Just back from another trip to Lago Strobel; long old haul and pretty tiring! But well worth the effort; it’s a special place. A bonus is the Lodge and the people at Estancia Laguna Verde, where one is wonderfully well looked after. 

The weather - windy and cold - was challenging, just as it was last year and it’s not a place for the faint-hearted or beginner caster. But it belongs on everyone’s bucket list if the goal is wild rainbow trout of occasionally astounding proportions. 

Click in images to enlarge them

The 20 pounder. Picture per Peter Cockwill.

Over the years, I’ve encountered some big, double-figure trout but this time, this 20 pounder set the bar considerably higher! I’ve always hoped to get stuck into one of Strobel’s true leviathans and on at least three previous occasions, there were chances, but no cigars! This year this 33 inch fish - which was accurately weighed at 20 pounds before being released - was pretty special. 

The Barrancosa River flows into Lago Strobel and is host to a resident population of gorgeous trout, as well as those migrating up from the lake. With a 6 weight bamboo rod, just so much fun! The fish rise freely to the dry fly and the bigger specimens can be a handful. 

The Barrancoso reminds me of the Cape freestone streams. Huge fish at times, but a river to feel at home on! Nice bend in the bamboo rod...

The ubiquitous Toyota is the vehicle of choice in this neck of the woods. It is truly four wheel drive country! 

In the words of General McArthur “I shall return!” 

Clem Booth