Argentina
Golden Dorado
The dorado is widely regarded as one of the most thrilling sport fish to pursue. For many anglers, it represents a true “bucket list” species—one that defines a serious trophy collection. Across South America, heavy fishing pressure in most dorado habitats makes catching fish over 6–8 kg increasingly challenging. Locating untouched waters is already difficult, and landing a specimen exceeding 10 kg is, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. Their powerful runs and extremely tough jaws make breaking that 10 kg barrier especially rewarding.
FISHING
Fishing takes place on both the Uruguay River and a smaller tributary. On the main river, most fishing is done from boats, while the tributary is primarily fished on foot, with access supported by flat-bottom boats or kayaks.
This trip is structured around two lodges located about 80 km apart. Guests will spend three days at an estancia near the smaller river, followed by three days at a lodge on the Rio Uruguay.
The tributary holds a healthy population of dorado across a wide size range (1–10 kg), including some trophy fish. Fly fishing with streamers and surface patterns is particularly effective. While many dorado fisheries rely on boats, catching a trophy fish while wading is an exceptional and memorable experience.
The estancia offers high-quality accommodation and meals, with river access by foot or kayak. Its location allows anglers to fish both upstream and downstream, including long drifting sections.
After three days, the group transfers to the second lodge on the Rio Uruguay. Fishing here is mainly boat-based, using both electric and gasoline-powered vessels. This stretch of river is known for its high concentration of large fish. Although strikes may be less frequent than on the tributary, most fish exceed 5 kg, and the chances of hooking into a 10 kg+ specimen are strong.
Additionally, the area features around ten lagoons where anglers can wade fish for aymara. This offers a unique opportunity to target another species, especially effective with surface lures and flies.
EQUIPMENT
Fly Fishing:
– #8 weight rods
– Floating shooting heads or WF lines for large flies
– 9 ft leaders
– Fast-sinking leaders (3 m, 40 lb) for limited use
– 40 lb steel leaders
– Wading gaiters (for stingray protection)
– Strong streamers (sizes 1/0 to 3/0)
– Surface flies such as poppers, sliders, and mice
Spinning / Casting:
– Rods rated 20–80 g
– 40 lb braided line
– 40 lb steel leaders
– 1 m, 0.70 mm leader
Lures:
– Crankbaits, jerkbaits, and stickbaits (14–25 cm)
– TPE soft lures
Top 5 Reasons to fish Argenitna
Explosive fights and aggression – Golden dorado are famous for violent strikes, aerial jumps, and raw power, making every hookup intense and unpredictable.
True trophy potential – Argentina offers some of the best chances in the world to land dorado over 10 kg, a benchmark many anglers consider a lifetime achievement.
Unique fishing experiences – From boat fishing on big rivers to stalking fish while wading smaller tributaries, the variety keeps every day different and exciting.
World-class fly and lure fishing – Dorado readily hit streamers, poppers, and large artificial lures, making them ideal for both fly anglers and casting enthusiasts.
Remote, wild environments – Fishing takes place in untouched, scenic regions of Argentina, combining adventure, wildlife, and top-tier angling in one trip.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive in Buenos Aires on Sunday morning and transfer by minibus to Corrientes.
The group of eight anglers spends the first night at the lodge on the Rio Uruguay, where they prepare their gear and enjoy dinner.
Day 2:
Early breakfast at 6:00 am.
The group splits: four anglers travel by vehicle to the estancia, while the other four fish the Rio Uruguay.
Lunch is taken either by the river or back at the lodge, depending on location.
After a rest period, fishing resumes in the late afternoon and continues until sunset.
Dinner at the lodge.
Day 3:
Breakfast at 6:00 am.
Each group fishes their assigned area for the final time before switching locations at the end of the day.
Days 4–6:
Both groups fish the locations they did not cover during the first three days.
Daily routine remains consistent, with morning starts, midday breaks, and afternoon sessions until evening.
Day 6 (evening):
After a full day of fishing, the estancia group returns to the Rio Uruguay lodge for dinner and the final night.
Day 7:
Breakfast followed by departure and transfer back to Buenos Aires airport.
Best Lures for Golden Dorado
Crankbait
Crankbaits are highly effective for golden dorado because they mimic injured baitfish with tight wobbling action and diving depth control. Their ability to cover water quickly and deflect off structure triggers aggressive reaction strikes. Dorado often hold near rocks and current, making crankbaits ideal for provoking territorial attacks in fast moving rivers and turbulent environments during peak feeding periods daily.
Jerkbaits are always a safe option when fishing for predators. Through testing and experience, The Rapala XRAP showed the highest results in getting the fish interested and commited to a hit. The design and action closely mirror the baitfish they hunt
Jerkbaits
Stickbait (Spook)
Spook-style topwater lures are excellent for golden dorado because their side-to-side walking action imitates fleeing prey on the surface. The commotion and splash draw explosive strikes from aggressive fish, especially in warmer conditions or low-light periods. Dorado are visual predators, and surface presentations trigger instinctive attacks in shallow water and near structure edges consistently making them exciting and effective choices.
Best Flies for Golden Dorado
Popper flies are highly effective for golden dorado because they create loud surface disturbance that attracts aggressive strikes. Their popping action imitates struggling prey, triggering explosive reactions, especially in warm, shallow water where dorado hunt actively and rely heavily on visual cues.
Poppers
Streamers
Streamers are ideal for golden dorado as they imitate baitfish with lifelike movement and profile. Their versatility allows anglers to fish different depths and currents effectively, provoking aggressive strikes from dorado holding near structure, especially in rivers where prey fish are abundant.
Clousers
Clouser Minnows are excellent for golden dorado due to their weighted design, allowing them to sink quickly and stay in the strike zone. Their jigging action mimics injured baitfish, making them irresistible to dorado in fast currents and deeper holding areas.
Miscellaneous
Spoons
Soft plastics
Deceiver Flies
Brush Flies
Wire Baitfish Flies
Spinner baits
These lures and flies work very well during certain times and for certain circumastances
Accommodation
Cozy River-side Private accommodation
On Suite and communial bathrooms and showers
Fully furnished bedrooms with airconditioning, and electricity
Dining area for the whole group to enjoy meals
Leisure areas to discuss catches of the day and unwind
