Trophy Dorado, Pacu, and Pira Pita Fishing on the Rio Parana
Overview
Location
Pinti’s Golden Dorado Fishing Lodge is located in the small town of Itaibate in Corrientes province, Argentina, operating on the Upper Paraná River — a large tailwater system about 150 kilometers below the Yaciretá Dam. Because it’s a tailwater, the water runs clear year-round, unlike most large rivers in northern Argentina.
Setting
The setting is often a pleasant surprise for anglers: islands lined with palm trees, white-sand flats, and jungle-covered banks alive with howler monkeys and toucans.
Dorados
The main draw is explosive Golden Dorado fishing, with fish up to about 25 pounds (most 5–10 lb), making the Upper Paraná one of the best Dorado destinations on earth. The river also holds Pacu, prized as “the permit of Argentina” and best targeted December–March; Pira Pita, an acrobatic “Paraná Salmon” that takes dry flies like a trout; and other species like dentuda and palometa. Fishing is mostly done by boat, drifting the river’s side channels, and stays productive nearly 11 months of the year thanks to the tailwater.
Fishing
Best known for: World-class Dorado fishing, plus a cult following for Pacu and Pira Pita on dry flies.
Target species: Dorado (up to ~25 lb, most 5–10 lb), Pacu (“the permit of Argentina,” 8–25 lb), Pira Pita (“Paraná Salmon,” up to 10 lb), plus dentuda and palometa.
Fishing style: Mostly boat-based, drifting side channels 50–150 yards wide with an electric trolling motor; occasional wade fishing in side channels when the dam releases more water.
Typical Fishing Day: The day begins with breakfast at the lodge around 6:30 AM, timed to get you on the river at first light. The morning session covers the banks and islands of the Itatí and Rzepecki areas, known for their concentration of fish. Around midday, you’ll head back to the lodge for lunch and a siesta. Fishing resumes at roughly 4:30 PM for the evening session, which runs until dark.
This schedule is built around maximizing prime bite windows (early morning and evening) while avoiding the midday heat.
Season
December through October (open 11 months a year; November is closed to protect spawning Dorado). December–March is prime time for Pacu, when they gather under overhanging trees to feed on falling nuts and berries.
Tackle & Gear
Dorado are THE top-level predators of their domain and have a voracious appetite to match. This requires us to throw large, noisy flies to get their attention and imitate the local baitfish. Coming with the proper rods & lines to accomplish this will make your fishing experience as enjoyable as possible. Please see FAQs.
Amenities
Rooms
• Classic hotel-style rooms with a touch of old-world charm
• Wi-Fi service throughout
• Air conditioning in every room
• Private bathroom in every room
Dining
• Classic Argentine cuisine with generous pours of good wine
• Meals served outdoors in the garden or on the deck during summer
• Large dining room with a floor-to-ceiling glass wall overlooking the river
• Outdoor BBQ pit for guests who want to grill their own catch
• Optional traditional riverside meal arrangement on request
Common Areas & Grounds
• Riverside setting with excellent birdwatching right outside the lodge (toucans, monkeys, caiman, and more)
• Main gathering building for evening stories and drinks
• Covered parking
On the Water
• Fleet of guide boats rigged for two anglers to cast simultaneously
• Electric trolling motors for precise boat positioning
• On-board coolers stocked with drinks, fruit, and snacks during fishing sessions
Itinerary
Arrive in Buenos Aires, then fly (~1 hr, Aerolineas Argentinas) or take an overnight bus (~12 hrs) to Corrientes Capital or Resistencia. A lodge representative meets you at the airport or bus terminal and arranges a private transfer to the lodge (~1 hr from Corrientes, ~1 hr 40 min from Resistencia).
Typical Fishing Day
The day begins with breakfast at the lodge around 6:30 AM, timed to get you on the river at first light. The morning session covers the banks and islands of the Itatí and Rzepecki areas, known for their concentration of fish. Around midday, you'll head back to the lodge for lunch and a siesta. Fishing resumes at roughly 4:30 PM for the evening session, which runs until dark.
Depart the lodge with a private transfer back to Corrientes or Resistencia for your flight or bus to Buenos Aires.
Includes
What’s Included
- Accommodations based on double occupancy
- All meals, wines, beer, and local and international spirits
- Professional guide services (2 anglers per guide/boat)
- Loaner fishing equipment (rods, reels, 1 dozen flies, and lines)
- Laundry service
- Wi-Fi access
Not Included
- Transfers, hotel, and meals in Buenos Aires
- Gratuities for guides and staff
- Personal shopping and dining in Buenos Aires
Rates
Rates 2026
Double Occupancy
7 Nights / 6 Fishing Days = $7,000.00 per person
6 Nights / 5 Fishing Days = $6,250.00 per person
5 Nights / 4 Fishing Days = $5,100.00 per person
4 Nights / 3 Fishing Days = $4,250.00 per person
3 Nights / 2 Fishing Days = $3,200.00 per person
***Prices are per person in USD, based on double occupancy and shared guide.
For a single room and boat, there is a 50% surcharge. Non-angler rate is $450 per night.
FAQs
Fly from Buenos Aires to Corrientes Capital or Resistencia (about a 1-hour flight on Aerolineas Argentinas), or take an overnight luxury bus from Buenos Aires (~12 hours). A lodge representative meets guests on arrival and transfers them by private car or van — about 1 hour from Corrientes, or 1 hour 40 minutes from Resistencia.
Dorado: up to ~25 lb, most 5–10 lb
Pacu: up to 14–25 lb, most 8–12 lb
Pira Pita: up to ~10 lb
Also present: dentuda and palometa
• 7–9 weight rods, no longer than 9 ft.
• Tropical WF fly lines with an aggressive front taper (e.g., Rio saltwater clouser or F/I saltwater lines).
• Leader: strong butt section tapering to 25–30 lb test, 7–9 ft max.
• Wire leader: 25–30 lb (American Fishing Wire recommended).
• Flies: large (4–6 in), gaudy, noisy patterns on 1/0–3/0 hooks; dark colors (black is most effective); durable synthetic materials over feathers; weed guards recommended.
•Lightweight, sun-protective clothing, wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, light rain jacket, and bug repellent for dusk
No — because the river is a tailwater below the Yaciretá Dam, it isn't susceptible to low water and fishes consistently nearly year-round.
The season runs from December through October. December–March is best for Pacu specifically; November is closed entirely to protect spawning Dorado.
Getting There
Guests typically fly directly from Buenos Aires to Corrientes Capital or its sister city, Resistencia. It is a 1-hour commercial flight operated by Aerolineas Argentinas. Alternatively, overnight luxury buses run regularly from Buenos Aires to Corrientes, a roughly 12-hour ride.
Guests will be met by a representative of the lodge upon their arrival, and from the airport, you will be shuttled to the lodge via private car or van, with a trip time of about one hour (Corrientes) or one hour and forty minutes (Resistencia), depending on which airport you arrive at.
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