ARGENTINA golden dorado

Going on the trip of a lifetime, to catch Golden Dorado is easier than most people think. DRO offers a Golden Dorado trip every year in early March, and we take care of all of the logistics of the travel. We have spent many years traveling to Argentina and have encountered just about everything imaginable, so we are prepared for it all. Chasing a Golden Dorado is not an easy task, and definitely is not for the faint of heart, but if you are looking to capture the fish of a lifetime, this is a trip you will not want to miss. 

The following is an overview of the best fishing we have found in northern Argentina. If you have any questions about traveling to the region, give us a call toll-free at 888-861-0111 and talk with Kevin Howell or Andrew Howell, our Argentina travel specialists.

fishing the iberian marsh and the parana river 

The Iberá Wetlands, located in north central Corrientes Province, Argentina, is one of the most important and largest freshwater reservoirs in South America. Estimated to be 5,800 – 7,700 square miles, it is second in size only to the Pantanal in Brazil. In 1982, the Ibera Provincial Reserve was created and protected 5,000 square miles of these wetlands, the largest such area in Argentina. Plans are ongoing to increase the area’s protection, and hopefully, in the future, it will be granted national park status. The mythical Golden Dorado is clearly the main target at this fishery. Ibera provides daily opportunities to catch multiple Dorados that range from 5 to 10 pounds. However, there is always the possibility of catching Dorados from 20 up to 30 pounds

The best adjective to describe The Parana River is “Trophy”. If you are looking to catch the Dorado of a lifetime a trip to Upper Parana is a must. This section of the Upper Parana is home to the largest Golden Dorado in South America. Every season, we land a handful of fish above 40 pounds! The lodge is located on the upper section of the Parana River, approximately 90 miles downstream from the Yacyreta Dam. As a tailwater, this stretch of river is known for its clear and stable water flow. Having these predictable fishing conditions is vitally important for internationally traveling anglers. On the upper Parana, you’ll fish along the numerous river branches and channels casting towards cut banks, fallen trees, and rock outcroppings. All of this structure is ideal habitat for a natural predator like the dorado.

While fishing these two areas is very different from each other, they do have some similarities in flies and rods that you will be using. In the marsh, you will be throwing mid-size black streamers on a floating or intermediate line, but while fishing on the river you will be throwing big poppers, big black streamers, and the occasional mouse. On both of these fisheries, you will want an 8 or 9 weight rod to fight the very aggressive Golden Dorado. 

NEXT HOSTED TRIP

The next DRO-hosted trip to San Martin de los Andes will be March 21st-28th 2026. Pricing is $6900 U.S. dollars per angler for the week. Additional days can be added to this trip at the customer's request. This price includes all meals, lodging, and travel from Buenos Aires airport. For more information about this trip please contact Kevin at kevin@davidsonflyfishing.com  or Andrew at andrew@davidsonflyfishing.com