Fd: How has the 2017/18 season been?
The season has started very well. Even though we had a lot of rain early on, the fishing has been very good with some large browns, rainbows and brook trout caught. Now we are especially looking forward to the coming fall when many of the largest fish of the season are caught.
Fd: How would you describe the Manso river to someone who has never fished it?
The Manso is an amazing river, with lots of different kinds water, from smooth quiet runs to riffles and pools, to fast white water. Each kind of water is home to different fish, and part of the excitement of fishing this river is the variety. Much of it is close to the lodge, making it easy for us to pick the best spots on any given day to fish. The fact that there are lakes interconnected with the river mean we never have off-colored water, so every day it is fishable and productive.
Fd: What kind of gear must we take to a trip to Río Manso Lodge?
We recommend 5-7 wt rods for most of the fishing. We fish both floating and sinking tip lines to cover nearly all our fishing situations. Sometimes during the year we are fishing streamers quite a bit during the day. Evenings nearly always present the opportunity for some dry fly fishing. The Channels near the lodge are a favorite of many of our guests, and produce some very large trout on dry flies. We fish some small “secret” waters where a 3-4 wt is the perfect tool. Don’t be fooled – these waters hold big fish, too!
Fd: How does the fishing change along the season? How must we adapt our gear?
November and December are primarily streamer months, with sinking tip lines and often weighted flies. By mid-December, the dry fly fishing begins to heat up kicked off by the dragonfly hatch which brings the biggest fish to the surface. The daytime dry fly fishing continues through January as summer progresses. February and early March feature excellent evening dry fly fishing, with slower fishing during the day with warmer days. Lighter tippets and small flies are the rule, and terrestrial are increasingly important.
By mid-March, water temperatures begin to fall, and the fish start to feed more heavily. Dry fly fishing is limited to sparse afternoon hatches, or evening caddis hatches which can produce some surprisingly good fishing. April is big fish time, where stripping streamers for hungry fall trout is the most productive method.
Fd: What can you tell us about the fishing done in the lakes? What kind of techniques do you use?
The lake fishing at Rio Manso Lodge starts in November, fishing full sinking or sinking tip lines and stripping streamers. This continues into December as the dragonflies become more active. Once there are enough adults present, trout throughout the lakes will readily rise to dragon fly and other rubber legged patterns. It is perhaps the most exciting time of the year watching big trout gulp size 4-8 dry flies.
As the lakes warm, and the dragonfly hatch subsides, the fish retreat to deeper water, and can best be caught fishing deep and slow. In the fall, the fish again return to the surface, and actively hunt puyen, a small baitfish that is a primary food source. Small imitations are especially effective at this time.
Fd: What are the must-have flies for a trip to Río Manso Lodge?
Woolly Buggers, bit weighted and unweighted in a variety of sizes and colors are a must. When the dragonflies are hatching, good imitations in olive, blue, and red are effective, as are big rubber-legged patterns like Chernobyl ants or Fat Alberts.
Fd: How is a typical day in Río Manso Lodge?
With most of our water within 20 minutes of the lodge, there is no need to depart especially early. We typically eat breakfast around 8 am, then leave to fish by 9. We fish until midday, then stop for a streamside lunch which might include such items as steaks, quiches, sandwiches, salads, cheese, and fresh bread. Some of our guests like to take a siesta after lunch, but we’re not surprised if you want to get right back on the water!
After fishing through the afternoon, you would normally get off the water by 6-7 pm or so, and return to the lodge to clean up, take a sauna, or perhaps get a massage. We serve drinks and hors d’oeuvres before dinner in front of the fireplace. Dinner is usually served between 9 and 10 o’clock, although we’ve been known to eat much later if the fish are rising and you just can’t tear yourself away.
We are very flexible when it comes to arranging your day. If you have a special request, just let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you to give you the best experience possible.
Fd: Any other word of advice for those visiting the lodge?
Be prepared to relax, catch fish, and eat good food while you are visiting us. Returning guests often tell us it feels like coming home when they arrive.
Fd: Why do you think this is one of the top destinations in the fly-fishing world?
We think we have combined a great fishing experience with beautiful accommodations, outstanding cuisine, and a personal touch that featured warm hospitality in one of the most unique and spectacular locations on Earth. There is no better place to experience the beauty and wonder of the Patagonian forest and mountains than at Rio Manso Lodge. Come see for yourself!
You can contact Rio Manso Lodge directly through our Travel directory, right here: https://www.flydreamers.com/en/travel/fly-fishing-...
