deep pools where trout love to hold. Target these big fish coming up out of the lake to spawn with a variety of methods, including streamers, nymphs, dries as well as mouse patterns, and hope that your gear is up to the challenge. Pair incredible trout fishing with a uniquely Patagonian experience, rich in wonderful grilled meats and red wines, the likes of which you won’t find anywhere else, and Estancia Laguna Verde is the only place for fly fishermen yearning to experience the wonders of “Jurassic Lake” and the waters of the Strobel Plateau.

 

Fishing:

Exclusive access to Strobel Lake and the Barrancoso River defines Estancia Laguna Verde Fishing Lodge, making it the obvious choice for anglers in search of the giant rainbows, hearty browns and the aggressive brookies. Fly fishermen have miles of shoreline available at the lake and both sides of the Barrancoso River upstream on private property. Combined with the addition of an excellent fishing program recently-made available at Moro Creek, you have the most comprehensive and varied fishing program in the area. Sight fish to cruising rainbows in Strobel’s crystal-clear waters, slow stripping leeches, minnows and nymphs. Witness aggressive takes skating big dries and swinging mouse patterns on a wild free-flowing river. Drop scuds and soft-hackles below big, foam dry flies and indicators for a more traditional set-up, and hook up with hungry fish deliciously suspended in the currents. The methods used to catch fish are as varied and exciting as the different waters available. On the world-famous shores of Strobel Lake, delight in the opportunity to sight fish for large, cruising rainbows hungry for big, dry flies and streamers. With many good leeward spots providing excellent protection from the notoriously fierce Patagonian wind, fly fishermen will appreciate the many bays and coves where you can fish even under the toughest conditions. With over eight miles of private access, including the inlet to the one and only tributary, the lodge arguably has all of the best water at "Jurassic Lake”.

 

 

Lodge:

Sitting atop the shores of Laguna Verde, this smaller lake won’t disappoint with beautiful views as well as undeniably fantastic fishing. It is an excellent home base from which to launch the wide variety of fishing programs offered at the lodge. The friendly service and professional attention given by the staff create a familial atmosphere that is both comfortable and hassle-free, providing you with the best lodging experience that you can expect to find anywhere in Argentina. The main building is a typical ranch house, or estancia, accommodating up to 10 anglers per week. There are five double bedrooms, each with its own private baths and comfortable full-size beds. In the spacious living room overlooking the lake, guests may sip cocktails while reaching for a delectable appetizer over warm, friendly conversation following the day’s activity. The living room also has a fly tying desk, in case there’s a streamer or dry needed for the next day. Free WiFi is included in your fishing package, as well as free use of the lodge computer. Electricity is provided by windmill generators with fuel generators as a back-up guaranteeing that demands for energy can be met by the lodge 24/7. Laundry service is available twice during the week, helping guests to pack less clothing.

 

 

Dining:

Estancia Laguna Verde has set a goal for itself of being great ambassadors to the gastronomic and cultural diversity of the Argentina’s rich culinary history, delighting visitors with local tasty delicacies and fine dining. Estancia Laguna Verde Fishing Lodge has set a goal. Once a week, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a real Argentinean asado, a wood-fired grilling of meats like lamb, chorizo and beef. Dinners are served family-style, in typical fishing lodge fashion.

As authentic an experience you can get, it would be inconceivable to leave the country without having appreciated at least one during your stay in Argentina. For dinner, you are in store for generous three-course meals prepared especially by the lodge’s exclusive chef. Entrees include barbequed meats, traditional Patagonia lamb al pastor, classic homemade pastas, and a rich and hearty beef stew, to name just a few. The wine selection for the evening varies according to the planned menu. There’s a variety of wines including traditional Malbec, cabernet sauvignon, and tannat, in addition to a variety of white wines. Available daily at the bar, you will find regional homebrewed beers, a selection of whisky, cognacs as well as non-alcoholic beverages and mixers. For dessert, apart from having a great variety of fresh fruits, Estancia Laguna Verde also offers different delicacies specially prepared for you by the chef.

 

How to Get There:

Your fishing package to Estancia Laguna Verde Fishing Lodge begins when

 you arrive at the Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE) 13 miles east of the city of El Calafate. Situated on Lake Argentino in the Santa Cruz Providence of the Patagonia Region, there are beautiful views of the Andes from the plane that can be seen on a clear day as you arrive in the area. Getting to El Calafate will require you to initially fly into the Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires. After collecting your bags and clearing customs, you’ll need acquire ground transportation to the domestic airport, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP), where you will make the connection to your final destination at El Calafate. A representative of the lodge will greet you when you land to take you to the lodge. With recent improvements to the road, the drive to the lodge from El Calafate now takes just over three hours. We recommend that you travel to El Calafate the day before your trip, so that you can take in the sights and get a good night rest before leaving early the next morning for the lodge. That way you will arrive with enough time for the half day fishing which is included in your package. Ground transportation to the lodge usually departs El Calafate between 6 am and 7:45 am. At the end of the week, you will be returned to the airport at El Calafate in order to make your return flight home.

 

Typical Day:

At breakfast, anglers will find hot coffee, tea and a selection of fresh juices. Choose from ham and eggs, toast and butter, marmalades and honey. Cereal and other lighter options are also available. There is a newly built changing room/ drying facility located just by the entrance to the lodge to insure anglers have dry gear every morning of their stay. After breakfast, suit up in the changing room before heading out in four-wheelers or Hilux pickups to the separate beats for the days fishing. At noon, enjoy a delicious and varied lunch menu that is unique to the day of the week and the fishing beat. Some of the dishes consist of a mini asado of grilled meats and fish with salads, or a picnic of cold cuts with cheese, fruits, and other tasty morsels. Feel free to take a moment to relax and benefit from a siesta before heading back onto the water for the afternoon. Back at the lodge, enjoy a hot shower, dress and meet back at the living room for cocktail hour and lively conversation. A friendly atmosphere, guests are welcome to try different local appetizers such as goat or sheep cheese, dried hams, and dried pork sausages, among others. There is an excellent selection of red and white wine, regional homebrewed beers, spirits, whiskies, and cognacs as well as non-alcoholic beverages available daily at the bar. Hot coffee or tea is available 24/7, as well as other snacks such as cookies, crackers, sandwiches that anglers may wish to have in between meals.

 

What’s Included:

All ground transfers, meals, beverages including alcohol, accommodations and guided fishing for the length of your stay.

Not included: International air to/from Buenos Aires, domestic air to/from El Calafate, any fees, fishing license, lodging in El Calafate, and gratuities for the staff and guides.

 

Non-angling Activities:

While there is some trekking and birdwatching that guests may wish to do while on property, we recommend guests be prepared to spend the majority of their time fly fishing at Estancia Laguna Verde.