WHY FISH AT THE GOLDEN DORADO RIVER CRUISER
Unparalleled Golden Dorado experience!
Immerse yourself in our unique mothership program, where exclusivity reigns supreme with no other anglers in sight!
Enhanced mobility for superior fishing.
Enjoy the advantage of mobility, ensuring you fish the prime waters every day for the ultimate angling experience.
Maximized fishing opportunities.
Benefit from being on a mothership, optimizing your fishing schedule, unlike traditional "land" operations, allowing for flexible and tailored angling experiences.
Convenient logistics.
Seamlessly accessible from major cities like Buenos Aires and Rosario, eliminating the hassle of connecting flights after international arrivals or stays in these vibrant urban centers.
Tailored fishing programs. Stay right on the fishing waters, enabling a relaxed and adaptable fishing itinerary personalized to each angler's preferences.
Exquisite cuisine and service. Enjoy our exceptional culinary and top-notch service, ensuring a full day of satisfaction on and off the water.
MOTHERSHIP SETUP – MOBILITY MEANS BETTER FISHING
To fully grasp the distinct advantages of our program, which involves fly fishing for Dorado while lodging aboard a moving Mother Ship rather than at a static lodge, it's essential to delve into the geography of the remarkable Paraná River. Originating in thesouthern reaches of Brazil, the Paraná River meanders southward, gathering waters from numerous smaller rivers and tributaries as it flows into Argentina. Upon reaching the provinces of Entre Rios and Santa Fe, it forms one of the largest deltas globally, merging with the renowned Uruguay River before reaching the La Plata River near Buenos Aires, its final destination before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.
This extensive river system ranks as the second largest in South America, surpassed only by the mighty Amazon, boasting a total length exceeding 1500 miles. Along its course, several small towns and cities dot its banks, and as is usually the case, the further away you are from civilization, the higher your chances of experiencing the best fishing.
Drawing from our extensive experiences as frequent visitors to various renowned locations along the Paraná River in Argentina, we've come to recognize over the years that numerous factors can significantly impact fishing conditions, either improving it or ruining the experience. With this in mind, location becomes a key factor in the success or failure of a trip.
Following meticulous research and extensive discussions with numerous guides and seasoned Dorado anglers native to these regions, they all agreed that: MOBILITY IS THE KEY.
The ability to move according to seasons, rains, droughts, weather conditions, the arrival of bait fish, Dorado migrations, as well as many other important factors, gives you the KEY TO THE BEST DORADO FISHING the Paraná River system has to offer, which is a lot to say!
The ability to adapt to seasonal variations, changes in rainfall patterns, fluctuations in weather conditions, the migration of bait fish, and the movements of Dorado populations among other critical factors, unlocks access to the pinnacle of Dorado fishing that the Paraná River system has to offer –which is a lot to say!
https://vimeo.com/200918739
How to get there – The program
One distinguishing feature of our program is our convenient proximity to Buenos Aires and Rosario. A mere 2.5-hour drive from Buenos Aires or a quick 30-minute journey from Rosario brings you to our private marina. We handle all transfers, which are included in the trip's cost. Upon arrival at the marina, our staff warmly welcomes guests and assists with loading luggage onto the transfer boat. The boat ride to our mothership offers scenic views of exotic wildlife along the riverbanks, providing guests with a preview of the stunning environment awaiting their fishing adventure. Upon reaching the mothership, guests are greeted with refreshing cocktails and appetizers. Many guests take advantage of the time to settle into their rooms and even enjoy a few hours of fishing before dinner.
To access the mothership, anglers often travel to Buenos Aires, where a Golden Dorado River Cruiser representative awaits at either the international or local airport or a chosen hotel. From there, it's a comfortable 2.5 to 3-hour drive north along the highway to reach the private marina where the program begins. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by the captain or one of the guides, who assist with luggage loading onto the transfer boat bound for the mothership.
The mothership, the Paraná Gipsy, does not follow a pre-set route but instead remains stationed at the best fishing locations, accessible by the transfer boat. The journey from the marina typically takes one to one and a half hours.
