Few would argue that the fishing in Argentina is anything but fantastic, but it is undeniable that travelling to this beautiful part of the world from the UK takes some effort. While travelling for a week is better than not at all, it is always far nicer and less rushed to go for a little longer. A few days of dorado or trout fishing before or after a week chasing sea trout offers the perfect contrast to swinging flies with a two-handed rod. Not only this but the landscape and wildlife differ hugely throughout the country, from the mountain-clad trout rivers in Northern Patagonia to huge wetlands like the Esteros del Iberá in Corrientes. To focus on only one area in a country as unique and diverse as Argentina is an opportunity missed.
Below, we have detailed some excellent options that work for a few days or half a week to add to another trip.
Patagonian Trout Fishing
Estancia Laguna Verde Fishing
For trout anglers who seek trophy fish, the is no place like Estancia Laguna Verde. Estancia Laguna Verde gives access to Lago Strobel, otherwise known as Jurassic Lake. The lake holds some of the worlds largest wild rainbow trout that have grown fat and strong on a diet of freshwater shrimp. These giant rainbows feed hard and can be sight fished to on floating lines using everything from streamers and nymphs, skating big foam flies and mouse patterns.
Strategically located, the lodge has exclusive access to more than fourteen kilometres of Strobel Lake, over ten kilometres of the Barrancoso river and a further ten kilometres of the recently discovered Moro Creek. In addition to what is already vast expanse of stunning water, the lodge also can fish a myriad of smaller lakes and lagoons chained together by the Moro Creek.
The incredible Barrancoso River is the only tributary of Strobel Lake. This beautiful freestone river runs for more than ten kilometres through the Estancia, allowing anglers access to some incredible river fishing. Massive rainbows run the river and can be targeted in the pools, riffles and runs they occupy. Hook one here, and you will have a severe battle on your hands.
Rio Manso Lodge
Located in northern Patagonia, on Argentina’s border with Chile, sits the impressive Rio Manso Lodge. Like much of Patagonia, the area is a fly fishing paradise with a wide variety of waters, from small streams and large rivers to intimate spring creeks and large productive lakes where monster browns, hefty rainbows and beautifully marked brook trout swim.
Fly fishing from Rio Manso Lodge offers access to miles of water throughout Nahuel Huapi National Park with very little fishing pressure. The waters offered a complete variety of different types of fishing, from big dry flies and weighted streamers to tiny emergers, nymphs and spent mayflies. On the larger Rio Manso, the best fishing is often from drift boats with heavy streamers and nymphs, but the guides know the best spots through the season for those who prefer dry fly action. Smaller rivers and streams offer fantastic wade fishing or, in some cases, can be fished as a drift boat and wading combination.
The lodge was rebuilt in 2004 and has nine guest rooms, each offering spectacular views of Lago Hess and the Andes Mountains. Each room is comfortably appointed with either king-size or twin beds and private bathrooms. For those guests looking for other things to do besides fishing, the area around the lodge is a paradise for hikers, horse riders and birders.
Dorado Fishing
Pira Lodge
Pira Lodge is located in Argentina’s Iberá Wetlands, one of the most unique and fascinating wetlands in the world. Pira Lodge is tucked into northern Argentina’s lush marshlands. The area itself is twice the size of the Florida Everglades and is the second-largest wetland in the world. This breathtakingly beautiful ecosystem is rich in flora and fauna and is home to over 350 species of birds. The marsh comprises freshwater creeks, lakes, swamps, and lagoons, providing the perfect habitat for solid numbers of Golden Dorado. Unlike some other dorado destinations, the waters in the Ibera Marshlands are clear, making sight fishing possible.
Pira accommodates up to 10 guests in five large rooms, each with a private entrance, private bath, two double beds and air conditioning. A separate building, attached by covered galleries, accommodates the spacious living room, bar and dining room, each with tall doors which open up to the wide veranda. The lodge was designed to respect the traditional local architecture while offering all of the comforts of a contemporary hotel. Pirá offers wonderful cuisine based on local meats, fresh fruit and vegetables and delicious deserts.
The Golden Dorado River Cruiser
The Golden Dorado River Cruiser is the only mothership program in Argentina. The program offers the opportunity to fish the Paraná River and the Entre Rios delta system like never before. With a total length of over 1,500 miles, The Paraná River is the second largest in South America and the hundreds of tributaries, deltas, marshlands, lagoons and side channels are full of unique flora and fauna.
The mothership travels throughout the Paraná River system to follow the migration of dorado throughout the season. Guests staying on the mothership will access the most remote waters, which hold unpressured dorado. Not only do these waters offer substantial numbers of golden dorado, but there’s also pira pita, pacú and wolfish to target. Guests are picked up and driven from Buenos Aires to the mothership, which makes this an ideal option for a shorter trip.
The mothership is simple but very comfortable and provides all the amenities for a great fishing trip. Enjoy the best Argentinean food paired with a fine selection of renowned Argentinean wines. After dinner, reflect on the day of fishing in the mothership’s living area with a drink in hand or admire the views of the Paraná River from the boat’s veranda. Guests stay in the 4 double occupancy rooms – each has air conditioning, TV, private bathroom, comfortable beds and internet connection.
Suindá Lodge
Suindá Lodge is a Dorado angler’s dream, strategically located near the town of Itatí, in the province of Corrientes. The region houses one of the most productive sections on the Upper Paraná River, a clear-water fishery that consistently produces good numbers of large Dorado. The secret of this part of the river lies in its structure: generally fast-flowing runs, coursing over beautiful rock gardens. Due to the clarity of the water the Upper Paraná offers exceptional sight-fishing opportunities for dorado when the conditions are right. Although large dorado are the main focus of the fishing program, this is multi-species fishery where anglers can also target pacú and pirá pitá on dries. One spectacle seen during the season is the huge numbers of sabalo (baitfish) that congregate in massive schools along the edges of sandbanks. Watching large dorado bust up on these schools is an impressive sight. Not only does Sunidá offer some excellent fishing, but it is also an exceptional destination for lovers of wildlife and especially birds with many unusual species in the area.
The newly built lodge is located a stones throw from the river. Stilted living quarters are perched on a high bluff and nine feet above the ground which means you have stunning views of the Paraná River and surrounding area.
Delta Lodge
This unique operation allows anglers to fish for dorado for golden dorado within view of Buenos Aires’ skyscrapers or escape further into the delta and visit the myriad of braids and channels found in the surrounding wetland. The area teems with life, and anglers target not only golden dorado but also the lesser known, equally aggressive tararia.
Delta Lodge offers day and multi-day trips for rods who wish to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. The boat’s marina is accessed via a short transfer from the centre (around 45 minutes). From there, you will spend the day exploring the water with a local, English-speaking guide.The program at Delta Lodge has been designed for those with limited time to spare when or for those with a few days either side of their visit to areas like Tierra Del Fuego.
