Fishing
Estancia Laguna Verde offers exclusive access to almost nine miles of Lago Strobel’s shoreline, stretching east from the mouth of the Barrancoso river, the lake’s only tributary, and including the very best of the protected bays and points on the entire lake. In addition to that, more than six miles of the river itself runs though the estancia proper, offering our guests exclusive access to over ninety percent of its fishable water. Both the river and the lake are gin-clear throughout the season, and offer sight fishing with dries, nymphs, or streamers to rainbows that for the most part anywhere else in the world are likely to appear only within the space of dreams. Even at full capacity the estancia’s shoreline on these two waters alone has more than twice as many beats as it can fill, although with waters of this size and a fishery of this quality it hardly matters anyway.
And as if that weren’t enough, the property also hosts a variety of smaller lakes within it, twelve of which are chained together by the amazingly spring like stream called Moro Creek. Many of these smaller lakes hold browns and brook trout in addition to the famous rainbows that have made the area a top destination worldwide for more than a decade now, and Moro Creek acts as all three species’ highway for travel between them. The lakes themselves fish well throughout the season, while the creek is best in November and December. Laguna Texas and Laguna Verde especially, upon which the lodge itself sits, are full of browns and brook trout of eye popping proportions.
Almost all of the fishing on the estancia can and should be done with floating lines, and anglers generally fish six, seven, or eight weight rods. Counter to some anglers’ intuition, larger streamers are not only unnecessary here, but generally less effective than smaller flies.
All necessary gear can be provided by the lodge whenever that is needed, but for those anglers bringing their own kit, a variety of foam bodied dries in sizes eight through two, some buggers and zonkers in sizes six through two, and plenty of smaller nymphs and scuds will all do the trick. Ox tippet is the norm almost all the time, and reels with good drag systems and plenty of backing are a must.
Temperatures can vary widely throughout the season and not always in predictable ways, so plan for everything from bluebird days in short sleeves wet wading to cold windy days in waders and fleece with a gore-tex jacket. And be ready to have fun no matter what; you’re not going to forget your time at Estancia Laguna Verde!
Accommodations
Lodging for our Lago Strobel itineraries is provided in an extremely comfortable original estancia house, situated on Laguna Verde’s shoreline, complete with 24 hour wind generated electricity and hot water, satellite internet and telephone, a full bar, and executive chef prepared meals, allowing for an exceptional level of comfort in this most remote region of Santa Cruz. Non fishing activities on the estancia include hiking, bird watching/wildlife viewing, and visits to the many ancient Tehuelche cave painting and archaeological sites scattered throughout the estancia.
The lodge can accommodate up to ten anglers at a time, with seven double bedrooms each with two single beds and its own in suite bathroom. The spacious living room also sports a 42’ LCD TV set, fly tying station, and library. Laundry service is provided twice a week, and the staff of the lodge is friendly and helpful in terms of any and all special requests.
Cuisine
Breakfasts and Dinners at Estancia Laguna Verde are prepared by the lodge’s executive chef and sous chef team, while lunches are prepared out on the water by our guides.
Breakfast is served buffet style, with coffee, tea, fruit juices, dairy products, ham, eggs, toasts, freshly baked bread, butter, local jams and jellies, honey, cereals, and more, with special items available upon request.
For lunch our guests enjoy hot meals prepared wherever fishing is happening in the middle of the fishing day, consisting of a variety of grilled meats or freshly caught trout with salads, breads, cold cuts, cheeses, fruits, and side dishes. Coffee and tea are also available any time of day or night, as well as other snacks such as cookies, crackers, and sandwiches, and of course a wide variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Each night our chef and sous chef prepare a world class three-course menu for our guests including local appetizers, a main course, an amazing array of side dishes, and desert.
Travel Details
Flights for this package arrive in and depart from Calafate, Argentina, (airport code FTE), and the rates are all inclusive from the time of your pickup at the airport to the time of your drop off for the flight home. You will most likely arrive first in Argentina by landing at Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) and will then need to board a ground transfer (bus or cab of approx 45 minutes drive across the city) to Buenos Aires Domestic 
Airport (AEP) for your flight down to Patagonia. Several reliable ground transport services are available including Manuel Tienda Leon, which runs both buses and private cars between airports with departures approximately every thirty minutes (+/- $15 US dollars for bus, or +/-$35 for private car). You will likely see their ticket counter upon exiting the baggage claim area; if not, then just ask any airport employee and they will point you in the right direction. Independent taxis parked at the curb without reception-desk representation are not reliable and should not be used.
Our staff will then meet you just outside baggage claim at the airport in Calafate, and all of your transportation will be provided from that point on until you are dropped off at the airport again for your return flights home.
Rates
Always remember, our services are provided absolutely free; booking a trip through Hemispheres Unlimited WILL NEVER COST YOU A SINGLE PENNY MORE than booking it directly with the lodge or outfitter, but does reap the benefits of our extensive experience with that destination, as well as our ongoing support services available to you at any time prior to, during, or even after your trip.
Estancia Laguna Verde is open every year from November 1st through May 1st. Package rates (quoted in US dollars) are per person even for single travelers, and include everything except flights, laundry, international telephone service, and guide/staff gratuities.
2024/25 Season Rates:
- Full week all inclusive program with six and a half days fishing, seven nights - $7,500
- Half week all inclusive program with three and a half days fishing, four nights - $5,400
*Custom planned trips are also available for this destination; Contact us today for available dates and details, and get started on your way to this dream-trip of a lifetime to see just why Jurassic Lake has captured the hearts and imaginations of so many fly fishermen from across the globe.
