Deep in the jungles of the Amazon headwaters or hidden in the complex maze of Argentina’s Paraná Delta, lurk the Golden Dorado. This colorful fish is an apex predator—it is in its nature to attack the right fly at the right time. These fish are an exceptionally unique species that are not only visually captivating, but they are among the most exciting fish to catch on the fly. With long and hard runs paired with acrobatic leaps, these aggressive predators will attack streamers and battle upon hooked.
Two types of fly fishing for dorado exist—the mountain jungle dorado fly fishing of Bolivia and the marshland and delta fly fishing for dorado of Argentina and Uruguay. The prize for both types of fishing is the marvelous Golden Dorado and both offer the finest fly fishing for golden dorado in the world.
BoliviaÂ
A golden dorado fly fishing trip to Bolivia is for adventurous anglers. The remote nature of the fishing in this area, the exotic wildlife, and the overwhelming beauty of the region all combine to create incredible angling and travel experience that is without a doubt one of the most interesting and unique in the world of destination fly fishing. This region of Bolivia has numerous locations with jungle fisheries offering some of the best golden dorado fly fishing found anywhere.
Tsimane Agua Negra Lodge
The Agua Negra River is an important tributary of the Secure River and is the newest addition to the Tsimane fishery. This river is roughly half the size of the Secure and is home to some seriously large dorado and good numbers of pacu. The Secure River offers crystal clear waters wedged between lush jungle mountains and is accessed using handmade wooden dugout canoes outfitted with push poles and small engines. The middle section runs from Asunta Lodge to the confluence of the Agua Negra River. This is usually fished by wading downstream and using the dugout canoes to move from run to run. This middle stretch is filled with a subsurface structure that provides perfect ambush points for large numbers of trophy dorado.
Tsimane Pluma Lodge
Pluma Lodge is set high atop a cliff on the banks of the Pluma River, just above its confluence with the Secure River. From the lodge, anglers have many different beats and rivers that they can fish from this location, including the Pluma, the upper Pluma, the Itirizama, and the Secure Rivers (above and below the confluence). The remote nature of the fishing for golden dorado, pacu, and yatorana in this area, combined with the exotic wildlife, the fascinating native cultures, and the overwhelming beauty of the region make for incredible angling and travel experience that is without a doubt one of the most interesting and unique in the world of destination fly fishing.
Tsimane Secure Lodge
One of the biggest draws to fishing this drainage is the sheer numbers of dorado in this system, and the Secure River is noted to be the best river to pursue the famed pacu. Guests have the opportunity to travel out of bounds to fish the very upper reaches of the Secure River and overnight at the headwaters lodge. Intimacy is the norm here--The Secure Lodge holds a maximum of (6) anglers per week and gives anglers access to fish the Upper Secure, Mid Secure, and several tributary streams such as the Maniquicito and Ashahana. There is also the option to do an overnight camp at the intimate headwaters of the Upper Secure River, which allows you to pursue fish that don’t get fished as often.
ArgentinaÂ
Over the years, the Yellow Dog team has fished and explored most of Argentina’s dorado fisheries, and the Upper Parana ranks as the most consistent of all, boasting prolific fish numbers, and opportunities for large dorado and other exotic species on the fly. For fly fishing trips closer to Buenos Aires, the city rests along the waters of the RÃo de la Plata, which is one of the widest rivers in the world, and the Paraná Delta, which feeds the RÃo de la Plata. This system is a wondrous maze of water that is home to some exceptional fly fishing for dorado, wolfish, and other species. Much further upstream lies Argentina’s lush marshlands. The marsh is comprised of freshwater creeks, lakes, swamps, and lagoons all of which provide the perfect habitat for solid numbers of golden dorado. Unlike some other dorado destinations, the waters in the Ibera Marshland are clear, making sight fishing possible.
