JURASSIC LAKE SLIDE SHOW
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 roughly 20 by 20 km. It is located at roughly 3000 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-chop, blue water channels and shelves, it teaming with small scuds and massive rainbows. Here the fish 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.
Our camp (built and outfitted by LOOP of Sweden) has the good fortune of being located at the mouth of the 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
All 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 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.
Jurassic Lake Travel:
To get to Jurassic Lake you will need to make travel arrangements to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Most guests will overnight in Buenos Aires. As there is no easy way to reach Jurassic Lake and there is not a set program for arrival and departure, Fly Water Travel will coordinate your intercountry travel logistics (airport transfers, hotel, domestic flights) with Loop Adventures (not included in package price). Jurassic Lake is available for full or partial week bookings.
For partial week trips, most anglers will add on several days at Jurassic Lake after fishing sea-trout on the Rio Gallegos or Atlantic steelhead on the Rio Santa Cruz. We recommend these mixed weeks and are happy to help arrange them. They will involve the very aptly named “Drive from Hell” into Jurassic Lake which takes roughly 14 hours from Rio Gallegos, 10.5 hours from the Estancia San Ramon on the Rio Santa Cruz, or 8 hours to Calafate. The last four hours of the drive into the lake are very rough 4X4 travel with the last 20KM of the trip taking approximately three hours. Anglers prone to motion sickness or with extremely bad backs may be better off passing on Jurassic Lake!
For full week trips (five days fishing including two days travel) we may be able to arrange for anglers to arrive and depart from Calafate as there are multiple flights between there and Ushuaia and or Buenos Aires each day.
Jurassic Lake Documentation:
You will need a valid passport to enter Argentina!
There is no advance visa application requirement for travel to Argentina for citizens of most European countries and the USA. You will automatically be issued a tourist visa upon arrival at the first point of entry. We will advise on receipt of your passport details if the Argentinean authorities require additional information relative to your nationality.
Jurassic Lake Meals and Accommodations:
The LOOP camp is a small sheltered complex of geodesic dome tents built upon surdy wooded platforms. The camp can take as many as eight anglers who will sleep either two or three per dome. The domes have comfortable beds with bedding and an electric light, There is no heating or dedicated storage. 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 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 big dome. 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.
Power and Communications:
The camp has reliable electric power during the evening hours and limited back-up battery lighting for the tents after hours (220 volts, 50 cycles, generator powered). A standard converter and European adapter for two pronged plug should work fine throughout Argentina. The camp also has a satellite phone for emergency use. There is no cell phone or internet service.
Jurassic Lake Climate:
The region is very windy so come well prepared! Temperatures can vary widely and the area can be hot especially in February. Later March and April can be cold. Sunscreen should always be packed as should quality wind proof clothing.
Jurassic Lake Fish Species:
Rainbow trout
Jurassic Lake 2009 Rates:
3,300 EUR per person for a 7 Night / 5 Day package
1,800 EUR per person for a 3 Night / 2 Day package
Argentina