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PIRA LODGE | GOLDEN DORADO FLY FISHING | ARGENTINA

Overview

Tour code: ARG005  
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Located in the lush surroundings of northern Argentina’s marshlands is Pira Lodge is one of only a few lodges that offer clear water sight casting to these bars of gold. The Golden Dorado has been kept very secret over the years and is known locally as one of Latin Americas most exciting game fish, however, over the last few years these stunning hard fighting game fish have rocketed to the very top of so many travelling anglers wish list and this is due to their acrobatic fights, their stamina and the beautiful surroundings of the Pira Lodge.

Location

Pira Lodge is located in Argentina’s northern province of Corrientes, in the middle of the Iberia Marshland which is a 1.3 million hectare natural reserve, twice the size of the Florida Everglades. Pira enjoys a tropical climate throughout its long eight-month fishing season, which begins in September and runs through April.

What makes this lodge so special from other Golden Dorado fishing lodges are its superior accommodations, knowledgeable staff and strategic location on the shore of the Ibera Marshland and that unlike many other places where you find Golden Dorado, this one offers sight casting which normally you would be fishing in murky muddy water.

The river offers anglers many different unique opportunities to target these hard fighting and acrobatic fish and can be found around riffles, sharp bends, on the edges of eddies and near confluences which all offer different methods to present your fly.

Fishing

Pirá Lodge has two different types of waters, you can fish the Ibera Marsh and the Corriente River. You will be fishing in the marsh from our Hells Bay flats skiffs. This vast wetland is a great opportunity for Dorado fishing in crystal-clear waters. These ideal conditions allow anglers to sight-fish for cruising Dorado with top-water floating lines; a technique which produces explosive, heart-stopping strikes. The style needed for the Golden Dorado is tiring as the moment your fly hits the water you need strip fast and the faster you can do this the more fish you will put on the boat.

Golden Dorado is a powerful and aggressive fish with predatory feeding behaviours. They mostly attack minnows, frogs, mice and other creatures that are best represented by larger than average flies and lures. Having appropriate tackle is key to catching Dorado. The standard tackle use ranged from 6 to 9 weight rods.

Dorado fishing is not a numbers game. Your success will come from being patient and practising. Though Dorado has a reputation for attacking anything unlucky enough that get in its way, their feeding frenzies can be few and far between. It is the thrill of fooling these smart fish that makes dorado fishing so special. Head over to our YouTube channel to watch the action for yourselves.

The fishing times will vary throughout the season, to be not fishing during the heat of the day, the fishing daily programme normally sees anglers leave the lodge early in the morning around 8 am then return to the lodge for lunch, drinks and a siesta only to return back out to enjoy the evening session.

Guides

The friendly, bilingual guides have extensive knowledge about the Dorado and their habits as well as years of experience boating in the vast natural reservoir. The guides will work on a rotational basis so everyone will get the chance to fish with all the guides.

Other Activities

There a range of activities for non-anglers including horseback riding, a sparkling swimming pool and over 350 different species of birds for the bird watchers out there. The wildlife is spectacular.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about our Fly Fishing holidays to Pira Lodge or for any of our Fishing holidays to Argentina,  feel free to contact us on 01603 407596. Our experienced team will be happy to help with any queries you have. Are you looking to explore more of our fishing holidays?  Here you will find all our newest fly fishing destinations and don’t forget to request a free brochure.

Accommodation
Pira Lodge

This stylish and exquisite lodge benefits from a panoramic view of the wide and vast wetlands and can accommodate up to 10 guests in 5 deluxe twin rooms. The grounds are surrounded by some of the finest wetlands home to some of the most spectacular birdlife and other wildlife on offer, a great base to enjoy a wonderful week’s Golden Dorado fishing.

