The Fishing
The best adjective to describe this destination is “Wild”. The mythical Golden Dorado (salminus brasiliensis) is clearly the main target at this fishery. Ibera provides daily opportunities to catch multiple Dorados that range from 5 to 10 pounds. However, there is always the possibility of catching Dorados from 20 up to 30 pounds. Waters we fish.
The Iberá Wetlands (Spanish: Esteros del Iberá, from Guaraní ý berá: “bright water”) located in north central Corrientes Province, Argentina, is one of the most important and largest fresh water reservoirs in South America. Estimated to be 5,800 – 7,700 square miles, it is second in size only to the Pantanal in Brazil. In 1982 the Ibera Provincial Reserve was created and protected 5,000 square miles of these wetlands, the largest such area in Argentina. Plans are ongoing to increase the area’s protection and hopefully in the future it will be granted national park status.
Thorough research, by the Natural Reserve authorities, concluded that this area was both viable and sustainable for the practice of catch and release fly-fishing for Golden Dorado. In 2017, through the establishment of a special Natural Reserve license, our operation was granted exclusive fishing access to this area. This license gives us sole outfitter access to the wetlands endless miles of bogs, swamps, lagoons and lakes that are prime habitat for Golden Dorado. Exclusive and unspoiled this is one of the premier Dorado fisheries in South America. The Ibera Wetlands is truly an experience not to be missed.
The Lodge
You will be pampered at La Alondra’i while enjoying the peaceful setting and excellent cuisine. This reconditioned colonial house offers the perfect lodge experience to compliment your visit to the Ibera Wetlands. All common areas provide a unique atmosphere, where the past and present converge. The lodge features 4 comfortable air-conditioned rooms each with 2 double beds and en suite bathrooms. An enclosed courtyard offers the ultimate in privacy and a great place to relax after spending the day exploring the wetlands. Two separate dining areas where breakfast and dinner are served are also featured. Additionally, the small chapel located inside the courtyard is another distinctive characteristic that symbolizes the town’s colonial traditions. Recently, an outdoor swimming pool was added for our guest’s enjoyment.
During your visit at La Alondra’i you’ll have the opportunity to overnight at the satellite properties located deep in the marsh. These camps allow our guests to spend more time in the water without entering and leaving the marsh every day, but also this gives us the chance to fish different sections of the wetland every day. On top of this, you get to experience 2 nights in the middle of this wild natural reserve which is a unique experience.
For additional information about our camps please visit the section below.
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
Check the current rates here.
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.
Season and Weather
Our water conditions are stable and predictable throughout the season therefore every month fishes equally well.
The season runs from September through the end of May. However, the outside temperatures and humidity are something to consider when planning your visit.
Southern hemisphere has opposite seasons, so January and February are the peak of summer in Argentina. This is also a tropical region, so day temperatures can reach to +90 F during that time frame, despite all the rooms being equipped with A/C you probably do not want to be casting with the temperature.
We strongly recommend shoulder seasons. September, through mid December, then Late February through May are the best moments to fish for Golden Dorado.
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.
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, Gran Slam Full Clear
Intermediate clear tip: Scientific Anglers Sonar Titan Jungle Clear Tip
Sonar Titan 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).
Wire Bite Tippet SA 40 lbs for dorado.
Flies
Your guide will provide any fly you might need.
Other Activities
Ibera Wetlands is a wilderness paradise and the most bio diverse ecosystem in Argentina. Travelers from around the globe visit just to explore, bird watch and observe wildlife. This destination is ideal for family holidays. In addition to fishing, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing with specialty guides, there are also a wide variety of other activities. These other activities include guided kayaking and horseback riding, cooking classes, visiting the local gaucho museum or sightseeing tours to the nearby Mburucuya National Park.
