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.
Nomads of the Seas is a new concept that revolves around Chilean Patagonia and a revolutionary approach to fly fishing. Nomads of the Seas has developed a new venture that promises unparalleled levels of personal and professional service in an area many call the world’s ultimate fly fishing and ecotourism destination.
Because of its isolation and the diversity of its terrain, Chilean Patagonia is one of the world’s best places for the kind of exploratory fishing and specialized eco-tourism Nomads of the Seas offers. The coast-to-land ratio is enormous, and the Cordillera generates a huge number of river and lake systems that are close to the ocean fjords. These bodies of water are largely inaccessible by conventional transportation and so have remained virginal and unexplored.
brown trout, rainbow trout
Professional guides and deluxe accomodations
Dry fly, streamer and nymph fishing for huge brown trout
Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Chile fly fishing!
Overlooking no detail, Nomads of the Seas has designed one-week extreme fly fishing adventures and ecotourism expedition programs for a very limited amount of guests. All itineraries are based out of Atmosphere, a 150-foot mother ship specifically designed for exploring Chilean fjords in safety and extreme comfort. This ship accommodates a maximum of 18 fishing guests and 10 non-fishing guests for each trip. Atmosphere is also equipped with a Bell 407 helicopter and a fleet of jet boats, enabling anglers to penetrate the very deepest parts of the Patagonian wilderness over land, air and water. The mobility of Nomads of the Seas also allows for the flexibility required for successful fishing in an extremely variable climate.
The lakes provide rich vegetation and the ideal environment for insects, crustaceans, nymphs and small fish, creating ideal fishing conditions on the surface and on the bottom. A number of these big lakes have regulatory effects on rivers, transforming them into a calm and clear flowing habitat for fish. Nomads of the Seas calls its fishingprogram “extreme fly fishing,” which Nomads defines as “being able to fish at any spot, regardless of its accessibility, without having to stay in any specific place; with all the flexibility to deal with different weather and water conditions, and fluctuating fish behaviors . . . With the assistance of our guides and pilots you will encounter a fisherman’s dream: shallow and deep rivers, white waters, tight bends, creeks, lakes, lagoons, mountains, volcanoes, and many confined sites that are almost inaccessible without the proper training, equipment and experience.”
There is so much water and coast line and open space in this region that Nomads of the Seas has by no means stopped exploring. On virtually every expedition new water is covered, some of which has never been fished before.
Nomads of the Seas uses its helicopter and an extensive fleet, comprised of 6 fully equipped Jetboats, plus 2 SOLAS Rescue Boats, 4 Helitour Mission Zodiacs (equipped for air transport below the Bell 407), and one Huricane
920 RIB Zodiac to cover these untouched waters. The diversity of these vessels gives guests opportunities to fish for brown trout (sea-run and native), brook trout, rainbow trout, steelhead, chinook salmon and other species of land-locked salmon. One week fishing programs depart every Saturday from mid October through April.
Nomads of the Seas has designed special outings for non-fishing guests as well: sight seeing for a wide variety of dolphins and elusive giant whales in specialized rigid inflatable boats, bird watching, spotting and identifying native and endemic flora and fauna throughout the wilderness. Most will be overwhelmed by the diversity of life and the natural beauty Patagonia offers. Guests will also have access to a variety of on board activities such as daily wine tastings, gourmet regional cuisine, Thalasoterapy and spa relaxation, specialized lectures and more. Few other operations combine so many activities in a single adventure.
Adventure awaits you!
Tap a button below to start the conversation. Our services are free.
Nomads of the Seas describes its on board cuisine as “Chilean gourmet nouvelle.” It has been specially designed by Guillermo Rodriguez, one of the most famous chefs in all of Chile. His dishes focus on traditional Chilean flavors with an exciting, modern twist.
Atmosphere is also equipped with a full bar, stocked with top brands of liquor. The bar is open all day and the drinks are included in the package rate (there are certain exceptions to this rule).
The Mothership’s cabins have been built with extreme care, priorizing comfort and safety above all. You’ll also find the décor quite tasteful, so you won’t miss anything from home.
The cabins are specially designed to emphasise passenger privacy and comfort onboard. Great efforts have been made to provide guests with natural and tasteful interiors. The 14 guest cabins are equipped with either one queen or two twin beds as well as a private bath. All guest cabins are exterior. Guests will also enjoy first class service from the attentive, live-aboard crew.The coastal sector of Patagonia and its intermediate valleys have a cold temperate western- coastline climate with peak rainfall in the winter (U.S. summer). However, there is rainfall throughout the entire year. The temperatures are not extremely low due to the influence of the sea and the action of the winds, and the coldest months are rarely below 4º C/39° F. The thermal amplitudes are not very high, with the daily and yearly ranging from 5º to 7º C/41° F to 45° F. The atmospheric humidity has a mean annual value of 87% in the zone, and no month of the year has relative humidity of less than 80%.
Nomads has satellite telephones that have worldwide coverage. They work with prepaid cards, which can be purchased on board.
Inquire about 2025 Rates for Nomads of the Sea
Tap a button below to start the conversation. Our services are free.
2024 Season Rates are published for reference: (Rates are per person, for 8 days/7 nights, with all meals, open bar (less premium drinks), daily Program as per schedule, all activities on board, plus port transfer in Puerto Montt.
Heli-Ski Program: Sept – November by arrangement
Ultimate Flyfishing & Wildlife Adventures: Departures every Saturday, from early November to end of March
Charter & Incentive: Dates by arrangement
Accommodation Type
4 x Delux Queen/King Suites: From US$ 42,000/pp sharing (8 day/7 ni)
10 x Premium Twin Suites: From approx US$ 18,000/pp sharing (8 day/7 ni)
Heli-Ski and Charter & Incentive tariffs on request
Rates and conditions subject to change as published by Nomads of the Seas®