The Lodge

It accommodates up to 10 guests in five deluxe rooms, each with a private entrance, private bath, two double beds, ceiling fans and air conditioning. A separate building, attached by covered walkways and open-air patios, accommodates the spacious living room, bar, and dining room areas—each with tall doors that open to the wide veranda. Pirá Lodge was designed by award-winning architects to respect traditional regional elegance—offering all of the comforts and luxuries of a contemporary hotel. Relax and enjoy a cocktail at any hour, and cool off in the outdoor swimming pool after a rewarding day of fishing.

Food & Drink

Pira Lodge prides themselves on using fresh and regional meats and produces and by combining these they create delicious flavours and varied meals that will fulfil any guest requests. The very experienced team of international chefs trained in both classic and avant-garde techniques execute the food. All the meals are prepared from scratch to be served at a moment’s notice and team this with some of the world’s finest and best wines you will soon find yourself living in your own little piece of paradise.

Pira Lodges northern Argentinian kitchen specialises in diverse dishes that pair prime cuts of local meats with the freshest fruits and vegetables. Beyond traditional asados, salads and sides, enjoy exotic appetizers such as yacaré meat, savoury cheeses, and homemade bread such as our classic chipá rolls. Desserts tantalize guests with multiple textures and flavours designed to provide an unforgettably delicious final touch.

Contact Us

For more information about this accommodation, contact our experienced team who will be happy to answer any queries you have. Alternatively, you can request a free brochure

Board: Full board
Rooms: Twin rooms
Telephone: Satellite (chargeable)
Laundry: For nominal charge
Power: 220 Volts
Air Conditioning: Throughout Lodge
Meals: Served in the dining room
Alcohol: Included
Equipment Hire: Rods & reels - $25 per day
Cards Accepted: Debit & credit cards
Cash Accepted: US Dollars
Species Information
Golden Dorado
Season: November to April
Peak: December to January
Weight: 5lb to 30lb
Average Weight: 6lb

Itinerary

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Although the fishing has set weeks, we have daily flights departing from the UK, therefore, should you wish to either extend your stay with additional days at the beginning or end in Buenos Aires, the itinerary below can be tailored to suit. It is also possible to combine Golden Dorado with Sea Trout Fishing, Steelhead and King Salmon fishing. You can even combine all our Argentina fishing packages with any of our shooting packages to make the ultimate trip.

Day 1: (Friday)

Depart UK (alternative routes available)

Day 2: (Saturday)

Arrive Buenos Aires

Once you have arrived and collected your luggage make your way to the arrivals hall where you will need to get a taxi to Jorge Newbery Airport. Transfer approx. 40 minutes (taxi not included)

When you have arrived at Jorge Newberry airport you will need to check-in for your short flight

Depart Jorge Newbery Airport
Arrive Resistencia

Once you have landed and collected your bags, make your way out of the terminal where there will be a representative from Pira Lodge waiting to transfer you to the lodge. Transfer approx. 4 hours

late afternoon once you have arrived at the lodge you will be greeted by the team and shown to your rooms.

Overnight Accommodation: Pira Lodge (twin rooms, F/B)

Days 3 & 4: Fishing Days (Sunday & Monday)

A typical spring fishing day will start in the morning from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm, you will then have lunch at the lodge, followed by an afternoon fishing from 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

This will avoid fishing in the heat of the day and given how strenuous the fishing is, it will be a nice break from the sun.

Overnight Accommodation: Pira Lodge (twin rooms, F/B)

Days 5 & 6: Fishing Days (Tuesday & Wednesday)

The majority of the fishing is sight casting to cruising fish or targeting deeper holes and fast runs from the bow of the boat with a single-handed eight or nine weight fly rod loaded with a floating or sink tip line is the ideal choice.

Streamers and Cockroach imitations are tied to steel trace to prevent a lightning turn of the head slicing the line in the Dorado’s dash for freedom.

Overnight Accommodation: Pira Lodge (twin rooms, F/B)

Days 7 & 8: Fishing Days (Thursday & Friday)

On each fishing day, the fishing is based on two anglers one guide with one boat and you will be taken to different parts of the river so you can fish different styles.

