"Jurassic Lake"/Lago Strobel
exclusive for Loop Adventures guests only
After our 2 exploratory trips during 2006 and several parties during 2007 we do not hesitate to call this:“the worlds best lake fishing for monster sized wild rainbow trout” This is a must; its completely crazy and a memory of your life and no words can make justice to the experience.
Biological Sensation
This is nothing else than a biological sensation. The fish grow to huge sizes only eating small shrimps, year around, they spawn in the small stream year around. We have never heard of something similar.
When you arrive at some of wildest places in Patagonia, "Jurassic Lake", you will look out over a huge lake, 20 km by 20 km that looks more like the Mediterranean Sea with blue water and channels and reeves than just “a lake”.
To cast a fly out in this sea from the shore felt strange the first time we was there. But soon we began to see schools of fish cruising in the channels. And the first cast, the rod nearly was pulled out of my hands, and my reel was loosing backing line fast, very fast and out there was some of the most crazy fish ever on my line, jumping and jumping. And in the next cast…
We don’t count fish at "Jurassic Lake". And it is not important; let us say there is enough fish. When the body gets too tired there is another very fun option, in fact 2. With an easy walk to next small bay you can spot fish and cast to cruising single exemplars, nearly like bonefishing, possible days with no wind. The other is to relax a bit with a lightweight 9’ # 5 rod, a floating line and dry fly and sight fishing in the channel up to the stream.
But the main reason to go to "Jurassic Lake" is the quality and size of these magnificent wild rainbows. Average size has been approx 10 lb, the biggest landed so far is 26lb. We have seen even bigger outside cast range. Is there any other place like this in the world?
The wildlife is extraordinary and with a bit of luck you will even see wild pumas.
The drive takes approx 10 hrs from Buitreras and the flight back to Buenos Aires will be from Calafate which takes approx 6 hrs from the camp..
The drive is through the wildest Patagonia and offers many chances to to see and take photos of all wild animals and beautiful nature, call it photo safari.
Flies, Tackle and Fishing technique
The fish are feeding on small scuds and small shrimps, very small, and of course it is possible to catch on imitations but, its billions of them and they are swimming with open mouth zipping in the food. In the “sea” most everything has proved to work, small dry flies up to big zonkers. Lines 7-9 in float to sinking works well. Strong powerful rods that can handle the wind and the big fish like Loop Opti Coast 9’6’ # 7 with an WF8 line, or Opti Power 9’ 7 or 8 is also a very good choice.
For the small stream bring a 9’ # 5 and a floating line with nymphs and dries.
There is no such thing as a fishing technique, fasten the seat belt, cast out, gently take line home – and be prepared!
The living
Living is in comfortable safari style tented camp, so called domes, the same as used on polar expeditions. The camp consists of one dinner-tent, one shower-tent, one storage-tent and sleeping tents with 3 beds per tent. Wooden beds with mattresses and sleeping bags with fresh linen changed between parties (of course). Toilet is fantastic, placed on the prairie overlooking the lake.
Loop Tackle Service
Loop will have some tackle suitable for fishing the lake and stream to be borrowed free. There will not be a “shop” but more a service station with some extra waders, jackets, leaders, flies etc.
Add on Buitreras weeks 2008
Buitreras week 1-12, choose between goings before or after Buitreras visit.
Buitreras week 13-15, available only after Buitreras visit.
The itinerary
Before your Buitreras week
Depart from the Buenos Aires domestic airport wednesday to Calafate (2,5 hrs flight). You will be met in Calafate by a Loop representative and driven to Jurassic Lake (Approximately 6-7 hours). You will fish, if you take first morning flight from Buenos Aires, Wednesday evening, Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning and then make the drive to Buitreras which is approximately 10 hours. Depart the following Saturday from Rio Gallegos to Buenos Aires and on to your International flights home the following day.
After your Buitreras week
Leave Buitreras the following Saturday morning and make the drive to Jurassic Lake. Fishing Saturday evening, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday morning – drive to Calafate approximately 6-7 hours. Catch your flight back to Buenos Aires. International flights home at the earliest would be Wednesday morning. It is possible, at no extra cost, to add one more day in the schedule.
