Golden Dorado
SEASON: All Year
DURATION: 3-7 NIGHTS OPTIONS
GUESTS: 10
Pira Lodge (Iberá Marshlands) is located in Northern Argentina’s Iberá Marshlands and is protected by a natural reserve more than twice the size of the Florida Everglades. Fishing for Golden Dorado, one of the most voracious and beautiful species to swim on the planet, takes place aboard a fleet of 16-foot Hell’s Bay flats skiffs. You’ll dodge caymans and catch freshwater Dorado in the 5-to 20- pound class on everything from dry flies to stripped streamers. At the end of your fishing day, decompress and take in a traditional Asado at one of the finest lodges fishing has to offer. However, the electric take and dazzling fight of the Dorado bring fishermen back year after year!
Fishing at Pira Lodge (Iberá Marshlands)
The Iberá Marshlands offers Pirá Lodge guests nearly three million acres of virtually unexplored marshland. From the base at Pira Lodge, you can explore creeks, rivers, lagoons, and freshwater flats, all teeming with fish.
The jewel attraction at Pira Lodge (Iberá Marshlands) is crystal clear water year-round, which creates incredible opportunities to sight fish monster Golden Dorado all from the bow of the lodges Hell’s Bay flats skiffs.
The guides at Pirá Lodge know the marshlands incredibly well and the fishy inhabitants. They will guide, based on conditions, will even talk you through various fly presentations to initiate the eat. Sometimes a splashy cast will trigger the strike. In other cases, a very subtle presentation is required.
Casting
When casting in a channel in the Marsh, it is essential to cast as close to the weed/bank as possible. When prospecting the waters, instead of sight casting, casts should be placed into the more fishy piece of water. This means targeting confluences, corners, bays, points, and structure.
Stripping
Stripping speed can vary depending on the speed of the current, fish moods, etc. In most cases, an erratic fast stripping is the most commonly used tactic, but your guides will help based on conditions.
In our opinion, a fishing glove or a finger cloth is essential to protect your fingers from constant stripping but also line burn from the inevitable eat.
Rods: We recommend 9-foot, 7 or 8-weight rods.
Reels: A quality fly reel is essential. Golden Dorado are strong and fast, so a strong, smooth drag is a must. Reels should have the capacity for the fly line and 100 yards of 20-pound backing.
Lines: Pack weight-forward tropical floating fly-lines (redfish, tarpon, and bonefish lines work best).
Make sure to pack a fast-sinking line such as Rio’s Leviathan (or similar), which has a 26-foot, 300- to 350-grain sinking tip.
TOP TIP:
It may pay to “over-line” your rods. For example, cast an 8-weight floating line on a 7-weight rod. Which makes it easier to load the rod with less line, and the heavier line makes casting larger flies easier.
Accommodation at Pira Lodge (Iberá Marshlands)
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, linked by covered walkways and open-air patios, hosts the spacious living room, bar, and dining room areas. Award-winning architects designed Pirá Lodge to respect traditional regional elegance. As a result, this lodge offers all of the comforts and luxuries of a modern hotel. So relax and enjoy a cocktail, cool off in the outdoor swimming pool after a rewarding day of fishing, or swap stories with guests on the large veranda.
Meals at Pira Lodge
Something to note is that Pira Lodge specializes in Northern Argentina dishes that pair prime cuts of local meats with the freshest fruits and vegetables. Beyond traditional asados, salads and sides, enjoy exotic appetizers such as yacaré meat, savory cheeses, and homemade bread such as our classic chipá rolls. Desserts tantalize guests with multiple textures and flavors designed to provide an unforgettably delicious final touch.
Getting to Pira Lodge (Iberá Marshlands)
Guests fly into Buenos Aires and typically overnight to spend a day touring the city. The lodge can be accessed from Buenos Aires either by:
- An overnight 1st class sleeper bus from Buenos Aires to Mercedes, arriving at 7 am.
- Charter plane from Buenos Aires to Mercedes airport or the lodge’s landing strip (weather permitting).
Once at Mercedes, we will arrange a Pira lodge representative to meet you to transfer you to the lodge. The transfer is roughly 1.15 hrs to the lodge in a four-wheel drive.
Itinerary
Anglers typically leave the lodge early in the morning (approx 8 am or earlier.) to avoid the midday heat. Guests return to the lodge for a swim, lunch, and drinks at around 12.30 pm.
After lunch and a siesta, fishing boats typically leave the dock around 4:30 pm and fish until dusk. Fishing hours will change slightly depending on the time of year.
Non-fishing activities, including horseback riding or bird watching, allow guests to enjoy the fantastic wildlife in the area. The swimming pool is the perfect place for relaxing and sunbathing. Snorkeling and Night expeditions into the Marsh are also exciting options.
Rates
7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing $ 6,950
6 Nights / 5 Days Fishing $ 6,350
5 Nights / 4 Days Fishing $ 5,390
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing $ 4,325
3 Nights / 2 Days Fishing $ 3,250
Prices are in USD
* Single room and boat: 60% surcharge.
* Non-fisher: $650 per night depending on availability.
Rates are per person based on double occupancy and shared a guide.
Weekly Rates Include
Lodging, Meals, all wines, beer, and local spirits at the Lodge, Professional guide services & loaner fishing equipment (Rods, reels & Lines).
Weekly Rates Exclude
Transfer from Mercedes to the lodge, Fishing license, gratuities for guides and house staff, airfare and private charters, in-house laundry service.
Fishing license: $50 per person
Image Gallery
Extra Info
Passports and Visa Requirements
Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, The United Kingdom, South Africa, New Zealand, and other Western European nations, do not require a visa for tourist trips of up to 90 days to Argentina-however they must travel with a valid passport from their country of residence. Those carrying passports from other nations should check with their local consulates for specific regulations.
On Arrival
You will complete a two-part landing card and be issued a stamp for 30, 60, or 90-day stays. Staple the duplicate of the landing card into your passport, next to your entrance stamp, as you’ll need it to leave the country.
