Argentina
Rio Manso Lodge
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Trip Summary
Rio Manso Lodge offers a diverse Patagonia trout fishing experience within Nahuel Huapi National Park, approximately 90 minutes from Bariloche. Anglers can explore the Manso River and several nearby lakes for wild Brown, Rainbow, and Brook Trout, using everything from dry flies and nymphs to streamers, with the summer dragonfly hatch providing one of the season’s signature opportunities. Comfortable accommodations, excellent cuisine, dramatic views of Lago Hess and Mount Tronador, and a wide range of non-angling activities make Rio Manso especially well suited to couples, families, and mixed-interest groups.
Who's It For?
Diverse Lake and River Fishing
Rio Manso Lodge provides access to multiple sections of the Manso River and several nearby glacial lakes. Anglers can target wild Brown, Rainbow, and Brook Trout from rafts, Carolina skiffs, and on foot using dry flies, nymphs, and streamers.
Signature Dragonfly Dry-Fly Fishing
The summer dragonfly hatch is one of Rio Manso’s most distinctive fishing opportunities. Trout move into shallow water and feed around reeds, shorelines, and submerged structure, creating exciting sight-fishing with large dry flies.
Accessible Wilderness Near Bariloche
Set within Nahuel Huapi National Park, the lodge feels peaceful and remote while remaining approximately 90 minutes from San Carlos de Bariloche Airport. Guests enjoy views of Lago Hess, native forest, and the snowcapped slopes of Mount Tronador.
Welcoming Anglers and Non-Anglers
Comfortable accommodations and a broad selection of guided activities make Rio Manso well suited to couples, families, and mixed-interest groups. Non-anglers can enjoy hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, rafting, wellness treatments, and other Patagonia experiences.
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
WHY BOOK WITH TRIDENT
- No Credit Card Fees
- Same Price as Booking Direct
- Earn Trident Rewards
Trident Travel's expert planning service is free of charge. Our rates are the same as you would pay by booking directly with the outfitter or lodge.
Packages are fully customizable. Contact us for package options and the most current pricing.
2026–2027
Fishing Package: Double Occupancy / Shared Guide
7 Nights / 6 Days = $7,000 per angler
Non-Angling Package: Double Occupancy
7 Nights / 6 Days = $5,400 per person
Private Guide Supplement = $250 per angler, per day
Fishing Day for a Non-Angler = $250 per person, per day
Full Fishing Gear Rental = $80 per angler, per day
Rod and Reel or Waders and Boots = $40 per angler, per day
What's Included:
- Guided fishing with two anglers per guide
- Accommodations at Rio Manso Lodge
- All meals and snacks
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Roundtrip transfers from the Bariloche area
- Fishing license
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Laundry service one to two times per week
- Select guided non-angling activities, including hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, rafting, boat excursions, cooking lessons, and sauna sessions
What's Not Included:
- International and domestic airfare
- Lodging, meals, and transfers in Buenos Aires
- Personal fishing equipment, tackle, and flies
- Private guide supplement
- Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Massages, wine tastings, birding excursions, and high-difficulty guided hikes
- Travel and medical evacuation insurance
Gallery
Seasonal Fishing
Calendar
Spring begins with longer days and generally higher water, particularly during November. Streamers and sinking lines are often important early, while mayfly and caddis activity increases as flows recede. The dragonfly hatch typically develops in December, creating opportunities to fish large dry flies around shorelines, reeds, and submerged structure.
Summer brings the warmest weather and a broad mix of lake and river fishing. Mayfly and caddis hatches can produce strong dry-fly opportunities during January, particularly early and late in the day. As the season progresses, grasshoppers, ants, beetles, and other terrestrials become increasingly important.
March marks the transition into autumn, with cooler mornings and gradually declining water temperatures. Anglers may encounter terrestrial and caddis activity, while nymphs, streamers, and large attractor dries provide versatile options across the rivers, channels, and nearby lakes.
April brings cooler weather, changing foliage, and increasingly active Brown and Brook Trout as they prepare for the spawning season. Streamers become a central part of the program, although caddis hatches and occasional dry-fly opportunities can still provide productive surface fishing.
Lodging & Accommodations
Accommodations
Rio Manso Lodge features nine comfortable rooms and suites with private bathrooms and views of the surrounding water and mountains. The lodge accommodates up to 16 guests and blends traditional Patagonian character with modern comforts. Shared spaces include a welcoming lounge with a stone fireplace, library, bar, dining room, sauna, and areas for relaxing after a day on the water. Some rooms also feature private hot tubs, and limited laundry service is included during the stay.
Food
Meals at Rio Manso highlight regional ingredients, Argentine traditions, and international influences. Guests begin each day with a hearty breakfast, followed by a packed lunch served while fishing or exploring. Evenings typically include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before a relaxed multi-course dinner, with menus featuring local produce, Argentine meats, trout, traditional asado, and regional wines. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.
Connectivity
Starlink Wi-Fi is available at the lodge, allowing guests to stay connected from this remote setting. Cellular coverage is limited, and a satellite phone is available for emergency communications. Although the internet is generally dependable, guests should remain prepared for the occasional limitations associated with connectivity in rural Patagonia.