Upon arrival, guests receive a warm reception from the staff and are shown to their rooms. Cocktails, drinks, and appetizers are served, followed by an introductory talk by the captain outlining fishing conditions and planned areas for fishing in the coming days. The mothership is well-equipped with loaner tackle and a small fly shop stocked with essentials and personally tied Dorado flies.
Guests often make the most of their arrival day, enjoying a half-day of fishing as a warm-up session after their journey. The daily schedule typically begins with breakfast at 8 AM, featuring a selection of coffee, tea, yogurt, cereals, toast, fresh fruit, and juice, along with guests' choice of eggs. After breakfast, guests head out in pairs with their guides for the morning fishing session.
Lunch options include dining on one of the river's many islands with meals prepared by the guides or returning to the mothership for a meal prepared by our chef. After lunch, guests can relax and perhaps take a nap before continuing fishing for the rest of the day, returning to the mothership before sunset.
Evenings are marked by snacks, appetizers, and a variety of drinks and cocktails, accompanied by personally selected Argentine wines, setting the stage for a memorable dinner experience. Gastronomy is an important part of our program, and our chef ensures that each meal is a culinary delight.
GOLDEN DORADO AND OTHER GAME FISH FOUND IN THE AREA
Golden Dorado are extraordinary hunters, constantly on the lookout for easy prey passing by their territory, even if it's a smaller Dorado! They like moving water, and most times stalk close to river structures.
Paraná River is a huge water system, with hundreds of tributaries, deltas, marshlands, lagoons, and side channels, full of fantastic flora and fauna, providing the most exciting adventure in this unique part of Argentina.
Every day presents a new fishing experience as you explore diverse waters, from runs and inlet/outlets of lagoons to small side channels and tributaries bringing bait fish, and on and on.
The chances are that if you put a good cast close to a hot spot like a log, a bank, a rock, vegetation, or a fast run, to name a few, and start stripping as soon as the fly hits the water, a nice Dorado could be charging your fly in a tenth of a second. So, you better be ready!
These are no timid adversaries. The moment a Golden Dorado strikes your fly, you'll feel the force and you should be prepared to viciously strip the hook, pulling hard on your line or you will end up with nothing (rod sets are like tickles for the “wooden mouth” dorado). And that’s just the beginning…
These tackle-busting, acrobatic fighters spare no time for warm-ups! Be ready to put pressure on these guys right from the start (20 to 40 lb. shock tippet is used). Catch sizes typically range from 5 to 15 lbs., with opportunities for even bigger specimens during your trip.
Fishing takes place aboard brand-new 17-ft. North Carolina skiffs powered by 4-stroke Yamaha 90 HP motors, and specially designed for fly fishing.
Equipped with two casting platforms that allow comfortable casting and fishing of two anglers at the same time, with a remote-operated electrical engine done by the guide.
In addition to targeting Golden Dorado, anglers have the thrilling opportunity to pursue other captivating species such as Pacu, Pira Pita, Tararira (wolf fish), Surubi (big catfish), Chafalote (vampire fish), and other freshwater species, ensuring an unforgettable fishing experience packed with diverse sporting opportunities.
THE FISHING
The Paraná River Delta stands as the second-largest river drainage in South America, trailing only the mighty Amazon. Given its sheer expanse, it's simply impractical to explore even a fraction of this delta from a static land-based lodge. What's more, golden dorado exhibits seasonal movements to pursue baitfish and spawning grounds. To consistently target these prized fish in the Paraná demands mobility and our mobile mothership grants access to previously untapped waters. The outcome? World-class fishing for unpressured dorado amidst one of the most stunning environments imaginable.
Golden Dorado, with its explosive power and resplendent golden hues, is a magnet for anglers worldwide. Possessing powerful jaws, razor-sharp teeth, and an aggressively predatory nature, these fish are often hailed as the ultimate freshwater challenge.
Anglers ply the waters from our state-of-the-art flats skiffs, boasting casting platforms at both the bow and stern to accommodate two anglers comfortably.
