PATAGONIA ARGENTINA FLY FISHING
Welcome to Rio Manso Lodge!
Located in Northern Patagonia near the border with Chile, Orvis-Endorsed Rio Manso Lodge offers a host of activities led by exceptional fly fishing, elegant yet comfortable lodging, and extraordinary cuisine. Nestled in Nahuel Huapi National Park in the midst of virgin waters and lush forests, our caring staff will make your Patagonian experience a very special one.
If you are looking for the best fly fishing in Patagonia Argentina you’ve come to the right place. At Rio Manso Lodge, you will fish a wide variety of waters from small streams and large rivers to intimate spring creeks and deep productive lakes where monster browns, hefty rainbows and trophy brook trout swim.
Non-Fishing Guests: Choose from a range of pleasurable activities: hiking,birding, golf, shopping and sightseeing.
“PATAGONIA’S BEST FLY FISHING EXPERIENCE LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE ANDES MOUNTAINS”
FLY FISHING IN ARGENTINA
RIO MANSO LODGE
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
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.
OUR SEASON
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.
Lodging
Rebuilt in 2004 and uniquely designed, every one of our 9 guest rooms at Rio Manso Lodge faces northwest with spectacular views of Lago Hess and the Andes Mountains. Just 15 miles away towers majestic Mount Tronador located on the border with Chile. If the weather is clear, the mountain looks close enough to touch. Each of our rooms is comfortably appointed with either King Size or two Full Size beds and private bath. Some are equipped with a Jacuzzi as well. Many guests sleep with their windows open to let in the crisp, cool mountain air. The lodge features a full wader room for tackle and waders, a fly tying area, a small, but well-stocked bar, and a spacious sitting area in front of our river stone fireplace. Many nights it is cool enough to enjoy the warmth and comfort of a roaring fire. We normally serve cocktails and hors-d’oeuvres there each evening. Should you require assistance at any time of day or night, our front desk staff is always available. The lodge has a sauna available to drive out the chill and loosen those stiff casting muscles.
CUISINE
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.
NATURE ACTIVITIES AT RIO MANSO LODGE
PATAGONIA HIKING
There are a multitude of guided hikes available from the lodge that range from simple excursions into the woods or walks to the nearby waterfall, to more involved expeditions climbing the surrounding mountain peaks of the Andes.
Day hikers near the lodge will be able to explore the temperate Patagonian forest and perhaps glimpse local fauna such as fox, pudu (deer), or even the elusive puma.
BIRDING
Our birding walks and expeditions are usually led by Dr. Lorenzo Sympson, a noted authority on Andean condors, and founding member and head of the ornithological committee of SNAP (Sociedad Naturalista Andino Patagonica), a regional NGO dedicated to the conservation of Patagonia’s unique ecosystems. He participated in the re-introduction of captive bred condors in Patagonia, and is the coordinator of a program designed for researching their biology and behavior. Dozens of species are found in the area including the Magellanic Woodpecker, Austral Parakeets, the endangered Torrent Duck, and the Andean Condor
AT THE LODGE
Many of our guests are happy relaxing at the lodge, taking a sauna, reading by the fireplace, or just taking in the view. We can arrange a massage for you or a wine tasting just as easily. No matter what you choose to do, our attentive staff is always there to serve you and address your needs. And when the day’s activities are over, you’ll enjoy our outstanding cuisine and excellent wines.
RIDING AT RIO MANSO LODGERiding at Rio Manso Lodge provides a rare glimpse into the surrounding pristine forest. The lodge is located in the southern part of the Nahuel Huapi National Park, surrounded by lakes and rivers, snow capped mountains and hanging glaciersWe have opened several riding trails thru the lush evergreen forest that lead to secluded places such as lagoons, cascades, lakes and rivers. Most of our programs are easy to medium difficulty. All of our trips are guided by an experienced English-speaking horseman who is adept at helping you spot wildlife.
Our horses are young, sturdy animals that have been raised in the, used to moving around our dense forests and very tame, ideal for inexperienced riders, but still fun when cantering comes into mind.
Fish the Region
fish@unapatagon1a.com
+1 (718) 710 4977
+54 (911) 4440 9156
Skype: Fishsimply