Rio Manso Lodge is located on the Eastern bank of Lake Hess and the Manso River in the Nahuel Huapi National Park (the first national park in Argentina), deep in the beautiful Patagonia region of Argentina. Rio Manso is only 90-minutes South West of the city of San Carlos de Bariloche. Despite being close to Bariloche, the Manso River gets little fishing pressure due to its inaccessibility.
Rio Manso guests can expect good fishing for wild rainbow, brown and brook trout in the un-pressured and diverse water that surrounds the lodge. The remarkable quality and size of the trout is a result of the low pressure, conservation efforts, and Rio Manso Lodge’s strict catch-and-release policy.
Wild rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout—all on dry flies, streamers, and nymphs
Season: Early November through end of April (peak dry fly: December-January, big browns: April)
Location: Nahuel Huapi National Park, 90 minutes SW of Bariloche—low pressure, diverse water
Strict catch-and-release policy ensures remarkable trout quality and size
Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Argentina fly fishing and a stay at Rio Manso Lodge!
The Manso River runs for 20 miles around the lodge from its origin at Moscos Lake (20 minutes up-river) and contains a variety of water. Rio Manso Lodge’s experienced guides all speak English. A typical week of fishing at Rio Manso includes fishing from a drift boat, wading the Manso River, floating sections of the Manso or the Quieto, and excellent sight fishing on Lago Hess, Lago Fonk and Lago Roca from the skiff or raft, casting big dries or streams to the banks, as well as a few places where anglers can get out the boat and fish from shore. This variety of water allows fly fisherman the opportunity to fish streamers, nymphs, and dries.
Seasonal Patterns
The fishing season in Argentina runs from early November until the end of April. November – December typically have higher water, with the dry-fly fishing increasing in productivity in December. By the middle of December, the dragonflies are hatching in the rivers and lakes and the big fish that come out to eat makes December – January an exciting time for fishing dries at Rio Manso.
The summer season (January – February) sees the mayflies and caddis hatches wane, but the terrestrials (grasshoppers, ants, and inchworms) become an important staple in the trout’s diet. In March and April, the water temperatures begin to cool and the fish become more active. Most fishing is done with streamers or large attractor dry flies (big rubber legged dries work well in the lakes) with a brief flurry of dry fly activity right before dark. April is also when the big browns become aggressive, as they get ready to spawn.
Accommodations
Rio Manso can accommodate 8 anglers in spacious, comfortable rooms, each with private bathroom and some rooms have Jacuzzi tubs. All the rooms at Rio Manso face northwest, overlooking the Manso River, Lake Hess, and enjoy a spectacular view of Mount Tronador on the Argentina – Chile border towering over the Andes. The rest of the lodge is comprised of a warm common area with beautiful wooden posts and beams and a river stone fireplace, where you can enjoy a welcoming fire after fishing, a fly-tying bench, wader room by the Lodge’s entrance, a bar, and a main dining area. Rio Manso also has a sauna and a massage room for guests who want to relax.
Since anglers usually end their fishing day between 7:00 – 8:00 PM, hour d’oevres are served in front of the fireplace before dinner, typically between 9:00 – 10:00 PM. Rio Manso’s international menu is accented by local dishes and homemade delicacies, which are enhanced by the lodge’s own garden and excellent collection of fine Argentine wines. There is also a weekly “asado” or traditional Argentine barbeque.
Non-Angler Activities
Rio Manso Lodge primarily caters to fly fishers, however, there are a variety of activities for the non-angler, such as guided hiking and/or bird watching through the virgin areas surrounding the lodge, climbing to the nearby mounts, and horseback riding.
Rio Manso 2024 – 2025 Rates
The cost for a 7-night / 6-day fishing package is $7,000 per person based on double occupancy accommodations and two anglers per guide daily. Different length packages are available upon request.
Non-fishermen: $5,400 per person for 7 nights/6 days, based on double occupancy accommodations, or $800 per person per night. Single supplement is $400 per day. Best value is a 7 night / 6 day package.
Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
Included & Not Included
Rates include: transportation between Bariloche to Rio Manso on arrival and departure days, lodging (double bedrooms), all meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, fishing guides (one guide for every two anglers), any extra activities (rafting, horseback riding, hiking), boats, belly boats, fishing permits, Internet access, laundry.
Not Included: airfare to and from Bariloche, fishing tackle, gratuities, phone calls, purchases from the fly shop.
A 50% deposit is required to secure a reservation.
Fly Shop & Equipment
Telephone and Internet are available as well. A fully equipped Fly Shop provides anything else you might need: Fly gear: nine foot single handed 3 to 6 weight rods, floating and fast sinking tip lines, 7 to 11 foot tapered leaders ranging from 2X to 6X. Flies: streamers, nymphs, dries (all available at the Lodge).
Getting There
The lodge is near the city of S. C. de Bariloche, which makes access extremely easy. There are several flights a day connecting this city with Buenos Aires or Santiago (Chile). Upon arrival at the local airport, a Rio Manso representative will be waiting for you and take you to the lodge (4WD commuting takes approximately 90 minutes).
Travel Documents
US Citizens visiting Argentina are required to carry a passport. Please be sure your passport will be valid 6 months after your departure from Argentina. When using a passport for proof of citizenship, we recommend carrying a photocopy of your passport picture page and two spare passport photos in a separate piece of luggage. This will greatly expedite matters should you lose your passport during your travels.
Booking at Rio Manso Lodge is easy:
Tap a button below to start the conversation. Our services are free.
Rio Manso Lodge is located on the Eastern bank of Lake Hess and the Manso River in the Nahuel Huapi National Park (the first national park in Argentina), deep in the beautiful Patagonia region of Argentina. Rio Manso is only 90-minutes South West of the city of San Carlos de Bariloche. Despite being close to Bariloche, the Manso River gets little fishing pressure due to its inaccessibility.
