On the shores of Lago Strobel, the question is not whether you will hook a big fish. It is whether your gear will hold when it happens. The rainbows of Jurassic Lake regularly pass the ten pound mark, the wind blows without warning, and the weakest link in your bag gets found out fast. Here is what I prepare with my anglers before each stay, based on the lodge’s recommendations and on what I have seen hold, or break, out there.
Two single-hand rods, not one
The base setup comes down to two rods. For the middle and upper sections of the Barrancoso river, a 4-5 weight with a floating line is enough: the fish run up from the lake and are fished close, sometimes on dries, in very little water. Bring a large arbor reel with backing, 9 foot leaders from 0X to 2X, and tippet from 0X to 3X.
For the lake and the lower river, step up to a 7-8: a WF floating line, an intermediate and a sink tip to cover every layer of water, and a large arbor loaded with 100 to 150 metres of 30 pound backing. That is not a luxury. A Strobel rainbow heading for open water does not stop out of politeness.
The two-handed rod, your answer to the wind
The wind is part of the scenery, to the point that a 7-8 two-handed rod changes the hard days: a scandi line, sink tips, 9 foot leaders in 0X or 1X. When the gusts shut down normal casting, the spey keeps laying it out cleanly. If you have been meaning to learn, this is the trip that justifies it.
Waders and boots: the felt rule
Lightweight breathable waders do the job. One absolute rule on these waters though: no felt soles. The lake and the river are didymo-free, and the lodge cleans every pair of waders and boots on arrival to keep them that way. Bring rubber soles, and arrive with clean, dry gear.
Flies: hooks that do not open
Strobel is fished with regular trout flies, simply bigger than usual, and above all tied on strong hooks. Cheap hooks open up, it is as simple as that.
On top: red or chartreuse Humpy in 10, white Wulff Irresistible in 10, Goddard Caddis in 10, black beetles in 12 on heavy hooks, rubber leg hoppers and chubbies in 10, and a few black midges in 14 for the quiet moments.
Under the surface: heavy nymphs first. Rubber leg Prince in 12, orange, pink, pearl or tan scuds in 10, San Juan Worm in 12, rubber leg Hare’s Ear in 12, all on reinforced hooks.
Streamers: balanced leeches in black, olive, chartreuse or claret in 6, black and peacock Wooly Bugger in 10, Yellow Yummy in 8, Buoface in black, olive or purple in 6.
One rule worth knowing: beads and egg rigs are not allowed on these waters. And if you would rather travel light, the lodge runs a fly shop with local patterns tied by the guides; ask me to reserve a kit of 24 to 48 flies before departure.
Dressing for the Strobel
The Strobel plateau earns its reputation: hard sun at altitude, wind, big temperature swings within a single day. The answer is three layers: a breathable base, a fleece or down jacket, and a waterproof windproof shell on top. Add a cap and a beanie, a neck gaiter, light gloves for cold mornings, polarised glasses to spot fish in the waves, and serious sunscreen: at this altitude, under this sky, the sun forgives no more than the trout do.
Frequently asked questions
- If I bring only one rod, which one?
- The 7-8 with a floating and an intermediate line. It covers the lake, the bay and the lower river, where the biggest fish are caught.
- Are felt soles really banned?
- Yes. The Strobel waters are didymo-free and the lodge intends to keep them that way. Rubber soles only, and clean gear on arrival.
- Can you buy flies at the lodge?
- Yes, the lodge fly shop carries local patterns tied by the guides that you will not find in any store. The simplest option is to ask me for a reserved kit before you arrive.
This list completes the preparation for the Jurassic Lake fishing trip. For the rest of the bag, the Patagonia gear guide still applies. And for a reserved fly kit or a spare rod, write to me before departure.
Baptiste Conquet
State-certified fly fishing guide and instructor. I guide in Aveyron and Lozère, and design fishing trips to Argentine Patagonia, Jurassic Lake and the golden dorado waters.
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