Our group from International Angler ventured to Set Flyfishing in Argentina in pursuit of the Golden Dorado.
Aside from the caiman, the dorado are the apex predator in the river systems of Argentina and Bolivia. They are noted for their aggressive strikes and dynamic fighting. The primary bait fish in the area is the sabalo (silver fish). The sabalo are 12-18″ long but can be easily dispatched by even a midsize dorado.
Our fishing began in Conception at the La Alondra’i Lodge and two remote lodges in the Ibara Wetlands. This portion of the trip was similar to an Ecotour with good fishing. The marsh is populated with capybara, long legged deer and a wide variety of birds. The dorado could be found in areas of cover enabling life as an ambush predator. We found the best way to induce a strike was to nearly hit the dorado, producing a reaction strike. The dorado took Andino Deceivers and large bass poppers.
We next journeyed to Corrientes Province for the Itati Lodge located on the upper section of the Parana River. This portion of the trip targeted the “river monsters”. The Parana is a huge river flowing at 700,000 cfs (size of the Mississippi) and forms the border between Argentina and Paraguay.
As we arrived, we found the river to be very low and clear, not ideal for ambush predators. The guides described the fishing as “very slow”. We split the days into morning and afternoon sessions with lunch and a siesta between. Nearly all action occurred under low light conditions at dawn and dusk.
Of the 9 anglers at the lodge, there were a total of 4 large dorado caught over our 3-day period. My opportunity came 15 minutes into our first session. Stripping an Andino Deceiver over a drop-off, I watched the water explode 30′ off my rod tip. Shock and awe resulted in a terrible hookset with predictable results. That was my shot, I didn’t get another.
Opportunities were few under these conditions, but a few anglers were amply rewarded with true trophy catches. including one by Fred, an 83-year-old practicing physician.
During our stay, the staff at Set Flyfishing did an outstanding job of meeting our needs and providing an incredible experience. Some nights featured a cookout, another with local Chamame dancers and guitarist.
Guides Lucas, Tette, Carlos, Nico and German did a fine job in putting us in position to cast and explaining optimal techniques.
Fishing was done with 8WT and 9WT rods throwing large flies with 40 lb. monofilament leaders and 10″ of bite wire tippet.
This was a bucket list trip, and although the trophy eluded most of us, it was still an excellent experience.
Tight loops and tight lines,
Al
The cost of the trip was $7500 plus airfare and tips. We also had expenses for one night in Buenos Aires at the beginning of the trip.