Rio Manso guests can expect good fishing for wild rainbow, brown and brook trout in the un-pressured and diverse water that surrounds the lodge. The remarkable quality and size of the trout is a result of the low pressure, conservation efforts, and Rio Manso Lodge’s strict catch-and-release policy. The Manso River, runs for 20 miles around the lodge from its origin at Moscos Lake (20 minutes up-river) and contains a variety of water. Rio Manso Lodge’s experienced guides all speak English. A typical week of fishing at Rio Manso includes fishing from a drift boat, wading the Manso River, floating sections of the Manso or the Quieto, and excellent sight fishing on Lago Hess, Lago Fonk and Lago Roca from the skiff or raft, casting big dries or streams to the banks, as well as a few places where anglers can get out the boat and fish from shore. This variety of water allows fly fisherman the opportunity to fish steamers, nymphs, and dries.
The fishing season in Argentina runs from early November until the end of April. November – December typically have higher water, with the dry-fly fishing increasing in productivity in December. By the middle of December, the dragonflies are hatching in the rivers and lakes and the big fish that come out to eat makes December – January an exciting time for fishing dries at Rio Manso. The summer season (January – February) sees the mayflies and caddis hatches wane, but the terrestrials (grasshoppers, ants, and inchworms) become an important staple in the trout’s diet. In March and April, the water temperatures begin to cool and the fish become more active. Most fishing is done with streamers or large attractor dry flies (big rubber legged dries work well in the lakes) with a brief flurry of dry fly activity right before dark. April is also when the big browns become aggressive, as they get ready to spawn.
Rio Manso can accommodate 8 anglers in spacious, comfortable, rooms, each with private bathroom and some rooms have Jacuzzi tubs. All the rooms at Rio Manso face northwest, overlooking the Manso River, Lake Hess, and enjoy a spectacular view of Mount Tronador on the Argentina – Chile border towering over the Andes. The rest of the lodge is comprised of a warm common area with beautiful wooden posts and beams and a river stone fireplace, where you can enjoy a welcoming fire after fishing, a fly-tying bench, wader room by the Lodge’s entrance, a bar, and a main dining area. Rio Manso also has a sauna and a massage room for guests who want to relax. Since anglers usually end their fishing day between 7:00 – 8:00 PM, hour d’oevres are served in front of the fireplace before dinner, typically between 9:00 – 10:00 PM. Rio Manso’s international menu is accented by local dishes and homemade delicacies, which are enhanced by the lodge’s own garden and excellent collection of fine Argentine wines. There is also a weekly “asado” or traditional Argentine barbeque.
Rio Manso Lodge primarily caters to fly fishers, however, there are a variety of activities for the non-angler, such as guided hiking and/or bird watching through the virgin areas surrounding the lodge, climbing to the nearby mounts, and horseback riding.
Our Services are Free! Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
Rio Manso 2024 – 2025 Rates
The cost for a 7-night / 6-day fishing package is $7,000 per person based on double occupancy accommodations and two anglers per guide daily. Different length packages are available upon request.
The cost for non-fishermen is $5,400 per person for 7 nights/6 days, based on double occupancy accommodations, or $800 per person per night. Single supplement is $400 per day. Best value is a 7 night / 6 day package.
Rates include: transportation between Bariloche to Rio Manso on arrival and departure days, lodging (double bedrooms), all meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, fishing guides (one guide for every two anglers), any extra activities (rafting, horseback riding, hiking), boats, belly boats, fishing permits, Internet access, laundry.
Not Included: airfare to and from Bariloche, fishing tackle, gratuities, phone calls, purchases from the fly shop.
A 50% deposit is required to secure a reservation.
Telephone and Internet are available as well. A fully equipped Fly Shop provides anything else you might need: Fly gear: nine foot single handed 3 to 6 weight rods, floating and fast sinking tip lines, 7 to 11 foot tapered leaders ranging from 2X to 6X. Flies: streamers, nymphs, dries (all available at the Lodge).
Getting There: The lodge is near the city of S. C. de Bariloche, which makes access extremely easy. There are several flights a day connecting this city with Buenos Aires or Santiago (Chile). Upon arrival at the local airport, a Rio Manso representative will be waiting for you and take you to the lodge (4WD commuting takes approximately 90 minutes).
Documents: US Citizens visiting Argentina are required to carry a passport. Please be sure your passport will be valid 6 months after your departure from Argentina. When using a passport for proof of citizenship, we recommend carrying a photocopy of your passport picture page and two spare passport photos in a separate piece of luggage. This will greatly expedite matters should you lose your passport during your travels.
The Limay River Lodge is the first and only lodge on the incomparable Middle Limay River. The lodge opened in November 2014 and created easy access to a virtually untapped fishery. The Middle Limay River is one of the richest fishing resources in Northern Patagonia (the areas North of Bariloche). The Limay has a reputation for consistently producing large resident brown trout, strong rainbows, and enormous migratory browns.
The Middle Limay River is a large river, with numerous channels, that offers a variety of fishing opportunities: Dry Fly fishing with large attractor patterns or matching the hatch to rising fish, nymphing fishy runs, or stripping streamers to imitate minnows or pancoras. Angler’s searching for the “ultimate” Patagonian fly-fishing experience will find a trip to the Middle Limay unforgettable.
Brown trout (resident 17-22″, migratory measured in pounds), rainbow trout, all on dry flies
Season: Early November through end of May (consistent tailwater fishing year-round)
Location: Middle Limay River, Northern Patagonia—mid-point access to 12 fishing beats
Tailwater fishery—90% dry fly fishing with large attractor patterns
Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Argentina fly fishing at Limay River Lodge!
