You do not fish for dorado the way you fish for trout, and you do not pack the same bag either. It is the first thing I tell the anglers who join me in northern Argentina: we are going after a fish that grinds steel, finesse can wait. Here is what I carry, and above all what changes from one river to the next, because the dorado of the Paraná and the dorado of the clear waters of Corrientes do not ask for quite the same gear.
Gear that follows the water
Before we talk rods and flies, one thing needs saying: “the dorado” covers several very different kinds of fishing. On the Paraná and its huge side channels, you hunt big fish in big water, often with sinking streamers and tackle built for power. In the province of Corrientes, on the río Corriente and its surprisingly clear waters, the fishing turns visual, sometimes sight fishing proper, and you can lighten up a little. Further north, in the small rivers of Salta like the río Dorado, you walk, you cast short, you look for more modest fish in mountain country wrapped in jungle. The bag adapts to each of these waters.
Rods
The do-everything dorado rod is a 9 foot 8 weight, fast action. It throws big streamers into the wind, absorbs the runs and lets you turn a fish bolting for the deadfalls. For the Paraná and its heavy fish, a 9 weight earns its keep on windy days or when the flies get bulky. On the clear waters of Corrientes, where you sometimes fish by sight, a lively 7 or 8 is enough and adds to the pleasure. For the clear water of the río Dorado, plan on a 6, maybe a 7, with adjusted leaders, because a little more discretion is needed there. Always bring a spare rod: a break on the banks of the Paraná, hours from the nearest shop, cannot be fixed.
Reels, lines and backing
The reel matters more here than in trout fishing. You want a large spool, a strong and well-sealed drag, and a real reserve of backing: a dorado takes the line and gets into the backing without warning. On the line side, a tropical floating line with an aggressive taper covers most of it, especially in clear water and on the surface; it carries big flies without strain. To reach the deep fish of the Paraná, add a sink-tip line of 300 to 350 grains. On very hot days, standard lines turn soft: the tropical versions keep their body.
Leaders: wire is not optional
This is the point nobody neglects twice. The dorado has a razor of a jaw and cuts nylon like sewing thread. So you always finish with a shock tippet of supple wire, 20 to 45 pounds, or heavy fluorocarbon when the fish grow wary in very clear water. The body of the leader stays nylon or fluoro of 30 to 40 pounds, short and strong, to turn over heavy flies. Perfect loops on every section, loop to loop between them. Plan to rebuild your leaders several times: you leave some in fish and some in the wood. To attach the flies, use strong streamer clips or a knot on the wire tip.
Flies
The dorado strikes out of anger as much as hunger, and it likes big mouthfuls. The base is streamers in the Andino deceiver style, tied on strong saltwater hooks from 1/0 to 3/0, five to fifteen centimetres long, in black or in the fire and yellow tones that blaze in stained water. Streamers in black and red or black and purple, with volume and vibration, are a real plus. Most of the time they fish unweighted, the line does the sinking. Add a few poppers, big foam bugs in the Chernobyl style with rubber legs, and mouse patterns for the surface: a dorado attack on a mouse is not something you forget. In clear water, more sober and slightly smaller patterns work better on fish you can see. Bring plenty, you lose a lot. And if you would rather not think about it, the local team can tie a box matched to the season, just ask me before departure.
Clothing and accessories
In northern Argentina, heat and sun set the kit: a long-sleeved UV shirt, a cap with a neck flap, a neck gaiter, and polarised glasses I consider essential for spotting fish and reading the water. Good long-nosed pliers to unhook without getting close to that dentition, tie knots and cut heavy line and wire, a tool that counts for more than you would think. Sunscreen, a water bottle, a dry bag for the boat or a backpack for the walks, and something against the mosquitoes in the wetlands of the Esteros del Iberá or the jungle. One suitcase and one backpack per angler: everyone will thank you in the transfers.
Frequently asked questions
- Which rod if I only bring one?
- A 9 or 10 foot rod with an 8 weight line, fast action. It covers the Paraná as well as the clear waters of Corrientes, from sinking streamers to surface fishing.
- Is the wire leader really mandatory?
- Yes. Without it you will lose the fish of your trip to one clean cut. It is the one item in the bag that is not up for debate.
- Can you buy flies over there?
- Partly, depending on stock. The safest plan is to travel with your own boxes, or to ask me for a kit tied by the local team before departure.
This list goes with the anglers who join me to chase dorado in the province of Corrientes. The trip, the waters and the packages are laid out on the golden dorado fly fishing in Argentina page. And if you are still torn between the dorado of the north and the trout of Patagonia, the two combine very well: write to me and we will talk it over.
Baptiste Conquet
State-certified fly fishing guide and instructor. I guide in Aveyron and Lozère, and design fishing trips to Argentine Patagonia, Jurassic Lake and the golden dorado waters.
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