The Paraná River starts in Brazil, but most of its length is from Northern Argentina to the Rio Plata outside of Buenos Aires where it then flows into the Atlantic Ocean. This massive river system is the 2nd largest in South America. 

For anglers the appeal of this river is the massive wetland ecosystem it creates and the Golden Dorado that call it home. Dorado are aggressive sportfish that are appealing due to their vicious surface strikes, beautiful coloration, and aerobatic fighting style. 

This trip focuses on is the lower section of the Paraná. Generally, this area is known more as a number’s fishery with the larger Dorado being in the 5-7 Kilo range (10-15 pounds). 10 Kilo Dorados have been caught, but it is extremely rare and should not be expected. If you want to hunt for a trophy Dorado, we recommend other locations. However, if you want a trip with lots of action and with easy logistics then this is a great trip for you and your fishing group.   

LOGISTICS AND ACCOMMODATION

As mentioned, logistics are easy for this trip. Just arrive in Buenos Aires the day before your trip and stay the night (we have hotels in the Palermo district of the city that we recommend. Contact us for more information). While in Buenos Aires enjoy the wonderful Argentinian cuisine such as fine wine, their famous beef, empanadas, dulce de leche, and more. There are several shows in the city where you can eat dinner and enjoy a Tango performance.  The next morning the transfer van will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to the starting port (3-4 hours depending on the yacht location). Once there the staff will give you a brief orientation, you will have a quick bite to eat, and then you will begin fishing. 

The accommodation is a river yacht with 4 double occupancy rooms and one single occupancy room. Each room has a private bathroom and air conditioning. The main dining area has a sitting area for appetizers and fish stories, and don’t forget to go out on the deck to take in the views of the Parana ecosystem. A professional trained chef will ensure that you return home fatter than when you arrived. Argentinian food is amazing. Just accept the fact you are on vacation and enjoy the cuisine. 

One difference I will mention for our anglers who have already fished with us in the Amazon is the yacht in the Parana will not change locations like the yachts or floating bungalows do in the Rio Negro system in Brazil. A primary factor in the Parana water level is due to dam water release from sources in Southern Brazil.

Generally, the change in water levels isn’t as extreme as the rainforest in Brazil. Thus, the yacht in the Parana will move occasionally, but generally it will fish an area for 3-4 weeks before moving. Your fishing group may or may not move during your stay on the boat.

However, this ecosystem is large with many lagoons, small tributaries, side channels, and more. The area being overfished should not be a concern.  

WHERE TO FIND GOLDEN DORADO IN THE LOWER PARANA

1. The banks: Dorado are predatory fish and feed on baitfish such as Sábalo. The Dorado will push the Sábalo up against the banks and feed on them when they are cornered. Anglers will need to throw their lures or flies very close to the bank (the closer the better) to mimic fleeing baitfish. Most strikes will happen one inch to four feet away from the bank. If you can create a “plop” sound with your lure or fly that is even better as the sound will get the attention of the Dorado. 

2. The mouth of the tributaries during dropping water: When the water drops in the main river Sábalo will flee the small tributary streams by the thousands. The Dorados will wait for them where the small streams meet the main rivers. When this happens guides will boat from one small stream to the next where the tributary meets the main river. To see the Sábalo click on the link. We apologize that the video quality isn’t perfect, but see this phenomenon here: 

3. Shallow areas after a bend in the river: Dorado can also be just after a bend in the river where there is a little current and a shallow area where they can hunt baitfish. The zones where the shallows transition to deeper water is a good place to cover with a lure. This type of water is a thrill to fish with a popper, walking stick type lure, or a surface fly. 

4. During high water, the marsh and lagoons: During a high-water year Dorado will pursue the Sábalo and other baitfish into the tributaries, lagoons, and flooded grasslands/marshes. The fishing boats used on the Parana remind me of boats used in Louisiana for redfish and they can move in and out of these shallow grassy areas. Please note you may not experience this type of fishing if you visit during a normal to low water year.  

LENGTH OF STAY

We would recommend fishing 5 ½-6 ½ days. On my last trip in December the area received a lot of rain two days before I arrived. The water was high, muddy, full of debris, and the fishing was terrible. The first half day and then full day I did not catch a fish. Then the conditions improved, and I started catching some each day.

Finally on the last two days the conditions were great, and we caught dorados left and right all day long. It was a blast. Two terrible days, two okay days, and two amazing days. That sounds like fishing, and you need to be realistic that poor weather and conditions can happen on any trip. Thus, why we recommend at least 5 ½ day trip with 6 ½ being ideal.

More information about time to visit, pricing, and what’s included can be found on our website here:

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