The Rio Barrancoso, Patagonia

As the sole tributary feeding Lago Strobel, this picturesque river is the heartbeat of the region and arguably one of the finest trophy trout streams in the world. Best of all, the premier fishing spots are just a short stroll from our front door. The sheer abundance of trout in the runs and pools of the Rio Barrancoso is truly astonishing!

Introduction

Overview of the Rio Barrancoso, Patagonia

The Rio Barrancoso, the sole tributary of Lago Strobel, is a premier trophy trout stream just a short walk from our lodge. With an astonishing number of trout in its runs and pools, it’s truly a fishing paradise.

During the early season, high water transforms the river into a prime spawning ground for Lago Strobel’s trout, which feed aggressively after winter. As flows drop, these fish continue to gather at the river’s mouth, taking advantage of its cool waters.

Anglers can use floating lines and familiar techniques, whether they’re casting dry flies, drifting nymphs, or working streamers. The Rio Barrancoso stands out for its impressive trout size and numbers.

Jurassic Lake Lodge guests enjoy exclusive access to the best fishing spots along the Rio Barrancoso, allowing for a private and unforgettable experience all season long.

Lower Section

Welcome to the most productive stretch of the river, where massive trout migrate year-round through the inlet, leading to truly impressive catch rates. Alongside the inviting small pools, anglers can experience our unique “aquarium”—a large pool in the middle of this section where fish gather before continuing their migration. For this area, we recommend using a 7-weight rod, with streamers proving particularly effective in both the river and the aquarium. Discover the thrill of fishing in this extraordinary spot!

Middle Section

Despite the fact that most of the larger lake fish cannot reach this stretch of the river, it still delivers an outstanding angling experience amidst stunning natural beauty. Spanning 10 kilometers of freestone waters, this section harbors trout weighing up to 10 pounds—a remarkable catch by any river’s standards.

Upper Section

The upper section of the Barrancoso River boasts over 20 kilometers of pristine, unexplored waters. If you’re seeking a thrilling fishing adventure in some of the most untouched areas of Patagonia, this section offers the perfect challenge and an unforgettable experience.

Headwaters

The headwaters of the Barrancoso River, spanning an almost untouched 15 kilometers, remain largely unexplored. While access may be challenging, this hidden gem is a dream come true for adventurous anglers in search of a pristine, untouched river experience—offering unrivaled solitude and an authentic connection with nature’s raw beauty.

Fishing the Mouth of the Barrancoso

If we were pressed to name the most extraordinary 100 yards of trophy trout water in the world, we wouldn’t hesitate. With absolute certainty, we’d say, “It’s where Argentina’s Rio Barrancoso meets Lago Strobel.” Having received feedback from most of our customers we have sent there, we can confidently say that in all our years of selling fly fishing, we’ve never encountered anything remotely close. Some call it surreal, others say it’s beyond comprehension, but let’s cut to the chase—this is Jurassic Lake Lodge at its finest.

The mouth of the Barrancoso is one of those rare, world-class fly fishing spots that most anglers only dream of. It’s the very heartbeat of Jurassic Lake’s legendary reputation, a mystical, magical stretch of water that has earned its place among the best on the planet.

If you’ve fished Lago Strobel but haven’t experienced the mouth of the Barrancoso, you haven’t truly discovered the essence of Jurassic Lake. This is where the magic happens.

Fishing Lago Strobel: The Ultimate Fly Fishing Adventure

Perched at 3,000 feet in the rugged heart of Patagonia, Lago Strobel is no ordinary lake—it’s a vast, windswept oasis in the wild, remote desert of Southern Argentina. Here, in the cold, shimmering turquoise waters, thrives one of the world’s most extraordinary populations of rainbow trout. Fueled by an abundant diet of scuds and aquatic insects, these trout grow to jaw-dropping sizes, thanks to the lake’s rich food supply, minimal fishing pressure, and near-absence of natural predators.

For guests of Jurassic Lake Lodge, fishing Lago Strobel is nothing short of exhilarating. Whether you’re casting streamers, dry flies, nymphs, or scud patterns, every cast holds the promise of something spectacular. While floating lines are the go-to choice, intermediate or sinking lines can be game-changers depending on conditions. The secret? A slow, steady retrieve that will tempt even the most elusive trout. And for those who crave the thrill of sight casting, calm mornings and evenings provide prime opportunities to target cruising giants right before your eyes.

Jurassic Lake Lodge offers access to miles of prime Lago Strobel shoreline, dotted with secluded bays and wind-sheltered coves—each a haven of productive fishing just waiting to be explored. This is more than a fishing trip; it’s an unforgettable adventure into the untamed wilderness of Jurassic Lake, where the trout are as legendary as the landscape itself.

