Golden Dorado
The Parana River is the 2nd largest river in South America traveling thru Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina for over 3,000 miles eventually emptying into the Atlantic Ocean at Montevideo, Uruguay. One hundred and fifty miles north of Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the Entre Rios province, the Parana river flows through a vast flood plain known as the “Islands”. While this area has long been a popular destination for hunters seeking high-volume Ducks, Dove and Perdiz, the incredible Dorado fishing has just recently been opened.
In early February of 2017, we sent a group of fly and conventional fishermen to explore this lightly fished region. Fishing for several days, they averaged 60+ Golden Dorados upwards of 15 lbs on both fly and conventional tackle - all within a 15 minute drive from the Estancia! Due to the incredible results of our exploratory trip, we are now offering exclusive Golden Dorado fishing trips from November to late April each year. Come experience Argentina’s newest Golden Dorado paradise where success is high and fishing pressure is low!
In early February of 2017, we sent a group of fly and conventional fishermen to explore this lightly fished region. Fishing for several days, they averaged 60+ Golden Dorados upwards of 15 lbs on both fly and conventional tackle - all within a 15 minute drive from the Estancia! Due to the incredible results of our exploratory trip, we are now offering exclusive Golden Dorado fishing trips from November to late April each year. Come experience Argentina’s newest Golden Dorado paradise where success is high and fishing pressure is low!
The Fishing
Golden Dorado are large, predatory fish inhabiting the waters of central and east-central South America. A highly-prized gamefish, they are known for their incredible strength and leaping ability. Golden Dorado are opportunistic feeders, primarily foraging on other fish, but will also eat rodents, lizards, and birds. They tend to congregate in areas with moving water - especially near heavy structure.
FLY FISHING
The Golden Dorado’s extremely aggressive behavior make them an ideal target for fly fishermen. We recommend fast-action, 8-weight rods filled with weight-forward floating line. Because their waters are often tannin-stained, black or dark colored fly patterns tend to be most productive. Large 4 - 6 inch streamers, like Lefty’s Deceivers, tied on stout 2/0 – 4/0 hooks are an excellent choice. Dahlberg divers, mouse patterns and large Chernobyl ants will elicit explosive top water strikes as well. Make sure you start your trip with a full fly box as the Dorado’s razor-sharp teeth can make short work of your fly! Intermediate or sink tip lines can be useful in some situations. Stainless steel leaders in the 30 – 40 lb. class are an absolute necessity.
BAIT CASTING & SPINNING
Like most fish, Golden Dorado do 95% of their feeding subsurface. Hard-plastic subsurface baits, both shallow and medium depth, are the ticket. Lures such as Yo Zuri Crystal Minnows, Rapalas and Pervasas are excellent choices. Medium to medium-heavy bait casting and/or spinning rods matched with reels the size of a Shimano Curado 200 bait casting reel or a Shimano 4000 class spinning reel loaded with 50 lb. braided Kevlar line are ideal. Again, steel leaders are essential to protect against the Dorado’s mouthful of teeth.
FLY FISHING
The Golden Dorado’s extremely aggressive behavior make them an ideal target for fly fishermen. We recommend fast-action, 8-weight rods filled with weight-forward floating line. Because their waters are often tannin-stained, black or dark colored fly patterns tend to be most productive. Large 4 - 6 inch streamers, like Lefty’s Deceivers, tied on stout 2/0 – 4/0 hooks are an excellent choice. Dahlberg divers, mouse patterns and large Chernobyl ants will elicit explosive top water strikes as well. Make sure you start your trip with a full fly box as the Dorado’s razor-sharp teeth can make short work of your fly! Intermediate or sink tip lines can be useful in some situations. Stainless steel leaders in the 30 – 40 lb. class are an absolute necessity.
BAIT CASTING & SPINNING
Like most fish, Golden Dorado do 95% of their feeding subsurface. Hard-plastic subsurface baits, both shallow and medium depth, are the ticket. Lures such as Yo Zuri Crystal Minnows, Rapalas and Pervasas are excellent choices. Medium to medium-heavy bait casting and/or spinning rods matched with reels the size of a Shimano Curado 200 bait casting reel or a Shimano 4000 class spinning reel loaded with 50 lb. braided Kevlar line are ideal. Again, steel leaders are essential to protect against the Dorado’s mouthful of teeth.
Accommodations
El Rincon
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Santa Rosa
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Estancia Santa Rosa and Estancia El Rincon, located about 40 miles west of the town of Qualequay just off the Parana River, are comfortably maintained 100 yr old Estancias accommodating 6 people in single occupancy rooms or 12 people in double occupancy. Food service is provided by the on-site chef, with Argentine beef, chicken and pasta serving as the main courses during your stay. Daily maid and laundry service is provided at the Estancia as well as Argentine beer, great Malbec wines and bottled waters.
