Pirá lodge

While the freshwater dorado has long been admired in the southern portion of South America, until recently it was almost completely unknown in the rest of the world. Only within the last several years have freshwater dorado become recognized as one of the world’s most exciting and prized game fish. A unique species that defies categorization, the dorado is rather like a supernatural hybrid between a turbo-charged bass and a trout on steroids, with powerful jaws and rows of razor-sharp teeth to feed its voracious appetite. Combine these characteristics with its propensity for acrobatic leaps, savage takes, and brilliant gold-plated scales, and it’s easy to see why Larry Dahlberg dubbed the dorado, “the world’s toughest game fish”.

Pirá lodge provides anglers with deluxe accommodations and excellent opportunities to target this unparalleled fish in an unparalleled ecosystem. Located in northeast Argentina in the heart of the Ibera Marshlands, a verdant biological reserve twice the size of the Florida Everglades, the lodge sits right on the edge of a channel providing direct access to the marsh system and to the Corrientes River, located 15 minutes south of the lodge. The Ibera Marshland is a vast system of non-polluted crystal-clear creeks, flowing rivers and shallow lakes that is home to more than 350 species of birds (parrots, southern screamers, kingfishers, ibis, herons…), 85 mammals, nearly 70 reptiles and an incredible abundance of flora. The Province of Corrientes borders Uruguay, and enjoys one of Argentina’s subtropical climate patterns, with temperatures in the mid-80s early and late in the season. During your stay you will have a chance to see species such as capybara, river otters, Yacare (cayman), howler monkeys and marsh deer. Of course, the main attraction is the dorado, and they will undoubtedly provide an incredible fishing experience not soon to be forgotten.

Fishing Program

Because dorado fishing on the fly is a comparatively recent development, very little has been written on the subject. Luckily the guides at Pirá have been exploring the area and Dorado fishing for more years than most and are well-versed in the most effective techniques and locations in the marshland. Be advised that fly fishing for dorado can be a rather strenuous activity, requiring anglers repeatedly cast large flies in a subtropical climate similar to Florida. To avoid the midday heat, anglers generally leave the lodge early in the morning around 8 am or earlier. Guests return to the lodge for a swim, lunch and drinks at around 12.30 pm. After Lunch and a siesta boats will typically leave the dock around four o’clock, returning around dark. Fishing hours will change slightly depending on the time of year. Demanding fishermen can fish through the day and can arrange this with the head guide. Non fishing activities such as horseback riding, or canoeing are available to allow our guests to enjoy the amazing wildlife in the area, and should be organized with the head guide. Snorkeling and Night expeditions into the Marsh are also exciting options.

The season runs from November – May.