There are two structures that create the defining characteristics to the Middle Limay that make it so productive: The Pichi Picun Leufu Dam and El Chocon Reservoir. The Pichi Picun Leufu Dam turns the Middle Limay into a tail-water with consistent flows, clean / clear water, and prime water temperatures for trout and insect life. El Chocon Reservoir is an expansive lake (315 sq. miles of surface area with a max depth of 200 ft) that produces the Brown Trout which are measured in pounds, not inches, that migrate out of the reservoir and up the Limay to spawn. This creates a unique combination of predictable, consistent fishing for large fish, with the ever present possibility of taking massive browns on a dry fly.
The Fishing
The fishing on the Limay is virtually the same throughout the season, which runs from early-November until the end of May, because it’s a tail water. The majority of fishing (up to 90%) can be done with large attractor dries, which are surprisingly effective on Limay River rainbows and browns. Match the Hatch fishing, Attractor / dropper, and Streamer fishing are also effective all season long.
The resident fish are typically between 17″ – 22″, with larger fish being common. It’s almost common place for anglers to a have a day only catching fish 20″, all on dries! The highest concentration of “migratory” fish in the Limay River is early and late in the season, but there are huge browns in the Limay year round. The fishing is a truly unique combination of action and excitement.
Lodge Location & Access
Limay River Lodge is located at approximately the mid-point of the Middle Limay River. With drive times to the 12 access points as little as 5 minutes to just under an hour, depending on which beat you prefer to fish any given day. Anglers can also choose to wade the waters around the lodge for full or half day fishing. The variety of access points allow for full day floats, half day floats, short floats, long floats, strictly wading, and wading/floating combos.
Accommodations
The Limay River Lodge is a U-shaped structure with an open courtyard, conveniently close the river. The lodge can accommodate 14 anglers in 7 double occupancy guest rooms, each with large open closets and private baths, and individual rod racks and wader hangers outside each room under a covered walkway. The dining room / living room are both located in a large open space at the East end of the lodge. There’s a fire pit in the courtyard, surrounded by a seating area, which is an ideal evening gathering spot. Anglers will find the Limay River Lodge comparable to a 5-star hotel in atmosphere, service, and appointments. There is reliable WiFi internet access, but no cell service.
Equipment & Guides
Limay River Lodge has a fleet of Hyde Drift boats, which are ideal for floating the Limay River and new 4×4 trucks with trailers. Limay River Lodge also offers guests use of their Sage / Redington Rods paired with Sage / Redington reels and Rio Lines, as well as Redington Waders and Boots. The Limay River Lodge also has it’s own staff of professional fishing guides that are exclusively fishing the Limay River.
Limay River Lodge 2025 – 2026 Rates
Rates are per person based on 7 nights accommodations and 6 days guided fishing with two people sharing a room and a guide daily. Shorter packages are available. Please contact us for current rates and availability.
$990 per night, per person • Private room request add $200 per night, per angler • Single (private) guide add $200 per day, per angler •Non-angling rates are available, please contact us for details
Round Trip driving transfers between the lodge and Bariloche, San Martin, or Neuquen, $175 per person, per transfer Prices for single guide requested is $200 a day and single room requested is $200 per night.
Rates are in $USD, are per person, and subject to change; confirm current pricing when you inquire.
Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
Included & Not Included
Included: Accommodations at Limay River Lodge; Daily Guided Fishing; All Meals & Beverages, included local beer, excellent wine and open bar at the lodge; ground transfers from Limay River Lodge to the fishing areas; fishing license.
Not Included: Airfare; Reception & Assistance in Buenos Aires; Non-Fishing activities; IN/OUT Private ground transfer from Bariloche, Neuquén or San Martin de los Andes (Chapelco) Airports to Limay River Lodge; Trip Insurance; Guide and Staff Gratuities; Additional travel services in Buenos Aires such as transfers, hotels, or tours.
Booking at Limay River Lodge is easy:
Tap a button below to start the conversation. Our services are free.
The Limay River Lodge is the first and only lodge on the incomparable Middle Limay River. The lodge opened in November 2014 and created easy access to a virtually untapped fishery. The Middle Limay River is one of the richest fishing resources in Northern Patagonia (the areas North of Bariloche). The Limay has a reputation for consistently producing large resident brown trout, strong rainbows, and enormous migratory browns. The Middle Limay River is a large river, with numerous channels, that offers a variety of fishing opportunities: Dry Fly fishing with large attractor patterns or matching the hatch to rising fish, nymphing fishy runs, or stripping streamers to imitate minnows or pancoras. Angler’s searching for the “ultimate” Patagonian fly-fishing experience will find a trip to the Middle Limay unforgettable.
There are two structures that create the defining characteristics to the Middle Limay that make it so productive: The Pichi Picun Leufu Dam and El Chocon Reservoir. The Pichi Picun Leufu Dam turns the Middle Limay into a tail-water with consistent flows, clean / clear water, and prime water temperatures for trout and insect life. El Chocon Reservoir is an expansive lake (315 sq. miles of surface area with a max depth of 200 ft) that produces the Brown Trout which are measured in pounds, not inches, that migrate out of the reservoir and up the Limay to spawn. This creates a unique combination of predictable, consistent fishing for large fish, with the ever present possibility of taking massive browns on a dry fly.
The fishing on the Limay is virtually the same throughout the season, which runs from early-November until the end of May, because it’s a tail water. The majority of fishing (up to 90%) can be done with large attractor dries, which are surprisingly effective on Limay River rainbows and browns. Match the Hatch fishing, Attractor / dropper, and Streamer fishing are also effective all season long. The resident fish are typically between 17″ – 22″, with larger fish being common. It’s almost common place for anglers to a have a day only catching fish 20″, all on dries! The highest concentration of “migratory” fish in the Limay River is early and late in the season, but there are huge browns in the Limay year round. The fishing is a truly unique combination of action and excitement.