Overnight Accommodation: Pira Lodge (twin rooms, F/B)

Day 9: (Saturday)

At a pre-arranged time you will be transferred back to Jorge Newbery airport, where you will take the small flight. Transfer approx. 4 hours

Depart Jorge Newbery Airport
Arrive Buenos Aires

Once you have collected your bags, make your way out of the terminal building and take a taxi to your overnight hotel (Taxi not included)

Overnight Accommodation: Buenos Aires Hotel (twin rooms, B/B)

Day 10: (Sunday)

Depending on your flight time, you will need to arrange with the reception at your hotel for a taxi back to the airport for your return flight. (Taxi not included)

Depart Buenos Aires

Day 11: (Monday)

Arrive UK

Prices

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Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.

Start Date End Date Days Nights Fishing Angler Non-Angler Availability Notes
01/10/2020 31/10/2020 11 10 6 £6,560 On Request Enquire Now N/A
01/11/2020 30/11/2020 11 10 6 £6,560 On Request Enquire Now N/A
01/12/2020 31/12/2020 11 10 6 £6,560 On Request Enquire Now N/A
01/01/2021 31/01/2021 11 10 6 £6,610 On Request Enquire Now N/A
01/02/2021 28/02/2021 11 10 6 £6,610 On Request Enquire Now N/A
01/03/2021 31/03/2021 11 10 6 £6,610 On Request Enquire Now N/A
01/10/2021 31/10/2021 11 10 6 £6,610 On Request Enquire Now N/A

Price Notes

Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, fishing and accommodation (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharge.

ATOL
Holidays or flights booked with Sportquest Holidays Limited are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority by our ATOL bond (Number 6371). ATOL protects you from losing your money or being stranded abroad. It does this by carrying out financial checks on the firms it licenses and requiring a guarantee, called a bond.

What's Included

  • All international flights
  • Internal flight Buenos Aries to Resistencia
  • Transfers in Buenos Aries
  • Transfers to and from Lodge
  • All accommodation as per itinerary
  • All meals at the lodge
  • All soft & alcohol drinks at the lodge
  • 6 days fishing
  • Fishing license

What's Excluded

  • Personal holiday insurance
  • Meals at Buenos Aries Hotels or bar expenses
  • Tips for guides and all camp staff
  • Fishing tackle

Options

  • Flight upgrades

  • Additional nights in Buenos Aries

  • Single rooms in Buenos Aries

  • Dorado Fishing add on

  • Steelhead Fishing add on

  • King Salmon Fishing add on

  • Dove shooting add on

  • There are quality fly rods available at the lodge for you to use if needed. The cost per day is $25.00 and it includes the rod, reel and line. Please advise us of your need for a rod prior to arrival to ensure availability. A charge of $150.00 will be billed to you in the event a rental rod is broken. This covers the cost of shipping and repair.

Price Supplements

  • N/A

Price Match Promise

We are so confident that our packaged prices are the best available and offer great value for money.

If, however, you find an identical holiday available with any other fully bonded Tour Operator at a lower price, we will match that price.

Financial Security

Holidays or flights booked with Sportquest Holidays Limited are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority by our ATOL bond (Number 6371). ATOL protects you from losing your money or being stranded abroad. It does this by carrying out financial checks on the firms it licenses and requiring a guarantee, called a bond.

Tour Notes

Visa

A machine-readable passport with at least 6 months before expiry, no visa for UK citizens required.

Medical Requirements

No vaccinations currently required

Please Note

All details of visa and medical requirements are correct at time of press however please check these requirements for changes.

Departure tax

There is no additional airport departure tax when leaving Argentina

Flight Route & Flight Time

UK – Buenos Aires (approx 14hrs) Buenos Aires – Resistencia (approx 2 hours).

Baggage Allowance

Your actual allowance is based on both which airline you are flying with and also what class of seat you are travelling in. Normally in the economy it is 1 checked bag, Premium Economy / Business 2 checked bags, First 3 checked bags. In addition to your checked bags, you are also allowed 1 cabin bag and either 1-laptop bag or ladies handbag. The actual size and weight limit for bags are dependent on the airline. We, therefore, recommend that once your flights are booked you check on the airline’s website for the up to date allowances.

