LOCATION
Bariloche, Argentina  (Patagonian Region)

SEASON
Early November through late April

CAPACITY
Rio Manso takes a maximum of 8 anglers per week

SPECIES
Rainbow, brown and brook trout

GENERAL INFORMATION
Rio Manso Lodge is located in the heart of Argentina's Nahuel Huapi National Park in a remote, wild and virgin area. The lodge is situated on the banks of Lake Hess and River Manso with a beautiful view of Mt Tronador and its Glaciers. That said, they are only 90 minutes away from the Bariloche International Airport, making it very easy to access the lodge on a regular and direct basis.

THE FISHING

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. 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 the 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. You will typically 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 temperatures warm in February, daytime 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 LODGING
Uniquely designed, every room at Rio Manso Lodge faces northwest with spectacular views of Lago Hess and the Andes Mountains. Just 15 miles away towers majestic Monte Tronador located on the border with Chile. Each of the lodge's eight rooms is comfortably appointed with either double or two single beds and a private bath. Some rooms are equipped with a Jacuzzi as well.

The main lodge features a full wader and drying room for tackle and waders, a fly tying area, a small bar, and a spacious sitting area in front of a huge river stone fireplace.  Many nights it is cool enough to enjoy the warmth and comfort of a roaring fire. This is where the lodge will normally serve cocktails and hor d’oeuvres each evening. Meals are served in the main dining room and are the fitting conclusion to a day on the water or exploring the wonders of Patagonia. Rio Manso's professionally trained chef will concoct delightful cuisine that reflects a worldly influence made with the freshest of ingredients. One of the highlights is a weekly asado, the traditional Argentine grill, that features such items as beef, lamb and pork.

RATES & DETAILS 20098

Fisherman USD $595.00 per day (USD $3,570.00 per week)
Non-Fisherman USD $350.00 per day (USD $2,100.00 per week)

WHAT’S INCLUDED
Transfers in and out from/to Bariloche airport (90 minutes drive,) lodging in single or double room (four with Jacuzzi,) laundry, internet access, all meals of international level and snacks, the best argentine wines and beers, soft drinks, all alcohol and spirituous beverages, all guided fishing (one guide and boat every two fishermen,) and your Argentine fishing license.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
International airfare to Buenos Aires and domestic airfare to Bariloche, personal tackle and gear, phone calls, message services, and gratutities for guides and lodge staff.

DEPOSIT INFORMATION
A 50% deposit (per angler) of the total package cost for each trip is due within 10 days of booking to secure the reservation. Guides and dates cannot be held or reserved without a deposit. YDFA reserves the right to charge a handling fee of $100 per person for date changes after the initial reservation has been made. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Because deposits and final payments are non-refundable on this trip, we highly recommends purchasing trip insurance with this package!

HOW TO GET THERE
The lodge is near the city of San Carlos de Bariloche which makes access extremely easy. There are several flights a day connecting this city with Buenos Aires. Upon arrival at the local airport, staff members from the lodge will be waiting to take you to Rio Manso Lodge (4WD communting take approximately 90 minutes).

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Britain, Ireland and other Western European nations do not need a visa for tourist trips of up to ninety days. You will need a valid passport and will have to fill in a landing card on arrival and you will be given a stamp for stays of thirty, sixty or ninety days. Staple your duplicate of the landing card into your passport, next to your entrance stamp, as you'll need it to leave the country. If you do lose it, it's rarely a serious problem, but you'll have to fill in a new form at the border control. On entering the country, you will also be given a customs declaration form. Duty is not charged on used personal effects, books, and other articles for non-commercial purposes, up to the value of $300. Make sure you declare any valuable electronic items such as laptop computers, as customs officers can be suspicious that you may be bringing them into the country to sell.

NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES
For those guests looking for other things to do besides fishing, Nahuel Huapi National Park and the surrounding area offer many interesting diversions.  The area around the lodge is a paradise for hikers, horseback riders and birders.

Hiking
There are many options for hiking the trails near the lodge to explore the lush, unspoiled forest. There are a number of lakes within walking distance that offer peaceful destinations and beautiful views. Just a short walk from the lodge is the Cascada Los Alerces, the first falls on the Rio Manso below the lodge. If you’re observant, you may spot the rare torrent duck, a species that inhabits the rushing waters of the river and swims for its dinner in the fastest currents. Should you choose to exert yourself more, you can climb the surrounding mountains which offer a breathtaking view of the lodge, river valley and nearby lakes. Within an hour’s drive of the lodge, guests can visit the glaciers of majestic Mont Tronador and enjoy the famous Black Glacier and the Devil’s Throat, a waterfall that is the beginnings of the Manso River. Longer treks are also available.

Horseback Riding
For those who enjoy exploring on horseback, we can take you to remote locations that few people ever get to see.  Roaring waterfalls and picturesque forests are all a part of our neighborhood.  If you’re extremely lucky, you may see a wild boar or the extremely rare puma. Our expertly trained guides will be with you every step of the way.

Birding
Birders have the opportunity to view one of the greatest birds on earth, the Andean Condor. With a wing span of 10 feet, the condor is the largest land bird in the western hemisphere. You can expect to see condors nearly every day at Rio Manso and in the surrounding area.  It is not unusual to see several of these majestic birds at a time. Accompanied by noted Andean condor expert Lorenzo Sympson, you may see dozens of species from the tiny hummingbird to the Magellic woodpecker to the rare torrent duck.

Golf
If golf is your game, there is a beautiful course not far away on the outskirts of Bariloche - the Arelauquen Golf & Country Club. This brand new 18-hole course looks out on the snow-capped Andes in the distance.

Reisen

Chocolate Lab Expeditions [lesen Sie mehr...] Fly Fishing Patagonia [lesen Sie mehr...] Patagonia River Guides [lesen Sie mehr...] Rio Manso Lodge [lesen Sie mehr...]