Limay River Lodge is located at approximately the mid-point of the Middle Limay River. With drive times to the 12 access points as little as 5 minutes to just under an hour, depending on which beat you prefer to fish any given day. Anglers can also choose to wade the waters around the lodge for full or half day fishing. The variety of access points allow for full day floats, half day floats, short floats, long floats, strictly wading, and wading/floating combos.
The Limay River Lodge is a U-shaped structure with an open courtyard, conveniently close the river. The lodge can accommodate 14 anglers in 7 double occupancy guest rooms, each with large open closets and private baths, and individual rod racks and wader hangers outside each room under a covered walkway. The dining room / living room are both located in a large open space at the East end of the lodge. There’s a fire pit in the courtyard, surrounded by a seating area, which is an ideal evening gathering spot. Anglers will find the Limay River Lodge comparable to a 5-star hotel in atmosphere, service, and appointments. There is reliable WiFi internet access, but no cell service.
Limay River Lodge has a fleet of Hyde Drift boats, which are ideal for floating the Limay River and new 4×4 trucks with trailers. Limay River Lodge also offers guests use of their Sage / Redington Rods paired with Sage / Redington reels and Rio Lines, as well as Redington Waders and Boots. The Limay River Lodge also has it’s own staff of professional fishing guides that are exclusively fishing the Limay River.
Our Services are Free! Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
Limay River Lodge 2018 – 2019 Rates
(subject to change)
The cost for a 7-night / 6-day package is $6,860 per person based on double occupancy accommodations and a shared boat / guide daily. Shorter packages are available.
Included: Accommodations at Limay River Lodge; Daily Guided Fishing; All Meals & Beverages, included local beer, excellent wine and open bar at the lodge; ground transfers from Limay River Lodge to the fishing areas; fishing license.
Not Included: Airfare; Reception & Assistance in Buenos Aires; Non-Fishing activities; IN/OUT Private ground transfer from Bariloche, Neuquén or San Martin de los Andes (Chapelco) Airports to Limay River Lodge; Trip Insurance; Guide and Staff Gratuities; Additional travel services in Buenos Aires such as transfers, hotels, or tours.
The South American Golden Dorado (Salminus brasiliensis) is considered by many well traveled anglers to be the world’s greatest fighting game fish. This extraordinary jumper combines the running and leaping abilities of a salmon with the ferocity and predatory instincts of a tiger shark. It violently hammers flies and lures, then immediately explodes out of the water in a series of outrageous leaps and line stripping runs.
For many years, one of Latin America’s most exciting game fish was kept a secret in its heartland. In the last few years, the Dorado, or “River Tiger” as it is affectionately called in Argentina, has rocketed to the top of the “hot fish list”!
Throughout much of its equatorial range, the Dorado is caught in heavy rivers in fairly deep, murky waters and generally with heavy spinning or plug casting tackle. However, for anglers preferring to fish relatively light fly tackle or light spinning tackle, in more intimate, relatively clear waters, with even some sight casting opportunities from the deck of a flats skiff, Pirá Lodge offers the perfect alternative.
Golden Dorado (3-6 lbs average, 10+ lbs common, fish over 25 lbs possible)
Season: Mid-October through April (Argentine spring and summer)
Weather: Warm spring and summer conditions in Corrientes Province
Location: Iberá Marshlands, Corrientes Province, Argentina—3.5 million acres of pristine wetlands
Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Argentina Golden Dorado fishing!
Pirá Lodge is located in the northeastern corner of Argentina in Corrientes Province on the immense Iberá Marsh. One of the most unique and fascinating ecosystems in the world, the Iberá Wetlands is comprised of 3,500,000 (three million five hundred thousand) acres of unexplored and uninhabited marshland that will be the setting for some of the most exciting fishing you will ever do. The marsh is a vast system of pristine creeks, rivers, shallows, and lakes roughly 2.5 times bigger than the Florida Everglades and is home to more than 350 species of birds, 85 mammals and almost 70 reptiles, along with this electrifying game fish!
Fishing Program & Techniques
Pirá Lodge guests fish from state of the art 18 foot Hell’s Bay flats skiffs with poling platforms. Primary fishing areas include the Corrientes River, the Headwaters and the Marsh proper.
The Corrientes River
The River is more traditional fishing usually with an 8 or 9 weight with a sink tip line. Large saltwater type streamer patterns are swung and stripped. One of the most effective patterns is the Andino, a hybrid muddler/deceiver pattern.
The Headwaters
The headwaters offers more floating line fishing and even surface patterns like mice (tied on heavy saltwater hooks) or sliders. Sometimes dorado will take poppers but seem to prefer sliders. The popular “Titanic” steelhead waking fly, has been adapted (tied on heavier hooks) and has been very successful in recent years.
The Marsh
The Marsh fishing is slightly more technical. This is generally clearer water and a stealthy approach is required. Again, the Marsh offers more opportunities for floating line fishing, and Pirá guides have even discovered these fish will eat buggy, rubber legged terrestrial dry flies!
What to Expect
While fish over 25 pounds have been taken at Pirá, most fish will average in the 3 – 6 pound range, with fish in the 10 + pound class taken each month of the season. The average day usually produces around 5 – 10 fish per rod per day. But this can vary widely. Dorado can be moody, but can also just go “on the grab”, and you might release 20 in a morning session.
Fishing Schedule & Gear
Daily fishing hours may vary depending on month and weather. A typical spring fishing day will start in the morning from 8:00 to 12:30, lunch at the lodge, and then afternoon fishing from 3:30 to 7:30. The season comprises the Argentine spring and summer, from mid-October through April.
