SEASON: Nov-April
TRAVEL: Arrive Bariloche; 50-minute drive to the lodge
RECOMMENDED STAY: 5 nights
FISHING: Rivers, lakes, float and wade
CAPACITY: 10 anglers, 6 nonanglers
RATE: $850/night/angler; $550/night/nonangler
INCLUDED: Lodging, meals, open bar, nonguided activities on the property, guided fishing, transportation in Patagonia
NOT INCLUDED: Flights, license, gear and services in Buenos Aires
Rio Manso Lodge lies southwest of Bariloche in the Nahuel Huapi National Park and may be the most picturesque Patagonia fly fishing lodge in Argentina. Snow-capped mountains and dense forests, plus sparkling lakes and rivers, surround Rio Manso Lodge. Located less than an hour form the Bariloche Airport, Rio Manso Lodge is without question the best lodge for fly fishing in Bariloche.
Even before Rio Manso Lodge existed, our Patagonia fly fishing guides were guiding these waters and hosting our anglers in what was then Hosteria Hess. Fortunately, the significantly more luxurious Rio Manso Lodge replaced Hosteria Hess in 2004.
Today, it’s local waters in and out of the park fish better than they did years ago and it’s almost mandatory to book months in advance.
New at Rio Manso! Choose to include a 2-3 night float trip on the Collon Cura River! These trips run mid summer and offer fully staffed, deluxe camping. These popular lodge/expedition combo packages in Patagonia have always brought great praise and repeat requests. Couple Rio Manso Lodge with a float trip on the Collon Cura, with another lodge or fish at the lodge for the week. Inquire today!
Rio Manso Lodge hosts up to 16 guests in double rooms with king beds, or single rooms with full or single beds. All rooms feature private, en suite baths and spectacular views of Hess Lake and the glaciers of Tronador Mountain. A large living room with stone fireplace, full bar and a fly tying bench comprise the lobby, and there is a separate wader room and a fly shop stocked with essentials. A professional chef prepares meals on par with those served in Argentina’s most acclaimed restaurants. Internet, laundry and phone services are always available at the lodge.
Rio Manso Lodge is an excellent option for fly fishing in Bariloche, especially with the support of experienced Patagonia fly fishing guides that guarantee successful outings. Experience delicate match the hatch spring creek fishing, heavy caddis and dragon fly hatches, fast streamer fishing for Browns, slow streamer fishing for Brook Trout and even sight fishing for Rainbows.
Up to 10 anglers at a time can enjoy a variety of gin clear trout waters surrounding Rio Manso Lodge. These include four sections of the Manso River and Hess, Fonck, Moscas, Roca and Mascardi Lakes. Some waters are just a few steps from the lodge or accessed in 10-15 minute drive. With great evening fishing on Hess Lake right in front of Rio Manso Lodge, anglers can be out fishing the Manso River all day, return to the lodge for a beer and walk back out with rod in hand until night fall.
Manso River
The Manso River originates from the Alerces Glacier on Tronador mountain and meanders through dense, old-growth forests and over ancient lava flows, connecting several lakes on its journey. It is the most visually stunning river in Nahuel Huapi National Park; the emerald water is extraordinarily clear, providing a rare angling experience. While 5- to 6-pound fish are caught regularly, some of the strongest, most beautiful trout in northern Patagonia are the 16- to 18-inch Rainbow and Brown Trout of the Manso River.
The river can be accessed via a short walk from the Rio Manso Lodge.
Hess Lake
Manso River flows in and out of Hess Lake right in front of the Rio Manso Lodge. Fishing large terrestrial patterns up against the reeds usually induces explosive strikes from both Rainbow and Brown Trout. Hess Lake is known for its December dragonfly hatches and the predictable evening caddis hatch. Technical match the hatch fishing is found on its coastal, spring creek-like channels, which come alive in the evening with large heads sipping caddis, mayflies, stoneflies and other aquatic insects. It takes patience, skill and concentration to land these large, highly selective fish in challenging — but memorable — conditions.
Fonck Lake
Surrounded by steep, lush mountains and offering a rare opportunity for incredible Brook Trout fishing, Fonck is a narrow, visually arresting lake. Brook Trout in the Fonck Lake average 16 inches but frequently reach 18-19 inches. 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, which average 18 inches. Brown Trout are less common, and usually coerced from the depths by the ugliest streamer in the fly box. Some find, however, that the patience required to fish deep with streamers is well worth a 28-inch Brown Trout.
Weekly packages at Rio Manso Lodge are recommended for certain times of the season. A customized itinerary combining Rio Manso Lodge with another lodge may offer a more dynamic fishing experience.
Rio Manso Lodge
(5 nights; 4 days fishing)
Day 1: Arrive Buenos Aires (EZE). Transfer to the domestic airport (AEP), fly to Bariloche (BRC.) The RML lodge staff will pick you up and transfer you 50 minutes to Rio Manso Lodge. Fish the afternoon.
Day 2-5: Four days fishing
Day 6: Check out, transfer back to the Bariloche Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires and home.
Rate: $4250/angler
Included: Lodging, meals, open bar, guided fishing, nonguided activities on the property, transportation to/from the Bariloche Airport.
Not Included: Flights, license, gear, guided activities off the property, gratuities and services in Buenos Aires.
Popular Add-Ons:
2-3 night float on the Collon Cura River
4 days trout fishing out of another lodge
4 days Golden Dorado fishing and/or dove shooting
With our intimate knowledge of Argentina and our specialized travel agent, we take all the guesswork out of travel, so you can concentrate on packing.
“Rio Manso Lodge was fantastic! The people and all the staff are first rate. Chris says it was the best instruction and fishing he has had. Their cook is just too much. She deserves a 5 star Michelin rating. And what a beautiful location! Thank you so much for helping us arrange this!
My wife and I especially enjoyed Martín… was very congenial companion, and was quite knowledgeable about the birds and plants. He was also an excellent guide and boatman, and even taught me a thing or two about casting sinking lines, which I have used only once or twice before. The fishing on the lakes near Rio Manso was excellent; I averaged about six fish per day over 18 inches.
This has been the best fishing trip of our lives. Everything has been superb.
I have to say that it was the best vacation I’ve ever had. The Argentines are incredibly nice people… Rio Manso Lodge, Roberto and the staff were accommodating beyond belief. The food at the lodge was five-star excellent, and I can’t say enough about Fly Fishing Patagonia guide, Martin. Martin was unbelievably accommodating in every way and thanks to his artful skill of teaching, I think I’m now a better fly fisherman.
At Rio Manso, on Fonck and Hess Lakes, I caught many good-sized Rainbows, Browns and Brook Trout along the shore as well as up against the reeds. However, the peak of my lake fishing experience was sight fishing for Rainbows that came from 15 feet away to take my dry fly!
With our variety of destinations and lodges, we’ll have the skinny on whatever you’re looking for. We often combine multiple destinations and adventures for our guests.
Our previous travelers want to speak with you about their trip(s) with Fly Fishing Patagonia. Questions about a specific trip, or general questions on the experience?