Jurassic Lake Lodge, Patagonia

 

On my recent fishing trip to Jurassic Lake Lodge, I experienced the best dining I ever had in all my years of travel.  Chef, Rodrigo, could get a position as head chef in the world's finest restaurants. 

We dined on beef, pasta, lamb, and pork.  His desserts were simply delicious. 

Rodrigo would tell the clients before each meal what was served. After leaving the lodge for El Calafate, I spoke to lodge owner, Carlos Casanello.  I told Charlie he must not lose chef Rodrigo!!

REDINGTON SONIC-PRO HDZ WADER

 

On my recent trip to Jurassic Lake Lodge located on Lago Strobel in Patagonia, I used the Redington Sonic-Pro HDZ wader.  Lago Strobel has caused waders to fail in the past so was very anxious to see how these would preform.  These waders have a 4-layer breathable DWR coated HD fabric.  It has zippered hand warmer pockets with fleece lining to get some relief from the harsh Lago Strobel environment.  Best of all it comes with a TIZIP waterproof zipper.  Plus, 4MM neoprene booties.  The waders exceeded expectations.  They were extremely warm and easy to put on and off. The zip functioned perfectly.  Probably the best waders I have owned.  So, consider these on your next purchase.  They run a tad large on their sizing.  

Jurassic Lake Lodge, Lago Strobel Argentina

 

Jurassic Lake Lodge is without a doubt, the best rainbow trout fishery on earth.  I have wet a line at this amazing fishery at least 15 times,visiting every September and April.  I along with 2 friends traveled to Jurassic on April 26 to May 3.  This is the end of the season when the huge chrome rainbows are in abundance.  The chromes are fantastic battles compared to spawning rainbows. 

Normally at this time of the season the monsters are out far from shore so long casts are needed.  There was a huge flood in January which drastically changed the course of the Barancoso River.  The mouth has been relocated about 75 yards to the right from last season. The "aquarium" pool has been washed away making it a pile of rocks. However, the fishing was outstanding. 

We landed numerous huge rainbows.  I landed a freak which was so wide that it would not fit in the guides net.

  The weather was warmer than normal with winds reaching 70 mph.  The lodge has expanded the main building making it very comfortable for clients after fishing.  End of April and beginning of May is the best time for huge chromes if you can put up with cold, windy weather.  Consider this when making arrangements to catch huge rainbows.

A DATE WITH A SHEE(FISH)

Sheefish have been on my wish list for many years.  They are only found in the far north and are often called "tarpon of the north".  A friend went to Kotzebue, Alaska last year seeking monster Dolly Varden.  When asking his pilot about sheefish possibilities, Lewis Pagel of www.arcticfishingadventures.com was a must.  So, I along with 3 friends booked a trip March 25 to 28.  We flew out of Chicago to Anchorage then to Kotzebue.  Upon arrival, Lew picked us up and drove us to his "second" house. 

The facilities were like being in a 5-star hotel.  Lew figured we would not want to fish in the afternoon since the temps dropped to a (-) 28F.  Lew soon realized we were a different breed of fishermen and told him we want to go.  The ice tents were not available, so we rouged in out sitting on chairs on the ice.  1 was tough as we only managed 1 bite.  Lew said not to worry as the conditions looked great the new few days.  All of us brought along Jason Mitchell elite Mac ice rods in heavy and extra heavy action.  Most anglers use a Native Alaskan sheefish rod called a Niksik which is made of carved wood, caribou antler, or whale bone.  The few days the bite was on.  Lew is sold on less wind makes for better fishing and lots of current is the key. 

We jigged in about 25 feet using various colorations of Doctor Spoons.  Lew prepared a few filets and sheefish is delicious.  My 3 friends took home about 50 lbs of filets each.   
Lew provides guided fishing with all equipment.  These include snowmobiles, sleds, ice shacks, heaters, power augers, chairs, and more.  He even provided your fishing license, processing of fish, fileted, vacuum sealed, frozen, and boxed to take home on the plane.  In all this trip far exceeded our expectations.  Lew is not only a great guide but fantastic host.  He even bought a few cases of Pabst Blue Ribbon for us, Midwest guys. 

The meals were fantastic, and Lew even prepared some musk ox for us.  I highly recommend this trip and have already booked for next year.  

