Fish Tales is headed back to Argentina in November 2024. We'll be targeting golden dorado and other species during the six days of fishing.
We're working with Set Fly Fishing and have opted for their combo package.
Our February 2023 trip to Argentina was also with Set Fly Fishing. This outfitter provides an excellent lodge experience, great food, and experienced and knowledgeable guides.
By choosing the combo package, Set Fly Fishing will provide our group with two distinctly unique Dorado fishing environments and lodges in the same itinerary.
A 30-minute charter flight between the lodges allows anglers to comfortably fish 3 full days at each destination.
Location information (courtesy of Set Fly Fishing.)
La Alondra 'i
This reconditioned colonial house offers the perfect lodge experience to compliment your visit to the Ibera Wetland. All common areas provide a unique atmosphere where past and present converge. The lodge features 4 comfortable air-conditioned rooms each with 2 double beds and en suite bathrooms.
| An enclosed courtyard offers the ultimate in privacy and a great place to relax after spending the day exploring the wetlands. Two separate dining areas where breakfast and dinner are served are also featured. Additionally, the small chapel located inside the courtyard is another distinctive characteristic that symbolizes the town’s colonial traditions. Recently, an outdoor swimming pool was added for guest use and enjoyment. |
Located in a traditional “estancia”, on the banks of the Paraná river, this air-conditioned lodge provides the perfect balance between wilderness and comfort. Five well-appointed rooms, all with en suite bathrooms, can accommodate up to 10 anglers*. The on-site professional chef produces a menu that's a blend of local flavors and international cuisine.
About the FISHING!
The mythical Dorado (salminus brasiliensis) is clearly the main target at both lodges.
Along the western boundary of the world famous Ibera Wetlands you can fish the endless miles of “gin clear” creeks, channels and lagoons. SET Fly Fishing has been granted access to this unspoiled and untouched natural environment. The fishery typically produces Dorado ranging in size from 4 to 15 pounds, however, 20+ pound fish have been hooked and landed. Fishing takes place from flats style boats equipped with polling platforms and 40 hp engines. Surface patterns are the preferred flies for fishing the wetlands.
The Upper Parana River offers the chance to catch a trophy, a truly once-in-a-lifetime golden Dorado. Every season, a handful of fish above 40 pounds are landed! This section of the river is the tailwater to the Yacyreta Hydroelectric Dam, which is located approximately 90 miles upstream. Being a tailwater,
the water conditions are clear and stable – the ideal environment for productive fly fishing. Here you’ll be casting surface and sub-surface flies toward logs, rock outcroppings, and fallen trees.
Carolina Skiffs, equipped with 90 hp engines, are located a few steps from the lodge and close to the action. They also provide for quick access back to the comforts of the lodge for lunch between the morning and afternoon fishing sessions.
Pacu and Pira Pita, both omnivorous species, are also available for you to fish for during your visit.
Pacu, is often referred to as the “permit of the river”. They can be found feeding on or near the water surface for fruit and insects and this can create some great sight fishing possibilities. Pacu are not known for their jumping ability but pound for pound are extremely hard fighting.
Pira Pita, known locally as the “salmon of the river”, ranges in size from 2 to 12 pounds. Once hooked, this extremely hard fighting fish is known for its acrobatic displays and multiple jumps. Being an omnivorous species, they are targeted using large attractor flies that imitate insects, fruit, mice and even flowers. They are often fished for using lighter 6 and 7 weight rods. Fishing for Pacu and Pira Pita provides the perfect mid-daybreak from casting large flies to Dorado.
CHARTER FLIGHTS
This combo trip features 3 charter flights to get you quickly and conveniently to your destinations. The outbound flight from Buenos Aires will be directly to La Alondra Lodge. The return flight to Buenos Aires will depart from Itati Lodge.
THE GEAR
The following equipment is recommended for both locations:
Rods: Dorado – 8 weight, 9 foot, fast action 4 piece with a good fighting butt. This weight rod allows you to cast large flies and lessen casting fatigue. It’s nice to have two rods – one strung with a floating line and the other with an intermediate clear tip.
Pacu and Pira Pita – 6 or 7 weight, 9 foot, fast action 4 piece with a good fighting. These fish are found on the Upper Parana and not at Ibera. Clearly the primary target is Dorado but if the conditions are right you can fish for both Pacu and Pira Pita.
Reels: Two or three quality reels with good drag systems. All reels should be loaded with 150 yards of 30 pound backing.
Line: Lines need to be “tropical” due to the air and water temperatures.
Upper Parana – One weight forward floating (WFF) for surface patterns, mainly mice and one intermediate clear tip (WF I/I) for streamers.
Ibera Wetlands – Two weight forward floating lines (WFF). One used for surface patterns and the other used for streamers.
Program (some flexibility dependent on conditions):
DAY 1: Charter flight from Buenos Aires directly to La Alondra Lodge.
DAY 2 to 4: Three (3) full day fishing in the Iberá Wetlands.
DAY 5: Early morning charter flight from La Alondra’i to the Itati Lodge (30 minutes). Full day fishing at
Upper Parana River.
DAY 6 and 7: Two (2) full day fishing at Upper Parana River.
DAY 8: Charter flight from Itati Lodge directly to Buenos Aires.
Trip dates: November 30-December 7. Maximum 8 participants. (4 spots available)
Trip cost: $7,750 USD per person double occupancy room and boat for 7 nights and 6 full days of fishing.
TRIP inclusions:
• All lodging as described on the itinerary
• All meals, beer and wine
• Full-time guide and coordinator during the trip
• All charter flights and local ground transfers
• All the special services described on the itinerary
• Fishing license, all flies
NOT INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICE
• International Flights
• Any Buenos Aires expenses – hotels, meals, transfers, etc
• Laundry
• Gratuities
This trip is limited to 8 anglers.
