Golden Dorado Fly Fishing - Argentina

Upper Parana River, Ibera Marsh wetlands, and Isoro Marsh

Golden Dorado Combo

This unique program with SET Fly Fishing combines two of their three distinct Golden Dorado fisheries, with a choice of three lodge options. Each destination features its own character, water type, and Dorado profile, all thoughtfully connected through seamless transfers, experienced guides, and comfortable lodge accommodations.
Brad Staples’s hosted trip here (The Golden Dorado Experience) was a great success and previously included all three fisheries. Read Brad's 2024 Trip Report.
2027 Rates: Start at $7,850 per person for 7 nights / 6 days guided fishing. No flights are included.

The Iberá Marsh Wetlands

Aerial View of Boat on bera Wetlands System

The Ibera Marsh Wetlands (Spanish for bright water) in Argentina's Corrientes Province are among South America's largest and most important freshwater wetlands, covering an estimated 5,800 to 7,700 square miles. Second only to Brazil's Pantanal, this vast ecosystem features crystal-clear creeks, swamps, lagoons, and lakes that provide excellent habitat for golden dorado.
The Iberá Wetlands offer some of South America's finest golden dorado fishing, with anglers commonly catching multiple fish each day. Most dorado range from 7 to 13 pounds and eagerly attack surface flies, poppers, and mouse patterns.

Read Brad's 2024 Trip Report

Host Brad Staples with a golden dorado during his 2024 hosted week with Set Fly Fishing in Argentina.

"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...

The Fishing Program

Season: The Golden Dorado Combo is offered September through May for peak fishing. During the spring (September through November), spawning sábalo (baitfish) concentrate in the rivers, attracting hungry golden dorado and creating some of the season's most aggressive feeding activity. You can also book each lodge individually.
• Itatí Lodge (Upper Paraná River): September - May.
• Jetu'u Lodge (Isoró Marsh): Open year-round.
• La Alondra'i Lodge (Iberá Wetlands): September–December and February - May.
Boats: Itati Lodge uses 17-foot North Carolina skiffs with 90-HP Minn Kota motors, while Jetu'u Lodge features 16-foot North Carolina skiffs with 40-HP motors. Both are designed for two anglers to fish at the same time. La Alondra'i uses 16-foot flats boats with poling platforms and 40-HP motors, the maximum allowed within the National Park. You'll fish one angler at a time. You'll rotate every 30 minutes or so, or as you and your partner decide.
Guides: Knowledgeable, English-speaking golden dorado experts. Several of their guides have left the professional corporate world to pursue their passions.
Equipment: SET provides all fishing gear and flies. Quality gear includes brand-new Helios, Sage R8, Scientific Anglers lines, etc. If you desire to bring your own gear 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. All lines need to be Tropical. Our confirmation packet included a detailed list of what to bring.
Flies: All necessary flies are included, plus leaders, and tippets.
Fishing License: 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

Itati Lodge is a traditional “estancia” on the banks of the Parana River. The air-conditioned lodge accommodates up to ten anglers in five 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.
Wi-Fi Access: Starlink Wi-Fi is available at all lodges and camps.
Electricity: Argentina operates on 220 V, 50 Hz electricity. U.S. traveler will need a plug adapter for their devices. Most modern electronics are dual voltage, but check your device or charger to make sure it accepts 220 V.

Itati Lodge Bedroom

Itati Lodge Dining

La Alondrai Lodge and Camps

Shadows of the Trees and The Lodge at Night

You'll spend your first and last nights at La Alondra’i Lodge (an Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge), located in Concepción, the gateway to the Iberá Wetlands. The second and third nights are spent deep in the Iberá Marsh. You are always accompanied by your guide, plus a dedicated camp staff. At La Alondra’i, anglers take turns fishing from the skiff in approximately 30-minute intervals. You may customize your package to include additional nights at the remote camp.
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.

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.

Isoro Marsh

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 incredibly clear water fishery with golden dorado, dogfish, and giant piranha is only a short boat ride from the Lodge.

Jetu'u Lodge - Ysoro Marsh and Middle Parana River

Jetu'u Lodge is a golden dorado fishing destination near the Agentina's Parana River.

Jetu'u Lodge Consistent action across the Ysoro Marsh and Middle Paraná River. At Jetu'u Lodge, you'll fish smaller, protected marsh water for aggressive mid-sized fish and open stretches of the Parana River for larger dorado along the riverbanks. It’s a great option for anglers looking to build confidence with dorado. Cast to structures in lagoons and channels inside the marsh, and the main river. Species: Golden dorado, pacu, pira pita, catfish, vampirefish, and wolfish.

A Sample 7-Day Itinerary:

Friday: Arrive in Buenos Aires and overnight at the hotel (not included).
Saturday: Take a 90-minute commercial or charter flight to Corrientes or Resistencia (not included). You'll be met at the local airport by a SET representative and driven to the first lodge.
Baggage Weight Limit: For the charter flight, checked luggage is limited to 33 pounds, carry-on luggage to 16 pounds, and a personal item to 6 pounds. Rods and reels must be packed in your checked luggage for this flight.
Sunday–Tuesday: Three full days of guided fishing.
Wednesday: A three-hour ground transfer between lodges followed by a full day of fishing.
Thursday–Friday: Full days of golden dorado fishing.
Saturday: Return to Buenos Aires.
Departure Day: Departure times vary by lodge. Itatí Lodge is about 30 minutes from the airport, while Jetu'u Lodge is approximately a 3-hour drive.
There are typically two daily flights from Corrientes to Buenos Aires—an early morning departure (around 8:00 a.m.) and a midday option. The midday flight is usually best for connecting with international departures that evening.
We recommend allowing at least five hours between your domestic arrival and international departure for baggage claim, airport transfer, and check-in.
For your flight home, rods must be packed in your checked baggage. Please ensure you have a suitable rod case for baggage handling.
Grand Caravan Charter Flight Option: For parties of six or more, a Grand Caravan charter option is available for an additional $4,500 per person and includes two domestic charter flights between the lodges.

2026 and 2027 USD Rates:

Season: September - May.
For the Golden Dorado Combo, you’ll visit two lodges in one week.

7 nights / 6 days guided fishing
Two anglers per room and guide:
$7,850 per person

Upgrade to one angler per room:
Add $1,400

One angler per guide and room:
Add $3,500
Rates are subject to change.

Request a SET Golden Dorado
Information Packet.

The Package Includes:

• Ground transfers between the Lodge and the local airport
• 7 nights lodging
• Meals at the lodges
• Open bar—beer, wine, and alcohol
• Soft drinks
• Starlink Wi-Fi at the Lodges and Camps
• National Park entry fee
• $100 Conservation Fee
• 6 days guided fishing
• Fishing license
• Use of fly outfits, flies, leaders, and tippets

The Package Does Not Include:

• International airfare to and from Buenos Aires
• Hotel nights, meals, and ground transfers in Buenos Aires
• Domestic charter flight to Corrientes
• Optional charter flight upgrades
• Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
• Laundry service, $15 per 10 items
• Mandatory travel medical insurance
• 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.

Mandatory Travel Medical Insurance: Argentina requires travelers to have health insurance that provides medical coverage in Argentina for the duration of their stay.

Travel Insurance: Fishing with Larry strongly recommends purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage and Global Rescue medical evacuation.
Visit our Travel Insurance page.