The Esteros del Iberá Reserve of northern Argentina is the second largest marshland in the world. A rich and diverse ecosystem, it encompasses a plethora of wildlife and unique flora including an extensive system of creeks, lakes, lagoon and swamps. It is home to the mighty Golden Dorado.
Fly fishing for Golden Dorado in the southern Corrientes Province of Argentina, Pira Lodge is perfectly situated with direct access to the crystal clear water of the Ibera marshlands and Corrientes river system.
Here the wonderful sight fishing opportunities on premium flats skiffs are complemented by fine lodging, a sub-tropical climate and range of non-angling activities including birding, horseback riding, swimming pool and extensive wildlife viewing opportunities. The experienced bi-lingual guide team and good numbers of Dorado including Pirapita, Piranha and Palometa which are also available on fly, make for a memorable, world-class experience.
With spectacular panoramic views, Pira Lodge has been designed and built for anglers, reflecting traditional architecture from the region with comfortable, modern amenities. Well positioned with very easy access to the Corrientes River and marshlands, it provides excellent hospitality with fine meals, bar, fly tying bench, hammocks and swimming pool ideal for your time spent off the water.
The lodge accommodates up to 10 people in five rooms all appointed with two double beds, private bath and air conditioning. The building housing the lounge, bar and dining rooms are located close by and offer anglers a beautiful place to unwind after a long day on the water.
Experienced national and international chefs, trained in both classic and avant-garde culinary techniques, provide lunch and dinner menus are paired with some of Argentina’s best wines from the Bodega Catena Zapata region.
The kitchen specialises in diverse dishes that pair prime cuts of local meats and vegetables including traditional asados, fruits, salads and exotic appetizers. Including yacaré meat, savoury cheeses, and homemade breads the chefs also excel in desserts with multiple textures and flavours from the region.
Like most lodges in Argentina, returning to the lodge for lunch complemented with local wines and siesta before fishing the afternoon until sunset, maximises relaxation and optimal fishing times. Typical stays are for 7 nights, with six days guided fly fishing and Wi-Fi is also available.
With a huge selection of rivers, creeks and drainage wetland lakes, Pira Lodge is perfectly situated in the second-largest drainage system in South America.
Golden Dorado dominate this region as the apex predator, waiting to ambush with ferocity and providing a complex and challenging target on fly. With aerial acrobatics once hooked and fish common in the 3-8lb range, real trophy fish are readily available with good casting, patience and the experienced Pira Lodge guide team.
The raw power of the Golden Dorado and its aggressive nature simply makes them one of the finest and most beautiful freshwater sportfish available.
Fishing from the comfort of the Hells Bay skiffs located at the lodge, the fishing approach varies between the marsh channels and main river, with weed beds, drop-offs and confluences targeted with a range of wet and surface flies. The gin-clear water also provides sight-casting opportunities with most of the fishing done from the casting deck, poled along by your guide.
Like fishing for many predatory species, working likely water and concentrating fishing efforts during key times of the day will improve your chances. Although with good Dorado numbers and a huge amount of water fish, this unpressured system continually produces great results throughout each season.
With prolific wildlife and birdlife on the water to be seen including Caimen and Tapir, by-catch can also include Pirapita, Piranha and Palometa which can all be caught on smaller flies. A typical day starts at around 8 am with afternoon lodge lunch and siesta, followed by an afternoon session, fishing through until sunset with seven and eight weight outfits predominantly used.
Passport with a minimum of six months validity and photo ID to purchase a fishing licence.
From Australia, fly to Buenos Aires via Santiago and stay overnight. The next day take a 1.5-hour flight to Corrientes or Resistencia. Upon arrival at either airport, you will be met by a lodge representative for a 4-hour vehicle transfer to Pira Lodge.
Let us do the groundwork for you.
Our tailored fly fishing and accommodation itineraries are designed with you in mind to suit your preferences. They are also quoted in your local currency with very favourable exchange rates.
Fly Odyssey has access to the best guiding and lodging rates, suitable tides and updated availability to this destination which can vary throughout the season.
This includes flight bookings, transit accommodation, transfers and a host of non-angling activities and experiences.
We specialise in group stays to the region, and our long involvement with our partners on the ground in Argentina will ensure you are well looked after both on and off the water.
This includes extended stays in Argentina, Chile and throughout South America.
Please enquire for the latest rates and availability, including information on any applicable special offers.
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Creating and sharing memorable travel experiences with our clients and friends provides us with genuine satisfaction. All of our trips are bespoke, tailored to your needs, and we always love hearing all about the adventure on your return.
Our knowledge of travel logistics saves you time, and our highly experienced team is here to ensure it’s spent on the water and not at the desk or on a long flight connection that you didn’t require. Since 2006 we have developed a valued client-base that has travelled to all corners of the globe.
We are a fully-accredited travel agency, where all of our flights, accommodation and associated travel bookings are made in-house, which means that you pay less. We have access to a huge range of specials, deals, great volume pricing and excellent currency exchange rates which allows us to pass these benefits directly onto you.
On the fishing front, our extensive expertise and experience around prime seasons, species, moon-phases, tides and personalised customer service is centred around one principal – preparation. This includes detailed gear and equipment lists, the fly patterns, transfer details, up-to-date fishing reports and some of the finer aspects that can often be overlooked.
We travel extensively and understand that your free-time is important. Just as we all understand from experience, that the key to a successful trip is pre-trip preparation.
Our highly experienced team has fly fished the world for the last 25 years, and we understand the considerations and gear needed to turn a good fly fishing trip into a great one.
Fly fishing and travel is our passion.
Species: Golden Dorado
Travel: Via Buenos Aires
Ideal for: Couples, solo travellers and groups looking for a unique experience
Ibera marshlands: The second largest in the world
Season: Year-round although Dec-May are the prime months
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