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Estancia Laguna Verde (Jurassic Lake)

5 Hours from Calafate, Argentina
Santa Cruz Province
200 miles northwest of Tierra del Fuego


This is a destination that comes around once in a lifetime. Estancia Laguna Verde is located in Southern Argentina, north of Tierra del Fuego, yet completely in the middle of nowhere! It is extremely desolate and rugged country, way off of the beaten path. The closest airport is in Calafate (population 6200), in the Patagonian province of Santa Cruz, and a three hour drive from the lodge. Although Santa Cruz is a popular tourist destination in Patagonia for adventurous tourists, the only reason to head out to Estancia Laguna Verde is for one reason only… The Biggest Rainbow Trout on the Planet!

Lago Strobel, also aptly known as “Jurassic Lake” is a 65 square kilometer lake that boasted a whopping 27 rainbows landed in 2008 that were twenty pounds or bigger! The average sized trout landed at the Estancia last season was ten (10) pounds! Estancia Laguna Verde has virtually exclusive access to this incredible resource along with fifteen other smaller, yet equally as impressive lakes, and two freestone rivers on their private property. With the lodge opening for business for the 2008/2009 season, we are very excited to “get in on the ground floor” with the development of this incredible fishery.


Jurassic Lake truly is something special… The “discovery” of Jurassic Lake and Estancia Laguna Verde is some of the biggest news to break in the angling world… ever. This is a fishery that has quickly earned its reputation as the most prolific Rainbow Trout fishery on earth.

Unlike steelhead or sea-run brown fishing, where anglers consider a couple of fish landed per week a success, Lago Strobel and the surrounding lakes and rivers offer a six month season (November – April) for uneducated and cooperative rainbows. Estancia Laguna Verde operates an elaborate program using trucks, four wheelers, and boats to access all the “coasts” of Logo Strobel as well as fifteen smaller lakes on the ranch. In addition to the lake fishing, the Barrancoso and Moro Rivers offer traditional freestone river trout fishing often with dry flies.

All of the different fisheries offer an average sized rainbow trout of ten pounds! The lodge also has private access to “Monster’s Bay” on Lago Stobel, which is considered the best fishing on the lake. All of the fishing is reached within 10-30 minutes by truck and/or four wheelers.

The fishing program is very civilized, yet the schedule is quintessentially Argentine. Reasonable wake up calls, long days on the water, a siesta and late lunch, and a 10:00PM (at the earliest) dinner are part of the typical day. When fishing the smaller lakes and rivers, anglers usually return to the Estancia for lunch and a siesta, while Jurassic Lake anglers spend the entire day away from the lodge. Lunch is taken at a lakeside cabin.

Eight or nine weight rods and a combination of floating and sinking lines are required for landing these monster bows in the lakes, while 5-7 weight rods can be used in the rivers if preferred. Spey or two handed casters also enjoy the wide open space and the opportunity to make long casts on the lake as well.


The five bedroom (three singles and two shared) Estancia House sits on a small bluff overlooking Laguna Verde Lake. The accommodations are incredibly sophisticated given the remoteness of their location. In addition to spacious bedrooms with private baths, the lodge has a lovely dining room and bar, outdoor wooden deck, and a wader drying room. Although we recommend you bring your own equipment, the lodge also has a modest fly shop with some flies, leaders, waders, and fly rods, reels and lines available for purchase or rent.

The facility is also equipped with wireless internet as well as satellite television and telephone. Meals are traditional Argentine with lots of beef, lamb, and of course asados (Argentine BBQ) and incredible wines from Mendoza, Nequen, and other popular wine growing regions of Argentina. The service, comfort level, equipment, vehicles, and organization of the Laguna Verde operation is on par with top tier lodges found anywhere…a real feat considering the logistical challenges of its remoteness.


7-8 Guests Per Week Maximum


Fishermen fly direct to Buenos Aires, Argentina from Dallas/Ft. Worth, Miami, or New York on an overnight flight arriving the following morning. Fishermen then gather their luggage, clear customs, and are met by a driver who transfers the group approximately one hour to the Domestic Airport for the flight to Bariloche, Argentina aboard Aerolineas Argentina or Lan Airlines.

