RIO MANSO LODGE
Destination Overview
Nestled among the trophy fish waters of Nahuel Huapi National Park near the town of San Carlos de Bariloche in northern Patagonia, lies Rio Manso Lodge. Typical of those lodges recommended by Kienes Fly Fishing Travel, the lodge offers elegant yet comfortable surroundings and extraordinary cuisine.
At the Rio Manso Lodge you will experience the best fly fishing in Argentina and have an opportunity to fish every type of water from rivers, spring creeks and lakes where monster Browns and hefty rainbows prowl the shorelines. For non fishing guests you can choose from a range of pleasurable activities that include birding, hiking, golf, shopping and sightseeing.
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 the unique location, it is ideally situated to provide travelers with a well-appointed base of operations for exploring, birding, rafting, 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.
At a Glance
Target Fish: Brown and Rainbow trout
Location: Nahuel Huapi National Park, Northern Patagonia Argentina
Seasons: November through April
Lodge Capacity: 18
Nearest Airport: San Carlos de Bariloche
Electricity: 220 volts
Documents Needed: Passport (no visa needed for travelers from USA and most western European countries. Also you will have to provide a receipt for payment of the reciprocity fee. For more information click here
Fishing Program
Nahuel Huapi National Park has miles of lakes, rivers and streams holding healthy trout in crystal clear watrer. Imagine spending a day in a pristine alpine setting, catching fish until your arm feels like falling off and yet not seeing another fisherman all day.
You will use a variety of fly fishing techniques that range from stripping streamers on the end of a sink tip to suspending nymph patterns under an indicator to slapping big hopper patterns along the undercuts of meadow streams.
On a typical day you can expect to be on the water for nine or ten hours though you always have the option to shorten the day if you like. The daily routine usually begins with breakfast at 8 AM.
After a heardy breakfast of eggs, cereal, fresh fruit or anything else you may desire, you will meet your guide in the wader room and transported usually for no more than thirty minutes to one of the lodges waters. The close proximity of the waters to the lodge allows for more fishing and less riding around on bumpy roads. If you elect to fish Pichi Leufu, or Lower Manso you will have breakfast at 7:30 AM.
At mid day you will stop along the stream for a gourmet lunch which will be provided by your guide after which you are welcome to take a siesta or continue fishing through the afternoon. Usually you will get off of the water by about 7 or 8 PM and return to the lodge where you can clean up , take a sauna or enjoy a massage. Regardless of the standard daily itinerary, the lodge will do its best to accommodate any special requests.
Best Fly Fishing Seasons
November to mid January (spring):
You will mostly be fishing streamers on sinking lines, in the early season high water. Mayfly and Caddis hatches are beginning and as December progresses, the water flows begin to subside and dry fly action begins.
Late January to Mid March (summer):
Great dry fly action continues into January in the river channels near the lodge and feature Mayfly and Caddis hatches that drive the fish crazy. Hoppers and other terresterials become more important as February progresses.
Late March to the end of April (fall):
Water temperatures begin to cool and the fish become more active. Great dry action continues, especially just before dark. During the day you will fish with streamers and large attractor dry flies
Accommodations
Completely remodeled in 2004 the uniquely designed lodge has 9 guest rooms that face northwest with spectacular views of Lago Hess and the Andes Mountains. Just fifteen miles away towers the majestic glacier capped Mount Tronador located on the border with Chile. Each room includes either an king size or two full size beds along with a private bath. Some are equipped with a Jacuzzi.
The lodge has its own wader room and a fly tying area. A well stocked bar, and a large sitting area warmed by a roaring fire on cool nights complete the facilities. Coctails and hors d’oeuvres are served each evening. If you need to relax after a strenuous day on the water, some time in the lodge’s sauna will do the trick. The lodge’s variety of facilities make it a great destination for couples, non fishermen and families too.
On Site Amenities and Activities Include
Satellite TV
Wi-Fi/internet access
Laundry
Fly Shop
Bar
Gourmet Food
Hiking, nature watching and shopping in the local area
Meals are served in the main dining room and reflect an international flavor made with the freshest ingredients. Though Argentine cuisine is noted for its meat you are as likely to have pasta, fish as you are to have beef. Vegetarian meals are also available. All meals are served with complimentary Argentine wines. Special dietary needs will be accommodated.
No trip to Argentina will be complete with out experiencing an asado, which is a traditional Argentine grill that features a sampling of beef, lamb and pork and a variety of sausages. Puddings, salads, sweetbreads will be offered too.
Getting There
Most international guests fly into Buenos Aires and connect with a domestic airline to Bariloche Airport. Once you arrive a lodge staff member will be waiting to take you to Rio Manso. Drive will take about 90 minutes.
Required Documents
Passport is all you need to enter Argentina though a reciprocity fee of $160.00 must be paid prior to your arrival into the country. Failure to do so will result in denial of entry.
Rates
Weekly Package : 7 nights/6 fishing days: $5,200. per week
Included: The 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. Rates are based on double occupancy.
Not Included: Personal fishing gear, gratuities for staff and guide, long distance telephone calls, massages (available upon request)
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