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Cuba

• Season: Nov-Dec
• Travel: Arrive Bariloche, drive 45 minutes SW to the lodge.
• Recommended stay: 4-7 nights
• Fishing: Rivers, lakes, float and wade
• Capacity: 8 anglers

Quick Facts

Rio Manso Lodge, located in the heart of the Andes Mountains and the Nahuel Huapi National Park and may be the most picturesque Patagonia fishing lodge in Argentina.  Surrounding the Rio Manso Lodge are snow capped mountains, dense green forests, lakes and rivers.  Only an hour south of Bariloche, Rio Manso Lodge sits on a hill overlooking Hess Lake.

Rio Manso lodge can hold 16 guests in 8 rooms but has a rod limit of only 8.  Four of the main rooms have king size beds and Jacuzzis.  Two rooms have one full size bed each and the last 2 have two twin beds each.  All rooms are nicely furnished, have private bathrooms and look out at the Hess Lake and the impressive Tronador Mountain.  The Rio Manso Lodge lobby is comprised of a large living room, stone fireplace, a full bar and a fly tying bench. The meals are prepared by a professionally trained chef and are as fine as those served in Argentina’s best restaurants. Internet, laundry and phone services are also available at Rio Manso Lodge.

The Manso River is the most visually stunning river in the Nahuel Huapi National Park.  It starts from the Alerces Glacier on Mt. Tronador and cuts through dense forests and ancient lava flows.  The emerald water is incredibly clear providing a challenging angling experience. Rainbows and browns from 16 inches to 5 pounds are caught on all 5 sections of the Manso River.

The Hess, Fonck, Moscas and Mascardi Lakes are all connected by the Manso River and are located only minutes from the lodge.  The Hess Lake is known for its 20-25 inch rainbows and browns and for the insect hatch which occurs every evening, providing intense match the hatch dry fly fishing right in front of the lodge.  Fonck Lake is known for its large and numerous brook trout and sight fishing for rainbows with small dries.  In December, dry fly fishing can be red hot on all these lakes because of the abundant dragon fly hatches which the fish key in on.

A PEROLA
Fishing the Isla de Juventud
Maximum anglers: 6

This July of 2010, we explored the remote and white sanded flats of the Isla de Juventud aboard the Perola, a luxury 75 ft yacht, with polished wood, hardwood flooring and air conditioning throughout.  The open air, top deck is a social area for, well, hanging out and taking it all in.  Walk down the spiral stair case and you encounter the dinning, living room and cabins.  Six anglers are housed (boated) in 5 cabins, 4 of which have their own private bath.  Each cabin has enough space for more than 3 big duffel bags, 2.5 times more than you’ll need.  It’s the little things aboard the Perola that make life so sweet, like fresh flowers on the tables, frozen fruity drinks before lunch or napping in hammocks on deck.

The traditional course of the Perola starts from Isla de Juventude and runs west along the Archipleigo de los Canarreos, an 80 mile stretch of about 300 keys connecting to Cayo Largo.  We’ll be stopping along the way to fish particular flats, some of which are considered by the guides to have the best Tarpon and bone fishing in Cuba.  So few people explore these flats that up on the Coral keys the sea turtles, iguanas and pelicans seem indifferent to humans.  The Isla de Juventude, once known as “Parrot Island” was an old hide out for famous pirates like Francis Drake and was the inspirations behind Robert Stevenson’s Treasure Island.

SOL CLUB MELIA RESORT
Fishing Cayo Largo
Maximum anglers: 6

We are hosting a trip at the Sol Club Melia this April 13-21, 2012. Email us if you’d like to join!

The Sol Cayo Largo All Inclusive Resort is located on Cayo Largo del Sur, right in the middle of the Caribbean, to the south of Cuba, in a natural environment with pristine beaches surrounded by palm trees, coconut groves and coral reefs.   Cayo Largo is situated in the Canarreos Archipelago, on the southwestern coast of Cuba and belongs to “Municipio Especial Isla de la Juventud”.  Only 5 minutes from the International Airport, the resort is easy to get to  and ideal for families. Here anglers can chase flats species while their non-fishing family members enjoys the 27 km of white sandy beaches, cocktails in the pool, or participate in any of the activities provided by the resort.

