Fly Fishing in Argentina at Rio Manso Lodge
Fishing in the heart of Patagonia is a unique experience. Imagine casting to big, healthy trout in crystal clear water without seeing another person all day. Miles of pristine water are just waiting for you….
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: November – December
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. Sporadic mayfly and caddis hatches 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.
Summer Season: January - February
Falling water levels coupled with solid hatches provide excellent evening dry fly action in January, especially in the channels near the lodge. Both mayfly and caddis hatches bring the fish up 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.
Fall Season: March - 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.
The Rio Manso Day
If you’ve fished with a guide, outfitter or lodge in North America, our daily schedule will feel quite familiar. Unlike most lodges, however, we are usually out on the water for 9 -10 hours. If you really like to fish, you’ll love the length of our fishing day. For those who consider fishing just one part of a great Patagonia experience, we’re happy to bring you in whenever you’re ready.
While there is no such thing as an ordinary day at Rio Manso Lodge, we do have sort of a routine that begins most days with breakfast at 8am. After hot coffee, eggs, cereal, fresh fruit or whatever else you need to get going, you meet your guide in the wader room around 9am. With the exception of a trip to the Pichi Leufu, none of our waters are more than 20 minutes from the lodge which allows you to spend more time fishing and less time riding around. When departing for the Pichi, or Beat 1 up river, you will have breakfast at 7:30am.
We fish until mid day, then stop for a streamside lunch which can be either hot or cold, and might include such items as steaks, quiches, sandwiches, salads, cheese, and fresh bread. Some of our guests like to take a siesta after lunch, but we’re not surprised if you want to get right back on the water!
After fishing through the afternoon, you would normally get off the water by 7-8 pm or so, and return to the lodge to clean up, take a sauna, or perhaps get a massage. We serve drinks and hor d’oevres before dinner in front of the fireplace. Dinner is usually served between 9 and 10 o’clock, although we’ve been known to eat much later if the fish are rising and you just can’t tear yourself away.
We are very flexible when it comes to arranging your day. If you have a special request, just let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you and give you the best experience possible.
Fishing Tackle
There are several different types of fishing that make up the Rio Manso experience. We fish both floating and sinking lines, dry and wet flies at different times of the season and throughout the day.
If you are fishing the river, much of your fishing will be with streamers and sinking lines. Hatches on the river are sporadic and the biggest fish are best drawn out with streamer patterns.
One section of the river markedly different is the channels of Lago Hess. Justly famous for their unique blend of big fish and technical fishing, the channels smooth currents provide a great dry fly challenge to any angler. Big fish often cruise this area or setup along the banks making this a required stop for any Rio Manso angler. Even though the fish can be selective, for some of our guests this is their favorite section.
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| Andean Condor |
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. With the added bonus of andean condors circling overhead, and beautiful Mount Tronador in the distance, a day on Fonck is always a special day. 5 or 6 wts work well for fishing here.
Fly rods: You should bring at least two fly rods: a 5 or 6 wt for streamer fishing and windier conditions, and a 3 or 4 wt for evening dry fly fishing. We strongly recommend bringing a third 5 wt as a backup. There are a very limited number of rods at the lodge in the event you break one.
Fly reels: Reels should be high quality, preferably disc-drag models loaded with a minimum of 80 / 100 yards of backing. The occasional 8-10 lb fish will test your gear to the limit! You may want a backup reel or extra spools for your reel. Having two rods rigged, one floating and one sinking will maximize your fishing time.
Lines: Floating and sinking lines cover the fishing at Rio Manso Lodge. Weight forward or double taper floating lines are fine for dry fly and small streamer fishing. We recommend that you bring a 30 ft 150-250 gram fast sink line for your reel. The fast sinking lines are especially effective in the lakes and the faster, deeper stretches of the river. Most of our lakes have abrupt drop offs along the edges and the sinking lines get the fly down to where the fish are. If you have not cast a fast sinking line before, we recommend you get a little practice in before you come. It’s not difficult to learn, but it will increase your fishing success and pleasure if you already have this technique down.
Leaders: 7 ½ to 9 foot 3x-5x leaders will suffice for most fishing. We like to use fluorocarbon for tippets for its added abrasion resistance and low light reflectivity. Bring some extra spools of tippet in the 3x – 6x range. Evening fishing in the channels near the lodge can become very technical at times.
Flies: Much of our fishing during the day is with streamers and large attractor patterns. See the separate fly list for complete recommendations.
Waders: Breathable waders are the best way to maximize your fishing experience. You can layer poly-pro or fleece underneath in cold conditions and turn them down during hot weather.
Wading shoes: Sturdy shoes with good felt soles. While the footing is good, the Manso has many stretches of fast water with strong currents.
Clothing: Layering is the mantra when fishing. Light cotton sweaters, short and long sleeve shirts and trousers, long underwear, heavy wool sweater, windbreaker, wool socks, swim suit, gloves and heavy wool sweater (for November and April only) We recommend neutral colors. Big temperature changes can occur in a matter of hours in the mountains, so make sure you are prepared.
Rain Jacket: Gore Tex or similar. 100% Rain proof, seam sealed and breathable, with hood.
What to Bring
See the Tackle section on the Fishing page for a complete list of recommended fishing tackle.
The climate in our part of Patagonia is very similar to the northern United States. You can expect temperatures to range from the mid 40’s early in the season, to the 80’s during the summer months of January through March. Because of this broad range, you should be prepared to dress in layers.
Clothing: Light cotton sweaters, short and long sleeve shirts, long trousers, long underwear, windbreaker, wool socks, swim suit, gloves and heavy wool sweater (for November and April only). Because we are in the mountains, you can expect big temperature changes in a matter of hours.
Rain Jacket: Gore Tex or similar. 100% Rain proof, seam sealed and breathable, with hood.
- Small day pack or tackle bag
- Fishing Hat
- Polarized Sunglasses
- Digital Camera
- Sun screen and lip sticks
- Insect repellent - Buzz Off clothing is very effective
Fishing Report
Hola Amigo!
We have just wrapped up our fourth season at Rio Manso Lodge and what a season it has been. Big fish, great food, and of course the beautiful surroundings of Nahuel Huapi National Park have all combined to make it one of our best.
After a hot end to the summer, fall arrived with a blast and brought exciting fishing for to the end season. Big browns and brook trout became increasingly aggressive as spawning time approached, and we saw the results. Evening fishing on Hess was consistently good all season long as the early mayfly hatches of December and January gradually gave way to increasing caddis hatches through March. This hatch-matching dry fly fishing is rapidly becoming the highlight of the day for many of our guests.
New lodge manager Sharon Green did a superb job of running the lodge and making it feel like home after a day on the water. Sitting by the fire with friends on a cool night is always a favorite activity. Fishing Manager Alejandro Martello and guides Javier and Marcello worked hard to give each and every guest the best fishing experience possible. Walter’s delicious cuisine followed by a sauna and massage might be the only things to get you off the water at the end of the day!
This year we explored some new waters in our area and are happy to report we’ve found a variety of places to fish that can satisfy those looking for new and different experiences: hike or ride-in lakes, small streams and new stretches of river are all available for next year. Just let us know what you want to do, and we’ll do our best to make it happen.
Hard to believe, but even as we wind down our season and North America starts up theirs, it is time to start thinking about next year. Early planning now will ensure you get the lodge dates and flights you want for the 2008-2009 season. To reserve your spot, email us at info@riomansolodge.com. For more information, contact our marketing director John Bleh at john@riomansolodge.com or call him at 1-888-520-0090.
Tight lines!
Roberto Pandolfi
Owner
Rio Manso Lodge