Fishing the Moro Creek & Lagoons: A Hidden Gem in Patagonia

Moro Creek and its network of serene ponds and lagoons are a stunning and unique feature of the Jurassic Lake Lodge property. This small, wild creek, a tributary of the upper Rio Barrancoso, comes to life during the Spring runoff, when snowmelt from the mountains floods these intimate waters, inviting trout to explore and thrive in this untouched paradise.

What makes Moro Creek so special is the contrast it offers from the vast, windswept expanse of Lago Strobel. While the lake is awe-inspiring, some anglers crave a more personal, quieter experience. Moro Creek and its lagoons offer exactly that—a secluded corner of Patagonia where you can connect with nature and enjoy a slower, more intimate pace of fly fishing. Here, wild rainbow trout eagerly rise to dry flies or strike with force at drifting nymphs, making each cast a thrilling encounter.

The trout in Moro Creek may not reach the monstrous sizes of their Lago Strobel cousins, but they make up for it with their eagerness and energy. With very few anglers throughout the year, these waters remain as wild and remote as ever—a true glimpse of what fly fishing in Patagonia might have felt like centuries ago. For those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure, Moro Creek offers a fly fishing experience unlike any other.

The Jurassic Lake Lodge

Experience Ultimate Comfort and World-Class Fishing at Jurassic Lake Lodge

Imagine relaxing in the luxurious comfort of Jurassic Lake Lodge, gazing out over a breathtaking panoramic view where the Barrancoso River flows into the legendary Strobel Lake. Just steps from the Lodge’s front door lies one of the most incredible trophy rainbow trout fisheries in the world. On any given day, from the cozy front room, you might witness a fellow angler landing the biggest rainbow trout of their life—a moment you’ll never forget.

In the early days of Strobel Lake, anglers braved the elements, staying in a humble tent camp near the shoreline. The fishing was nothing short of spectacular, but the accommodations left much to be desired. Fast forward to today, and the experience has been completely transformed. In 2016, the camp evolved into a stunning, modern lodge. With room for up to ten guests, Jurassic Lake Lodge offers both single and double occupancy rooms, each with a private bathroom and hot shower—an oasis of comfort in the remote wilderness of Southern Argentine Patagonia. Despite its isolated location, the Lodge keeps you connected with satellite phones, satellite TV, high-speed internet, and 24-hour electricity powered by solar energy.

When you’re not fishing, indulge in the warmth and hospitality that Southern Argentina is famous for. The Lodge’s dedicated chef serves up hearty, delicious meals featuring the famous Argentinian “Asado” barbecues and succulent Patagonian lamb sourced from local estancias. Paired with exquisite Argentinian wines and a well-stocked bar offering a superb selection of single malts and blended whiskies, every meal becomes a highlight of your stay.

Join us next season at Jurassic Lake Lodge, where the trophy rainbow trout fishing continues to be unparalleled, and the recently expanded Lodge offers unmatched comfort and amenities to enhance your unforgettable adventure in Patagonia.

Meet the Legendary Guides of Jurassic Lake Lodge

Masters of Patagonia’s Greatest Waters

At Jurassic Lake Lodge, our fishing guides aren’t just experts—they’re legends of the Patagonian wilderness. Each guide brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and years of experience navigating the world-renowned waters of Lago Strobel and the Barrancoso River. Their dedication to the craft of fly fishing, combined with an intimate understanding of these untamed waters, turns an already exceptional fishing trip into an unforgettable adventure.

Our guides know every hidden cove, every promising riffle, and the exact moment when conditions are perfect for hooking one of the lake’s famed trophy rainbow trout. With their expert guidance, you’ll master techniques for landing fish of a lifetime, whether you’re drifting nymphs or casting streamers to cruising giants. Every cast with these pros becomes a thrill, as they offer tips, tricks, and stories that elevate your fishing experience to new heights.

But it’s not just their skills that set them apart—it’s their genuine enthusiasm and deep connection to Patagonia’s wilderness. Whether you’re battling fierce winds on Lago Strobel or fishing the more intimate waters of Moro Creek, they’ll be right there beside you, sharing in every hard-earned triumph and every pulse-racing moment.

On top of their fishing expertise, our guides are your gateway to the rich culture and history of the region. They know the land like the back of their hand, and their love for this wild, rugged corner of the world is contagious. By the end of your stay, they’re not just your guides; they’re part of your adventure, ensuring you leave with stories, memories, and experiences that last a lifetime.

Join us at Jurassic Lake Lodge, where our guides take you on the fly fishing journey of a lifetime. With their expert direction, you’ll not only conquer Patagonia’s legendary waters—you’ll do it with confidence, excitement, and the thrill of knowing you’re in the hands of true masters.