2024 Barry & Cathy Beck - Estancia Laguna Verde

Fly fishing in Argentina

Hosted Trip

A Barry & Cathy Beck Departure

February 1 - 12, 2024

Estancia Laguna Verde

Argentina

Take Your Travel Experience Further: The Hosted Trip Difference

Unparalleled Service and Knowledge Every Step of the Way

Dear Traveler,

Lake Strobel (aka Jurassic Lake) is a modern day success story. In 1994 Alberto Rodriguez decided to try stocking trout in Lake Strobel to expand his already successful beef and sheep ranching. He hoped to sell fish. Prior to this there were no fish at all in the lake or the Barrancoso river which feeds into the lake. What happened next was an unintended sensation in the fishing world.

Rodriguez stocked a strain of McCloud River rainbow trout in the river and the fish found their way into the lake where they gouged on caddis, midges, beetles, and scuds in the cold, well-oxygenated water. The lake was full of food and the fish didn’t have to work to find food. In this food factory they were (and still are) able to put on a staggering 2 pounds per month in the periods when they are aggressively feeding. Word got out and it wasn’t long before anglers were knocking on his door.

In early days it was an arduous overland trip into the lake but everyone agreed that the rewards were worth the trip. This was uncharted territory in many ways, the lake is situated on a plateau pretty much devoid of fauna and flora, it’s barren landscape and boulder fields give it an almost lunar feel. One might see a few guanaco or rhea, possibly a fox – but not much else. There are birds and petroglyphs in the cliffs nearby but it’s the fish that draw the people.

This is not boring lake fishing. The movement of the water moves the flies and whether you’re fishing a big Fat Albert or a couple nymphs with an indicator, the flies are bobbing up and down. The hooks must be heavy wire or they will straighten and it’s most often a soft take. Underneath are edges, boulders, drop-offs and shelfs. The water is amazingly clear and it’s often sight-fishing. It’s exciting. Fishing for the lake’s behemoth rainbows doesn’t get old. And then there’s the Barrancoso River, the lake’s only tributary with resident trout.

With special thanks to Luciano Alba, today we have Estancia Laguna Verde at water’s edge. A comfortable, 10 room, lodge with all the amenities – 24 hr. electricity, satellite TV, wireless internet, laundry service, chef-prepared meals, impressive Malbec wines, hot lunches, asados, and amazing fishing guides.

Come with us and experience this special place, it is a fishery like no other. It’s a big lake with coves, inlets, bays, and with lots of exploring to do, all while casting to fish of a lifetime!

Sincerely,

Barry & Cathy Beck

What to Expect

• At Estancia Laguna Verde, catch a trout of a lifetime with miles of secluded shoreline along the famous Lago Strobel (aka Jurassic Lake).

• Fish one of the many smaller lakes inside the ranch for big trout.

• When not on the water, be taken away by the sunrises and sunsets, fine Argentine wines, and asados.

About the Lodge

Laguna Verde: There’s truly no place like Laguna Verde. It’s remote, wild, and definitely worth the ride in from Calafate. Once settled in at the lodge, guests are treated to what is probably the best big trout fishing in the world. When not fishing, enjoy the comforts of the lodge and Roberto’s impressive wine collection. It’s hard to believe that such comfort and cuisine is possible while being so remote. Go once and you’ll most likely have to return.

About Barry & Cathy Beck

Longtime Frontiers trip hosts and photographers, the Becks travel far and wide to follow their love for fly fishing and nature photography. Based in Pennsylvania, Barry and Cathy write books, host fly fishing departures, lead African photo safaris, and operate a stock photography business. The Becks are well-known in the fishing, photography, and travel industries, and possess a stellar reputation for their skill, knowledge, and expertise.

Their books include Cathy Beck’s Fly Fishing Handbook, now in its third edition; Fly Waters Near and Far; Fly Fishing the Flats; and a coffee table book of photographs from around the world.

Proposed Itinerary for Laguna Verde Lodge

February 1 - 12, 2024

Thursday, February 1

Depart U.S.A. via overnight flight service to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Friday, February 2

Arrive Buenos Aires, Ezeiza International Airport. Clear immigration, collect luggage and proceed through customs. You will be met just outside the customs area by a Frontiers arranged guide, who will provide your transfer to the Sofitel Recoleta Hotel, where accommodations will be confirmed and prepaid on your behalf for one night.

Saturday, February 3

At a pre-arranged time, you will be met by a Frontiers arranged guide, who will assist with luggage and provide your private transfer to the J. Newbery Domestic Airport; and assist you with check-in for your flight to El Calafate. Depart Buenos Aires via commercial flight service to El Calafate.

Arrive El Calafate. Upon arrival, a representative of Laguna Verde will meet you and provide your transfer to the lodge, approximately a five-hour drive. There will be no fishing on arrival. Remainder of day at leisure. Overnight accommodations at Estancia Laguna Verde.

Sunday, February 4 - Friday, February 9

Six full days of fishing on the private estancia, which features miles of secluded shoreline of the famous Lago Strobel (aka Jurassic Lake), and numerous small Lagunas inside the ranch. There is no strict itinerary for Laguna Verde, and fishing spots may change according to the prevailing weather conditions and your physical requirements. Depending on the water level and the activity of the fish at the time, the Barrancoso River can be waded during your stay. The fishing options at Laguna Verde are numerous but all offer the chance at catching a trout of a lifetime.

Saturday, February 10

After breakfast and packing, your guide will provide your transfer to the El Calafate Airport, about five hours, and assist with check-in for flight service to Buenos Aires.

Depart Calafate via commercial flight service to Buenos Aires.

Arrive Buenos Aires, J. Newbery Domestic Airport. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by a Frontiers arranged guide, who will provide your transfer to the Sofitel Recoleta Hotel, where accommodations will be confirmed and prepaid on your behalf for one night.

Sunday, February 11

At a pre-arranged time, you will be met by a Frontiers arranged guide, who will provide your transfer to Ezeiza International Airport, and assist you with check-in for your flight home

Depart Buenos Aires, Ezeiza International airport via overnight commercial flight service to U.S.A.

Monday, February 12

Arrive U.S.A. Clear Customs; make connections home.

Rates

Fishing Package: $6,700* per person for 7 nights/6 days based on double occupancy and shared guide

Buenos Aires Arrangements (hotels & transfers): TBD and added to the final payment invoice.

Inclusions: All-inclusive fishing arrangements (accommodations, all meals, beverages with lodge/ program meals; transfers to/from lodge/river; one guide per two anglers; and round-trip transfers to/from Calafate Airport or El Clafate hotel).

Exclusions: Hotel accommodations; necessary Buenos Aires transfers to/from airports; meals where not indicated; special transfers, extras (room service, telephone calls, laundry, gratuities, alcoholic beverages except where specified by lodge), and airfare.

Deposit Payment Refund Policy: A non-refundable deposit of 50 % of the land cost is due at time of reservation. Balance payable at time of final land package invoicing. Final / full payment is also non-refundable unless client replacement is provided.

*Rates subject to change.

Your Airline Connection

In addition to providing a superior experience while you’re fishing in South America, the Airline Department at Frontiers can coordinate all of your travel logistics to and from Buenos Aires.

Frontiers Contact

Our team of highly specialized agents coordinate every last detail of your trip. For this hosted departure, please contact:

Hank Ingram

South

America Department Manager

Toll-free: 1-800-245-1950

Phone: 724-935-1577

hingram@frontierstravel.com

Ben Hoffman

South America Program Manager

Toll-free: 1-800-245-1950

Phone: 724-935-1577

bhoffman@frontierstravel.com