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 camp (built and outfitted by LOOP of Sweden) 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.
Location:
Jurassic Lake is located in the Santa Cruz Province in Argentina. The lake is roughly 7.5 hours north of Calafate by vehicle, but only about 380 kilometers (236 miles) away.
Fishing Program:
All fly fishing is done while wading or standing on the bank except during the mid-summer “slow down” when some anglers may employ a zodiac. There is typically one guide on-site to service as many as six or eight anglers. The basic name of the game is to wade out along the inlet stream beach and to cast long (often into or across the wind) with intermediate lines and employ a slow retrieve. A wide variety of flies work well with woolly buggers, zonkers, and leaches being the staples. Many anglers will employ spey rods to fish the lake while others will stick with single hand eight weight set ups.
From November through February, the inlet stream can also provide great fly fishing with dries and other standard trout tactics. Lastly, 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. Hooking these fish in shallow water on a short line is a wild experience that can lead to violent break offs and tackle failures.
The guides are a combination of chefs, camp managers and guides. They will show and give advice on the fly fishing, but fishing will mainly be done without a guide on your side at all times. They will cook, clean the camp and help out with anything needed.
Accommodations and Meals:
The camp can take as many as nine anglers who will sleep either two or three per dome/cabin. The domes have comfortable beds with bedding and an electric light, and heat. The simple cabins are similarly equipped. Visitors should bring their own towels and we always recommend traveling with a headlamp, water bottle and ear plugs. There are two shower/ toilet facilities on the lakeside of the camp with pump style boat heads. Toilet paper is not flushed and is disposed of in a separate container. When you are ready for a hot shower, let the staff know as the system takes about one hour to warm up.
Excellent hearty meals and dinners complete with wine are served in the dining tent. This is a fun gathering spot with a large dining table, plenty of light, and busy cooking staff. Coffee, tea, snacks as well as beer and wine are always close at hand.
Sample Itinerary: (Full Week)
Day 1: Depart home
Day 2: Arrive in Buenos Aires in the morning and overnight.
Day 3: Depart from Buenos Aires on an early morning flight to Calafate and drive to camp.
Day 4 – 8: Five full days of fishing
Day 9: Morning fishing and depart camp midday for Calafate. (Hotel/dinner in Calafate not included in the price)
Day 10: Depart Calafate for Buenos Aires and home.
(Partial Week)
Day 3: Depart from Buenos Aires on early morning flight to Calafate and drive to camp.
Day 4 – 6: Three full days of fishing
Day 7: Morning fishing and depart camp midday for Calafate and additional travels in Argentina. (Hotel/dinner in Calafate not included in the price)
Species: Rainbow Trout
Season: October – January and March – April (prime time)
Capacity: 9 anglers
2011-12 Rates: $4,990 per person (Full week) based on double occupancy
$4,150 per person (Partial week) based on double occupancy
