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Including transfers
10–11 hours approx.
Private trip
One or two anglers
Fishing style
Float & wade
Included
Argentine riverside lunch

Another side of Patagonia

Fly fishing among forests
and Andean peaks

The Manso offers a completely different setting from the open steppe of the Limay. Native forest lines the river throughout the day, crystal-clear pools alternate with riffles, and the float itself is an essential part of the experience.

This private full-day trip with Southern Rivers Patagonia allows time for the drive from Bariloche, fishing both morning and afternoon, and a traditional Argentine lunch served riverside. Your guide will adapt the day’s approach to the river level and current fishing conditions.

We run guided floats on the Manso from November through late January, while water levels allow safe navigation. Brown, rainbow, and brook trout—known locally as fontinalis—offer a variety of opportunities amid spectacular forest and mountain scenery.

USD 600

Total for one or two anglersFishing license and gratuities not included.

Angler with a bent fly rod on the clear Manso River, surrounded by native forest and Patagonia’s mountainsAngler holding a brown trout on the Manso River with clear water and native forest in the background

A day on the Manso River

See the water before you fish it.

Drift through clear water, native forest and Andean scenery on one of Patagonia's most beautiful guided fly fishing days.

Anglers fly fishing from a drift boat on the clear Manso River near Bariloche, Patagonia

From your accommodation to the river

How your day unfolds.

We organize the transfers, equipment and fishing, so you can settle into the experience.

  1. 8:00 a.m.

    Departing from Bariloche

    Your guide picks you up at your accommodation at 8:00 a.m. Since the Manso is farther from Bariloche, we drive southwest for approximately one hour and twenty minutes.

  2. During the morning

    The float begins

    We arrive at Lake Steffen, the source of the Lower Manso River. After rigging our gear, we begin the float, fishing the best pools and riffles in the first section of the river.

  3. Around noon

    Lunch beside the water

    Surrounded by spectacular forest and mountain scenery, we enjoy an appetizer, Argentine grilled beef, fresh salads, and dessert, accompanied by Malbec wine. Please let us know in advance about any dietary requirements.

  4. Afternoon · return around 6:30 PM

    More fishing

    We continue drifting and fishing the river before reaching the takeout near the Villegas River. We then drive back to Bariloche and drop you off at your accommodation at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Times are approximate and may vary depending on your accommodation, traffic, and the river conditions that day. We confirm the final plan with you before the trip.

Experience Patagonia from the water

Fly fishing, mountains, and a riverside meal

Angler fishing from a cataraft with a bent fly rod on the Manso River

The Manso from the water

Drift down the river in a private raft or cataraft, working its pools, riffles, and forest-lined banks. When conditions allow, we stop at suitable stretches for wade fishing.

Riverside lunch with Malbec during a Manso River fly fishing day trip near Bariloche

A taste of Patagonia by the river

At midday, we pause for a riverside meal featuring Argentine beef, Malbec, fresh salads, and drinks, served against the spectacular backdrop of the Manso Valley.

Angler holding a brown trout during a guided float trip on the Manso River

Let the river set the pace

Streamers are productive early in the season, while summer brings opportunities with dry flies. Your guide adapts the approach to the time of year and the river conditions.

Before you book

Every detail, clearly explained.

Included in your trip

  • Pickup and return transfers to your accommodation in downtown Bariloche
  • Professional guide and a private boat for one or two anglers
  • Complete fishing gear when needed
  • Instruction and advice suited to your experience
  • Argentine riverside lunch and drinks

Not included

  • Fishing license: USD 40 per person, per day. We can arrange it in advance.
  • Gratuities for your guide.
USD 600

Total for one or two anglers

Ask about availability

What to bring

Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, lip balm, a waterproof jacket and warm layers. Let us know your sizes and equipment needs before the trip.

Payment and enquiries

Cards through PayPal or WeTravel, bank transfer or ACH, cash and stablecoins. Contact us to confirm dates, availability and booking arrangements.

Fishing season · Manso River

November through late January

Useful to know

Before your
first cast.

Have another question? Get in touch and we will help you choose the right trip for your visit.

When can I book a Manso float trip?

Our operating period is November through late January, subject to suitable river levels. We confirm conditions and availability for your dates.

Can I do a half day on the Manso?

We offer the Manso as a full-day trip because of the journey and logistics. Our half-day option operates on the Limay River.

What kind of fishing can I expect?

We fish from a raft or cataraft, stopping at suitable stretches to wade when conditions allow. Depending on the time of season, we use streamers, nymphs, and dry flies.

Is the trip suitable for a first-time fly fisher?

Yes. No previous fly-fishing experience is necessary. Our guides provide all the instruction you need, from casting and line management to presenting the fly. We can also help you choose the destination and trip that best suit your experience and preferences.

More fishing day trips

Visiting outside the Manso float season, or interested in the open steppe? Explore the full-day Limay trip and ask us which water best suits your dates.