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Overview
For many years the golden dorado was a well kept secret in Latin America, but with today’s ease of travel it has made these far out places very accessible, thus elevating this incredible species to one of the most famous fresh water game fish.
Pirá Lodge is located in the Corrientes Province, Northeast Argentina, in the middle of the Ibera Marshlands. Situated within 1,300,000 hectares of Natural Reserve, the area is twice the size of the Florida Everglades. The lodge sits right on the edge of a channel providing direct access to the marsh system and to the Corrientes River, located 15 minutes south of the lodge.
The Ibera Marshland is a vast system of crystal-clear creeks, deep flowing rivers, and shallow lakes. The province of Corrientes borders Uruguay, and hosts one of Argentina’s subtropical climate patterns, with temperatures in the mid 20°C early and late in the season. The Ibera Marshland is almost completely unexplored and uninhabited. It is home to more than 350 species of birds, 85 mammals and almost 70 reptiles. During your stay you will have a chance to see species such as capybara, river otters, Yacare (cayman), howler monkeys and marsh deer. All this while fishing for one of the most aggressive fresh water fish in the world.
The fishing is not only exciting, visual, and action packed, but you’ll also have the chance to learn so much more about this incredible species – all while enjoying an out-of-this-world hospitality experience.
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Fishing
A typical spring fishing day will start in the morning from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm, you will then have lunch at the lodge, followed by an afternoon fishing from 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
Visual, aggressive and exciting topwater action, fishing for golden dorado – one of the most voracious and beautiful species to swim the planet – takes place aboard a fleet of 16-foot Hell’s Bay flats skiffs. You’ll dodge caymans and catch these incredible fish on everything from dry flies to stripped streamers, with weight classes ranging from 5lbs all the way up to 20lbs..
The electric take and acrobatic fight displayed by these trophy fish brings fishermen back year after year, and the crystal clear waters throughout the entire fishery make for amazing sight fishing.
The world famous and highly professional guides that work at Pirá Lodge have many years of experience between them. A mixture of nationalities makes for a well rounded experience. Each angler will fish with a different guide each day, giving you the opportunity to gain a plethora of new tricks and tactics when golden dorado fishing.
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Accommodation
Built with exquisite Corrientes style and pride, Pirá Lodge enjoys a spectacular panoramic view of the vast wetlands. It accommodates up to 10 guests in five deluxe rooms, each with a private entrance, private bath, two double beds, ceiling fans and air conditioning.
A separate building, attached by covered walkways and open-air patios, the lodge also accommodates a spacious living room, bar, and dining room areas—each with tall doors that open to the wide veranda.
Pirá Lodge was designed by award-winning architects to respect traditional regional elegance – offering all of the comforts and luxuries of a contemporary hotel. Relax and enjoy a cocktail at any hour, and cool off in the outdoor swimming pool after a rewarding day of fishing.
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Food & Cuisine
At Pirá Lodge, the kitchens come to life through the use of fresh and regionally representative meats and produce. By combining these elements, they create delicious flavours and varied textures that harbour hidden stories and traditions on each plate.
A top-notch team of experienced national and international chefs, trained in both classic and avant-garde culinary techniques, execute the food. With an artisan’s touch, chefs prepare every dish from scratch to be served at a minute’s notice. At the lodge you’ll enjoy fresh pastas and fire-roasted meats, including world-class Argentinian steaks. And don’t forget to save room for dessert. From homemade ice creams to classic sweets and pastries, guests are truly covered.
Finally, Pirá Lodge feels strongly that the food they serve and the wines they pour should mirror the fishing opportunities on offer. As such they use the renowned wines of Bodega Catena Zapata, a fabulous reflection of Argentine culture that competes on the world stage.
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Example itinerary
DAY 1 – HOME CITY TO BUENOS AIRES (BA)
- Fly from home city to Buenos Aires International Airport
- Taxi from airport to your chosen hotel
- Check-in to the hotel and overnight – Please contact us if you require further advice on hotels
DAY 2 – BA TO PIRÁ LODGE
- Taxi to Jorge Newbery Airport. Approx. 40 minutes
- Depart Jorge Newbery Airport and arrive at Resistencia Airport
- Pick up and transfer to Pirá Lodge. Approx. 4 hours
- Overnight at Pirá Lodge
DAY 3 TO 8 – CONTINUED FISHING (5 FULL DAYS FISHING)
- Continued fishing and overnight stay at Pirá Lodge
DAY 9 – LODGE TO BA
- Pick up and transfer from Pirá Lodge. Approx. 4 hours
- Depart Resistencia Airport and arrive at Jorge Newbery Airport
- Overnight at chosen hotel in BA
DAY 10 – BA TO HOME CITY
- Board flight to home city
- Continue with own arrangements
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Specifics
INCLUDED:
- Full board accommodation
- 1 guide between 2 anglers
- Five days fishing
- Transfers from Resistencia Airport Airport to Pirá Lodge
EXCLUDED:
- Transfers in Buenos Aires
- Gratuities
- Flights
- Any additional accommodation in Buenos Aires
- Items of a personal nature
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Pirá Lodge
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Suitable gear
For rods we’d recommend 9-foot 7 or 8 weights, such as our 7X single hand MF. Taking more than one rod is also highly recommended, for faster change of flies and easier use of different lines when poling the marsh lands.
A reel with a strong, smooth drag is a must, as larger dorado are both strong and fast. Reels should have the capacity for the fly line and 100yrds+ of 20lbs backing. We’d suggest our OPTI large arbor reel.
Pack weight-forward tropical floating fly-lines work well. Also, consider “over-lining” your rods. For example, we often use an 8-weight floating line on a 7-weight rod. This has dual benefits: 1) It makes it easier to load the rod with less line and 2) The heavier line makes casting larger flies easier.
Avoid bringing conventional cold-water floating lines. The tropical weather makes them soft and gummy and therefore difficult to cast.
A fishing glove or a finger cloth might also be useful for intense stripping. The aggressive take from the dorado can also rip the line through your fingers and potentially cause line burn.
Finally, this is a tropical climate with temperatures rising to over 30°C, so light UV protective clothing, sunglasses, caps and neck gaiters are recommended – as well as lots of sun cream!
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