PAPUA NEW GUINEA/ MILNE BAY/ MISIMA AREA/ ROCK EXPEDITIONS/ DEC 2024

 

Had the opportunity to once again fish with Luke Wyrsta, of Rock Expeditions along with 8 others in the remote Misima Area in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea.  Our main target were popping for Giant Trevally and jigging for dogtooth tuna.  The fishing was above average as numerous Giant Trevally up to 80 lbs were landed and dogtooth pushing the scales over 100 lbs.  The highlight of the trip for me came on the first day when I landed a monster brown marbled grouper on a skipjack popper pushing the scales over 100 lbs.  I have landed many marbled groupers in the past but much smaller and on jigs.

We landed numerous species during our expedition including Giant Trevally, Bluefin Trevally, Bigeye Travally, Red Bass, Coral Trout, Green Jobfish, Rusty Jobfish, African Pompano, Barracuda, Napoleon Wrasse, Unicorn Fish, Dogtooth Tuna, Shark, Mackerel, and Emperor Snapper to name a few.  One afternoon while jigging in the "Dogpound" my friend and I landed 22 huge Rusty Jobfish and Dogtooth Tuna.  We both lost giant Dogtooth Tuna due to either having the hook pull or having the assist leader getting bite through.  

During midweek we moved camp.  Rock Expeditions is like sleeping under the stars where no footprints are found.  We can move camp in a few minutes which is an added bonus over fixed lodge camps.   

One afternoon Luke had a strange feeling on his line after an attack.  Turns out that 2 fish we hooked on his stickbait one of which was the prized Napoleon Wrasse.  The Wrasse has been a dream fish and has eluded me in all the years fishing for Giant Trevally.  Hopefully my dream comes true next season.  

In all the trip was great.  Luke surprised us by serving ribeyes and tomahawk steaks.  We had two young mates from Australia who were seasoned spear fisherman.  They caught lobsters each day for us to dine on.  Dogtooth tuna makes great jerky which was enjoyed by all.  

So, if you want to get away from the crowds and visit land where time has forgotten book an expedition to Papua New Guinea with Rock Expeditions and all of your dreams might come true!  

PRINCESA ALICIA EXPEDITION/ RIO NEGRO/ BRAZIL AMAZON, NOV 2 TO 9, 2024

Fishing in the Amazon jungle for peacock bass was my passion.  I travelled to Lake Guri, Venezuela about 35 years ago before practically anyone heard of these brutes.  The topwater strikes were impressive and I became hooked.  I travelled to Venezuela and Brazil for over 20 years seeking these jungle bass in a truly beautiful setting.  The sights, sounds, and smells of the Amazon are something one never forgets.  

Toward the end of my expeditions, the jungles became full of fishermen.  The fishing was nothing like it used to be and the peacocks became weary of the sounds of the woodchoppers.  So, it was time to move on!

In September 2023, friend Javi Koller who owns Zona Pesca tackle shop in Buenos Aires, asked if I would be interested in joining his group to the Brazilian Amazon.  The price was exceptional, so I was all in.  I figured if the fishing was off, just visiting the Amazon would be worth my time.

The fishing far exceeded my expectations.  My largest peacock was a monster pushing the boga grip to 22.5 lbs.  I used only 1 woodchopper the entire trip.  It is now void of paint!

Most everyone in the group of 16 landed a trophy peacock.  The water on the Rio Negro was very low with white sand beaches appearing everywhere.  The weather was "hot" with little wind or rain.

The trip was run very smoothly.  I highly recommend booking a trip with Javi Koller and going on Expedition with Pricesa Alicia.  The staff and guides are superb.  The meals were outstanding.  My guide knew the Rio very well.  It far exceeded my expectations, so I am going back in 2025.  Looks like I am again hooked on the jungle bass!  

JURASSIC LAKE LODGE/ PATAGONIA SEPTEMBER 21 TO 28, 2024

 

Had the opportunity to fish for monster rainbow trout at Jurassic Lake Lodge during September 21 to 28, 2024.  We were greeted by strong winds and frigid air temperatures.  However, the fishing was outstanding.  The top fly was again the white mop.  The rainbows were concentrated on the far right of the river mouth as the flow as changed in recent years.  The water is exceptionally low.  Then was some snow during the week and wind gusts up to 80 mph.   

The rainbows were not concentrated as much as past years most likely to the frigid air temperature.  Our rod guides constantly froze.  The largest rainbow of the week was 20+lbs weighed.  There were numerous in the 17 to 19 lbs range.  

The meals were the best I experienced at Jurassic Lake Lodge.  The road heading into the lodge from the paved highway was recently grated so easy to drive.  Rumor has it a charter will be available soon from Calafate.  

If your to do list is to catch a monster sized rainbow trout, give Jurassic Lake Lodge a try on Lago Strobel in the Patagonia region of Argentina.  I guarantee you will not be disappointed.