The Golden Dorado, also known as the ‘River Tiger’ or ‘Jaw Characin’, is a large predatory fish found in central and east-central South America. It’s native to the warm freshwater habitats in southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia and northern Argentina. With a large head and powerful jaws filled with razor-sharp teeth, they’re often referred to as the steel-jawed hunters.
A true apex predator in their freshwater habitat, the Golden Dorados diet consists of a wide variety of fish, but they’ve also been known to feed on small vertebrates, such as rodents, lizards, and birds. The size of Dorado typically ranges from 5lb to 10lb pound; however, they grow much larger in some fisheries and fish to over 20lb aren’t uncommon. The current IGFA world record Golden Dorado currently stands at 55lb 11oz caught in 2006 in the Uruguay River in Argentina.
The Golden Dorado is highly sought-after by anglers, appreciated for their fighting ability. Their sharp teeth and powerful jaws will bend hooks and cut wire, and their highly aggressive nature, attracts anglers from all corners of the world, traversing to South American waters with the hope of hooking one. Since the early 2000s onwards, the Dorado has been recognized as a fly-fishing species, with their initiative in taking flies, paired with excellent fight energy, frequently going airborne to loosen itself from the hook, make this species a true gamefish.
Below are the top destinations in the world for Golden Dorado Fishing.
Delta Eco Lodge is the perfect ‘add-on trip’ for anglers visiting or passing through Argentina and looking for a couple of extra days of Golden Dorado fishing at the start or end of their holiday. Situated in an ideal location, less than an hour from downtown Buenos Aires, it’s the perfect stop for travelling rods before the flight back home.
Suindá Lodge is a Golden Dorado anglers dream and is a first-class program for those searching for exciting freshwater fly fishing opportunities combined with some of the most technical yet rewarding fishing out there; it’s also a destination where double-figure Dorados are a possibility all season long.
For 2023 we're excited to introduce to you a brand new helicopter fishing trip, allowing adventurous travelling rods the opportunity to fish some of the most remote, untouched waters in Bolivia and the whole of the South American continent for the hard-fighting Golden Dorado. If you're looking for a first-class, fly fishing adventure, then this is perfect for you.
Tsimane Pluma Lodge, overlooking the Pluma River, is considered the most deluxe and diverse of the Tsimane lodges. Strategically located in the middle of the Pluma River below the confluence of two world-class systems, the upper Pluma and the Itirizama, makes this one of the best destinations to fly fish for Golden Dorado.
The famous Pintis Lodge that is right on the banks of the Rio Parana River, offers you the perfect opportunity to present flies to hungry Golden Dorado. A great benefit of this lodge it sits right on the best water of the river. Just make sure you ready for this action-packed holiday?
Tsimane Agua Negra Camp is designed for just 4 anglers who will fish two main river systems, the Secure and the Agua Negra. Each season hundreds of thousands of baitfish migrate up the greater Secure system, and with them come thousands of large, aggressively feeding Dorado, all of which love taking anglers flies.
If you have ever wanted to experience fly fishing for Golden Dorado in stunning surroundings, then Pira Lodge is the perfect destination. Explore this huge expanse of creeks, lagoons and rivers from our Hells Bay flats boats, searching for Golden Dorado in the crystal clear water that is eagerly awaiting your fly.
Secure Lodge is the perfect destination for fly anglers looking for the jungle experience, with access to lots of water, giving all anglers many opportunities for fly fishing with heavy and light fly rods. The rivers contain an abundant number of Golden Dorado and provides an experience you'll remember forever.
If you have ever wished to go and experience some of the best Golden Dorado fishing on this planet? These hosted trips are for just 6 people each week, so perfect for single anglers. This is one of the most pristine environments in the world. Combine the stunning wildlife and amazing fishing. This will be a holiday you talk about for a very long time.
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