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Middle Manso River

$580/ Boat For 1 Angler / 600 For 2 Anglers

Experience some of the most unique waters the Nahuel Huapi National Park has to offer. This trip combines rive and lake, in a truly fascinating manner. The scenery here is breathtaking: the river meanders through pristine Andean forest, and it provides one of the best opportunities in the park to catch good brown trout and fish dries in the height of the summer.

Price: $580

Duration: 8/9 Hours - Full Day

Fishing Guide, Outfitter in Bariloche, Patagonia, Argentina. Limay River Manso River. Brown Trout, Rainbow trout. Fishing Lodge.

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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

The Middle Manso is located about 35 miles from Bariloche. Part of the journey follows gravel roads, making the drive roughly an hour and a half. We typically meet between 7:00 and 8:00 AM at a designated point in Bariloche before driving to Steffen Lake, where we begin our float down the river.

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 well-deserved riverside meal. After lunch, we return to the water and fish until around 4:00–5:00 PM. From there, we head back to your accommodation or the agreed meeting point.

The Middle Manso begins on the southwestern shore of Mascardi Lake and flows for about half a mile before entering Moscos Lake—a small, yet stunning and highly productive body of water. The scenery here is breathtaking: the river meanders through pristine Andean forest, and at its outflow into Moscos Lake, shallow waters provide outstanding dry-fly fishing during the height of summer.

After Moscos Lake, the Middle Manso continues its course, leading to its next highlight—La Medialuna Lagoon. This small, reed-fringed lagoon offers excellent fishing opportunities and a magical sense of seclusion. From there, the river stretches for another 1.1 miles until our exit point. Along this section, anglers encounter pools, runs, and riffles, as well as sweeping bends and counter-bends that look as if they were taken straight from a storybook.

On good days, landing catches in the double digits is entirely possible, big size trout lives in the section of the river and other comes and go from the lakes that the middle section have, some days the river gets crowded of brown trout. And, like other rivers in the basin, the Mid Manso offers the rare chance to achieve a Patagonian Grand Slam—catching brook, rainbow, and brown trout all in the same day.

In midsummer, the river comes alive with the famous Dragonfly Hatch. This is the perfect time to throw large, foamy terrestrials such as Fat Alberts, Chernobyl Ants, or realistic dragonfly imitations. Throughout the season, we adjust our gear and techniques to maximize the fishing experience.

Amazing experience! Me and a friend went to the Limay River for a full day. Matías was super easy to talk to via Whatsapp, and did a great job coordinating and making sure we had everything we needed. Our guide was Tomas, who was also incredible; very easygoing and knowledgeable of the river and trout. The meal he prepared was perfect, relaxing with some wine and eating a steak right next to crystal clear water is an experience we won’t soon forget. I would 100% recommend this to anyone looking to get out and flyfish in the Patagonia!
Sam Beltran
5 months ago
Wonderful experience!! Had a fabulous time on the Limay River with Aliosha, our local guide. Easy float down the river with casting friendly pools. Lots of technical challenges as well. Aliosha is a master at positioning the drift boat tailored to our skill set. Was impressed with his knowledge of the river and pools. Gin clear water, easy to see a take before the fly disappears! Saw some 3-4 kg browns but couldn’t convince them to eat. Caught lots of bows! River side ‘lunch’ was superb, best I’ve ever had. Worth the float just for the scenery and lunch! If you want a pleasant day on the Limay and a shot at some trophy browns, give these guys a call!!
Dave Rideout
4 months ago
Fished with Aliosha. He was an amazing, patient, positive guide. The conditions were extremely challenging, but by the end I had caught the fish of a lifetime! What a crew! Fished a second day with Aliosha. Again he was fabulous. The food Matias put together was worth the trip in itself! The fishing was very challenging that day, but at the end, with much encouragement from Ali, we caught a brown trout of a lifetime. These guides are the BESt!
Rob Denton
2 months ago
Outstanding fishing experience with Matías and Dante! We caught so many fish each day and the guide kept us focused on the big monster brown trout! If you like fish hard and be treated to a river doe Argentinian lunch with steak, wine, and cheese then this is the trip of a lifetime! We Flores the upper and lower section of the Rio Limay! I will be back!
Shawn Kyska
5 months ago
Perfect day on the river. We are only beginners and the guide was very helpful and patient. We got lucky and caught tons of fish, but regardless it was beautiful to float down the river, enjoy nature and the gorgeous snow capped mountains.
Mia Bray
4 months ago

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.

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.

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.

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

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.