Fly rods carrying 7, 8 & 9 weight lines are the weapons of choice. It’s best to carry two rods; an 8 or 9 rigged with a sinking line (like a T-200) and a 7 or 8 rigged with a floater. Traditional saltwater streamers and deceivers in black, purple chartreuse and white, some slider and mice patterns, and wire leaders (these are toothy critters) complete the required gear.
Lodge Accommodations & Amenities
Pirá Lodge is designed to provide its guests not only with a remarkable fishing experience, but also with maximum comfort. The lodge accommodates 12 guests (10 anglers) in 5 rooms and a cottage with 2 rooms. Each room is fully air-conditioned, with two double beds and large bathrooms with double windows, which provide a peaceful space to unwind in a warm bath. The rooms feature French windows, which open out to the shaded verandah with easy access to the 20 meter pool and a beautiful view of the surrounding wilderness. In addition to the comfort of a spacious sitting room, with unique furniture crafted by local artisans, anglers will appreciate the convenience of a fly tying table, and an on-site fly shop, fully equipped with flies, rods, reels and clothing.
Gourmet dining with Argentina’s famed beef and fine wines, traditional “asados” (BBQ´s), delicious regional as well as international cuisine desserts, and the fully stocked bar contribute to create the setting for perfect moments at the end of a perfect day.
Non-Fishing Activities
Other activities available are Kayaking, Bird watching, Horseback riding and snorkeling. Pirá is a strictly CATCH AND RELEASE fishery and strongly encourages the use of barb-less hooks.
Getting to Pirá Lodge
There are a number of options for travel to Pirá Lodge. Most convenient but also most expensive is using a private charter to fly directly to the lodge’s grass airstrip (dependent on water levels) or to nearby Mercedes or Goya Airports. This works well for groups of 4 or more. Alternately, you can fly commercial air to either Resistencia or Corrientes. From there it is a 4 ½ hour ground transfer.
Many will travel through, arriving in Buenos Aires early morning, taking a mid-morning flight to Corrientes where they overnight at the charming Hotel La Alondra, and make the ground transfer to the lodge the next morning.
The most novel travel method is using the overnight Luxury Sleeper bus to Mercedes. This features fully (flat) reclining seats with privacy curtains, much like you’d find on First Class transoceanic flights. This departs Buenos Aires at about 9:30 pm. Dinner and beverages are served and you’ll arrive in Mercedes at about 7:00 am. From there it’s a 1 ½ hour car transfer to the lodge.
Pirá Lodge 2025 – 2026 Rates
Season: October 2025 – April 2026. Rates are in USD per person, based on shared occupancy and boat.
Package Length
Price Per Person
7-nights / 6-days Fishing
$7,950
6-nights / 5-days fishing
$7,495
5-nights / 4-days fishing
$6,395
4-nights / 3-days fishing
$5,150
3-nights / 2-days fishing
$3,950
Rates are per person in USD$ and subject to change
Booking at Pirá Lodge is easy:
Tap a button below to start the conversation. Our services are free.
Occupancy: 12 guests, 10 anglers – 5 rooms & a cottage with 2 rooms. Check in after 2PM / Check out before 10AM.
Single Room & Boat: 60% surcharge
Non-Fisher: $650 per night per person
Fishing License: $100 per person
Full day fishing on arrival or departure day: $850 per boat
Half day fishing on arrival or departure day: $650 per boat
Included & Not Included
Included: Accommodations based on double occupancy; all meals, wines, beer and local and international spirits; professional guide services (2 anglers per guide/boat); loaner fishing equipment (rods, reels & lines).
Not Included: International & domestic airfares; private charters; fishing licenses; laundry service; transfers in & out of the Lodge; gratuities for guides and house staff.
The South American Golden Dorado (Salminus brasiliensis) is considered by many well traveled anglers to be the world’s greatest fighting game fish. This extraordinary jumper combines the running and leaping abilities of a salmon with the ferocity and predatory instincts of a tiger shark. It violently hammers flies and lures, then immediately explodes out of the water in a series of outrageous leaps and line stripping runs.
For many years, one of Latin America’s most exciting game fish was kept a secret in its heartland. In the last few years, the Dorado, or “River Tiger” as it is affectionately called in Argentina, has rocketed to the top of the “hot fish list”!
Throughout much of its equatorial range, the Dorado is caught in heavy rivers in fairly deep, murky waters and generally with heavy spinning or plug casting tackle. However, for anglers preferring to fish relatively light fly tackle or light spinning tackle, in more intimate, relatively clear waters, with even some sight casting opportunities from the deck of a flats skiff, Pirá Lodge offers the perfect alternative.
Pirá Lodge is located in the northeastern corner of Argentina in Corrientes Province on the immense Iberá Marsh. One of the most unique and fascinating ecosystems in the world, the Iberá Wetlands is comprised of 3,500,000 (three million five hundred thousand) acres of unexplored and uninhabited marshland will be the setting for some of the most exciting fishing you will ever do. The marsh is a vast system of pristine creeks, rivers, shallows, and lakes roughly 2.5 times bigger than the Florida Everglades and is home to more than 350 species of birds, 85 mammals and almost 70 reptiles, along with this electrifying game fish!
Pirá Lodge guests fish from state of the art 18 foot Hell’s Bay flats skiffs with poling platforms. Primary fishing areas include the Corrientes River, the Headwaters and the Marsh proper.
The River is more traditional fishing usually with an 8 or 9 weight with a sink tip line. Large saltwater type streamer patterns are swung and stripped. One of the most effective patterns is the Andino, a hybrid muddler/deceiver pattern
The headwaters offers more floating line fishing and even surface patterns like mice (tied on heavy saltwater hooks) or sliders. Sometimes dorado will take poppers but seem to prefer sliders. The popular “Titanic” steelhead waking fly, has been adapted (tied on heavier hooks) and has been very successful in recent years.
