Fishing in the Paraná River

The Paraná River is a land of abundance in terms of various species of fish. We have more than 10 species of scale fish and 5 species of leatherback fish, providing an unforgettable experience in a freshwater river. Being the most famous fish of all, and considered the KING OF THE RIVER, the famous DORADO (golden fish), being a good fighting fish and very sporty.

One of the magics of the Paraná River is its abundant sandbars, where we find some of the best sight fishing options in the river. These areas can be explored on foot or by boat, depending on where the dourado are patrolling. To avoid scaring the fish in shallower waters, floating lines and longer fishing lines are the norm here. Depending on the situation, these moving dourado can be cautious and spooky, or they can lose all inhibitions and go crazy in a feeding frenzy. Fish can be found singly, in pairs and in schools, and where the water clarity is good you will see them. In deeper water scenarios the game changes and reading the water well becomes essential for success.

The edges of sandbanks can be fished with floating or sinking lines. Large dorado are often found prowling these areas or lying in wait, ready to attack the bait fish that come in.

Daily Program

After breakfast you will be taken to the boat with an experienced skipper, where you will fish throughout the morning, until we take a break for lunch on the riverbank on our private island or back to the hotel in our beautiful restaurant. After a good rest we will fish again until sunset. Then you will be taken to the hotel for a snack, drink and dinner. All alcoholic drinks are included, whiskey and Heineken also. The consumption is unlimited.

Fishing

Dorado is one of the most exciting species that anglers can catch with a fly. And this is the best part of Paraná to catch a monster during the period from August to April. However, from April to August (Argentine winter) you have a great chance of catching the biggest specimens. Guests will fish primarily from our new fleet of special Fly Fishing boats. The custom models have decks, allowing two anglers to fish simultaneously.

If possible, we have boats with trolling motors to target the nuances of the natural habitat — from sunken logs and rock gardens to small bays and side channels. Other times, the fish congregate on sandbars, where they corner baitfish. If this is the case, we often drift fish the sandbars or wade in search of action.

Equipment:

Fly Fishing

Floating lines are standard, fished with 8 or 9 weight rods. Floating redfish lines (often one size larger than the rod weight) are great. Consider cold-water lines for the winter months (late June, July, and August) and warm-water lines for September and October. Also, intermediate and sinking lines can be productive.

Use 50- to 80-pound leader material; 40- to 65-pound wire.

Popular dorado flies, such as Andino Deceivers (4- to 7-inch streamers tied on 3/0 to 5/0 hooks) and a few other patterns, can be good, depending on water clarity. We recommend buying flies from guides—they have everything you need, as they tie flies and know the game.

Spinning and Bait-Casting

We recommend rods between 5.9 and 6.9 feet (1.80 and 2.10 m); 10- to 20-pound or 12- to 25-pound rods with medium to fast action are required. Use 50- to 60-pound-test braid. Productive lures include Rapala Glidin Rap (size 12), Rapala Super Shad Rap (size 14), and Rapala X Rap. Johnson spoons (between 2 ¾ and 3 3/4 inches) are also useful, as are poppers and softbaits. Argentine lures made specifically for dorado are also available. We can supply your lures, which will be custom-made by the guides.

Technical clothes and apparel

Been winter and springtime, we can expect any kind of weather in our section of the Parana River. Early in the morning can be humid and cold, as well as late in the afternoon. Later in the season very warm. So, be prepared to have any kind of clothes, and even a wader to patrol the sandbars or be ready to land a fish on it. Wading boots can be soft, no stones in the sandy flats.

Fly Fishing Equipment

Rods: We recommend 9-foot 8 or 9-weight rods.
Reels: A quality fly reel is important. 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 100 to 150 yards of 30 to a 50-pound backing.
Lines: Pack weight-forward floating fly-lines. Also, consider “over-lining” your rods. For example, we often use a 9-weight floating line on an 8-weight rod, which 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.
Additionally, we recommend bringing a fast-sinking line which has a 26-foot, 300- to 350-grain sinking tip. Intermediate tip lines are good options too. For the colder weeks (June-August) cold water lines are recommended and for the warmer weeks (September-November) tropical lines will work fine.
Leaders: the leaders should be heavy enough to turn over big flies. Spools of mono should include 50 to 80 lbs test weights. An important thing to consider in a Dorado leader is the shock, or bite tippet. Bring plenty of 40 to 65 lb test steel leader for your stay.

Fly Patterns for Dorado

The edges of sandbanks can be fished with floating or sinking lines. Large dorado are often found prowling these areas or lying in wait, ready to attack the bait fish that come in.

Spinning and Baitcasting Equipment

Rods: We recommend rods between 1.80 and 2.10 m (5.9 to 6.9 ft); medium to fast action rods of 4.5 to 9 kg or 5.5 to 11 kg are required.
Reels: Open spinning reels are the easiest to use, but for inexperienced fishermen, bait casters are the easiest to use with precision and offer the best chance of placing the lure where you want it. Bait casters should have a high retrieval rate, as the lures are usually worked very quickly. Whatever your preferred style, it will need to be loaded with 50-60 lbs. braid.
Leaders: Steel leaders are essential. Dorado have sharp teeth and a 10-14 in. (25-35 cm) and 45-60 lb. (20-29 kg) test steel leader is required.