In the far north of Argentina, in Corrientes province, runs a river with surprisingly clear water where golden dorado can be sight-fished on the fly like almost nowhere else. I work with an exclusive lodge set right on the banks of the Corriente River, with direct private access, 100 miles from the Esteros del Iberá, the second largest wetland on the planet. Private groups of eight anglers at most, and a fish that behaves like nothing you have ever hooked. Write to me and I will tell you the rest.
The dorado forgives nothing
The golden dorado, Salminus brasiliensis, may well be the most spectacular freshwater fish you can chase with a fly rod. A jaw built for crushing, a golden flank that flares in the tinted water, and runs violent enough to make our trout look like pond fish. It hits the streamer out of anger as much as hunger, jumps with its mouth wide open to throw the hook, and often succeeds. Nobody comes home from a dorado trip talking about numbers. They come home talking about the strikes.
The territory: Corrientes and the Esteros del Iberá
The fishing plays out across three complementary waters: the Corriente River, whose clear flows offer rare sight-fishing conditions for dorado, the immense braids of the Paraná, and the lagoons of the Esteros del Iberá, a biodiversity sanctuary known worldwide. Caimans, capybaras, marsh deer, more than 300 bird species: between two sessions, the show never stops. It is also what makes this destination ideal for partners who do not fish.
Two ways to travel
Accompanied. I design the trip with you, travel with you from the first day to the last, interpret for you, and as a certified fly fishing instructor I help you adapt to techniques that differ from European habits. On the water, bilingual local guides do the guiding.
Independently. For seasoned travellers, I handle the whole organisation: booking, domestic flights, transfers, tackle preparation. You fly out alone or with friends and meet the team on site.
Practical information
Private, tailor-made stays for up to eight anglers. Four rooms with private bathroom, air conditioning and a terrace facing the river. Gourmet cuisine, Argentine wine cellar, satellite WiFi. Fully equipped skiffs, top-tier loaner tackle, bilingual local guides. Every fish is released.
Rates on request: thanks to my partnership with the local operation, I can offer you advantageous rates. Contact me for a quote based on your dates and length of stay.
The fishing
Dorado are fished from the skiff and on foot depending on the water, mostly with streamers: big Andino deceiver style flies on strong hooks, a reinforced bite tippet, and fast strips that trigger brutally memorable takes. On the surface, poppers and mouse patterns bring the most spectacular eats. Eight and nine weight rods, floating and intermediate lines. And for the curious, the region offers a challenge few European anglers know: the Litoral grand slam, landing dorado, pirá pitá and pacú on the fly during the same stay.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the best season to fish for dorado in Argentina?
- Fishing runs through most of the year in Corrientes province, with better windows depending on water levels and temperature. We pick your dates together when we build the trip.
- Do I need to be an experienced angler?
- No. The local guides adapt to your level and tackle is provided on site. Casting an eight weight with a big fly comes quickly.
- Is tackle provided?
- Yes, top-quality rods, reels, lines and flies are available at the lodge. You are of course welcome to bring your own gear; we will talk it through before departure.
- My partner does not fish. Is that a problem?
- Quite the opposite. Between excursions to the Esteros del Iberá, night safaris, birdwatching, paddle boarding, hikes and the pool, this is one of the rare fishing destinations where non-fishing companions never get bored.
- How do I book?
- Contact me directly: I build the stay with you, accompanied or independent, and answer every question. This trip also combines beautifully with a trout trip in Patagonia.
Get in touch to plan your trip →
« A good game fish is too valuable to be caught only once. »
Lee Wulff