Argentina Fly Fishing 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….

Patagonia Fishing Season: The Patagonia 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 Patagonia Fishing Season: November – December; These months are often marked by high water, which gradually recedes in December. We’ll start the season fly 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 Patagonia Fishing 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 Patagonia Fishing 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.

Rio Manso Lodging and Cuisine

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 our eight rooms is comfortably appointed with either double or two single beds and private bath. Some rooms are equipped with a Jacuzzi as well.

The main lodge features a full wader room for tackle and waders, a fly tying area, a small bar, and a spacious sitting area in front of our river stone fireplace. Many nights it is cool enough to enjoy the warmth and comfort of a roaring fire. We normally serve cocktails and hor d’oeuvres there 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. Our 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. An Argentine asado typically has a sequence of meats presented by the asador (the cook). First are the chorizos, morcillas (black pudding) chinchulines (chitterlings), mollejas (sweetbread) and other organs, often accompanied by provoleta, a grilled cheese dish. Then costillas or asado de tira (ribs) are served. Next comes vacío (flank steak), matambre and possibly chicken and chivito (baby goat). An asado also includes bread, a simple mixed salad of, for instance, lettuce, tomato and onions, or it could be accompanied with verdurajo (grilled vegetables), a mixture made of potatoes, corn, onion and eggplant cooked on the parrilla and seasoned with olive oil and salt.