Pira Lodge is the world's first truly upscale fishing lodge to target the freshwater Dorado, which is fly fishing's most exciting new game fish.
Located in Argentina's northern province of Corrientes, in the middle of the Iberia Marshland, a 1.3 million hectare natural reserve, twice the size of the Florida Everglades is Pira Lodge. Pira enjoys a tropical climate throughout its long eight-month fishing season, which begins in September and runs through April.
What makes this lodge so special from other Dorado fishing lodges is its superior accommodations, knowledgeable staff and strategic location on the shore of the Ibera Marshland. This vast wetland offers the world's only Dorado fishing in crystal-clear waters and these ideal conditions allow anglers to sight-fish for cruising Dorado with top-water floating lines; a technique that produces explosive, heart-stopping strikes. Dorado is a powerful aggressive fish that is becoming more and more popular for fly-fishing; for once hooked it makes impressive and acrobatic multiple jumps.
Fishing is primarily done from skiffs giving unparalleled access to the huge fishable area; and in some areas it is also possible to access fishable banks. The fish are found near confluences, on edges of eddies, riffles, sharp bends in the current, and close to overhanging carpets of water hyacinth. Double hauling is an easily learned technique which will pay dividends when you are fishing for Dorado. It is important to remember that the fly you present to a Dorado needs to be stripped from the moment it touches the surface of the water. Although fly-fishing with 7-9 wt lines using both floating and sinking lines is the focus, light spinning gear can also provide some great action and in particular during the heat of the day.
FISHING METHODS
Freshwater Fly Fishing, Specimen Fishing
SPECIES TO CATCH
Golden Dorado
Season: Nov to April
Peak: Dec to Jan
Weight: 5lb to 30lb
Average Weight: 4lb |
Note: these figures are complied with catch reports over 5 years, however they can be effected by adverse weather.
TOUR INCLUDES
Flights (WT) International return flights, Internal flights (E) Airport transfers, 6 days full fishing as indicated on itinerary, 2 nights accommodation in Buenos Aires B/B, 7 nights accommodation at lodge F/B, fishing licence, professional guides.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
Holiday insurance, personal items, local tips.
OPTIONS
Short or longer itineraries
It is possible to add this tour to any Sea Trout tour in Argentina
Seat upgrades available with British Airways.
VISA
A machine-readable passport with at least 6 months before expiry, no visa for UK citizens required.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Hepatitis A and Typhoid.
PLEASE NOTE
All details of visa and medical requirements are correct at time of press however please check these requirements for changes.
DEPARTURE TAX
There is departure tax of around $18 however this can change regularly.
FLIGHT ROUTE AND FLIGHT TIME
UK - Buenos Aires (approx 16hrs) Buenos Aires - Resistencia (approx 2 hours).
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
(WT/E) 2 checked in items 23 kg (C/B/F) 3 checked in items 23 kg. Most airlines permit each passenger to check in one piece of sporting luggage i.e. a rod holdall, but must not exceed 23 kg.
TRANSFER TIME
Resistencia - Pira Lodge (approx 4 hours).
EXPLORING
Snorkeling, canoeing and night expeditions into the Marsh arranged at Pira Lodge are exciting ways to experience the environment above and below the water.
HORSE RIDING
Horseback riding can be arranged at Pira Lodge, which is a perfect way to enjoy the spectacular wildlife.
