Argentina Trout Fishing: Jurassic Lake

Probably the best rainbow trout fishing in the world

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The Fishing

The Journey & Lodging

Best Times to Go 

Pricing

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Jurassic Lake - an Argentinian odyssey of creation and discovery

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The Fishing

Jurassic Lake is a place where you can experience the sort of fishing that only your forefathers could have envisaged. It is in a area almost totally devoid of human contact, with the exception of an impossibly remote farmhouse. A place so inaccessible only the foolhardy would ever consider visiting least of all running a remote fishing camp here. It is however precisely this environment that has allowed it to develop into what we consider to be probably the world’s most prolific wild rainbow trout fishery.

Within the surrounding precipitous rocky cliffs that border the lake cave art from a distant era provides inspiration for its name. But if this art is Jurassic in nature it is the fish that draw the more direct comparison on account of their gargantuan proportions. Averaging in the region of 10 lbs these totally wild and unbelievably powerful fish are enough to make regular trout fishing tackle redundant. Rods with significant backbone and reels that contain a genuine hundred yards of backing are required to tame these leviathans. We have yet to come across anyone who has not been literally bowled over by both the size, the quantity and the sheer wildness of this location.

The best of the fishing is concentrated around the bay alongside the main tributary stream and in the stream itself. The fish are very often acrobatic and will treat you to some fantastic surging runs and jumps which are simply unstoppable. For 2008 we will also have a rubber dingy to access other areas of the lake and for those who wish to explore.

Facilities at Jurassic Lake are relatively basic, simple but sufficient for those willing to experience this unique location. Anglers are accommodated in tents equipped with beds and wooden flooring. Sheets with duvets and blankets are provided. Meals are taken centrally and cooked in a larger central dining tent with typical Argentinean dishes being served and lunches being cooked on the lakeside unless conditions are unfavourable. There is now a shower and washroom along with a generator for electricity as required.

The Journey and Lodging

The lake itself is virtually cut off from the outside world with only a small nomadic estancia outpost sharing the shores of the lake. Surprisingly a herd of cows graze in localized areas of greenery although for the most part the land and backdrop is a harsh and unforgiving rock strewn desert. The lake itself is fed by one significant tributary although this reduces to a trickle during the summer months. The water however is of crystalline clarity allowing one on clear windless days to see schools of fish cruising far offshore whilst at the same time allowing the discerning angler to stalk individual fish.

Nature has its own unique way of protecting special places and Jurassic Lake is no exception. Access to the lake is by sturdy 4x4 truck and the journey there and back is not for the weak of constitution. Four hours drive from the nearest town the route consists of gravel tracks at best and what may be described as a lava field at worst. Personal comfort is by no means guaranteed however anticipation provides a soothing antiseptic.

Jurassic Lake West Camp

There is now a newly opened 2nd camp at Jurassic Lake fitted out for a maximum of 4 people.  This camp does not have the variety of the main river camp  however otherwise it has unlimited access to the shoreline where the same fish cruise.  Expect fantastic fishing but not the numbers or variety that you would find at the main camp.

Jurassic Lake Fishing Gear

Rods & Reels: The ideal rod for Jurassic Lake is a relatively stiff actioned 9ft 7wt rod equipped with a weight forward intermediate line. Reels should have at least one hundred yards of backing and a strong drag capable of taming fish in excess of 20lbs. You may also wish to bring a 5wt rod for use on the tributary stream where you can have exceptional sport with dry flies. Please be aware that whilst the fish are slightly smaller in the stream they are still extremely capable of demolishing rods and reels. Both camps have a comprehensive range of Loop fishing gear which is free to use.

Flies: Streamers and nymphs from size 4’s to size 14’s have all been used to good effect on the lake and the feeder stream. Dry flies can also be very effective so feel free to experiment. Variety often produces the best results.

It is recommended that all flies are de-barbed primarily for ease of unhooking.

Nylon: The fish are not line shy and we would recommend a minimum of 10lb test on the lake. It is of course perfectly possible to use lighter nylon however in the interests of looking after the fish and avoiding breakages we strongly advise you to use nylon commensurate with the size and strength of the fish.

Best Times to Go

The Rainbow Trout fishing at Jurassic Lake is so exceptional that there can hardly be described as a best time to go.  November/December sees the rriver in peak shape which can provide some very good additional aport.  Trips to Jurassic Lake are mainly run as add on programmes to either a weeks fishing for Sea-Trout at Las Buitreras or Steelhead on the Santa Cruz for Steelhead during the Jan-April season . There is also a full week package at Jurassic Lake in November and December.

If you would prefer to speak to us directly regarding a trip to the Jurassic lake, please contact us at the following:

United Kingdom Office:
Justin Maxwell-Stuart
Mobile: +44 (0)7711 519 857
Fax: +44 (0)20 7352 0942
justin@wherewisemenfish.com

United States Office:

US Country Code: +1
Telephone: 646 797 2945
info@wherewisemenfish.com

Or alternatively email us via our Booking Enquiries Form to request more information.