Our bilingual guides expertly match local baitfish patterns, and we highly recommend purchasing flies upon arrival. Whether you opt to tie your own or bring pre-made patterns, staples like Andino Deceivers, divers, and spun deer hair creations are go-to's. Topwater flies are particularly thrilling, with everything from sizable poppers to classic mouse patterns proving effective. Fishing techniques vary widely depending on location, from precise short presentations to long-range casts covering extensive water. 8- and 9-weight rods are recommended for casting large flies and taming the ferocious dorado. We advise anglers to pack backup gear, as these fish are known to put tackle to the test. Leaders should feature stiff butt sections to turn over hefty flies, along with a sturdy bite tippet. Our mothership boasts a selection of loaner tackle and a small fly shop, ensuring you're equipped for success. While golden dorado reigns supreme, a diverse array of species awaits, including wolffish, pacú, palometa, boga, sabalo, and various catfish. Cast a line for bottom feeders while savoring a drink aboard the mothership—you never know what might bite!
Our Golden Dorado River Cruiser program operates within the vast Paraná River Delta, also known as the Upper Delta or Entre Rios Delta. This expansive region ranks as the second-largest delta in South America, and among the largest globally. Its intricate network of marshlands, lagoons, tributaries, creeks, and islands acts as a natural filter, rendering its waters notably clearer than those of the main Paraná and Uruguay rivers. As the Paraná and Uruguay rivers converge, this ecosystem hosts vast migrations of baitfish, including sábalo, pejerrey, and sardines—the primary prey of golden dorado and other predatory species like Chafalote, Palometa, Surubí, Pira Pitá, Wolf Fish, and Pacu. This diverse and abundant aquatic life ensures a week of varied and thrilling fishing experiences.
Check out this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6LqnGmNQFI
DORADO ON THE SURFACE
If the thrill of catching Dorado with a streamer gets your heart racing, just imagine the adrenaline rush of hooking one of these fierce golden predators on the surface!
Picture this: A stunning dorado leaping halfway out of the water and smashing a big popper onto is an experience you probably won't ever forget! There is no other area of Argentina, and perhaps the world, that offers as many opportunities to catch this fish on the surface. Thanks to the unique features of the Upper Paraná Delta (second biggest in South America), where the Paraná Gipsy moves along, with its endless network of creeks, channels, lagoons, blowouts and inlets, combined with the massive fish migrations from the Paraná and Uruguay rivers and other smaller tributaries, there's simply no better program for surface dorado action than the Golden Dorado River Cruiser!
Check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmjgWh0MlbY
LODGING
Our mothership is the backbone of our operation and provides all the amenities for an enjoyable trip. Our air-conditioned staterooms are equipped with comfortable beds, TVs, and a private bathroom. After a good night’s rest, guests will enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared by our on-board chef. Following breakfast, anglers pair up and embark on our tow-behind skiffs for a morning of unforgettable fishing.
Afterward, guests can choose to return to the mothership for a plentiful lunch and a siesta or take their lunch on the water and
get in more fishing. After lunch guests return to the water for the afternoon sessions and fish for golden dorado until the sun fades below the horizon. As evening falls, guests return to the cruiser to freshen up before dinner. Relax with a cocktail on our elevated patio, taking advantage of our onboard Wi-Fi to share the day's tales.
In Argentina, cuisine is a serious affair, and our operation prides itself on delivering a dining experience second to none. Appetizers, cocktails, and personally selected Argentine wines set the stage for an unforgettable meal featuring steak, lamb, pork, chicken, and fish. A highlight for our
guests is our traditional Argentine asado, showcasing grilled meats prepared by our skilled staff. Dessert and after-dinner drinks round out the evening, offering a perfect conclusion to a day of adventure.
Accommodations are provided aboard the luxurious catamaran, THE PARANÁ GIPSY. Measuring 70 ft. long by 24 ft. wide (22 meters long by 8 meters wide) across three decks, this vessel offers ample space for relaxation and enjoyment.