The Marsh fishing is slightly more technical. This is generally clearer water and a stealthy approach is required. Again, the Marsh offers more opportunities for floating line fishing, and Pirá guides have even discovered these fish will eat buggy, rubber legged terrestrial dry flies!
While fish over 25 pounds have been taken at Pirá, most fish will average in the 3 – 6 pound range, with fish in the 10 + pound class taken each month of the season. The average day usually produces around 5 – 10 fish per rod per day. But this can vary widely. Dorado can be moody, but can also just go “on the grab”, and you might release 20 in a morning session.
Daily fishing hours may vary depending on month and weather. A typical spring fishing day will start in the morning from 8:00 to 12:30, lunch at the lodge, and then afternoon fishing from 3:30 to 7:30. The season comprises the Argentine spring and summer, from mid-October through April.
Fly rods carrying 7, 8 & 9 weight lines are the weapons of choice. It’s best to carry two rods; an 8 or 9 rigged with a sinking line (like a T-200) and a 7 or 8 rigged with a floater. Traditional saltwater streamers and deceivers in black, purple chartreuse and white, some slider and mice patterns, and wire leaders (these are toothy critters) complete the required gear.
Pirá Lodge is designed to provide its guests not only with a remarkable fishing experience, but also with maximum comfort. The lodge has only five bedrooms, each one of them fully air-conditioned, with two double beds and large bathrooms with double windows, which provide a peaceful space to unwind in a warm bath. The rooms feature French windows, which open out to the shaded verandah with easy access to the 20 meter pool and a beautiful view of the surrounding wilderness. In addition to the comfort of a spacious sitting room, with unique furniture crafted by local artisans, anglers will appreciate the convenience of a fly tying table, and an on-site fly shop, fully equipped with flies, rods, reels and clothing.
Gourmet dining with Argentina’s famed beef and fine wines, traditional “asados” (BBQ´s), delicious regional as well as international cuisine desserts, and the fully stocked bar contribute to create the setting for perfect moments at the end of a perfect day.
Other activities available are Kayaking, Bird watching, Horseback riding and snorkeling. Pirá is a strictly CATCH AND RELEASE fishery.
There are a number of options for travel to Pira Lodge. Most convenient but also most expensive is using a private charter to fly directly to the lodge’s grass airstrip (dependent on water levels) or to nearby Mercedes or Goya Airports. This works well for groups of 4 or more. Alternately, you can fly commercial air to either Resistencia or Corrientes. From there it is a 4 ½ hour ground transfer.
Many will travel through, arriving in Buenos Aires early morning, taking a mid-morning flight to Corrientes where they overnight at the charming Hotel La Alondra, and make the ground transfer to the lodge the next morning.
The most novel travel method is using the overnight Luxury Sleeper bus to Mercedes. This features fully (flat) reclining seats with privacy curtains, much like you’d find on First Class transoceanic flights. This departs Buenos Aires at about 9:30 pm. Dinner and beverages are served and you’ll arrive in Mercedes at about 7:00 am. From there it’s a 1 ½ hour car transfer to the lodge.
Pirá is a strictly CATCH AND RELEASE fishery and strongly encourages the use of barb-less hooks.
Our Services are Free! Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
Pirá Lodge 2018 – 2019 Rates
(Effective October 2018 – April 2019)
Package Length
Double Occupancy
7-nights / 6-days Fishing
$5,950 per person
6-nights / 5-days fishing
$5,100 per person
5-nights / 4-days fishing
$4,475 per person
4-nights / 3-days fishing
$3,800 per person
Included in the rate: Roundtrip transfers Mercedes Airport or bus terminal to lodge (if you fly private charter); 7-nights deluxe lodge accommodations (double occupancy); all meals; all wines, beer; soft drinks and local spirits at the lodge; daily guided fishing, 2 anglers per boat/guide; fishing license.
Not included are: International airfare; transfers, hotels, meals and personal expenditures in Buenos Aires; commercial flights into either Corrientes or Resistencia (or private charter costs if you fly into Mercedes); transfers from Corrientes, Resistencia or Goya airports to lodge; tackle; imported liquors; laundry service; overweight luggage charges; gratuities.
Single occupancy 60% more; Non-fisher $450 per night/person.
Jurassic Lake—locals call it Lago Strobel—is Patagonia’s windswept trophy factory, and Estancia Laguna Verde is the only program that combines private shoreline on the lake with full access to the Barrancoso River and the surrounding chain lakes. From the lodge’s perch above the property’s namesake lagoon, anglers chase the heaviest rainbows on the continent while enjoying polished hospitality, single-room options, and guides who know every bay and beat by name.
This is still the wild Patagonian steppe: five hours from El Calafate, big skies, bigger wind, and rainbows that average seven to nine pounds with legitimate double-digit fish landed every week. Laguna Verde’s seasoned crew keeps you on the fish with a fleet of Hilux trucks, quad access to remote bays, and a flexible daily plan that adjusts to wind direction and water levels.
Species: Trophy rainbows to 20+ pounds, plus resident browns and brookies in the chain lakes.
Season: October through April — peak lake windows December–March, prime Barrancoso runs early and late.
Weather: Expect steady Patagonian wind, cool nights, and dramatic shifts—layers, wading jackets, and sun protection are mandatory.
Location: Five hours west of El Calafate, Santa Cruz province — private shoreline on Lago Strobel plus exclusive Barrancoso River beats.
Tell us how you like to fish—swinging buggers in Monster Bay, sight-casting mouse patterns to new arrivals in the Barrancoso, or hunting brookies in the chain lakes. We’ll build the exact week around your priorities.
Ready to plan your Jurassic Lake week or add it onto a Tierra del Fuego sea-trout itinerary?
Strobel’s rainbows simply feed harder than any stillwater trout on the planet. Fueled by dense scud populations, they cruise Monster, Camelot, and Sea bays in clear water where you can sight-cast streamers, nymphs, or giant foam mice and watch fish in the mid-teens inhale the fly. The lodge’s private access covers more than twenty kilometres of shoreline, so your guide always has a protected bay in the wind and fresh water to explore.1
Even by Patagonia standards, the variety is staggering. Morning on the Barrancoso river can mean swinging small streamers through boulder-filled runs for chrome bright fish fresh from the lake; afternoons might move to Moro Creek or one of a dozen smaller lagoons where resident browns and brookies crush terrestrials. Guides carry full-day lunches, flex the schedule around weather, and keep you moving with Hilux trucks and ATVs staged across the estancia.
How the Program Flows
Guests typically arrive in El Calafate on Friday night, then transfer about five hours across the steppe on Saturday morning. Each fishing day starts with a briefing in the mudroom before splitting among Strobel bays, the Barrancoso, or the chain lakes. Expect one guide per two anglers, 4WD moves between spots, and quad shuttles or short walks when wind dictates a different bay. Lunches are cooked on-site and afternoons remain fluid—if the river is rising with fresh fish, guides pivot the plan so you’re there when it lights up.2
Bring quiver-building tackle: 7- or 8-weight rods with aggressive floating lines for the lake, intermediate or sink tips for heavy chop, and 5- or 6-weight outfits for the Barrancoso. Heavy fluorocarbon (0X–2X) is the norm on Strobel, while clear river water often calls for 8–10 lb leaders. The lodge stocks loaner rods and reels if something breaks, and there is a small pro shop with spare flies and essentials.
Lodge Life & Amenities
Laguna Verde’s estancia house blends Patagonian character with thoughtful comforts: ten single-occupancy rooms plus two doubles (all en suite), 24-hour electricity, Wi-Fi, a full bar, wine tastings in the cave, and twice-weekly laundry. Evenings revolve around chef-driven meals—Patagonian lamb asado, handmade pastas, and Mendoza varietals—followed by fly tying or stargazing under southern skies.2
Seasonal Fishing Calendar
Fishery
Prime Window
Notes
Lago Strobel rainbows
December through March
Average 7-9 lbs; frequent shots at fish over 15 lbs in Monster and Camelot bays when winds line up.
Barrancoso River run
October-November & late March-April
High flows draw chrome lake fish upstream; sight-fish pockets with streamers or large dries.
Moro Creek & chain lakes
November-February
Great for afternoons with lighter wind; brookies and resident rainbows crush mice and terrestrials.
Shoulder season stillwater
October & April
Fewer anglers, cooler temps, and light pressure on sheltered bays when lake fish move shallow.
2025–2026 Rates & Booking Notes
Laguna Verde releases space in limited blocks each season, and the prime summer weeks book 12–18 months out. Shoulder weeks (early October and April) are ideal for anglers targeting the Barrancoso run or looking for more forgiving wind windows.
Package
Travel Window
Rate (USD)
7 nights / 6.5 fishing days
December – March
$7,950 per angler
7 nights / 6.5 fishing days
Oct 1–21 & Apr 5–30
$6,300 per angler
5 nights / 4.5 fishing days
December – March
$6,580 per angler
5 nights / 4.5 fishing days
Oct 1–19 & Apr 4–30
$5,250 per angler
4 nights / 3.5 fishing days
December – March
$5,750 per angler
4 nights / 3.5 fishing days
Oct 1–19 & Apr 4–30
$4,580 per angler
Rates are per person in USD$ and subject to change. Contact us for seasonal promos.
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Accommodations at Estancia Laguna Verde with single or double rooms (subject to availability).
All meals with paired Argentine wines plus daily shoreline asados.
Open bar, soft drinks, and espresso service.
Fully guided fishing (two anglers per guide) with use of trucks, ATVs, and loaner rods/reels on request.
Round-trip ground transfers between El Calafate (FTE) and the estancia.
Wi-Fi, satellite TV lounge, drying room, and laundry twice per week.
Not Included
International flights to Buenos Aires and domestic flights to El Calafate.
Hotels and meals in Buenos Aires or El Calafate before/after your week.
Argentina fishing license (approx. $140 per week, paid at the lodge).
Guide and staff gratuities, premium cigars, specialty wines, or shop purchases.
Flies, terminal tackle, waders, and boots (available for purchase or rental on site).
Travel insurance, Global Rescue or medevac coverage, and any itinerary changes due to weather or airline delays.
Plan Your Week
Let us hold preferred space, coordinate El Calafate logistics, or pair Laguna Verde with a Tierra del Fuego sea-run brown trout week. Our services are free, and we’ll tailor every detail—from tackle prep to add-on tours in Los Glaciares National Park.
Jurassic Lake, locally known as Lago Strobel, has garnered a reputation as the most prolific Rainbow Trout fishery in the world. Located in the rugged Steppe or “messita” region of southern Argentina’s Santa Cruz province, Jurassic Lake is the place for trophy Rainbow Trout on a fly. Lago Strobel is a 40 square mile lake and the average Rainbow landed from Jurassic Lake is close to 10 pounds, with fish breaking the 20 pound mark caught almost weekly.
Jurassic Lake is popular among anglers looking for their personal best Rainbow, but it’s not a destination for everyone. It’s located in one of the world’s most desolate, windswept landscapes, 5 hours from the closest airport, El Calafate City. Anglers who make the long journey stay at Estancia Laguna Verde Lodge.