Target Species
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Brook Trout
11-Day Itinerary
Each day is carefully planned to maximize your fishing success while experiencing the best of what this destination has to offer. Itineraries are flexible based on conditions and guest preferences.
A typical full-week trip to Rio Manso Lodge includes seven nights and six days of guided fishing, although shorter stays and combination itineraries are available. Most travelers depart home on an overnight flight to Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), arriving in Buenos Aires the following morning. After transferring to a prearranged downtown hotel, you will spend the remainder of the day exploring the city or relaxing before continuing to Patagonia.
After breakfast, you will transfer to Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) for a domestic flight to San Carlos de Bariloche Airport (BRC). A Rio Manso Lodge representative will meet you upon arrival for the approximately 90-minute drive into Nahuel Huapi National Park. After settling into your room, you can explore the lodge, prepare your fishing equipment, and enjoy dinner overlooking Lago Hess and Mount Tronador.
Each fishing day begins with breakfast before departing with your guide to explore the Manso River and surrounding lakes. Depending on the season, conditions, and your interests, you may fish from a raft or Carolina skiff or spend part of the day wading. Lunch is served on the water, followed by an afternoon fishing session and a return to the lodge for cocktails, dinner, and time to relax beside the fireplace.
After breakfast, you will transfer approximately 90 minutes to San Carlos de Bariloche Airport (BRC) for your return flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, you will transfer to a prearranged hotel and spend one final night in the city.
After breakfast, you will transfer to Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) for your flight home. Depending on the flight schedule, you may arrive home later that day or the following morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
GET IN TOUCHRio Manso Lodge offers an unusually diverse mix of river and lake fishing from one comfortable base. Anglers can fish from rafts and Carolina skiffs or wade select waters, targeting wild Brown, Rainbow, and Brook Trout with dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. Most fishing areas are located within a relatively short drive of the lodge.
The Rio Manso watershed supports wild Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout. Different rivers and lakes provide opportunities to focus on particular species, including lake fishing for large Brook Trout and Browns around shorelines, reeds, drop-offs, and submerged timber.
The fishing season runs from November through April, and the best time depends on your preferred style of fishing. November and December generally bring higher water and strong streamer opportunities, December and January are associated with the dragonfly hatch, midsummer favors dry flies and terrestrials, and March and April offer cooler conditions with increased streamer fishing for pre-spawn trout.
The dragonfly hatch typically develops in late November and can continue through January, with timing varying according to seasonal conditions. Trout feed around reeds, shallow shorelines, and submerged structure, creating exciting opportunities to sight-cast large dry flies from stable lake skiffs. Prime hatch dates are popular and should be reserved well in advance.
Rio Manso can accommodate experienced anglers as well as guests who are relatively new to fly fishing. The variety of water allows guides to tailor each day to an angler’s ability and interests, although practicing with large dry flies, streamers, and sinking lines before the trip will help you make the most of the experience.
Fishing is primarily conducted from NRS rafts and Carolina skiffs, with wading incorporated when water levels and the selected fishery allow. Early in the season, higher flows can limit wading, while lower summer and autumn water generally creates more opportunities to fish on foot. Guests should communicate their preferences to their guide each morning.
A seven-night stay commonly provides six full fishing days and enough time to explore several rivers and lakes. Shorter stays can be arranged, while five to seven nights are recommended for anglers planning around the dragonfly hatch. Longer itineraries can also combine Rio Manso with another lodge or river camp.
A 6-weight rod is the most versatile choice, although 5- to 7-weight rods are commonly used and a 4-weight can be useful on smaller waters. Anglers should bring both a floating line and a 24- to 30-foot sink-tip line, along with leaders and tippet ranging from approximately 0X to 5X. Rental equipment and essential tackle are available if arranged in advance.
Most guests fly internationally to Buenos Aires before taking a domestic flight to San Carlos de Bariloche Airport (BRC). Domestic flights often depart from Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP), although some direct flights from Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) to Bariloche may be available. The lodge is approximately a 90-minute drive from Bariloche, and roundtrip ground transfers are included.
Yes. Non-angling guests can participate in activities such as hiking, kayaking, rafting, horseback riding, cooking lessons, birdwatching, wine tastings, and wellness experiences. Rio Manso welcomes children ages 12 and older, making it a strong choice for couples, families, and groups whose members have different interests. Some specialized activities require an additional fee.
Rio Manso can be paired with El Atravesado Lodge, a remote river camp, or both. These combination itineraries allow anglers to experience large rivers and lakes, private spring creeks, walk-and-wade fishing, secluded lagoons, and remote wilderness floats within a single Patagonia trip. Recommended combination stays range from seven nights to approximately 10–14 nights.
Medical emergencies and evacuations can happen in remote destinations, which is why we strongly recommend enrolling with Global Rescue before your trip. Global Rescue provides medical evacuation and field rescue services, while separate travel insurance plans offered through IMG can help protect against covered expenses such as trip cancellation, interruption, delays, and lost baggage. Combining evacuation membership with travel insurance helps provide broader protection before and during your trip.
