La Zona Lodge - Argentina

Giedrius with a 2026 Trophy

La Zona freshwater golden dorado fishing is unrivaled and is home to over 12 world records. The shallow lake, created by the nearby dam, supports an abundant and complex food chain. Here, many species, including the dorado, achieve unprecedented growth rates.
More than 300 fish of over 40 pounds were landed at La Zona in the past three seasons. The Uruguay River is a tailwater below the large Salto Grande Reservoir. La Zona Lodge, which has exclusive rights to the Argentine side of the river, can fish a maximum of six anglers at a time inside the Restricted Zone.
La Zona is a unique fishery where dorado reach incredible sizes and numbers due to abundant food and very low fishing pressure. Anglers usually average 15 to 25 strikes per day. Fish average about 14 pounds, with a chance at dorado over 50 pounds. Twenty-pounders are commonplace.

"...I feel that starting the drift 500 meters away from the dam walls puts the angler in a better position to catch true giants, as evidenced by our results. - In my opinion, La Zona is the world's greatest freshwater fishery." - Bob Daly - Peacock Bass e-Zine

La Zona Fishing Program:

La Zona Season:  Peak season runs from the last week of December to late April when the Uruguay River is at its lowest. La Zona is a year-round fishery. During the Mid-Season or spring season - September and October - the river is at its normal flow, and huge schools of big dorado migrate to the dam to spawn. Rapala Super Shad Raps and similar crankbaits are hot during this time.
Fishing is only allowed with flies or artificial lures. Barbless hooks are required.
The Guides:  Experienced and professional local guides speak fishing-English, enough to get by.
Boats:  Very comfortable 21-foot fiberglass center-console boats with 70-HP, four-stroke Suzuki motors, an 8-HP auxiliary motor, and nice-sized casting platforms in the bow and stern. Each boat can accommodate two or three anglers. We recommend the two-angler package for all anglers, especially those who plan to fly fish.
Fishing Equipment:  High-quality spinning and baitcasting gear is provided; a breakage or loss fee applies for replacement. Lures are also provided and are not subject to a loss or breakage fee. Fly fishing gear and flies are not included. A detailed list of what to bring is in our Confirmation Packet.
A Fishing License is included in the package.

Mike Sadar's World-Record Fly-Caught Dorado - 2012

Jim and Cindy Schmid Dorado Double

A Typical 6-Hour Guided Fishing Day:
Each guided fishing session includes three hours of fishing time and does not include travel time to and from the fishing grounds. Travel consists of approximately a 10-minute drive to the boats and a 15-minute boat ride to The Zone.
5:00 a.m. – Cooked-to-order breakfast available for anglers fishing the early session.
5:30 a.m. – Transfer to the boats, followed by a 15-minute boat ride to The Zone.
6:00 a.m. – Morning fishing session begins.
9:00 a.m. – Return to the Lodge. Relax by the pool, enjoy a game of pool, or simply rest before your afternoon session.
Noon – If you're fishing the afternoon session, you may enjoy lunch at the Lodge before departing, take a packed lunch or have lunch after returning to the Lodge.
3:00 p.m. – Afternoon fishing session begins.
6:00 p.m. – Return to the moorage and transfer back to the Lodge.
8:00 p.m. – Three-course dinner.
Beverages on the Boat:  Bottled water, Coca-Cola (regular and sugar-free), sports drinks (regular and sugar-free), and beer are provided.
Sunset:  From December through February, sunset is typically around 8:00 p.m. In March, sunset is around 7:00 p.m., providing ample daylight for the return trip.
Full La Zona Program:  Your guided fishing day includes a morning and afternoon session, with a midday break. You’ll return to the Lodge for lunch and a siesta before heading back out for your afternoon fishing session.

2027 Fishing Sessions and Rates

Standard Program:
When booking, you'll choose your time slots (in advance) for each of your four fishing days.
All packages are 5 nights / 4 days guided fishing:
Peak season:  December through April.
Your 6-hour guided fishing day includes two sessions:
6 to 9 a.m., 9 a.m. to noon, noon to 3 p.m., or 3 to 6 p.m.
3 per boat and room:  $5,400 per person
2 per boat and room:  $6,900 per person
Mid-Season:  May and September through November.
6 hours of guided fishing per day - 2 sessions per day
8:00 to 11 a.m., 11:00 to 2 p.m., or 2 to 5 p.m.
3 per boat and room:  $4,800 per person
2 per boat and room:  $5,900 per person

Full La Zona Program:
Fishing times are set for the Full Program and vary by season.
All packages are 5 nights / 4 days guided fishing:
Peak Season:  December through April.
8 hours guided fishing per day, with two 4-hour sessions.
8 a.m. to noon and 3 to 7 p.m.
3 per boat and room:  $6,700 per person
2 per boat and room:  $8,000 per person
Mid-Season:  May and Sept. thru November
7.5 hours guided fishing per day
8 a.m. to noon and 3 to 6:30 p.m.
3 per boat and room:  $6,000 per person
2 per boat and room:  $7,300 per person
Low Season:  June through August.
6.5 hours of guided fishing per day
8 a.m. to noon and 3 to 5:30 p.m.
3 per boat and room:  $5,000 per person
2 per boat and room:  $6,000 per person