The Fishing
The mythical
Golden Dorado (salminus brasiliensis) is clearly the main target in this fishery. We target Dorado that range in size between 4 and 30 pounds however we have caught 40-pound fish.
The best adjective to describe this destination 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 tail water, this stretch of river is known for its clear and stable water flow. Having these predictable fishing conditions is vitally important for the 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.
Here you will be casting surface and sub surface flies around structure such as logs, rocks and fallen trees in search of a huge wild beast. While you’re staying at Itati Lodge, you can also fish for the
omnivorous species, pacu and pira pita.
We will fish different stretches of waters with different techniques:
- Large streamer to tempt the large Dorado on rocky structures on the main river, cut bank and fallen tree
- Use Mouse patterns to tempt large dorados around slow water cut banks with multiple fallen trees and also other floating artificial such as gurglers, poppers and crease Flies
- Target Dorados on sand bars where we will be sight fishing for them while the guide is push polling from the back of the boat, such as tarpon fishing on a flat. This technique is done one angler at the time
- Target smaller internal creeks and canal where we will drifter while cast small dry flies and targeting Pacui, Pirapitas, Pacu and even small dorados
Program
Our Golden Dorado program offers guests the unique opportunity to fish two completely different destinations in just one week. With three lodges in distinctively varied locations, we have the flexibility to run a highly successful combination program.The program starts in Buenos Aires and includes 3 charter flights to get you quickly and conveniently to your destinations.Each of our lodge areas are fed by different water sources, so while one may be less than optimal, the other two could be at their best.Our priority is to always provide the best fishing experience possible under current conditions, and using charter flights as part of the program provides fast and easy access to these different waters, connecting the diferent lodges.
Sample Itinerary
DAY 1: Charter flight from Buenos Aires to the first lodge.DAY 2 to 4: Three (3) full day fishing.DAY 5: Early morning charter flight to the second lodge (30 minutes). Full day fishing. DAY 6 and 7: Two (2) full day fishing.DAY 8: Charter flight from the Lodge directly to Buenos Aires.
Rate
7 nights and 6 full days of fishing have a cost of $8,350 per person, sharing room, boat and guide every two anglers.This trip is limited to a total of 8 anglers. Ask us about single angler rates.
Included
- All lodging as described on the itinerary
- All meals, beer and wine
- Full-time guide and coordinator during the trip
- All charter flights and local ground transfers
- All the special services described on the itinerary
- Fishing license, all flies
Not Included
- International Flights
- Any Buenos Aires expenses – hotels, meals, transfers, etc
- Laundry
- Gratuities
For more information about SET’s Golden Dorado experience visit this section.Here you will find our recommendations for gear. Have in mind that if you want to pack lightly we have gear we can lend at no extra cost. If you decide to use our gear, please let us know in advance so we can have everything ready at your arrival.
Rods and Reels
We suggest an 8 weight, 9 ft, 4 piece, fast action rod with a good fighting butt. This weight allows you to cast heavy flies and also lessen arm fatigue. If possible, we also suggest that you bring an additional 8 weight rod that can be strung up with a different line.
Quality reels with working drags that balance your rods and Reels should be loaded with a minimum of 150 yards of 30 lb backing.
For the omnivorous species Pacu and Pira-pita we use smaller rods (6wt).
Lines
Lines have to be “tropical” due to the water/air temperature in the area. As we said before, its nice to have two rods with different lines, but here is the deal.
One weight forward floating line (WFF) – This would be for surface patterns, mainly for mice. And an intermediate clear tip for streamers.
At the Ibera Wetlands, as water is so clear, we only ask for two floating lines. One for surface patterns, and the other one for streamers.
Most of the tropical lines should do the trick, but here are the ones we recommend.
Tropical Floating Line: Magnitud Textured, Grand Slam Full Clear
Intermediate clear tip: Scientific Anglers Sonar Titan Jungle Clear Tip
SonarTitan Sink Tip Mini
Leaders and Tippet
Leaders for dorado should be 9 feet long, and the secret formula goes as follows: 5+3+1.
Five feet (5 ft) 0,7 mm mono + three feet (3 ft) 0,6 mm mono + one feet 40 lbs Wire Bite tippet.
You can also use the 8+1 formula: 8 feet of mono (0,7 mm for the Upper parana, and 0,6 mm for the wetlands), plus 1 feet bite wire.
Saltwater mono (not fluorocarbon) 40 lbs (0,6 mm) / 50 lbs (0,68 mm).
SA Wire Bite Tippet 40 lbs for dorado and 30 lbs for pacu and pirapita.
Flies
Your guide will provide any fly you might need.
