Laguna Verde Lodge /Jurassic Lake  

Argentina

For those who would like to see Jurassic Lake but would rather not endure the grueling trip into the rustic Loop camp, we proudly represent Laguna Verde Lodge. With three hours less driving time and all the comforts you have come to expect from Argentine lodges, Laguna Verde’s guest list is growing as quickly as the massive trout that surround it.

Laguna Verde Lodge has three distinct and unique elements to its fly fishing program and the first and foremost is Jurassic Lake. It takes 60 minutes to get from the lodge to Jurassic Lake. Catch rates vary widely depending on weather, season, skill level and location. During the right wind and weather conditions, drift boats are often employed to stalk the lake’s monster trout.

The other two fly fishing elements concentrate on the lake’s inlet, the Barrancoso River, and nearby Laguna Verde (Green Lake). The river is a great place to fish a 5 – 6 weight rod and at certain times of the year the fly fishing can be exceptional. Laguna Verde is immediately in front of the lodge, and has excellent fly fishing from both boat and bank for trout in the 4 – 8 pound class. For the ultimate in diversity and comfort in this formidable region, this is the place.

Location:
Laguna Verde Lodge is located on the high Patagonian steppe of southern Argentina, overlooking Laguna Verde (Green Lake).

Fishing Program:
It takes 60 minutes to get from the lodge to Jurassic Lake. It requires 30 minutes by truck, ten minutes of walking, and 20 minutes in four wheelers to reach the lake. It's a relatively easy and enjoyable trip, but it does require about 100 yards of switchbacks to descend the caldera rim.

Jurassic lake is large and often windy. At times sight fishing is possible. Rods in the 7-9 wt class are recommended and the rainbow trout most often run between 8-16 pounds. Catch rates vary widely depending on weather, season, skill level and location. While anglers should not expect high numbers of fish every day, they should expect that the fish they do catch will be large!

To reach the upper part of Barrancoso River it takes about 20 minutes by truck. To reach the middle section, it takes 30-40 minutes and it takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach where the river joins the lake. The river is great place to fish a 5-6wt rod and at times of year the fly fishing can be exceptional.

Green Lake (Laguna Verde) is immediately in front the lodge, and has excellent fly fishing for trout in the 4-8 pound class. This lake fishes well from both boat and bank.

Fisheries:
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 measuring approximately 20 by 20 kilometers. It is located at about 3,000 feet elevation in the wide open, desolate expanse of the Patagonian steppe. And while the lake looks like a saltwater body of water with its wind-chop, blue water channels and shelves, it is 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 in the 20-30 pound class. These fish are freakishly stout, incredibly strong and wildly acrobatic.

Accommodations and Meals:
The lodge has three double bedrooms with private bathrooms, with one extra room for group hosts. Heating and hot water is plentiful, both provided by gas. There is a heated drying/dressing room with gear hooks, benches, and plenty of room to transition between casual dress and fishing attire. Meals are prepared by the lodge’s chef and sous chef serving authentic Patagonian Cuisine.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart home
Day 2: Arrive Buenos Aires and overnight.
Day 3: Arrive lodge
Days 4 - 9: Six full days guided fishing.
Day 10: Depart lodge for Calafate and points beyond.

Complete Trip Details