Fishing Sandbars,
Stalking the Apex Predator
By Gonzalo Flego
Sighting fishing represents the next level of fly fishing perfection. Being able to see and stalk a fish, then cast and move the fish to strike, is a challenge that takes on an addictive quality. The most extraordinary fish in the world to catch this way, is the Golden Dorado. A native predator that lurks in the Parana River Basin of northeastern Argentina, as well as other fresh water rivers in Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay, the Dorado has always been atop the list of freshwater gamefish for its beauty if nothing else. But there’s more than beauty to this beast, with vicious topwater strikes, powerful runs, and spectacular acrobatics.
The Golden Dorado’s main food source are fish that look almost identical to the North American Shad, whose Spanish name is, Sabalo (Prochilodus lineatus). Sabalos represent the largest biomass of the Parana River basin (60% of the fish species), as they are the only ones capable of taking nutrients from the river bottom, filtering food from the sand and mud bottom. Sabalos are very important for the river ecosystem, as from the beginning of their lives to the end, they serve as the principle food for many of the river’s predatory game fish and other river wildlife.
The natural flow of the winding Argentinean river systems combined with a sandy bottom, produces a series of underwater sand dunes both upstream and downstream of the endless jungled islands, and along the edges of secondary and main channels. The subsurface wave action of the river forms these dunes perpendicular to the current, and creates rolling pockets of structure that can vary in depth from 1 to 4 feet. A perfect habitat for hiding prey fish.
Sabalos migrating upstream seek these sandbars as refuge, and giant schools of fish, many as large as 3 pounds, can be seen holding in the sand pockets. When Golden Dorado, constantly in pursuit of Sabalos, find them in these typically wide open and shallow waters, they become easy prey. It’s common to see Dorado forcing the schooling Sabalo up against the banks and then lunging into them, and then watching the explosion of small fish as they leap into the air to escape. Many will end up landing on the dry river bank flopping desperately to get back to the water. For the sight fishing fly angler stalking along the shore line, it’s a show you won’t soon forget.
Sight fishing is by far the most challenging, and rewarding method of chasing Golden Dorado. It’s the fresh water equivalent of wading the saltwater flats in search of elusive Permit.
Sight fishing for Dorado is often done from a shallow draft boat, with the aid of a guide using a pole and spotting from above, but the most effective way is to slowly wade the shallow river flats, watching and studying the Sabalo as they school and move away from cruising Dorado. Casting to those big cruising fish is productive, but if you are patient, sooner or later you will witness the explosive rush of Dorado as they target the oversized baitfish. And that’s the perfect moment to make your cast into the feeding frenzy!
