Argentina's Golden Dorado -2009-2010

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Argentina's Golden Dorado -2009-2010
Dorado Cua Lodge, 

There is very little dispute among the international angling community that the golden salmon dorado of South America is the hardest fighting fresh water fish on the planet. The Dorado, (Salminus Maxillosus) gets its name from its bright gold color. It is actually a primitive species of the salmon family. The aggressive nature of the dorado along with its incredibly ferocious strike, long hard runs, high jumps and fighting stamina has attracted anglers from around the world to troll the mighty Parana River for these gamefish with heavy saltwater gear. In 1996 the Fly Fisherman's Club found a group of fellow anglers from Argentina that had been fishing for dorado with fly and light tackle in the tributaries of the Parana and the neighboring Corrientes River and its feeder streams. After our first encounter with Dorado on fly rod we knew that this was going to be one of the most exciting gamefishing programs that we had ever discovered. The range of the Dorado spreads across the rivers of Bolivia, Southern Brazil and Paraguay into the Parana drainage of Northern Argentina. These fish are called "River Tigers" by the locals. Although the largest of these fish are found in the main channel of the Parana, the smaller tributaries, neighboring rivers and marshes hold a huge population of fly rod sized fish from 5 to 30 lbs. Some of the waters, like the Isor are gin clear, flowing through marshy pasturelands like the spring creeks that we fish for trout in the Western United States. The sight of a large golden flash erupting from an undercut bank to attack your fly or lure is not for the weak of heart.　

The fishing program takes in the most productive hours of the morning and afternoon/evening with a siesta break mid-day when the fishing slows down. You will be staying in "Gaucho country" on working cattle estancias. We have several different locations that we fish on the Parana tributaries, the Wetland Isoro and streams. There is a huge population of migratory fowl that make this an ideal wing shooting location. This is probably one of the best spots on earth for a hunting/fishing combination.

Fish that take flies and lures: Golden Dorado, Chafalote (dog fish), three varieties of Piranias, Tararira, San Antonio Bass and more.

Fish that take live bait: Morenas, Surubi (two varieties that weigh from 6 to 50 pounds), Mandure, Mandubi, Moncholo, Virreina, Raya and etc. You cannot fish live bait in the Isoro wetland reservation, only on the Parana River and tributaries.
Golden Dorado: You should average about twenty strikes per day. All catch and release fishing. You should land about ten fish per day, plus other. Their area has clear water all the time.
Peak time: The fishing season runs from September through June, with the very best fishing in September, Oct, Nov., January, Feb. March, April , May and June (this depends on the moon phases). Because of the huge variety of water types, excellent fishing can almost always be found throughout the season.

Suggested Fly Fishing Tackle for freshwater Dorado.-
Rods: We suggest graphite flyrods in the 7 - 10 wt range depending on the particular river being fished. Some of the smaller tributaries with dorado ranging from 3 to 10 lbs. are best fished with 7 to 8 weight rods, while on the larger tributaries and main channels with larger dorado up to 30 lbs. it is best to fish rods in the 8 to 10 weight class. Another factor affecting rod and line size is the size of the flies being cast. Some dorado flies are quite large and bulky and are more easily cast on 9 - 10 weight outfits.
Reels: Fly reels should be sturdy and well made with a smooth drag and a capacity of at least 200 yds of 20 lb. backing. Reels with click styles drags that are suitable for trout and steelhead will simply not hold up to these fish. Large dorado are capable of long hard runs and extended battles. 
Fly lines: You should come prepared to fish a variety of water. In most cases a sinking line is required to get the fly down to the fish. Lines with a sinking section of 25 to 30 feet like the Teeny series and Cortland Quick Descent get the job done well and cast fairly easily with large flies. Shooting head systems also work well and offer the ability to change line density to exactly match the water being fished. On larger tributaries, #4, #6 or even lead core heads are sometimes required. You should also carry an outfit with a floating line for when the dorado get active and start hitting baitfish on the surface. Fly line should be spliced to the backing with a loop to loop system for optimum strength. Nail knots are not advised for these fish at either end of the fly line. If nail knots are used at the butt section, the fly line should be doubled under the knot to increase strength.
Loaders: Dorado have very sharp teeth and will cut through heavy mono in one bite. We advise the use of 25 to 45 lb. coated wire between the fly and tippet section. We have had the best luck with American Wire Co, Climax saltwater wire and Sevenstrand coated wire. Leader should have a breaking strength of 10 to 20 lbs. If you are concerned with I.G.F.A. records, be sure to keep the wire shock no longer than 12" in length between the top of the knot connecting the wire to the tippet and the fly. Some anglers like to use a leader crimp with a small swivel to connect the wire to the mono; some twist the wire and heat it with a cigarette lighter, forming a loop to attach to. The wire can also be attached to the mono with an improved albright knot. The fly is then attached either by again twisting the coated wire and heating it or better yet with a figure 8 knot. Which is nothing more than a one turn clinch. It's hard to believe, but that is one of the strongest knots you can use with wire. The improved albright and the figure 8 are illustrated in Lefty Kreh's most recent "Practical Fishing Knots" book. Overall leader length should be 6 to 8 feet.
Flys: The most popular dorado flies are 4" to 5" Lefty's Deceiver style streamers tied with spun deerhair heads and bucktail collars and peacock topping to make them vertically tall giving them a perch-like profile. Popular colors are solid black, black body / orange or red collar and head, blue or green body / orange collar and head, black / chartreuse collar and head, golden yellow / black collar and head and grizzly / white collar and head. Generally you want dark colors for cloudy water and lighter colors for clear water. If you carry a dark, medium and light pattern you will have it covered.
Dorado are suckers for flash, so use plenty of flashabou and crystal flash. Other popular patterns are Blanton's Flash Tail Whistlers in red / white and red or orange / black. Also popular with the locals are patterns tied with rabbit strips and spun heads in natural colors. You should tie the flies on sturdy 2/0 to 3/0 hooks like Mustad 34007, Tiempco 800S or Eagle Claw 254.
You should also carry some smaller sparser streamers in 1 - 1/0 for ultra clear water that is sometimes encountered. It is also fun to carry a few poppers for periods when dorado are active on the surface. At this time none of the fly shops or catalogs are selling dorado flies commercially. We would be glad to send you a sample for tying or can place an order with our custom tyer. (Orders must be placed at least 60 days in advance) It is easy to go through 3 to 5 flies daily if the fishing is hot, so come prepared.
Accessories: Dorado have large mouths full of sharp teeth. The fish can be handled with a lip-lock, or Boga-Grip safely. You need to carry a hook removal device like a Baker Hook-Out or a pair of long nose with extended jaws.
You also need to carry a small pair of wire cutters for constructing leaders. It is wise to wear stripping sleeves on your fingers or al least tape because of repetitive casting and stripping. If you want to wade-fish, a pair of inexpensive hip waders is a good item to bring (freshwater sting-rays).
Clothing: Light tropical style supplex shirts and pants are in order, the climate is hot during the day. Long sleeves are good for sun protection. Zip-off at the knee pants are very practical. A good quality raincoat is a necessity. Light tennis shoes work well for fishing, bring 2 pairs, one to wear while the other is drying. A good wide brimmed hat will keep you shaded in the strong sun. Warm clothing generally is not needed, but maybe a sweatshirt just in case. It is nice to have a pair of slacks and a nice shirt and leather shoes for Buenos Aires.
Suggested tackle for spin and baitcasting
Two classes of spinning and baitcasting outfits should be carried for freshwater dorado fishing. Lighter outfits in the 8 - 12 lb. line class should be used in the small, clear tributaries and larger, Medium/heavy outfits in the 15 - 20 lb. line class should be used in the larger tributaries and main channels.
Rods: (Lighter) 7 to 9 foot graphite spinning or baitcasting capable of casting 3/8oz to 3/4oz like used for freshwater bass and heavy trout are ideal.
(Medium/heavy) 7 to 9 foot graphite spinning or baitcasting capable of casting 3/4 to 1-1/2 oz lures.

Reels: (Lighter) Spinning or small baitcasting reels capable of holding 200 yds of 10 lb. mono. (Medium/Heavy) Spinning or baitcasting reels capable of holding 200 yds of 15 to 20 lb. mono.
Line: Good quality monofilament like Trilene Big-Game. Ande, or maxima should be used. Some anglers are starting to use the new no-stretch Spectra style lines with success.
Leaders: pre-made wire leaders in 6" to 12" lengths, 30 to 50 lb. strength are recommended. Some anglers may choose to crimp their own leaders with good quality swivels and snap swivels. Sevenstrand wire is suggested in either coated or uncoated.
Lures: The classic Johnson Weedless Minnow spoon in the largest size is hard to beat. Chrome is the default color. However, Cabela's Real Image 3/4 oz weedless single-hook spoon is also excellent in fire-tiger, silver/black and gold/black as well as the Daredevle Osprey 1 oz. In silver, gold, fire tiger or red/white. A selection of a dozen of the above is adequate as they don't snag.
Paddle tail rubber jigs: (Sassy Shads, AA's, Squirmin Shads, etc.) in 3/8 to 1/2 oz for small tributaries and 1/2 to 3/4 oz for larger tributaries and channels. Bodies should be 4" and 5" in colors grey/Waek bank. Silver glitter, gold glitter, chartreuse/orange and red/white. Bring at least 20-30 of each color. One good bite and the tail is gone. The piranha love em'. Jig heads should be 3/8 to 3/4 oz. Kalin's and Owners have the best hooks. (6 of each size).

Rapalas: Magnum style, both floating and diving in sizes CD11, Fll and CD14, F14, colors; red/white, silver/black and gold/flo red. (2 of each). These are used in working the larger tributaries and main channels.
Others: Rattle-Traps in 3/4 oz magnum, silver/blue back and gold/black back. Crocodile or Daredevle spoons with treble hooks are also effective but have a tendency to hang up in the aquatic vegetation. They are most effective in the main channels.

What kind of accommodations? They have four different areas for dorado fishing in the province of Corrientes, in each area they have their own lodge with excellent accommodations. Accommodations are cozy, log-home ranch houses with comfortable bedrooms and modern plumbing. Delicious meals are served family style with local flavors. Beef and lamb are Argentina's prime meals, with beef being their largest export product. Chicken and fish are also served along with garden fresh vegetables and homemade breads. The Argentine barbecue, the " Asado" is an unforgettable feast. The locals say the well water is safe to drink, but bottled water is always available for your use. Your vacation package also includes beer, wine at the table and soft drinks.

How many hours a day are you guided? If the day is hot, you will begin fishing at 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 am., lunch at lodge at 12:00, after a siesta you will start fishing at 4:00 pm. to 8:00 pm. or sunset. If the day is regular temperature, you will start fishing at 7:00 a.m. to lunch at 12:00. You will have lunch on the island, under the trees, rest and go fishing up to sunset. You can fish about eleven hours if you wish, but they will be happy to bring you back to the lodge if you desire a shorter fishing day.
Do they furnish any tackle? No, he has special flies, they are always BIG dark colors: 80% black 15% orange or red and 5% copper-flash. The price is $7.00 U.S.
What city do you fly into? You can fly from Miami to Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport on the following carriers Aerolineas Argentina / American Airlines / Delta and Lan Chile.
Does a lodge representative meet you at the airport? Yes, a lodge representative will meet you and transfer to hotel, etc
Option: You can also get to Corrientes from Buenos Aires by Albizzatti "non-stop" sleeping bus, individual seat, hostess, hot food, wine and etc. Departure at 20.00 hours, arrive San Isidro corossing-roads at 05.00 hours a.m.reception by ourselsef and transfer to Dorado Cua lodge (20´minutes by 4 x 4 vehicle) after breakfast and star fishing at 07.30 hours a.m. to sunset, okay last day fishing, depart DCua lodge at 21.00 hours arrive at Buenos Aires at 07.30 hours a.m. Hosted groups will all use scheduled airlines. 
Rates: available.

Documents: You must have a passport valid for six months past your departure date.
How many anglers can they accommodate ? two with a maximum of eight each lodge.
Overnight Buenos Aires: They recommend staying at the Carsson hotel (4 star). And others.

Dorado Cua Lodge,
www.doradoadventure.com.ar

Mario Battiston, outfitter.

Edited by Dorado Adventure - 12/Oct/2009 at 5:57pm