Full Days Manso River
$580/ Boat For 1 Angler / 600 For 2 Anglers
Price: $580
Duration: 9/10 Hours - Full Day
0.0
Across all of these destinations, it’s possible to achieve the classic “Patagonian Grand Slam” — landing brown, rainbow, and brook trout all in the same day. And in midsummer, the entire basin comes alive with the famous Dragonfly Hatch, one of the most exciting times of year for dry-fly fishing, when big trout attack large foamy terrestrials like Fat Alberts, Chernobyl Ants, or realistic dragonfly imitations.
Our destinations within the basin
Lower Manso River — Begins at Lake Steffen and winds for about seven miles until it meets the Villegas River, near the Chilean border, forming the southern boundary of the National Park. This is a float-fishing stretch of exceptional beauty, with waters in striking shades of green and blue running through pristine Andean forest. It offers excellent fishing, including right at its mouth on Lake Steffen.
Middle Manso River — Begins on the southwestern shore of Lake Mascardi and flows into Lake Moscos, whose outflow is renowned for outstanding dry-fly fishing in summer. It then continues to La Medialuna Lagoon, a small, reed-fringed spot with a magical sense of seclusion, before completing the float to the exit point through pools, runs, riffles, and picture-perfect bends.
Lakes Fonck and Roca — Two medium-sized glacial lakes with limited access, which helps preserve the quality of the fishery. Rainbow and brook trout predominate, with good-sized brown trout occasionally showing up. Lake Fonck is divided into Fonck Chico (surrounded by dense reeds, fishable only by boat) and Fonck Grande (with varied structure and inflow from the Calote and Frío streams). Lake Roca, bordered by coihue forest, is fed by three streams — Expedicionarios, Linco, and Felipe — creating highly productive structure. Depending on the season and conditions, we prioritize one or the other to make the most of the day.
Hess Lake & Channels — A small but highly productive lake, with reed-lined shores creating ideal habitat for dry-fly fishing. It offers spectacular views of Mount Tronador, with its permanent glaciers, along with a network of channels combining stunning scenery with excellent dry-fly and nymph fishing.
2 anglers – USD 600 | Single angler – USD 580
What’s Included
• Transfers to and from Bariloche to the river.
• Fishing Gear (rods, flies, and wading gear if needed).
• A traditional Argentine lunch featuring steak and the best Malbec wine.
• Refreshments (water, soft drinks, and beer).
• 1 Bilingual Guide per Boat for 2 passengers.
• Private accesses in the river.
What’s Not Included
• Fishing license: We can arrange this in advance if needed.
Current rates for foreign visitors (2026):
• Day license: USD 30
• Weekly license: USD 90
• Full season license: USD 180
• Gratuities
Tour Plan
All of these destinations lie roughly 35–40 miles from Bariloche, with part of the drive on gravel roads, making the trip about an hour and a half. We typically meet between 7:00 and 8:00 AM at a designated point in Bariloche before heading to the river or lake best suited to that day’s conditions.
Once the boat and gear are ready, we fish from about 9:00–10:00 AM until 1:00 PM, when we pause for a riverside lunch. Afterward, we return to the water and continue fishing until around 4:00–5:00 PM, before heading back to your accommodation or the agreed meeting point.
FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t own fishing gear. Do you provide it?
No worries—we provide everything you need. All equipment is included and tailored to the waters you’ll be fishing, including rods, reels, lines, and flies.
Do I need to know how to fly fish?
Not at all. Our guides love introducing newcomers to this fascinating sport and will do their best to help you land your first trout on your very first fly-fishing experience. Alternatively, most of the waters we fish are also suitable for conventional spinning gear.
I’m vegetarian/vegan. Do you offer alternative food choices?
Absolutely. We’re happy to adapt meals to your dietary needs. Just let us know about any preferences or restrictions in advance, and we’ll make sure you enjoy the food as much as the scenery and the fishing.
What personal gear should I bring?
We provide all fishing equipment, food, and beverages. You should bring:
- Sunglasses (essential for both safety and comfort while fishing)
- A warm layer, as Patagonia’s weather can change quickly
- A hat and sunscreen for sun protection
My partner doesn’t want to fish. Can they come along?
Of course! They can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery and delicious food. And who knows—after a day surrounded by Patagonia’s beauty, they might even be tempted to give fishing a try.
