View the 4:30 Vimeo Video - Chasing the Run
Jurassic Lake Trout - Trophy Rainbows
Estancia Laguna Verde Lodge - Argentina
Jurassic Lake is a 25-square-mile body of water in the absolute middle of nowhere (in wild Southern Patagonia).
These burly wild rainbow trout average 6 to 8 pounds, fight like a freight train, and offer you countless opportunities to catch the rainbow of a lifetime. World-class fly fishing, excellent food, wine, and lodging in a very remote landscape.
2026 Rates: Packages start at $5,750 per person for 4 nights and 3.5 days guided fishing.
Fishing Jurassic Lake - Lake Strobel
Lake Strobel, also known as Jurassic Lake, has quickly become a must-visit rainbow fly-fishing destination. Catch your lifetime best rainbow. These fish average ten pounds, and some are over twenty. Due to its remote location, the lake has only recently been discovered. Three private ranches surround Jurassic Lake, so access is limited. Other than the Lodge guests, you should not see any other anglers while fishing. Jurassic Lake and 15 different lakes and streams are available to the Lodge. The first afternoon our hosted group arrived (2010), our seven anglers landed over 100 4- to 8-pound rainbows at Laguna Verde within 150 yards of the Lodge.
Monsters Bay Spring Creek is a recent discovery promising to be a guest favorite.
The Barrancoso River: This incredible river is the only tributary of Jurassic Lake. Estancia Laguna Verde Lodge owns this river tributary and maintains exclusive access to five miles of these incredible waters. This mountain freestone river is about 30 to 50 feet wide, with transparent waters and large boulders. Amazing rainbows lie in its pools, flats, and pocket waters. Barrancoso rainbows average 4 to 7 pounds, with fish over 15 pounds.
Watch the 3:22 YouTube video of Barrancoso River.
The Fishing Program:
Season: The Lodge is open for peak fishing from mid-October through April 30.
Species: Rainbows, browns, and prolific dry fly hatches give you consistent opportunities for large trout on the surface.
Fishing License: A fishing license is not included in the package.
Guides: Hardworking English-speaking guides. You'll have the same guide all week for about 8 to 10 hours each day. You'll fish two anglers per guide. They'll drive you in Toyota 4WD trucks to the lake and the river.
Travel Time: Jurassic Lake is 15 minutes from the Lodge, and Barrancoso River is 5 to 20 minutes from the Lodge.
Equipment: The Lodge does not provide fishing equipment, but spare fly outfits are available in case of breakage or loss. Flies can be purchased for $5 each at the Lodge’s small tackle shop. There's also a fly-tying desk that guests can use with their own materials. Our confirmation packet includes a detailed list of what to bring.
Boots: New boots are not required. The guides wash and disinfect guests' boots and waders at the beginning of the week.
Improvements:
Estancia Laguna Verde expanded their fishing program with more access to new fishing areas, trucks, and guide-prepared daily shore lunches. There are also new rooms at the Lodge, a wider selection of carefully chosen Mendoza wines, and an upgraded kitchen.
Typical Fishing Day:
8:00 a.m. - Breakfast.
9:00 a.m. - You'll leave for the river with your guide.
1:30 p.m. - You'll enjoy a riverside lunch.
After lunch, enjoy a siesta or a cup of coffee or tea with freshly baked cookies. Then, your guide will drive you to your next fishing spot.
6:30 p.m. - You’ll finish fishing and return to the Lodge.
7:30 p.m. - Cocktail hour and wines served with cold cuts and a variety of cheeses.
8:00 p.m. - A three-course dinner is served. Afterward, enjoy coffee, tea, or a digestif (post-dinner liquor) at the bar in the living room.
View Estancia Laguna Trailer at the Fly Fishing Film (2026).
Don McCleve's Trip Recap:
Don McCleve with a 32-inch, 20 lb. rainbow
Don McCleve's Recap: "My first of four days was probably the best fishing day for trout in my life. Fifteen fish averaging better than 7-8 pounds. Guides would say even 10 pounds, but there were a few small fish. Toward the end, I got my biggest rainbow ever: 32 inches, 10 kilos on the scale, but the net weighs a kilo, so a shade over 9 kilos or 20 pounds. It was also the fiercest trout I've ever caught. It immediately charged away until the backing was dangerously deteriorating, and the guide warned me. Then the fish jumped an incredible distance away, and the line went totally slack. I was sure I'd lost it. I reeled furiously but felt absolutely nothing for the next three minutes, and I didn't feel motion until then. Apparently, it had turned 180 degrees towards me."
