Lago Strobel

AKA Jurassic Lake. Heard about this place last Saturday on NW Wildcountry on my drive out to the coast and figured if it captivated Zog it was worth a google search when I got back. I'll let you do your own quick google search but it looks like the Alaskan tundra on steroids. Transplanted Mcloud Rainbow into a lake that is just full of scuds and such so the fish can grow to pretty impressive size and rediculous numbers.

The Lake is completely landlocked and has 1 major feeder stream called Barancusa or Jurassic River and fish will migrate in all year long. Small pocket water and a half azzed presented hopper seems to bring bigguns from the shadows. I get the feeling you could bypass the mouse pattern and go straight to the rat sized pattern.

7+ plus hour drive after multiple plane rides plus limited participation and way too windy conditions for helicopters or planes to get into. Of course the price tag reaches Kamchatka rates.

Don't we all want to say we fished a place called Jurassic Lake? I have heard of and looked at other places in the region(Argentina) like Tierra del Fuego and Rio Gallegos, but this looks really incredible for not being a sea-run based fishery.

Well worth a little look.

I spent a few weeks in and around the area back in late Nov/early Dec. Strobel is one of quite a few lakes down that way that host a very healthy population of scud fed pigs. Probably some of the biggest, baddest rainbows on the planet. As you said, getting there is hard to put it mildly. Even after you have made it to Argentina, the trip from Ruta 40 to the lake is not only impossible in anything other than a jeep/4wd. To further complicate things the road is across private property and getting permission/gaining access is no easy or cheap task based on the research I did.

I was hoping to be able to sneak a few DIY days in on Strobel on the way by, but couldn't piece it together.

Loop has a lodge near the boca de Barancoso which is the small river that feeds the lake and where the rainbows spawn. They do offer a reduced rate for tent based accommodations but it still isn't cheap. There is another lodge on the east side of the lake called Trophy Rainbow something or other that claims to offer DIY support and cheaper lodging and transportation, but info is super limited.

Strobel is in the middle of friggin nowhere, much like the rest of Argentina between the coast and the Andes. Fishing anywhere in the area is an expedition to say the least. Cool country though.

I have a new-in-box guidebook (Trout bums guide to argentina) for the area if anyone is planning a trip. Wound up with two somehow.

The Fly Shop manages trips if you have an extra $7K laying around.

www.theflyshop.com