If your itinerary includes private light aircraft or helicopter flights we will advise you on your baggage and weight allowance.

Transfer Time

Resistencia – Pira Lodge (approx 4 hours)

Questions & Answers

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Where is the lodge?

The lodge is located in the Corrientes Province, Northeast Argentina, in the middle of the Ibera Marshlands, within 1,300,000 hectares of Natural Reserve. This area is twice the size of the Florida Everglades. The lodge sits right on the edge of a channel providing direct access to the marsh system and to the Corrientes River, located 15 min south of the lodge.

Where will I fish?

The main part of the fishing will be in the Iberá Marshlands and the Corriente River. Here you will find a mix of back eddies, slow deep corners, riffs and many other challenging areas to present your fly. Each opportunity will test your skills of watercraft as it is very important to read your water.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds?

AS there are so many different styles and areas to fish, the time between spots varies depending on your chosen method. Some of the pools can be a short 5-minute ride and others over an hour. The guides will discuss with you each day where you will be heading to.

What fish will I catch?

The main species will be the Golden Dorado, there are other species in the system but these tend to be baitfish.

How many fish will I catch?

This all depends on how active you are and how well you can read any given situation. Some pools may require fast stripping and sometimes the faster you strip the more fish you will get on the boat. Some pools will require a more finesse style of presentation however your guide will help you with any advice they may have.

How will I fish?

When fishing the Corriente river, you are best to use both floating and sinking lines. Normally when fishing floating lines you will cast to the edges of the river where Dorado hang out to feed. When casting sinking lines in most cases you will have to do it across and then work swinging and stripping the fly. Stripping speed can vary depending on the speed of the current, fish moods, etc. In most cases, an erratic fast stripping is an all-round technique but again this might vary according to the fish behaviour.

Do the guides speak English?

All the guides speak a good amount of English.

Who is best suited to this destination?

As there is a guide to every two anglers very little knowledge of this style of fishing will be needed. However, a good understanding of fly casting is a massive help, single-handed 9 & 10 weight rods. Stripping flies fast will be the main way of enticing these super aggressive fish.

What skill level is required?

The more proficient you are casting the more fish you will catch. A good amount of casting skill is required as there are many different fishing opportunities that will arise during your week and the more you can take to any given situation the better your chances will be.

How physically demanding is this trip?

A good level of fitness is required as casting and stripping flies all day can be fairly strenuous especially when the temperature is high.

When is the best time to go?

The season for Golden Dorado is November to April however the peak time is December and January.

How will I get there?

Fly direct from the UK to Buenos Aires then a small flight to Jorge Newbery where a representative from Pira Lodge will transfer you.

What is the accommodation like?

Pira Lodge has been built in a typical Corrientes style and accommodates up to 10 guests each week in 5 twin bedded rooms. All of these rooms have a private entrance, private bath and air conditioning. There is a covered walkway that connects the accommodation block to the main building. Inside you will find the spacious living room, bar and dining room, each with tall doors which open up to the wide veranda.

What is the food like?

Pira Lodge offers wonderful cuisine based on local meats, fresh vegetable and delicious desserts. Once a week, there is a traditional Asado (BBQ), where you can sample different cuts of meat and wonderful salads. A fully cooked breakfast is available together with fresh fruit, yoghurts, home-baked bread, jams, and a selection of cereals.

Does the lodge provide fishing tackle?

The lodge does not supply fishing equipment. You are best to bring all your own and a full very detailed list can be obtained at the time of booking your holiday.

Is internet and phone signal available?

There is no telephone signal around this area, however, the lodge has complimentary WIFI for answering emails and keeping in touch with the outside world

Are there other activities available?

There a range of activities for non-anglers including horseback riding, a sparkling swimming pool and over 350 different species of birds for the bird watchers out there. The wildlife is spectacular.