Tailwaters uses a very reliable customs assistance and chauffeur service that operates comfortable, air-conditioned vans. Our staff of drivers make sure you are properly checked in for your two-hour domestic flight to Bariloche. Some travelers elect to spend the day and evening in Buenos Aires prior to departing from Calafate the following morning. This is a great way to break up the two legs of the journey, do some sightseeing, and recharge your batteries. We of course facilitate your stay at one of our recommended hotels in the Recoleta (downtown Buenos Aires).

NOTE: There are also direct flights from the international airport (EZE) to Calafate, theoretically avoiding the transfer across town to the domestic airport (AEP). Although these connections don't always work well with incoming flights from the U.S.A., however they work perfectly with the return from Calafate back through Buenos Aires.

From Buenos Aires, guests travel to Estancia Laguna Verde by flying commercially to Calafate, Argentina in Southern Patagonia. From Calafate, anglers are met by a representative from Laguna Verde and driven approximately five hours to the lodge.

If you are not up for a full week, Laguna Verde is an ideal destination to combine with a week fishing Tierra del Fuego (Estancia Aurelia) or with the traditional trout lodges to the north originating out of Bariloche. Please inquire for details.


Estancia Laguna Verde enjoys a wonderfully long season from November – April. The there is really no “best” time to partake in the lake fishing, as it fishes consistently for the six months the lodge is open. Those interested in the river fishing should concentrate their efforts in the December and January time frame…and full week trips are encouraged during this time.

As with all low latitude, mountainous regions, weather in the Argentine Patagonia is very unpredictable. Although seasons are well defined, anglers should come physically and mentally prepared for all types of weather on a daily basis. Conditions are frequently windy (unless your lucky), rain can occur at any time, and temperature variations are enormous no matter the month you visit.

December is similar to our June season, the water levels flowing out of the chain lakes in the region at an optimum level for river fishing. Temperatures range from 35° to 75°. Rain gear and warm clothing are strongly recommended.

January and February is summertime in Patagonia. Wet wading is possible, but waders are always a good idea. Temperature will range from 45° to 85°. This is our favorite time in regards to comfort and the fact that most waters are accessible and fishable. March and April are Patagonia's 'fall' fishing months. Weather conditions are less predictable. Come prepared for any weather during these months.


Although fishing is the predominant activity at Estancia Laguna Verde, the lodge can assist us organize several adventurous non-angling activities in the Calafate area. Calafate is a very popular area for touring nearby glaciers by helicopter, four wheel drive tours, as well as a hotbed for bird watchers. The famous Santa Cruz River is also within reasonable driving distance for those who are interested in this new and exciting Steelhead fishery.


Estancia Laguna Verde is a brand new operation, and their offerings are continuing to develop every day. Stay tuned for the latest news and updates as we continue to “dial in” the fishing and lodging program. We are also looking into streamlining the logistics of the travel involved by offering helicopter or airplane charter to/from Calafate and the lodge.


2009 - 2010 RATES

(based on shared room/guide)
3 1/2 Day Program...........$2400 per angler
7 Day Program...............$4600 per angler


Guided fishing; Meals; All beverages including Argentine wines and cocktails; Ground transportation to/from Calafate, Argentina; Fishing Licenses


Airfare to/from Buenos Aires, Argentina and onward to Calafate; Ground transfers and accommodations in Buenos Aires; Use of fishing equipment; Staff and Guide gratuity; Airport departure taxes (approximately $25 US); Phone calls and other items of personal nature



A fifty percent deposit is due at the time of booking to confirm all reservations. Full payments are required at 60 days from departure. Deposits are refundable up to 120 days from departure. Within 120-60 days from departure, an 80% refund will be issued for cancellations. Within 60 days from departure, no refunds are granted unless replacement clients are found. Note that credits of 80% will be granted towards future bookings in the event replacement clients cannot be found.

Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation /refund and responsibility clauses.

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