Our client, Mike Sadar, broke a world record here.
La Zona, "The Zone," is on the Uruguay River in the province of Entre Ríos, about 270 miles from Buenos Aires. La Zona is the exclusive and Restricted Zone on the Uruguay River, downstream from the Salto Grande Dam. La Zona is a very restricted fishery. The area is only open four days per week, and only 12 anglers from Argentina and Uruguay can fish at a time. Our client Mike Sadar landed a world record fly-caught 50-pound golden dorado at La Zona in April 2012. 2026 USD Rates start at $4,800 for 5 nights and 4 days guided fishing.
Quick Facts - La Zona
Exclusive Restricted Zone fishery on the Uruguay River
More than 12 world records have been set here
World-record 50-pound fly-caught dorado by our client Mike Sadar
Average 15–25 strikes per day
Regular shots at 20- to 50-pound dorado
Flies or artificial lures - barbless hooks required.
Peak season: December–April
Stay at La Zona Lodge - Starlink Wi-Fi, pool, and more.
La Zona freshwater golden dorado fishing is unrivaled and is home to over 12 world records. The shallow lake generated by the nearby dam supports an abundant and very 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 have two or three anglers. If you plan on fly fishing, two anglers should be the maximum.) 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
2026 Fishing Sessions and Hours
Peak season: December through April. 6 hours of guided fishing per day - 2 sessions per day
6 a.m. to 9, 9 a.m. to noon, noon to 3, or 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 4 days guided fishing:
3 per boat and room: $5,400 per person
2 per boat and room: $6,900 per person
Mid-Season: May, September, October, and November. 6 hours of guided fishing per day - 2 sessions per day 8:00 a.m. to 11, 11:00 a.m. to 2, or 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. 4 days guided fishing:
3 per boat and room: $4,800 per person
2 per boat and room: $5,900 per person
Fishing schedules are selected and confirmed at the time of booking. Anglers may choose different session times for different days of their stay; however, once the reservation is confirmed, the fishing schedule is final and cannot be modified before or during the trip. This allows us to properly manage guide assignments, boat logistics, and access to the fishing areas.
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 unwind 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 with you, or have lunch after returning. 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), isotonic sports drinks (regular and sugar-free), and beer are included. 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.
Mike Sadar with World Record Fly-Caught 50-pound Golden Dorado - 2012.
La Zona's Lodge
La Zona Lodge provides free daily laundry service, a pool table, a swimming pool, a fully equipped tackle shop, and friendly staff. The Lodge is wheelchair-friendly.
Three Anglers Per Bedroom
The Lodge has six large air-conditioned bedrooms with ensuite private bathrooms. (Three anglers per room.) For 2026, anglers and non-anglers may upgrade to a single-occupancy room for an additional $1,000 per person per week. Communications: La Zona Lodge provides Starlink Wi-Fi. Cell phones work at the Lodge, but you'll need an international calling plan. We recommend WhatsApp. View Russ DeFusco's Photos from his 2023 Argentina Trip.
Ensuite Bathroom
Each bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with a sink, toilet, and walk-in shower.
Dining Room at La Zona Lodge
La Zona Golden Dorado
Meals: Delicious home-cooked meals with excellent three-course dinners. Alcohol: The package includes beer, wine, and distilled spirits. Snacks typically include sweet and savory crackers, seasonal fruit, and a charcuterie-style selection of meats and cheeses.
Appetizers and Pool Table at the Lodge
Rates and Details
Getting to La Zona Lodge:
1.) You'll fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
2.) On Thursday morning, a lodge representative will pick the group up from the airport or your hotel in Buenos Aires if you choose to arrive a day early.
3.) You'll be driven in an executive van to La Zona Lodge in Concordia, a five-hour, 270-mile trip on an excellent highway. Upon arrival at the Lodge, guests will check in, assemble fishing equipment, settle into their rooms, and enjoy dinner. Please note: Airfare, hotels, and meals in Buenos Aires are not included in the package. Departure Day – Friday
After breakfast, guests will check out and be transferred back to Buenos Aires. Departure times can be adjusted to accommodate guests' flight schedules. Late-morning departures from the lodge can be arranged without difficulty.
2026 Packages and Rates:
Peak Season: December through April. 6 hours of guided fishing per day Two sessions per day
6:00 a.m. to 9:00, 9:00 a.m. to noon, noon to 3:00 p.m., or 3:00 p.m. to 6:00. 5 nights and 4 days guided fishing:
3 per boat and room: $5,400 per person
2 per boat and room: $6,900 per person
Single-occupancy room: add $1,000 per package.
Mid-Season: May, September, October, and November. 6 hours of guided fishing per day
Two sessions per day 8:00 a.m. to 11:00, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00, or 2:00 p.m. to 5:00. 5 nights and 4 days guided fishing:
3 per boat and room: $4,800 per person
2 per boat and room: $5,900 per person
Single-occupancy room: add $1,000 per package.
Non-Angler Companion:
Two guests per room:
5 nights and 4 days $2,000 per person
Single-occupancy room: add $1,000 per package.
Non-anglers can explore Concordia city tours, spa treatments, and a nearby thermal waters park. Non-anglers receive up to four round-trip transfers to Concordia during their stay, allowing them to visit destinations of their choice within the city.
The Packages Include:
• Ground transfers between Buenos Aires and the Lodge • 4 days guided fishing • Use of spinning and baitcasting outfits and lures • Fishing license • Soft drinks, bottled water, and beer while fishing • Daily ground transfers to the fishery • 5 nights lodging • All meals at the Lodge • Beer, wine, and distilled spirits • Starlink Wi-Fi • Daily laundry service.
The Packages Do Not Include:
• International or domestic airfare • Meals, hotels, or ground transfers in Buenos Aires, if needed • Fly fishing gear and flies • Phone calls, $5.00 per minute • Gratuities to guides and staff • Excess baggage charges • Optional side trips • Spa treatments at the Lodge • Global Rescue • Mandatory Travel Medical Insurance • Anything not mentioned under inclusions.
LA ZONA LODGE Policies:
Deposit Policy: A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due 90 days prior to arrival.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made 30 days or more prior to arrival will receive a full refund. Cancellations made less than 30 days prior to arrival will incur a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the total trip cost.
Required Travel Medical Insurance: Argentina now requires Travel medical insurance for the duration of your stay. Travelers should carry proof of coverage, as it may be requested by the airline upon entry, and the airline may deny boarding without it. Coverage should include emergency medical care, hospitalization, and evacuation/repatriation.
Mike Sadar
"...my best golden dorado from this past trip. It was 38.5 by 33 in girth. Calculated weight was 52.4 pounds. The Boga weight was 47.5 pounds. The fattest one I've ever caught!"
