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Rio Manso Lodge

• 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.

ONE PHOTO AND PARAGRAPH FOR EACH MAX

Limay River
The Limay is one of the largest rivers in Patagonia and drains the Nahuel Huapi Lake in Bariloche. It flows northeast toward the city of Neuquén and creates a natural border between the provinces of Rio Negro and Neuquén. With it’s crystal clear waters, picturesque views and large quantity of huge fish, the Limay is one of the most renowned rivers in Patagonia – We have exclusive access to the best 8 miles to the river!!

Manso River -See our note on the Manso on page 128 of  Fly Fishing the Best Rivers of Patagonia, Argentina Photoagraphy by Francisco Bedeschi, South End Publishing, 2005. The Manso River is located 45 minutes south of Bariloche within the Nahuel Huapi National Park.  It’s crystal clear, emerald waters that run through lush forests and around roughed mountains make it one of the most picturesque rivers in all of Patagonia. We float and wade different sections of the river using 5-6 weight rods with both wet and dry flies.  The average size rainbow and brown trout in the Manso River is 17-18 inches with most anglers landing 15-20 fish per day.  These trout are remarkably strong and brilliantly colored. However, catching these beauties can be a challenge in such clear water conditions; fine tippets and well presented flies are the key.

Fonck Lake
The Fonck is one of the lakes that the Manso River connects.  It is located within the Nahuel Huapi National Park only a few miles from the Chilean border. This is one of our favorite lake because of the beauty of the area and incredible brook trout fishing.  These brook trout average 16 inches but are frequently caught in the 18-19 inch range. Since these are cold water loving creatures, nymphs and streamers account for most of the brookie catch. Sight fishing with dry flies is popular for cruising rainbows and browns that average 18 inches. Brown trout are not as common and are usually coerced from the depths via the ugliest streamer in the fly box. For some, the price of a 28 inch brown is well worth the efforts of fishing deep streamers in a lake.

Hess Lake
The Hess is another lake within the Nahuel Huapi National Park that is connected by the Manso River. It lies 45 minutes south from Bariloche,  just in front of the Rio Manso Lodge  This lake has excellent fishing for brown and brook trout; however, strong rainbows provide most of the action. Fishing large terrestrial patterns up against the reeds usually induce explosive strikes.  The Hess is best know for it’s coastal channels with flowing water. We fish these channels almost every evening for the prolific hatches of caddis, mayflies, stoneflies and other aquatic insects. For less than an hour, these channels come alive and only skilled anglers will be able to land these highly selective fish in these challenging but oh-so memorable conditions.

Pichi Leufu River -See our note on the Pichi Leufu on page 124 of  Fly Fishing the Best Rivers of Patagonia, Argentina. Photography by Francisco Bedeschi. South End Publishing, 2005. Located about an hour east of Bariloche, the “Pichi” offers some of the best and most consistent dry fly action in the area. Anglers can enjoy nonstop action for both rainbow and browns on 3-5 weight rods. Along its journey north to the Limay River, this small desert stream runs through the rocky Patagonia steppe offering riffles, deep pools, and slow, grassy banks. The remote location has helped preserve the river and its riparian environment. The only human activity along this river may be gauchos passing through with cattle or sheep.

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

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.

Years before Rio Manso Lodge existed, we were guiding these waters, housing our anglers in what was called Hosteria Hess. Thankfully, it was sold and the Rio Manso Lodge was built, offering considerably more comfort.