The Sol Club Cayo Largo is the finest resort on the island.  It offers a total of 296 comfortable rooms with a terrace or balcony overlooking the ocean, including 8 Junior Suites and 52 deluxe rooms. The hotel provides a Club House for daytime activities, three restaurants, Spanish classes, cocktail and cooking classes, party hall, karaoke night club, a dive school nearby, health center with gym, sauna, jacuzzi and steam bath, two tennis courts with artificiallighting, multi-purpose courts, bikes, ecological excursions, dancing classes, water sports and a theater.

With very limited commercial fishing, Cayo Largo is an almost virgin marine park. It offers the world’s greatest opportunity at catching Permit. In 2009-2010, there were 115 Grand Slams and 34 super grand slams.  Daily protocol is Permit first, then Tarpon, then Bonefish, then hopefully Snook for the Super. Most of the fishing is from the boat, poling the 3-6 feet deep, soft sanded flats for Permit and big Bones. Baby Tarpon and Snook are found in the mangroves, while big Tarpon are found in the deeper channels. Snook can also be caught off the beaches near the hotel. Always be prepared to cast to Jacks, sharks and Cudas.

HALCON
Fishing the Jardines de la Reina
Maximum Anglers: 8-10  

The main advantage of the Halcon is that it fishes some of the best flats in Jardines de la Reina, such as Cachi Boca.  The second greatest advantage of the Halcon is that while the boast moves almost every day to a different, protected back bay, we’ll always be minutes away from the fishing grounds, meaning minimal running time to reach remote flats that have seen relatively few anglers.  If we decide to return to the Halcon for lunch in the air conditioning, it’ll only be, on average, a 20 minutes ride, round trip.  This also means we’ll be able to fish right up until dark. 

The Halcon is a 75ft, recently refurbished luxury yacht, perfect for 8-10 anglers.  It has six air conditioned cabins all with private bathrooms, showers and plenty of space.  The main deck has an air conditioned salon, great for cooling off with a cocktail while watching your recently downloaded videos shot earlier in the day. The afterdeck is the dinning area which can be open or closed off from the elements. For midsized groups who want fast access to the best flats and while not compromising comfort, the Halcon is a sure bet.

AVALON FLEET
Fishing the Jardines de la Reina
Maximum Anglers: 8

If you are prefer the finest accommodation or just want to fish the Queen’s Gardens in style, then the Avalon Fleet is for you.   This exclusive yacht has a max of 8 anglers, but capacity of 16 passengers.  Eight additional people make up the friendly staff, seeing to your comfort and every need. Each of the 8 king cabins have panoramic views, queen beds, a private bathroom, temperature controls and amble storage space. Besides the spacious air conditioned lounge inside, the main boat deck is where guests usually congregate for meals and socializing around the pool or Jacuzzi. This Luxury Mothership will be our base as we cruse the keys to access the pristine flats of Jardines de al Reina.

LA TORTUGA
Fishing the Jardines de la Reina
Maximum Anglers: 14

Permanently anchored in a protected channel of a small island in Jardines de la Reina, the Tortuga is basically a floating lodge that goes up and down with tides but never side to side from waves.  With a major renovation in 2008, the Tortuga is extremely comfortable and spacious.  Some say it is more comfortable than the other mother ships offered and after sleeping in the rooms, we agree! The lower deck you’ll find sitting areas on the bow, stern and in a spacious air conditioned living room.  Seven double rooms are located on the upper deck, all having individually adjustable air conditioning, a private full bath, water views  and electricity.

Anglers staying aboard the Tortuga will fish the flats around Jardines de la Reina for Tarpon, Bonefish and Permit.

At Fly Fishing Patagonia, we create custom-tailored fishing packages that usually incorporate rivers and lodges in Bariloche, San Martin and Junin.  This means that your Argentina Fly fishing  itinerary will be unique.   It allows our guests to experience a great deal more of Patagonia’s environment, trout waters and culture than if they were to book a week at just one lodge. To give you an idea, below are samples of Patagonia fishing trips and lodge combinations.

RECOMMEND ONE PHOTO TO THE SIDE & NO PHOTOS WITH THE ITINERARIES

Bariloche Lodge Combo

3 nights Estancia Fortin Chacabuco
4 nights at the Rio Manso Lodge
7 nights, 6 days fishing

Day 1 - At the Buenos Aires International Airport, our representative will greet you with a private transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Bariloche. We’ll pick you up and drive you 15 minutes to Estancia Fortin Chacabuco. You’ll fish the ranches private section of the Limay River until dark. This river produces more big trout than any other river in Patagonia.

