The main advantages of Pinti’s Lodge are that it sits right on the bank of the famous Rio Parana River and close to some of the best sections of the river for dedicated fly anglers. Target fishing to overhanging structure and along cut banks plus sight cast fishing opportunities to cruising fish ensures you are always where the Golden Dorado is waiting to ambush any juicy looking prey. Combine this perfect location with the famous lodge owner Ricardo “Pinti” who himself is a passionate and well-recognised expert when it comes to Dorado fly fishing throughout the world and you will have the perfect destination to produce many hookups each and every day.
Location
Pinti’s Lodge is located in northern Argentina amongst dense, jungle banks of the Upper Parana River. This region is a large tailwater system about 150 kilometers below the Yaciretá Dam. Because it is a tailwater, the water generally runs clear with over 6 feet of visibility and holds healthy numbers of Golden Dorado, Pacu, and Pira Pita. This area is stunning and nothing like the lower Parana River in Buenos Aires, in fact, you would be hard pushed to believe it is the same river. The river is bounded by dense jungle, palm trees, lots of islands some covered in vegetation others are just stunning white sand flats.
Fishing
The upper Parana River ranks as one of the most consistent of all fishing destinations, boasting prolific fish numbers, providing lots of opportunities for large Golden Dorado and other exotic species on the fly. A typical day fishing is broken into two main fishing sessions, you will start around 7:30 am and fish through to around 12 noon.
You will return to the lodge for lunch to be enjoyed in the cool and air-conditioned dining room. After lunch its time to grab some well-earned rest as it is siesta time. Around 3:30ish you will return to the river with your guide and normally fish until you arrive back at the lodge anytime between 9 to 10 pm. Like many hot places fishing for Golden Dorado, it is most productive early and late in the day, however, on any overcast days, the fishing can remain excellent throughout the whole day.
Fishing Methods
The most exciting way to ever fly fish for Golden Dorado is sight fishing, watching these fish charge your fly is just heart-stopping. The other is when the Dorado gang up like an angry group of teenagers and go on a feeding frenzy, they thrash the water to foam chasing their pray right on to the banks often beaching themselves as they try to grab as many Sabalo as possible.
Casting your fly into this commotion you wonder how it is possible not to get a hookup. The other method is searching the drop-offs and fishing to structure with streamers can be an excellent way to find big fish, and this river definitely holds some monsters 20lb is a good fish but this river does produce fish over 30lb. The area you have to fish at this lodge is so vast it is rare to fish the same place twice in the same week.
Golden Dorado is not the only species happy to take a fly, on sunny days why not try looking and sight fish for Pira-Pita and Pacu that you can find under overhanging trees and bushes seeking shade and food. Check out our Youtube Channel for more in-depth fishing tips and methods.
Boats and Equipment
Boats are 20 ft. panga-style boats that are set up perfectly for fly anglers. You will fish 2 anglers with one guide and they run the boat so 2 anglers can fish at the same time while drifting the banks and sand bars. As well as petrol engines to run up and down the river, the boats are also equipped with trolling motors to control the drift while keeping anglers in position.
Guiding
Pinti is recognised by locals as a pioneer for fly fishing the Upper Parana River, which has allowed him to select an elite team of guides. All the guides love nothing more than teaching you about their river and also making sure you catch as many fish as possible.
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding our Golden Dorado fly fishing holidays or any of our fishing vacations, please feel free to contact us on 01603 407596 and our experienced team will be happy to help with any queries you have. Are you looking to explore more of our fishing holidays? Make sure to view all our alternative fly fishing destinations in Argentina and request a free brochure