How much does it cost?

We offer the complete package including all flights and transfers. To view, all prices and availability click the “Dates & Prices” tab above.

Alternatively, if you wish to arrange all your own travel arrangements we can book just the lodge and fishing for you.

Reviews

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Robert

Generally everything was superb both the fishing and shooting

Ron

Pira Lodge is first class both in terms of its facilities and the staff.

Nothing is too much trouble for the staff and this is also reflected in the amenities which include a selection of board games and books as well comfortable seating inside and out and a nice swimming pool.

The fishing is superb and the guides will make sure you have a good chance of encountering a Golden Dorado. If you do hook into one of these beautiful creatures then you are in for the fight of a lifetime.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

Ron, thank you for such a great destination review very much appreciated.

Kevin

Pira exceeded both my expectations as an angler and my wife's as a non angler.

The accommodations were comfortable and luxurious, especially after what was a long drive in.

The food was extraordinary, Maria could be an acclaimed chef anywhere, and she never disappointed at any meal. They were all 5 star.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

Kevin a big thank you to you and your wife for such a good destination review about Pira Lodge.

John

The seaplane journeys were a real experience.

The lodge staff and guides were excellent. The out camps were well set up and comfortable. The food was excellent with a multiple choice at every meal.

There was a large variety and numbers of fish Pike , Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Grayling, Jacks, Sockeye, Chum and Kings.

I most enjoyed using the double handle rod with skagit head and sink tip. Most of the fish were close to the bank almost at your feet so the fishing was with a lure , split shot,weight and egg imitation. The fish could be seen and were moving past in shoals most of the day.

All in all a very good trip and one to be done again.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

John

It was nice to talk to you on the phone, so glad you loved the place as it is a real experience.

Thank you again for your continued support and custom over the years.

Regards Peter

Andy

Never fished for Dorado before had read and listened to the stories, but know I have lived the experience and feel I could write my own, great fishing and stunning lodge, defiantly top end location.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

We do appreciate you taking the time to complete your feedback and comments. I will look forward in dealing with you again as it was a pleasure.

Jim

Everything was organised to perfection, I just wished my casting and presentation was up to the same standards. The fishing takes a little getting used to with the large flies, fast stripping but that was my shortcomings. If I could make one suggestion, it would be that customer tries some Pike fishing in the UK first for practice casting large flies with a double-handed strip.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

Jim, glad you had a great time and yes the more practice with the fly rod the more you will catch. However glad the guides helped you and that you still had a great time.

Kind Regards Peter

PS come with me on one my hosted trips and we will sort out that casting for you.

Andrew

That is what the whole trip provided 100% attention to detail making our holiday one to remember and dream about going back too.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

We appreciate all customers feedback so thank you for taking the time to complete the form and comment. We will pass on your kind remarks.

Mike

Peter, we have just returned back from fishing for the Golden Dorado and what a trip. On arrival we had a very long way for the transfer and then once we had travelled to the lodge the head guide informed us that the river was up 2 metres which made it chocolate brown. How the hell where we going to catch fish on a fly in this we thought. Our guide told us tomorrow it would be settled down and sure enough it was. We ended up with 4 perfect days of fishing which saw a total of 82 caught fish, I personally had 13 fish over 20lb, 4 fish over 30lb and my biggest was 42lb. Ryan who was with me had the biggest fish an amazing 44lb all caught on the fly.

These fish take and fight so hard on the fly, I can honestly say this is the best fishing holiday I have ever had, the organisation from start to finish was spot on. yes the travel to and from the lodge is long and bumpy on the way out we did think what had we done but after 4 days amazing fishing we would have walked home.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

Mike it was so nice to talk to you on the phone and listen to someone who is so excited about their holiday. Sounds like both you and Ryan had a great trip and glad you liked the lodge, food which in your own words was out of this world, plus though all the guides were spot on. I look forward in personally handling all your future holiday requirements. Regards Peter

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