Day 2 - Full day on the all walk and wade Pichi Leufu River located 1 hour east of town. This small river offers super dry fly action.

Day 3 - You’ll float all day through the private section of the Fortin Chacabuco Ranch. We’ll stop half way down at mid day for a riverside asado.

Day 4 - In the early morning hours we’ll fish the Limay and then transfer 1 hour southwest to Rio Manso Lodge and float the Manso River.  This particular section offers strong trout of fantastic color and shape. At the take out, you’ll be minutes from the lodge where your luggage will be waiting in your room.

Day 5 - Today we’ll fish a different section of the Manso and then take advantage of the evening hatches on Hess Lake located right in front of the lodge.

Day 6 - Fish either Fonck Lake for big Brook Trout or Hess Lake for fat rainbows on dries.

Day 7 - Walk and wade fish the lower section of the Manso River.

Day 8 -Drive 45 minutes to the Bariloche Airport for departure flight home.

Estimated Cost:  $4450
Call us for best times and availability 888.486.8972.

ETC

ONLY PUT TRAVEL INFO HERE THAT IS SPECIFIC TO THIS LOCATION/LODGE.  WE WILL HAVE ANOTHER PAGE FOR GENERAL FFP TRAVEL INFORMATION - ORGANIZED BY LOCATION.  TEXT BELOW WOULD NEED EDITING.  LIMIT TO ONE PHOTO.

Communication and Phone Calls
Rio Manso Lodge has internet access.  A cell phone with international capabilities will work in Argentina. Local rates will apply if you purchase an Argentina prepaid SIM card at the airport or online before you depart.  Cell phones work in towns, but reception is spotty in rural areas.

Electric current
The current is 220v and the sockets are for two round or two flat slanted prongs.  Have converters and international adapters for your appliances.

Money
The Argentine money is the peso.  Personal purchases can be made with cash pesos, dollars or credit cards.  Currency exchange houses and banks will exchange your dollars.  Some merchants offer discounts for cash.  Personal or travelers checks should not be used.. ATMs dispense pesos only.  We recommend carrying a back up stash of $300 USD and 600 pesos.

Food
The food served will be of the finest quality and usually prepared by professional chefs.  Lunch and dinner will be served with wines from Mendoza and Patagonia.

Guides
All guides are Argentine, bilingual, licensed and insured professionals.

Gratuities
Customary tips in Patagonia are; guides $60 per day with one or two anglers, and lodge staff $15 per guest, per day. Customary tips in Corrientes are; guides $50 per day with one or two anglers and lodge staff $15 per guest, per day.  At Fly Fishing Patagonia we believe tips are voluntary and depend on your satisfaction.

Time Zone
Argentina Standard Time is 3 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-3).  Their Daylight Savings Time is Dec 30 – Mar 16, during which the time is 2 hours behind GMT.

RECOMMEND THAT THIS MAP BE AN IMAGE SCREENSHOT ONLY (NOT INTERACTIVE).  GOOGLE MAPS ALLOWS THE MARKER POINT TO BE CLICKED ON, OPENING DETAILS ABOUT THE LODGE INCLUDING A BOOKING CALENDAR THAT WOULD DISTRACT FROM BOOKING THROUGH FFP

Great trout fishing, terrific guides, unbelievable weather and scenery and a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime experience...  Oscar, Justi and the entire team know how to fish, how to cook and how to take care of your every need.  Whether it be an expedition, floating down one of the beautiful Patagonia rivers, or a lodge trip punctuated with river floats, river wades and lake fishing – you cannot go wrong with Fly-Fishing Patagonia.  - Ian M

     $695/night/angler. 
     $445/night/non-angler.
     Double occupancy

• Included: lodging, meals, open bar, laundry, non-guided activities, guided fishing, transportation to/from Bariloche airport
  
• Not Included: Flights, license, gear, services in Buenos Aires  

Rates

Fly fishing Cuba is on every salts bucket list.  There is hardly any place on earth that rivals the Cuban flats for trophy Tarpon, Bonefish and Permit, and we are excited to take you there. 

Fly Fishing Patagonia is offering week long fishing adventures in Cuba through an established and respected outfitting operation, one we’ve fished with for 4 seasons.  They offer 5 live aboard motor yachts and 2 lodges, all of which access the pristine flats of either the Archipelago de los Canarreos, (the keys that connect Isla de Juventude to Cayo Largo) or the Archipelago Jardines de la Reina.