Golden Dorado Fly Fishing - Argentina

Upper Parana River, Ibera Marsh wetlands, and Isoro Marsh

Golden Dorado Combo - Three Lodge Options

For this unique adventure with SET Fly Fishing, you’ll target golden dorado at two of their three Lodge options based on water conditions. You’ll stay five nights at two very nice lodges, two nights at camp in the heart of the Wetlands, and fly fish in two diverse landscapes. Brad's hosted trip here went very well. Read Brad's 2024 Trip Report.
2026 Rate: $7,000 per person for 7 nights / 6 days guided fishing.

The Ibera Marsh Wetlands

Aerial View of Boat on bera Wetlands System

The Ibera Marsh Wetlands (Spanish for bright water), in the north-central Corrientes Province of Argentina, is one of the most important and largest freshwater wetlands in South America. Estimated to be 5,800 – 7,700 square miles, and it is second in size only to the Pantanal in Brazil. In 2017, Set Fly Fishing was granted exclusive fishing access to this area. This license provides access to the wetland's endless miles of bogs, gin-clear creeks, swamps, lagoons, and lakes–prime golden dorado habitats.
The Iberá Wetlands is one of South America's premier golden dorado fisheries and truly an experience not to be missed. The Ibera Wetlands provide daily opportunities to catch multiple golden dorado, typically ranging from 7 to 13 pounds on surface flies, poppers, and mouse patterns.

The Fishing Program

Season: Mid-February to April and October to December. Spring (September to November) aligns with the sábalo (baitfish) spawn and dorado reproduction—often triggering the season’s most aggressive feeding behavior.
Boats: Itati Lodge uses North Carolina skiffs with 90 HP motors. These boats allow two anglers to fish simultaneously from the bow and stern. Jetu’u Lodge uses North Carolina skiffs with 40 HP motors. Both anglers can fish at the same time. La Alondra´i Lodge uses flats-style boats equipped with 40 HP motors and poling platforms. These boats are designed for one angler at a time, rotating every 30 minutes or as you and your partner decide.
Guides: Knowledgeable, passionate, English-speaking golden dorado experts. Several of their guides have left the professional corporate world to pursue their passions. Two anglers per guide and boat.
Equipment: Quality gear is provided if needed, including brand-new Helios, Sage R8, Scientific Anglers lines, etc. For golden dorado, bring an 8-weight, 9-ft, four-piece, fast-action rod with a good fighting butt. This weight allows you to cast heavy flies and lessen arm fatigue. For pacu and pira pita, a stiff 6-weight, 9 ft, a four-piece with a good fighting butt is sufficient. Our confirmation packet included a detailed list of what to bring.
Flies: All necessary flies are included and provided by your guide.
A Fishing License is included in the package.

The Upper Parana River

Angler with dropped jaw holding a bright golden dorado

The Parana River is over 3,000 miles long, traveling through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. You'll fish the Upper Parana River, the tailwaters of the Yacyreta Hydroelectric Dam, located approximately 80 miles upstream from Itati Lodge. The resulting clear, stable water conditions create an ideal fly-fishing environment.

The River of Gold YouTube

The Upper Parana River offers you the chance to catch a trophy, a truly once-in-a-lifetime golden dorado. You'll target golden dorado between 4 and 30 pounds; each season, a handful of fish above 40 pounds are landed! You'll cast surface and sub-surface flies around structures such as logs, rocks, and fallen trees in search of a huge wild beast. Target pacu and pira pita with dry flies for a Parana River Grand Slam.

Upper Parana River Golden Dorado

Angler Holding Golden Dorado with Fly in Mouth

"Here, we call golden dorado, "Your Majesty."

The Hard-Fighting Pira Pita

The hard-fighting pira pita are known locally as the salmon of the river. They range from 2 to 12 pounds, jump multiple times, and put on a show. Large attractor flies that imitate insects, fruit, mice, and even flowers attract these omnivores. If conditions are right, fishing for pira pita provides a nice midday break from casting large flies to golden dorado.

Itati Lodge - Upper Parana River

For this fly-fishing adventure, you'll stay five nights at two very nice lodges and two nights at camp. You'll take a 30-minute charter flight between Lodges and get in three full days of guided fly fishing at each location.
Itati Lodge is a traditional “estancia” on the banks of the Parana River. The air-conditioned lodge accommodates up to ten anglers in five well-appointed bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Their professional chef, Orlando, serves a blend of local flavors and international cuisine. The package also includes beer and wine. The boats are docked a few meters from the rooms, with a short ride to the fishing action. In between fishing sessions, you'll return to the Lodge for lunch. Free Wi-Fi access is available.

Itati Lodge Bedroom

Itati Lodge Dining

La Alondrai Lodge and Camps

Shadows of the Trees and The Lodge at Night

First and last nights at La Alondra’i Lodge in Concepción, and the second and third nights deep in the Ibera Marsh — always accompanied by your guide and supported by our dedicated camp staff.
La Alondra´i Lodge, a reconditioned historic home in a peaceful setting, and the camps within the Ibera Marsh. Four spacious air-conditioned bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. The adjoining gallery and patio are ideal gathering spaces. Excellent cuisine, plus beer and wine. The Lodge also has a new outdoor swimming pool. Free Wi-Fi access is available.

La Alondra´i Bedroom

White Spread on King Bed, pastel green walls with dark accents

Fly Fishing for Gold

Ibera Marsh - Three Camps

No long returns to the lodge means more hours on the water.
Ibera Rugua hosts 8 anglers in two air-conditioned cabins with bathrooms and hot showers. You will be well cared for by Omar, your host.

El Disparo Camp in Ibera Marsh

El Disparo - Glamping on Stilts in a wildlife haven. In the southern marsh, this camp features 8 tents on elevated platforms with sleeping arrangements. Full bathrooms and a dining deck. Rustic comfort and a favorite for nature lovers. Swamp deer often roam nearby.

Yaguarete Ava Camp

The boat ride to the Yaguarete Ava Camp in the heart of the wetlands offers a unique perspective on this natural sanctuary. Four anglers per camp. Two comfortable tents sit on an elevated wooden platform. Each tent has a small table and two cots with mattresses and sleeping bags. The Camp has one bathroom with a toilet and a hot shower. The dining structure is on a third platform.

Isoro Marsh

Angler Leaning Over Side of Boat with Golden Dorado

Isoro Marsh is a vast, natural wildlife sanctuary and a golden dorado fishing paradise. Isoro Marsh is a great location for surface patterns, depending on conditions. Since the Isoro Marsh draws its water from the middle section of the Parana River, water levels remain consistent throughout the season. An incredible clear water fishery with golden dorado, dogfish, and giant piranha is only a short boat ride from the Lodge.

Jetu'u Lodge - Isoro Marsh

Jetu'u Lodge is one of the three lodge options. From Jetu’u Lodge, you’ll walk 200 yards to the boats. The Lodge is located midway between Goya and Reconquista in the Corrientes Province and offers access to both intimate marshlands and open stretches of the Paraná River.

A Sample 7-Day Itinerary:

Friday: Arrive in Buenos Aires and overnight at your hotel (not included in the program).
Saturday: Fly commercial (90 mins) or charter to Corrientes or Resistencia (not included). Ground transfer to the lodge is included.
Sunday–Tuesday: Three full days of fishing.
Wednesday: Lodge-to-lodge transfer designed to maximize time on the water.
Wednesday–Friday: Three days of golden dorado fishing.
Saturday: Return to Buenos Aires.

Read Brad's 2024 Trip Report

Golden Dorado Mid-Air Thrashing Above the Water

"My hosted trip with SET was very enjoyable. We fished at two lodges in completely different locations during the week. The guides, lodge staff, and food are some of the best in the business. And, of course, I love fishing for Dorado; they are one of my favorite freshwater species." Read more...

2026 USD Rates:

Season: Mid-February to April and October to December.
You’ll visit two lodges in one week.
Two anglers per room and guide
7 nights / 6 days guided fishing
$7,000 per person
The 7-night program allows you to stay five nights at two very nice lodges and two nights at a camp in the heart of the Ibera Wetlands.

Request a SET Golden Dorado
Information Packet.

The Package Includes:

• Ground transfers from Corrientes (or Resistencia) to the Lodge
• Lodging
• Meals at the Lodges
• Beer, wine, and alcohol
• Soft drinks
• Wi-Fi at the Lodges (not available at the camps)
• Guided fishing
• Fishing license
• Use of rods and reels and flies, if needed

The Package Does Not Include:

• International airfare to and from Buenos Aires
• Hotel nights, meals, and ground transfers in Buenos Aires
• Charter flight to Corrientes
• Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
• Laundry service, $15 per load
• Global Rescue coverage
• Travel insurance
• Anything not listed under inclusions.

Fishing with Larry Payment Options:
1.) Credit card (a 2.5% convenience fee applies)
2.) Check. Please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to Fishing with Larry P.O. Box 419 Columbus, MT 59019.
3.) Wire Transfer (Send money electronically – typically a $15 to $30 fee for domestic transfers and $45 - $50 for international transfers.)
Please email Toni at toni@fishingwithlarry.com for wire instructions.

SET FLY FISHING POLICIES:
Deposit Policy: All trips are confirmed with a 50% deposit for the total value of the program. Final payments are due 90 days prior to the trip. Failing this deadline implies that you are canceling the trip, and if you choose this option, you do so with the full understanding that all monies paid will be forfeited.

SET Fly Fishing’s Cancellation Policy: All deposit and final balance payments are non-refundable. We highly recommend trip and travel “Cancel for Any Reason” insurance which you must specifically select. However, you always have the option to find a suitable replacement.

SET Fly Fishing’s Regular Cancellation Policy: If the borders of Argentina are open and international flight are allowed to enter and exit the country, and you decide to cancel your trip for personal reasons, you have one of the following options:

1.) +120 days prior to the trip: Notify us prior to the 120-days-before-the-trip deadline, that you are cancelling your existing reservation, and that you would like to rebook for alternative dates. In order to use this option, you will need to pay an additional 25% rebooking fee. New dates will need to be mutually agreed upon between SET Fly Fishing and the client.

2.) Between 120-90 days to the trip: If you decide to cancel your trip between 120 and 90 days-before-your-trip deadline, and you would like to rebook for alternative dates, you will need to formally notify us of your intentions, and you will need to make full payment (deposit + final payment) plus an additional 50% rebooking fee. New dates will need to be mutually agreed upon between SET Fly Fishing and the client. Credit for a canceled trip will be good to use for no longer than 24 months after the original trip date.

Or notify us that you are canceling your existing reservation and not rescheduling for alternative dates. If you choose this option, you do so with the full understanding that all monies paid to SET Fly Fishing will be forfeited.

3.) Less than 90 days to the trip: A 100% penalty applies for any trips canceled within 90 days prior to the trip. 4.) All formal notifications must come through an email.

Fishing with Larry strongly recommends purchasing trip insurance. Click here for our Travel Insurance page.