Guy Schoenborn with Rainbow Trout
Guy Schoenborn's Recap: "The fishing was fantastic. The facilities and food were great, and the guides were excellent. I captured the top four largest rainbows of my life, including a monster that was 23 pounds."
Brad Staples with Rainbow Trout
Brad Staples' Recap: “If you are okay with standing in 47-degree water and casting as far as you can with an 8-weight and stripping it back, it is the best trip in the world for big rainbows. I loved it because I like BIG trout!”
About Estancia Laguna Verde Lodge
Estancia Laguna Verde Lodge overlooks the emerald green waters of Laguna Verde, for which it was named. Anglers can explore the rugged, dramatic landscape and return to this luxurious haven.
The spacious living room has a 42” LCD TV with a satellite connection, a DVD player, a fly-tying desk, and a library. There is a drying room for waders and clothing. Laundry service is twice a week.
Comfortable Bedrooms with Ensuite Bath
The Lodge hosts up to 12 anglers in twelve single-occupancy bedrooms with an ensuite bathroom in each room.
The Lodge is able to accommodate guests in wheelchairs.
Communications: The Lodge offers free Wi-Fi. A computer is available for guests to use. WhatsApp is recommended.
4WD Trucks for Access to the Lake
The guides drive anglers in Toyota 4WD trucks from the Lodge to the fishing areas.
World-Class Three-Course Dinners
Meals: The Lodge offers world-class three-course dinners with entrees such as its famous asado (barbecue), traditional Patagonia lamb, homemade pasta, and more. Your meals are prepared by the head chef and the sous chef.
Alcohol: The Lodge has an open bar. All beverages are included in the package—soft drinks, beer, bottled water, outstanding wines, and a moderate selection of liquor. Wine and cocktails are served in the evenings. The Lodge has its own wine cellar.
The Lodge Overlooks Laguna Verde
Getting to the Lodge:
1.) You'll fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
2.) From Buenos Aires, you’ll take a 3-hour and 15-minute flight to El Calafate. This domestic flight has a 50-pound luggage weight limit including carry-on. You'll stay at a hotel of your choice in El Calafate. Please note: The hotel nights, ground transfers in El Calafate, and meals are not included in the package. Hotel recommendations are in our confirmation packet.
3.) The following morning at 8:30 a.m., a Lodge representative in a commercial Sprinter van will pick you up at your hotel for the five-hour drive to the Lodge.
Departure Day: You’ll leave the Lodge early in the morning for the five-hour drive back to El Calafate. An overnight in El Calafate should not be required.
2026 and 2027 USD Rates:
Season: Mid-October through April 30
Single occupancy rooms for all anglers.
Two anglers per guide:
7 nts / 6 days guided fishing $7,950 per person
5 nts / 4 days guided fishing $6,580 per person
4 nts / 3 days guided fishing $5,750 per person
One angler per guide:
7 nts / 6 days guided fishing $10,732.50 per person
5 nts / 4 days guided fishing $8,883 per person
4 nts / 3 days guided fishing $7,762.50 per person
Non-Angler Companion:
50% of the angler rate
Information Packet.
The Packages Include:
• Ground transfers between El Calafate and the Lodge
• Single-occupnacy room
• Meal at the Lodge
• Open bar and wine with dinner
• Guided fishing
• Use of ATVs inside the Estancia
• Daily rides in Toyota 4WD trucks to fishing areas
• Laundry service (twice per week)
• Wi-Fi at the Lodge
The Packages Do Not Include:
• International and domestic airfare• Ground transfers in Buenos Aires
• First night hotel and meals in El Calafate
• Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
• Fishing equipment
• Flies $5 each
• Fishing license, $150
• Global Rescue coverage
• Mandatory travel health insurance
• Travel Insurance
• Anything not listed under inclusions
Estancia Laguna Verde Lodge
Martin J. Landholm with Jurassic Rainbow
Robin Cartwright with Jurassic Rainbow
Mike Wright’s Rainbow at Estancia Laguna
Mario Masciola at the Barrancoso River
