Intrepid Golden Dorado

Join Intrepid Fly as we tackle and tame one the most powerful fresh water game fish in the world: Salminus Maxillosus - the golden dorado. Their destructive jaws, ferocious strikes and explosive jumps make this the most aggressive South American freshwater game fish. Fishermen who have been seduced by this beautiful fish compare its fighting ability to that of a steelhead or an Atlantic salmon, with the ferocity of a barracuda. Dorados between 10 lbs. and 12 lbs are regularly released; however dorados up to 20 lb are not uncommon. Trophies of 30-40 lbs have been recorded on exploratory trips to distant spots inside the Iberá Marsh. Read on for more information on the intrepid leg to this package … 15kg dorado.

Your trip can focus solely on catching these magnificent fish, however we recommend that you make the most of the fishing in Argentina, and explore both regions (Patagonia and Corrientes). Based on the time of the year and the predicted conditions, our guide will advise you on the best package.

Accommodation

Anglers are accommodated in a country house (estancia) on the edge of the marsh. It is located in the beautiful landscape of Corrientes province, with a view of natural woods, fields and wetlands. The gauchos (Argentinean cowboys) with their horses and cattle are a part of the daily scene. The estancia accommodates two anglers per room, with privacy bathrooms. There is electricity and air conditioning all the rooms. All meals are included and refreshments are provided on the excursions.

Fly fishing for dorados

Access to these dorados involves an internal flight from Buenos Aries to Corrientes in the north of Argentina. From here you will have a short transfer to the hacienda, on the edge of the delta. The fishing in the region is predominantly done from boats, though there are opportunities to fish the channel banks, depending on the water levels. This wide marsh is host to large quantities of dorado and small Argentinean peacock bass, (San Antonio) and other species. The fishing is best when the water levels have receded off the march, forcing the bait fish into the main channels. This affords the anglers the chance to fish more defined areas, concentrated with aggressive dorados.

A typical day involves setting off at first light early in the morning to pre-selected channels, recommended by our guides, based on the water levels and his knowledge of the area. All the necessary fishing equipment will be taken on the boats, as well as refreshments. Generally anglers return for lunch to get out of the mid day heat, as the fishing generally goes off the boil during these hours. After a hearty lunch and a well earned siesta, one sets off again for the afternoon / evening rise, and return after dark to share the conquests of the day.

Fishing for these dorado, requires stealth, unlike other boat expeditions, excessive noise will scare off the large and smart dorados. The angler must reach mid and long distance casts (50-70ft), especially when he goes drifting, looking for good spots to place the fly. Mouths of streams, backwaters or where the currents converge are typical places where the dorado hunt. In these places, the bait fish are targeted as they get dragged into the deeper channels by the receding water, and there the river tiger finds its prey. Your fly needs to pass these areas with the right speed, action and depth, to produce a ferocious attack. Extremely sharp hooks are required to penetrate the hard bone of its jaws, much like the tiger fish in Africa – The most aggressive fresh ware species in the world.

Camping and Boat Safaris

Anglers with a greater flair for adventure can go an explore channels deeper into the marshlands. This requires leaving the comfort of the estancia with the guides. There are no lodges in this area, and this trip involves camping on the many islands. On this leg we bring a 220V generator, electric light and big tents. The “kitchen and refrigeration” ensures great meals that include pasta, fish, chicken, red meat, salads, fruit, cold beers, sodas, spring water, wine., soft drinks, etc.

The intrepid adventure begins with a 60 km journey along a dirt road from the city of Mercedes in a 4X4 to where the marsh begins. Then we move onto the motor boats and navigate a 3 km channel, crossing dense rushes until we arrive at the first big pond. The preferred camp is on a big island and will be the base of operations. Here we will set off in various directions to catch the morning rise. You can choose to spend the whole day fishing, or return for lunch and a siesta. At the end of the day we return for dinner.

The fishing in this area is done in very big ponds. The water is usually extremely clear and shallow, 1-3 meters deep depending on rainfall. This is an ideal venue for sight fishing, possibly the most significant reason for embarking on the voyage. Imagine your heart rate as you sight a 15 kg dorado. Hunting it down and delivering your carefully selected fly with a precise cast.

The aluminium boats are equipped with outboards and electric motors, which allow for the stealthy approach. Remember that these fish require a calculated approach. Floating lines are used to target the waters edge, amongst the plants and rushes. The dorado are hunted by hugging these features, edging yourselves slowly through the water with the electric motors, bass-style. Imagine the Okavango system but with dorado. Here the average size of dorados, is double than those in Rio Corrientes (El Dorado lodge). Regular 5 kg fish are caught, and fish up to 15 kg are available for the more discerning angler. Other animals on can expect to see on this leg are Yacarè (alligator), marsh deer, otters, anaconda amarilla, capivara and abundant bird life.

See picture - Estancia

For all your fishing requirements, please contact us so that we can assist you in your selection. Intrepid Fly can source all equipment at a competitive price, or call us to arrange for you to visit a shop we recommend close to you (SA only).

Guests need to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves in the terrain: