EL CHALTEN, ARGENTINA

 

During each visit to Argentina, I try to spend at least a week visiting friends and exploring the Country.  During my recent fishing trip to Jurassic Lake Lodge, I spent a few days in El Calafate.  While there, I took a boat tour in Los Glaciers National Park and took a bus tour to the town of El Chalten.  El Chalten is a couple of hours from El Calafate. 

It is located in the Santa Cruz Province and is known as "National Capitol of Trekking".  It is the gateway to trails surrounding the peaks of Cerro Torre & Mount Fitz Roy.  There are roughly 350 residents in El Chalten and more hotels than one can count.  During the tour I hiked up a trail to the top and was rewarded with a fantastic view of the City. 

Next year, I hope to stay a few days in El Chalten and hike the vast trails which surround the mountain peaks.

LA ZONA ARGENTINA OCTOBER 7 TO 10

 

October is the beginning of Spring in the Southern Hemisphere.  One never knows whether water levels will be high or low or know whether the outside temperatures will be cold so lots of factors will determine catch rates.  Argentina has become my home away from home.  On this special trip, I will be in my 2nd home for over a month fishing at Jurassic Lake Lodge down South then fishing at La Zona up North.  I always spend time at the Grand King Hotel which is located in Buenos Aires's City Center.  Here i have the opportunity to visit old friends and seek out new restaurant. La Zona is a special place for me.  I have had the opportunity to fish there every year since the opening except the covid years. This October we were met with low, cold water conditions. 

Guides Alejandro and Elbio said the fishing is good with gold spoons casted near huge boulders will be the ticket for trophy golden dorado. 

The guides were right on.  For the trip our group of 4 landed 19 dorado exceeding 30 pounds.  Of the 19, 10 pushed the boga past the 40 pound mark with the largest weighing in at 48 pounds.  Generation by the Salto Grande Dam is the key as it sets off a dinner bell for the big dorado.  We experienced a few hours of generation each day.  At LaZona Lodge, Chef Santiago, went way out of his way packing a few pounds on all of us. 

Also was great to see old friends Giuliana and Hector Brabandini who are the lodge owners.  Friends Jorge and Mateo from Concordia also made a visit.  If your after a trophy golden dorado, LaZona Lodge is the place where are the records are set.  The lodge boasts the best guides and chef on the Uruguay River.  Anxious to return for another visit to my 2nd home next April!  Already counting the days!!!

JURASSIC LAKE LODGE SEPTEMBER 2022

 

Wow! Wow! Wow! I took friend, Nick, to the mouth of the Barrancoso River and that is all he could say.  The river was stacked full of giant rainbow trout pushing their way up the Barrancoso to complete their spawning.  Our group of 9 arrived at Jurassic Lake Lodge on September 17.  Many in the group have casted a fly into Lago Strobel numerous times.  Strobel sits in the Santa Cruz Province about a 6 hrs drive from El Calafate. 

This is definitely rainbow trout heaven!! During our stay we had a day or 2 of little wind which is unheard of for Strobel.  Winds averaging 40 to 50mph are the norm here and the rainbows love it.  During our stay balanced leech and mop flies were on fire!! Jurassic Lake Lodge sits about a 5 minute walk from the rivermouth of the Barranoso which is the only river feeding the lake.  The Bay of Pigs and the Aquarium Pool are also top beats within walking distance. 

For the stay, 7 rainbows over 20 lbs were landed with 23lbs topping the charts.  They were more rainbows between 15 to 20lbs then we could count.  The temperatures were cold in the mornings warming up in the afternoon.  We encountered a little snow on the drive from El Calafate. The Jurassic Lake Guides are tremendous.  A few in the group were new to fly fishing and within a few hours under the guides teachings they were casting like experienced fly casters.  In all another great trip to Jurassic.  Anxious to return end of April to battle the giant "chromers" and visit old friends!!