Welcome to Argentina

Location, Type of Fishing:

Never before has there been such a unique way of accessing the vast areas of the Paraná River in South America than from a luxury river boat. A highly mobile fishing program, guests aboard the Golden Dorado River Cruiser will be able to fish all the best spots of this vast river system with access to new areas each day. A massive watershed second only to the Amazon River, the Paraná River drains a region of almost a million square miles of Southern Brazil, Paraguay and Northern Argentina. Eventually merging with the Uruguay River to form the Río de la Plata near Buenos Aires, it is comparable to the Mississippi River in size and volume. A vital resource, the river and its tributaries support several hundred different species of fish, with none more-recognized the world over than the golden dorado. Aggressive and hard-fighting, fly fishermen are drawn to the fishery to fool these fish with artificial flies, and many come for the variety of fish that can be caught on fly rods which include surubí, pacu and tararira, among others. In the several tributaries and side channels that connect the river, fly fish from special casting platforms aboard modified bass boats, with two anglers to a guide sharing the boat. The Golden Dorado River Cruiser will comfortably transport you in luxury to spots on the middle and lower sections of the river from Rosario to Posadas with your trip likely beginning and ending at one of the stops at Santa Fe, Resistencia and Corrientes.

 

• Season: October- April
• Species: Golden Dorado, Pacu, Pira Pita, Tararira, Surubi, and Chafalote
• Rods: 6-9 wt. Fast-action
• Rates: 7 nights/ 6.5 days fishing $4200.00
• 4 nights/ 3.5 days fishing $2500.00

 

 

 

 

 

What Makes It Special:

Brought to you by the folks at Estancia Laguna Verde Fishing Lodge, rest-assured that the fishing program at this exciting destination is run by a profession and top-notch staff with an attention to detail. This fly fishing-only operation targets only the best fishing areas with its unique ability to cover  huge sections of the Paraná River, some 1600 miles where it flows through Northern Argentina. Come to battle the voracious golden dorado, and enjoy the first-class accommodations of a luxury, live-aboard yacht. From years of experience targeting the fish here, the owners and staff have determined that mobility is the key when looking for excellent fishing locations, and they have done so marvelously without sacrificing the extravagance and lavish well-being that their guests have come to appreciate. Superior to the fixed location of a lodge, the Golden Dorado River Cruiser allows you to find fish efficiently based on current river conditions, up-to-date weather forecasts, the migration of baitfish, and the time of year as well as knowing which spots offer the best chances for success. Spend a week aboard the Golden Dorado River Cruiser and you’ll not only find new spots others wish they could reach, but be comfortable in knowing that you’re fishing the best ones, too.

 

Fishing:

Arguably some the toughest, freshwater fish on the planet, golden dorado are ferocious and aggressive fighters, surprisingly acrobatic and, at the same time, strikingly beautiful to behold.  Well-placed, good casts close to structure, around logs and rocks, under banks or in a fast run could have a nice golden dorado instantly charging your fly, if you start stripping as soon as it hits the water. An exhilarating take, don’t be afraid to strip set the hook, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be fighting a most destructive and forceful predator. Golden dorado are magnificent hunters that ambush prey from around structures in moving water. They can be found anywhere in the river system from the channels and side channels of the main river to the smaller rivers and tributaries that make up the Paraná River Basin. There is a huge range of habitat that can be traversed in search of these often-hidden, elusive creatures. Your effectiveness at covering water is often key. Aboard specially-modified v-hull skiffs equipped with 110-200hp outboards, anglers will depart to the daily fishing grounds quickly and safely.  Fish from elevated casting platforms fitted in the bow and the stern of the boat, while the guide maneuvers with an electric trolling motor to keep you in just the right spots. The guides are all fluent in English, and are helpful and friendly instructors that can assist you in all facets of freshwater fly fishing. Some casting may be done from shore as there are a number of good lunch spots with fishing right from the shore.

 

River Cruiser:

The Golden Dorado River Cruiser accommodates up to eight fishermen in 4 double bedrooms located on the main deck, each with its own private bathroom. On the first level, there is a spacious living/dining room with a 42” LCD TV with Direct TV. The living room has a fly tying station as well as a fully stocked bar. The second level has an open-air deck providing spectacular views of the river and is a great place to relax and unwind in the evening with a glass of brandy and a Cuban cigar. Fishing packages are all-inclusive. All meals, including alcohol, are incorporated into packages for the length of your stay. At the open bar, you will find a variety of traditional Argentinian red wines, as well as some white wines to pair with your meals. There are regional craft beers, a selection of whisky, cognac, and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as a variety of mixers are available. Electricity is available 24 hours a day. There is wireless internet access, free access to a computer, and complimentary laundry service available twice a week. On board, there is a small fly shop providing leaders, flies, tying materials, lines, rods, reels, and other fishing equipment. We recommend you bring everything you think you’ll need, as the shop is very limited.