Golden Dorado River Cruiser
The Golden Dorado River Cruiser is a brand-new mothership program offered by our good friends at Estancia Laguna Verde. This is something that’s completely new to the golden dorado scene in Northern Argentina and a complete game changer when it comes to fishing the Parana River and the Entre Rios delta system – the second largest river in South America. The mothership travels up and down the Parana River system following the migration and mass numbers of dorado throughout the season.
Urban Dorado Anglers
This is the perfect addition to any Argentina fly fishing trip to Patagonia…since most itineraries require a stay in Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires rests along the waters of the RÃo de la Plata, which is one of the widest rivers in the world, and the Paraná Delta, which feeds the RÃo de la Plata. This system is a wondrous maze of water that is home to some exceptional fly fishing for dorado, wolfish, and other species. For those who are in Buenos Aires for just one day on the way to Patagonia, an easy 30-minute transfer puts anglers in the hands of Urban Dorado Anglers guides who are ready to hit the water in fully-equipped skiffs. And within almost no time, anglers are casting streamers to dorado.
Pinti’s Dorado on the Fly
Ricardo Pinti’s Dorado Lodge is located in northern Argentina on the dense, jungle-cover-lined banks of the Upper Parana River, the natural boundary dividing Argentina and Paraguay. This large, clear-water river holds healthy numbers of golden dorado, pacu, and pira pita. Over the years, the Yellow Dog team has fished and explored most of Argentina’s dorado fisheries, and the Upper Parana ranks as the most consistent of all, boasting prolific fish numbers, and opportunities for large dorado and other exotic species on the fly. Not only will anglers sight cast to golden dorado, but the dry fly fishing for pira pita and pacu can be phenomenal.
Suinda Lodge
Located along the Paraná River in the Corrientes province of Argentina, Suindá Lodge was purposefully built to access the best golden dorado fishing Argentina can offer. The top predator of the Paraná River, golden dorado are the perfect gamefish: powerful, acrobatic, and downright mean. In addition to double-digit golden dorado, the lodge targets topwater-eating pacu and aggressive pira pita. Hosting a maximum of eight anglers at a time, the lodge utilizes custom, comfortable skiffs to access the clear waters of the infamous waters of the Paraná. An abundance of wildlife, expansive wilderness and seemingly infinite locations to target massive golden dorado make Suindá a truly immersive experience. Comfortable accommodations, personalized service, Argentinian wine and cuisine, and one of the world’s most unique freshwater fisheries make Suindá Lodge a must-visit for both entry-level and experienced anglers.
Uruguay
Uruguay and Argentina are separated by the Rio Uruguay which dumps into the Rio Parana Delta, forming the Rio de la Plata. These rivers along with their tributaries are home to golden dorado, chafalote, and wolf fish. Uruguay offers anglers unique opportunities to target golden dorado with a variety of approaches and techniques. From floating big rivers to wading small creeks, and everything in between, Uruguay has it all and eliminates the need to get on another plane or drive long distances to catch golden dorado.
UDA Rio Mate Lodge
Rio Mate Lodge is located in the quiet and peaceful rolling hills of Uruguay on the banks of the Rio Mate, which is a tributary of the Rio Uruguay. The lodge, situated on a high bank overlooking the river, provides guests with spectacular views from the comfortable common rooms, infinity pool, and private quarters. What separates Rio Mate Lodge from other dorado destinations is the variety of water that is immediately available. From big water to small creeks to medium size rivers, this fishery has it all.
UDA Winery Lodge
For anglers who have more than a day and are looking for a rounded experience that offers more than strictly chasing golden dorado, the Winery Lodge Program is the ticket. After leaving the marina in Buenos Aires, anglers will fish their way across the channels and braids that make up the delta and ultimately find themselves entering another country — Uruguay!
Related Articles:
- 5 Reasons to Consider a Jungle Fishing Trip
- Ultimate Guide to Fly Fishing for Golden Dorado
- Welcome to the Jungle: We’ve Got Fins and Fangs
Get Ready For Your Next Golden Dorado Trip
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+Â Bolivia Fly Fishing Gear Guide: Everything You Need
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Marcelo Perez: Bolivian Golden Dorado and a Life of Adventure
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