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The Trip
Several airlines offer non-stop flights from major US cities to Buenos Aires. These flights typically depart in the evening and arrive early to mid-morning in BA. Guests will be met at the airport upon exiting customs and will be transported 3 hrs. north by van to either Estancia Santa Rosa or El Rincon. Charter aircraft are available at an additional cost between BA and your Estancia. Our normal Dorado trip itinerary is:
Day 1 |
Arrive at Buenos Aires in the morning from the US. You will be met at customs by a River Plate representative and then transported by van approx. 3 hrs. north to either Estancia Santa Rosa or El Rincon. You will get settled in, have lunch, and then head out for a half-day of fishing for Golden Dorado. Around 5:00 pm you will be transported back to the Estancia for drinks and the evening meal. |
Day 2 - 4 |
Breakfast at 7:00 am and then you will join your guide for a full day of Golden Dorado Fishing. You will fish for the day, enjoy a streamside lunch, and return to the Estancia around 5:00 for drinks and the evening meal. |
Day 5 |
Breakfast at 7:00 am and then you will join your guide for a full day of Golden Dorado Fishing. Early afternoon you will be transported by van back to the Buenos Aires airport for your evening flight back to the US. |
TRIP AVAILABILITY & COSTS
Trips Originating in Buenos Aires, Argentina
5 Day Golden Dorado fishing trip (trips originating in Buenos Aires, Argentina) $3,995.00/person
Trip Price Includes:
Meet and greet at the Buenos Aires Airport by an English-speaking member of our staff
All necessary ground transportation
5 days and 4 nights lodging at one of our Estancias, single occupancy for 6 guests
Daily Maid and Laundry service
Food prepared by our on-site chef
Argentine beer, wines, soft drinks and bottled water
Boats and guide (2 x 1)
Use of spinning, bait casting, fly rods, reels, terminal tackle and lures
Fishing trip of a lifetime
Not included In Trip Price
Passport fees
Gratuities suggested $400.00/week
Items of a personal nature & phone calls.
A deposit of 50% of the trip price is needed to confirm your trip reservation. Deposits and balances are non-refundable unless client finds a replacement.
Cast & Blast
We also offer a Cast and Blast option which combines Golden Dorado fishing with High Volume Dove Shooting.
5 Day Cast & Blast trip (trips originating in Buenos Aires, Argentina) $3,250.00/person
Golden Dorado fishing and high volume Dove shooting
We can customize your trip length and activities around your desires; if you would like schedule
your trip strictly around Golden Dorado fishing or Dove hunting inquire for pricing.
Trip Price Includes:
Meet and greet at the Buenos Aires Airport by an English-speaking member of our staff
All necessary ground transportation
5 days and 4 nights lodging at one of our Estancias, single occupancy for 6 guests or double occupancy for 12
Daily Maid and Laundry service
Food prepared by our on-site chef
Argentine beer, wines, soft drinks and bottled water
Not included In Trip Price
Argentina gun entrance fee (if you choose to bring your own gun) $110.00/gun
Argentina hunting license/permits fee $180.00
Shot shells for 12 & 20 ga $14.00/box
28 & 410 shells are also usually available, inquire for price
Gratuities suggested $60.00/day
Items of a personal nature & phone calls.
A deposit of 50% of the trip price is needed to confirm your trip reservation. Deposits and balances are non-refundable unless client finds a replacement.
Golden Dorado fishing and high volume Dove shooting
We can customize your trip length and activities around your desires; if you would like schedule
your trip strictly around Golden Dorado fishing or Dove hunting inquire for pricing.
Trip Price Includes:
Meet and greet at the Buenos Aires Airport by an English-speaking member of our staff
All necessary ground transportation
5 days and 4 nights lodging at one of our Estancias, single occupancy for 6 guests or double occupancy for 12
Daily Maid and Laundry service
Food prepared by our on-site chef
Argentine beer, wines, soft drinks and bottled water
Not included In Trip Price
Argentina gun entrance fee (if you choose to bring your own gun) $110.00/gun
Argentina hunting license/permits fee $180.00
Shot shells for 12 & 20 ga $14.00/box
28 & 410 shells are also usually available, inquire for price
Gratuities suggested $60.00/day
Items of a personal nature & phone calls.
A deposit of 50% of the trip price is needed to confirm your trip reservation. Deposits and balances are non-refundable unless client finds a replacement.
