Jurassic Lake

Lago Strobel, Santa Cruz, Argentina · Fly Fishing · Advanced

A remote alkaline lake on the Patagonian steppe with no natural predators and vast scud populations, growing rainbow trout to extraordinary sizes. Ten-pound fish are considered average here.

Getting there & access

  • Fish from: land-based

NO PUBLIC ROAD ACCESS: Strobel is a remote plateau lake reached across private estancia land, and it is fished through the lodges that hold that access, booked well in advance. There is no walk-on option, and the practical planning question is which lodge rather than which bank. PERMIT: a Santa Cruz sport fishing permit is personal, obligatory and non-transferable, obtained through SIPESQ at pesca.santacruz.gob.ar and carried printed or digital, to be shown with photo ID whenever a control officer asks. Permits come as daily, weekly or seasonal, and non-resident rates are several times the resident ones; over-65s, retirees, pensioners, under-12s, people with disabilities and Falklands veterans fish free. The provincial season ran 1 October to 1 May in 2025/2026. CATCH AND RELEASE: Strobel and the Barrancoso are mandatory-release water. Single barbless hooks are required during catch-and-release periods and lead weights are prohibited. DIDYMO — PLAN FOR THIS BEFORE YOU TRAVEL: Santa Cruz runs a control plan for the invasive alga Didymosphenia geminata. Strobel and the Barrancoso require daily mandatory disinfection certification, anglers entering the province are required to use new waders and boots, and service providers must issue sanitised gear to their clients. Turning up with used kit from another river is not acceptable. Enforcement is shared between the provincial police, Prefectura Naval Argentina and Gendarmería Nacional. Check the current Santa Cruz annex before booking.

Access information source

Species

  • rainbow trout

Best times to fish

  • Provincial season runs 1 Oct - 1 May
  • Calmer mornings
  • Overcast days

Recommended gear

Essential

  • 7-8 weight fly rod
  • Scud patterns and large streamers
  • Chest waders
  • Serious windproof clothing

Optional

  • Lodge package — the lake is extremely remote
  • Backup rod
  • Sun protection

Regulations and requirements

  • Santa Cruz provincial fishing licence required
  • Access is via private lodges only; there are no public roads or facilities
  • Catch-and-release with barbless hooks is enforced

Rules change regularly — always confirm with the relevant fisheries authority before you fish.

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