Patagonia Fly Fishing
Fishing in all of our operations
Fishing across all our operations is a truly exceptional experience, offering access to some of the most pristine and productive waters in Patagonia. Each location is just minutes away from breathtaking rivers, spring creeks, and lakes – ensuring more time casting and less time driving. Our expert guides tailor each outing to match your skill level and interests, maximizing both challenge and reward. With stunning scenery, world-class trout, and seamless logistics, fishing with us is as effortless as it is extraordinary.
Our Fly Fishing 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
High water levels have made conditions ideal for fishing with weighted streamers on sinking lines. Dragon nymph patterns are also producing great results. The trout are very aggressive right now, likely due to the super low water temperatures. We’re also starting to see some mayfly and caddis hatches coming off.
Peak Season: December – Mid January
The dragonfly hatch is in full swing, making dry fly fishing extremely productive. Trout are eagerly sipping from the surface, drawn to the large, vibrant dragonflies. Topwater patterns and terrestrials are working particularly well right now. The trout are very active, likely stimulated by the rising water temperatures and abundant food sources.
Late Season: Early February – Early March
Great time for both anglers and non-anglers. Perfect to pair with our Rio Manso Camps on the Collón Curá River and El Atravesado Lodge in Chubut. At the lodge, nearby channels see strong mayfly and caddis hatches, especially early and late in the day. As February warms up, midday fishing slows, and terrestrials become key in the trout’s diet.
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.
Wading Equipment
- Breathable waders, rubber soled wading shoes (felt soled wading shoes are not allowed at Rio Manso Lodge), and a wading staff are all appropriate. If your wading shoes have cleats or studs, please remove them as they can puncture our rafts.
- Please be sensitive to invasive species like whirling disease, didymo, New Zealand mud snails, etc. and be sure your wading gear is clean and dry. Better yet, if you are considering new waders or wading shoes, get them for this trip.
- Orvis, Simms, and Patagonia all make excellent shoes and waders. The guides will put you only in water where you are comfortable. The wading is good and the bottom dependable. There generally will not be much walking involved ingetting to and from the water. Exceptions to this could involve some optional side trips to water accessible only by hiking in or riding horses if you are looking for a little more of a challenge and an even more remote setting. Of course, the rewards can be worth it!
Our Guides
- Rio Manso’s guides are some of the best in the business. They are all experienced professionals with years of guiding the rivers and lakes of Patagonia. Professional guides in Argentina must pass an exam only given every two years. All our guides speak excellent English. Tell them your preferences during the day, and they will try to give you the best fishing experience possible. Although most guests bring tackle and flies, don’t be surprised if the guide pulls something out of his own box for you to use. Are you looking to improve your fishing technique or some casting instruction? Our guides are happy to help you hone your fishing skills.
For detailed information about watercraft, tackle, flies, and other equipment at each of our locations, please click on the relevant tab below:
