Pira Lodge, Esteros del Iberra, Corrientes Argentina
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For many years one of Latin America’s most exciting game fish was kept a secret in its heartland. In the last few years the golden dorado, or ‘river tiger’ as it is affectionately known has rocketed to the top of the hot fish list. Throughout much of its range, the dorado is caught in coloured or murky waters and generally with heavy spinning tackle. But since the discovery of the Iberia marshland and the establishment of Pira Lodge, clear water fishing on light spinning tackle and on fly rods has become one of the worlds most sought after angling adventures.
Opened in March 2000, Pira lodge is the world’s first deluxe lodge to target the freshwater dorado. The lodge is located in the Iberia marshland, one of the most unique and fascinating wetlands in the world. The incomparable variety of wildlife found in the 3,000,000 acre marshland allows anglers to combine fishing with a number of other activities. However, it is the electric take and dazzling fight of the dorado that brings fishermen back year after year.
Climate
The dorado season runs from November to May. The Ibera area is subtropical, similar to northern Florida in the U.S. December and January are the hottest months, with temperatures up to 95 degrees. Towards the end of March the temperature cools down, ranging from 55 to 85 degrees, with mornings and evenings cool and comfortable.
The Fishing
There is little written on Dorado fishing on the fly. This is an exciting fishing frontier.
Our guides have been exploring the area and Dorado fishing itself for more years than most. Their advice will help you maximize your enjoyment of this incredible fighting fish.
The Dorado, (salminus maxillosus), is an aggressive fish, and once hooked makes impressive and acrobatic multiple jumps. This complex fish can be found near confluences, on edges of eddies, riffles, sharp bends in the current, and close to overhanging carpets of water hyacinth. It can be fished in narrow runs, on skinny water, large fish have been hooked in the deep runs, so let your guide show you the multitude of ever-changing locations where you can make contact with these fish.
The Lodge
Pira has 5 spacious twin bedrooms with large double beds, air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms. Large french windows open out on to a shady veranda from where to enjoy the sounds and sights of the surrounding marshes. Evenings are spent in the large living room and adjoining bar before moving on to the dining room to enjoy delicious meals cooked by your chef, which include Argentina´s famed beef and the best wines.
The lodge also has a 25m pool for a welcome cooling swim after your fishing session.´
Affiliation(s):
Owner: Nervous Waters
Pira Lodge
Av. Figueroa Alcorta 3351
Piso 2, Oficina 228
CP 1425 Buenos Aires
Argentina
Tel: +1 877 260 4332
(Toll free for USA)
Fax: +5411 4807 2911