Estancia Laguna Verde offers more than 6 miles of Jurassic Lake coastline accessible from the lodge and a few more remote areas only accessible by boat (when the weather allows). Guests at Estancia Laguna Verde have access to “Monsters Bay”, which was named after the consistent numbers and size of the trout landed in the bay and considered to be the best fishing area on Jurassic Lake. Anglers will also fish the productive Camelot Bay, Moro Bay, Horse Shoe Bay, Finger Bay, Sea Bay, Tazmania Bay, Dry Fly Bay, Puesto Bay, and The Aquarium. Fishing in the Bays offers some protection from the ever present wind. On calmer days, the sight fishing with small nymphs or large dry flies can be spectacular in all of the bays.
Estancia Laguna Verde is a 37,000 acre ranch on the southern shore of Jurassic Lake. The estancia encompasses 12 chain lakes connected by Moro Creek, and 5-miles of the Barrancoso River, which is the sole tributary to Jurassic Lake. The smaller chain lakes each have their own stock of big Rainbows. The Estancia and Lodge’s namesake, Laguna Verde, is full of 4 – 8 pound Rainbows, with fish over 10 pounds caught regularly, and is a short walk from the lodge. Many anglers catch their personal best Rainbow while “warming up” on Laguna Verde, before making a single cast into Jurassic Lake. Estancia Laguna Verde has made substantial improvements to the exiting roads inside the estancia and added new roads, allowing anglers easier access to the best fishing areas. The new infrastructure has improved the efficiency of travel, resulting in more time on the water for clients. Also added was a “lake cabin” on the shore of Jurassic Lake, where anglers can enjoy lunch, a siesta, or just take a coffee / matte break out of the wind. Estancia Laguna Verde now has access to 4 beats on Moro Creek, which are accessible by 4-Wheel Drive ATV’s or by truck.
Unlike the short sea-run trout fishing season on the nearby Gallegos or in Tierra del Fuego, Jurassic Lake has excellent fishing for almost 6 full months, from November – April. The higher water levels in November & December offer sight fishing on the Moro Creek and there are lots of large Rainbows still in the Barrancoso River, as well as in Jurassic Lake. Lower water in January – mid-March focuses fishing for big rainbows in the lakes, with mostly smaller trout in the Barrancoso River. As water levels start to rise in late-March – April, there are more big rainbows running back into the Barrancoso River, preparing to spawn.
The lodge on Estancia Laguna Verde is a traditional “Estancia House” with 7 guest rooms, accommodating a maximum of 12 anglers, each with a private bathroom. Estancia Laguna Verde Lodge is not luxurious, but given its remoteness, it is quite comfortable. Guests enjoy amenities like 24-hour electricity, 24-hour hot water, satellite TV on a 42″ LCD TV, wireless internet, and twice weekly laundry service. There’s also a changing room/drying facility, located by the entrance to the lodge for anglers to change before and after the fishing day, as well as to store / dry fishing gear, such as waders, wading boots, rods, reels, vests, etc.
Fishing Jurassic Lake requires rods capable of handling strong winds and fish that could go over 20 pounds. Fast action 9 / 10 foot rods in the 7 – 9 weight range are excellent choices, with a high quality, large abor reel. Almost all of the fishing is done with floating lines, but having a variety of lines like floating, sink tip, sinking lines with a medium sink rate and a shooting head type fly lines is recommend so you can adapt to conditions. Jurassic Lake trout aren’t leader shy, so heavy tippets are recommended to keep the enormous fish from braking off. For the Barrancoso River, 8 / 9 foot rods in 5 – 6 weight are adequate. When fishing the beautiful Barrancoso River, 9 ft. leaders in lighter tippet sizes (8-10 lbs) are recommended, as the water is clear and the fish can be spooky and challenging at times.
Top dry flies are: Mice, Chernobyl Ant, Tarantula, Madam X, Gypsy King, Stimulator (yellow and green), and Stimulator Rubber legs in sizes 6 – 10. Estancia Laguna Verde suggests a variety of weighted and unweighted Woolly Buggers, scuds, zonkers, and matukas in sizes 4 – 10. Don’t forget a selection of nymph’s and typical western flies for some of the more technical fishing. There is also a small fly shop at the lodge with a limited supply of waders, jackets, leaders, flies, tying materials, lines, rods, reels, and other fishing equipment. Also, in the event that something gets broken or lost, the lodge has some loaner tackle (Echo Rods and Islander Reels) that anglers can borrow. Don’t forget the “Flexi Stripper” stripping baskets, helpful when making long casts in the lake as well as protecting lines from the rocky coastline.
Estancia Laguna Verde strives to offer the best cuisine Argentina has to offer. The chef combines what Argentina is famous for: Great “asados” (barbeques) and Patagonian lamb, with tasty international dishes, all served with great wines from Mendoza, San Juan, Salta and Neuquén.
Our Services are Free! Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
Estancia Laguna Verde 2022 Rates
(subject to change)
The cost for a 7-night / 6-day fishing package is $6,200 per person based on double occupancy accommodations and a shared guide daily.
Included: pick-up and return to Calafate Airport; daily guided fishing with 2 anglers per guide; accommodations; all meals; beverages (including water, wines, beer, sodas, cocktails, liquors); 24-hour electricity; satellite television; WiFi; laundry service twice per week.
Not included: airfare; departure and reciprocity taxes; transfers between airports or hotel to airports; hotels in Buenos Aires or El Calafate City where applicable; tips to guides or at hotels; tackle; flies, Argentina fishing license ($70 US per week, subject to change); possible meals or sightseeing during layovers in Buenos Aires (sport coat optional); Satellite Telephone use; other items of a personal nature.