 

 

Dining:

Exquisite meals are prepared in the galley on board by an exclusive chef, and dinner entrees are paired with the distinguished and exclusive wines of Argentina. Taking great pride in the quality of their domestic wines, Argentineans are also very proud of their beef, which is internationally reknown for its quality and flavor. Hoping to be true ambassadors of the gastronomic diversity of this rich culture, they offer a truly satisfying experience of delightful tastes served throughout your stay. Once a week, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a real Argentinean asado, a wood-fired grilling of meats like lamb, chorizo and beef. As authentic an experience you can get, it would be inconceivable to leave the country without having appreciated at least one during your stay in Argentina. For dinner, you are in store for generous three-course meals prepared especially by the yacht's exclusive chef. Entrees include barbequed meats, traditional Patagonia lamb al pastor, classic homemade pastas, and a rich and hearty beef stew, to name just a few. The wine selection for the evening varies according to the planned menu.Weather permitting, several lunches and dinners may be served on land for added comfort. After dinner, enjoy fresh-brewed coffee, yerba mate or after-dinner spirits on the upper deck of the ship while enjoying a star-filled sky filled with different constellations that you don’t see from the northern hemisphere. The fully-stocked bar has an excellent selection of complimentary beer, fine wine and liquor.

 

How to Get There:

Typical fishing packages run from Saturday to the following Saturday. Your trip to the Paraná River begins with your arrival at the Ministro Pistarini International Airport in Buenos Aires (EZE). After collecting your luggage from the baggage claim area and clearing customs, you will proceed to the domestic airport at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport for your flight to one of the two domestic airports at Santa Fe or Resistencia, depending on the time of year and where the ship will be at that time. Ground transfers to the ship are included in your fishing package. A representative of the lodge will be at the airport to greet you and take you to where the ship is anchored. Times from the airport to the ship depend on where the ship is docked, please contact a representative of 2Salt Travel for more information on domestic travel and travel times. Arrange your travel so you can arrive early in the morning, so that you can take advantage of the half day fishing in the afternoon on your arrival day. You might consider travel to Buenos Aires on the Friday before your trip, so that you can get to the ship early enough to enjoy the half day fishing on your arrival day. You will depart from the ship on the day you leave between 6 am to 8.30 am. If you are flying out that same day, we recommend that you book flights after 3 pm to allow for a comfortable check-in at airport.

 

Typical Day:

Anglers will be served an exquisite and satisfying breakfast to give you plenty of energy for a busy day starting at 6:30 am. Guests will choose from coffee, tea, fruit juices, yogurts, milk, regional cheese, eggs, ham, toasts, freshly baked bread, croissants, butter, local marmalades, honey, cereals, as well as dried and fresh fruits. Following breakfast, anglers will meet the guides and go in boats to areas they will fish for the day. Lunch will take place at 2 pm at either the mothership or at the fishing location depending on your preference. There will be an opportunity to take a siesta before fishing continues in the afternoon around 3 pm after the sun has begun to descend in the sky. Fishing for the day finishes up before dark. Guests will have a chance to freshen up before meeting in the dining area for appetizers of cheese and cold cuts. Happy hour is served with cocktails and wine before supper which begins at 9 pm every night. Each night of your stay, the chef will prepare different and new creations of scrumptious desserts, which is one of her specialties. Guests can end their day relaxing in the cozy atmosphere of the ship’s comfortable living room watching TV for as long as they like into the evening.

 

What’s Included:

Deluxe accommodations, guided fishing, fishing license, ground transfers to/from the ship, all meals and drinks, including alcohol.

Not included: International airfare to/from Buenos Aires, domestic airfare to/from Santa Fe or Resistencia, reciprocity fees at customs, the shuttle or taxi to/from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport in Buenos Aires, and gratuities for the staff.

 

Non-angling Activities:

While there is some birdwatching, we recommend these fishing packages only for the serious angler planning to spend the entire week fishing every day.