Fly fishing in Patagonia is a unique experience. Imagine casting to big, healthy trout in crystal clear water without seeing another person all day. There are miles of still and moving waters throughout Nahuel Huapi National Park with very little fishing pressure. Our waters offer a complete variety of different types of fishing, from big dry flies and weighted streamers to tiny emergers, nymphs and spinners. We fish both floating and sinking lines, dry and wet flies at different times of the season and throughout the day. When fishing the Manso River, much of your fishing will be with streamers and sinking lines. Hatches on much of the river are sporadic and the biggest fish are best drawn out with streamer patterns. There are several sections where nymphs are especially effective, and a tiny spring creek where sight casting to cruising fish can be a delightful change of pace.

The Channels of the river emptying Lago Hess are justly famous for their unique blend of big fish and technical fishing. The Channels' smooth currents provide a great dry fly challenge for any angler. Similar in nature to a big spring creek, large fish often cruise this area or setup along the banks making this a required stop for any Rio Manso angler. Even though the fish can be selective, for many guests this is their favorite section. For good reason: some of the largest fish in the watershed live in this area.

One of the jewels at Rio Manso Lodge is Lago Fonck. This four mile long lake offers big rainbows, browns and brook trout. Depending on the time of year, we fish streamers and dry flies on the lake, often both during a typical day. Dragon flies, damsels, and caddis flies all hatch on the lake and the trout cruise the lakeshore weed beds in search of a meal. We fish the edges from one of our Carolina skiffs, working the structure where rainbow and brook trout lay, with the occasional brown as well. With the added bonus of spotting an Andean Condor circling overhead, and beautiful Mount Tronador in the distance, a day on Fonck is always special.

The fishing season in Argentina runs from the beginning of November until the end of April. It is the exact opposite of the North American season, with our longest day of the year falling on December 21. Rio Manso Lodge is open for the entire season. Here’s an idea of what to expect:

Early Season: Early November – Mid January

These months are often marked by high water, which gradually recedes in December. We’ll start the season fishing lots of weighted streamers on sinking lines. Mayfly and caddis hatches beginning in November will intensify in December providing increasingly better dry fly fishing. Early to middle December will see dragonflies hatching on the lakes and rivers bringing up the biggest fish and providing exciting dry fly action. Dragon fly nymphs and wooly buggers are very effective at this time.

Summer Season: Late January - Mid March

Excellent evening dry fly action continues into January. The river channels near the lodge feature multiple mayfly and caddis hatches that bring the fish up, especially early and late in the day. As temps warm in February, day time fishing can slow down on both the river and in the lakes. Terrestrials play an increasingly important role in the daily diet as summer progresses.

Fall Season: Late March - End of April

As Fall approaches, water temperatures begin to cool and the fish become more active. Evening fishing is characterized by a brief flurry of activity right before dark while most daytime fishing is with streamers or large attractor dry flies. Big rubber legged dries work well in the lakes. April is when the big browns become aggressive prior to spawning season.

Rio Manso Lodge is the only full service hotel located in the southwestern part of Nahuel Huapi National Park. This immense nearly 2 million acre reserve is the oldest national park in Argentina. Because of our unique location, we’re ideally situated to provide travelers with a well-appointed base of operations for fishing, exploring, birding, rafting, horseback riding or just plain relaxing. The surrounding old growth forests contain alerce, or Patagonia cedar trees, which are among the oldest trees in the world. Some specimens are up to 3,000 years old. Walking through these woods you might see a variety of wildlife inhabitants, including deer, fox, and if you’re really lucky, the elusive cougar. Returning to the lodge each day, take a sauna or enjoy a massage to relax before an elegant four star meal prepared by our professional chef.

Meals are served in the main dining room and are the fitting conclusion to a day on the water or exploring the wonders of Patagonia. Our professionally trained chef will concoct delightful cuisine that reflects an international flavor made with the freshest of ingredients. Gone are the days when traveling to Argentina meant eating meat at every meal. You’re as likely to have pasta, fish or chicken as beef at our table. Vegetarian meals are available for our guests. We serve a wide variety of dishes that reflect both the cultural diversity of the area and the worldly influence of today’s culinary landscape. All our meals are served with complimentary Argentine wines. Should you have any special dietary needs, we are more than happy to develop a special menu for you.

However, we have not forgotten our roots and the local custom of the Argentine asado. One of the highlights of the week, this traditional Argentine grill features such items as beef, lamb and pork. An Argentine asado typically has a sequence of meats presented by the asador (the cook). First are the chorizos (sausages), morcillas (black pudding) chinchulines (chitterlings), mollejas (sweetbread) and other organs, often accompanied by provoleta, a grilled cheese dish. Then costillas or asado de tira (ribs) are served. Next comes vacío or matambre (flank steak), and possibly chicken and chivito (baby goat). An asado also includes bread, a simple mixed salad of, for instance, lettuce, tomato and onions, or it could be accompanied with verdurajo (grilled vegetables), a mixture made of potatoes, corn, onion and eggplant cooked on the parrilla and seasoned with olive oil and salt. No matter what you try, it’s all part of the adventure at Rio Manso Lodge.

Super Convenient: Arrive in Bariloche. The Lodge will arrange transfers to and from the lodge. Transfers to and from the lodge is included in the rate below.

NOV 1-APRIL 30 2023-2024 SEASON

WEEKLY PACKAGE
7 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS
Fishing Guests: $5,950
Non Fishing Guests: $3,850
Supplement for Single Guest: $300

NIGHTLY RATES
(NOV 1 – APRIL 30)
Fishing Guests: $850
Non Fishing Guests: $550
Supplement for Single Guest: $300

Included
The above rates include airport transfers to and from Bariloche area, lodging, all meals and snacks, all beverages including wine and alcohol, laundry, internet, guided fishing (1 guide for every 2 anglers), fishing license, and non-fishing guided activities.

Not Included
Personal fishing gear, gratuities for staff and guide, long distance telephone calls, massages (available upon request).


Non-Fishing Activities

Explore 2 Million acres of Nahuel Huapi National Park

Guided hiking trips from the lodge or walks to nearby waterfall.

Guided trekking to higher peaks in the region including Cerro Tronador where you may spend the night and ski the glacier.

Birding led by Dr. Lorenzo Sympson, a noted authority on Andean Condors. Magellanic Woodpeckers, Austral Parakeets, endangered Tronador Duck and Andean Condor.

Water Exploration. Boat tour of the surrounding lakes.

White Water Rafting

Horseback riding

Sip local wines by the fire.

Sauna and massage.