Argentina – Golden Dorado

Golden Dorado in Argentina is one of our most exciting fishing trips.

This is a trip for fly fishers who want something different from the usual. Warm climate, strong fish, a modern lodge, good guides and fishing that can go from calm presentation to full-control fight in an instant.

We have started booking for the next trip, which takes place in November 2026.

Golden Dorado is often called the tiger of South America. Not without reason. The take is brutal, the runs are hard, and the fish often comes high in the water with powerful jumps. When a large Dorado takes the fly, all you can do is hold on.

Our partners know the Paraná system well. The guides have long experience with the river, the fish and the fly fishing itself. This gives you a good opportunity to fish for some of the largest Dorado the area can offer.

On this trip you can also fish for Pirá Pytá and Pacú.

Pirá Pytá, also called The River Salmon, is a bright silver and exciting fish that gives a fantastic fight. It can be fished with streamer, fruit imitation and dry fly. Taking one of these fish on dry fly with a class 5 or 6 rod is something very special.

Pacú is a strong and distinctive sport fish. It can be fished with streamers, but also with fruit imitations when fruit falls from the trees along the river. The fish often stands close to the bank. The presentation has to be right, and when the Pacú takes and heads down towards the bottom, some very exciting minutes await.

Most of the fishing is done from a boat. When conditions allow, we also fish from the sandbanks in the area. It is exciting fishing, and the fish can stand surprisingly close to the bank.

2instincts and our partners practise catch and release on this trip.

The lodge has very good facilities. Large, airy rooms, good quality furniture and beds, a swimming pool in the garden and a beach close by. It is easy to relax here after a fishing session.

The food is part of the experience. The lodge serves classic Argentinian breakfast, lunch and dinner. Most of it is homemade, using fresh ingredients. After a long day on the river, it is always exciting to see what is on the menu.

A normal day starts with breakfast around 06:30. Then we head to the boat harbour, which is within walking distance of the lodge. The first fishing spot is often only 5–10 minutes away by boat. Normally, two anglers fish per guide and boat.

After the morning session, we return to the lodge for a hot lunch, or a barbecue lunch is served by the river. A quiet siesta is then recommended before a new fishing session in the afternoon. The fishing normally continues until darkness falls. On return to the lodge, a high-quality dinner is served.

We use modern boats with all necessary equipment. Typically 17 ft North Carolina boats for flats fishing, with outboard motor and electric Minn Kota trolling motor to keep the boat in position during the fishing.

For Golden Dorado we recommend single-handed rods in classes 7, 8 and 9. For Pirá Pytá and Pacú we recommend classes 5, 6 and 7. Rods between 9 and 10 ft work well. Not too long, as the fish are often landed from the boat.

Floating lines and sink-tip lines work well, preferably with a clear front tip. We recommend fly lines with a short front taper so that larger and weighted flies can be presented well. Because of the sharp teeth, a wire leader is used for the final 20 cm to the fly. This is a must.

Our favourite is the N2 #8 with an SA Jungle Titan line.

For clothing, light trousers or shorts, a thin shirt or T-shirt, cap, neck gaiter, sunscreen and good sunglasses are normally enough. A light fishing jacket can be useful in the morning and evening. Finger protection is recommended, as there is a lot of line stripping. Temperatures are usually around 18–27 degrees.

We offer all the equipment you need before the trip, so that you are well prepared when you arrive at the lodge.

The journey normally goes by air from your home airport to Buenos Aires. From there, there are domestic flights to Corrientes or Resistencia. On arrival, you are met by the lodge guides and driven onwards. We are happy to help with suggestions for the travel route.

2instincts is a member of the Norwegian Travel Guarantee Fund. This gives extra security when you book a fishing trip with us.

Welcome to hard runs from grown Golden Dorado.

Contact us for information, details and available rods.