The Paraná Gipsy, built in the ‘90s, was Fully refurbished to new and upgraded to adapt it to the requirements and needs of fly fishers, to be able to access easily from the fishing skiffs
The mothership has in its first or lower level, 4 very comfortable double bedrooms and 1 single room with en-suite bathrooms, all provided with Air conditioning and heating system, 24-hour electricity, solar energy, TV, and comfortable twin beds. The second level has a beautiful living room and dining room as well as a kitchen; outside there is a deck to relax and take pleasure in the beautiful view of the river wildlife while enjoying a cocktail and waiting for lunch or dinner. The upper level boasts a delightful solarium with panoramic views and comfortable lounge chairs.
TYPICAL ITINERARY
Our programs typically operate from Saturday to Saturday, providing a comprehensive week-long experience. However, we understand the importance of flexibility and can accommodate adjustments to accommodate different arrival and departure days. Additionally, shorter stays are possible, thanks to our close proximity to Buenos Aires and streamlined logistics.
To get to the Golden Dorado River Cruiser a ground transfer and boat transfer are necessary and included as part of the package.
From your hotel or airport in Buenos Aires, expect a comfortable 3-hour ground transfer followed by a scenic 1-hour boat journey to reach the exact location of the Mother Ship. Please note that transfer times may vary depending on the Cruiser's location on the day of transfer.
DAY 1
Upon arrival at the Golden Dorado River Cruiser, guests are warmly welcomed with a reception. Here, you'll receive an introduction to Golden Dorado fishing and the preparation of all fishing tackle. This is the perfect opportunity to set aside any anxiety and prepare yourself for the thrilling encounters that await, as Dorado are known for their explosive catches.
Depending on the time of arrival at the airport, guests may have the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of fishing.
As the day draws to a close, dinner is served around 9:00 pm. Before both lunch and dinner, guests can indulge in appetizers and cocktails.
DAY 2 to 7
Breakfast is served between 7:00 to 8:00 am, with timing adjusted depending on the season.
For the morning fishing session, guests will meet their guide and fishing partner between 8:00 to 8:30 am. Together, they will board another boat and head out for a day of fishing.
Lunch arrangements vary based on the Mother Ship's location and the anglers' preferences. It can be arranged onboard the Cruiser or at a convenient location chosen by the guide while fishing. Typically, lunch is served around 1:00 pm.
The afternoon fishing session begins between 3:00 to 4:00 pm, ending before dark. A full day of fishing typically spans around 8 hours. Guests have the flexibility to customize their fishing program according to their preferences, with arrangements made daily in consultation with the guide and manager.
Dinner is served around 9:00 pm, accompanied by appetizers and cocktails available before both lunch and dinner, enhancing the dining experience.
DAY 8
Guests will be leaving the Golden Dorado Cruiser around 9 am. However, before departure, breakfast will be served as usual at 8:00 am, ensuring guests have a satisfying start to their journey home.
FISHING TACKLE
All our Golden Dorado fishing programs are designed to try to obtain the best results with the most rewarding fishing techniques.
Fishing is done with 8/9 weights (fast action rods are suggested), with floating and sink tip lines in different densities and sinking rates.
Although regular lines can work fine, during the summer months, the weather can be very hot and tropical, so lines that can turn a big fly are suggested.
Fishing for Pira Pita and Tararira (wolf fish) is performed with 5/6 weights and floating lines.
For a full description of the fishing tackle, please request our pre-trip tackle suggestions.
OUR FISHING GUIDES
Our seasoned, first-class professional guide crew is dedicated to providing an unparalleled sight-fishing experience. With extensive experience guiding with us and fluency in both English and Spanish, our guides are ready to share their invaluable expertise in Dorado fly fishing with you.
FISHING PROGRAMS AND PRICES
- Full-week programs: U$S 5400 (7 nights / 6 fishing days)
-Half-week programs: U$S 3500 (4 nights / 3 fishing days)
*Staff tips are not included in these rates. It is also possible to add more days to these programs. Please contact us for more information and details at booking@goldendoradocruiser.com
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- Transfer back and forth Buenos Aires or Rosario city airports or hotels, to/from Mother Ship.
- Fishing at the Paraná River and its tributaries.
- Use of motor boats and skiffs during fishing, two anglers, and one guide per boat.
- Lodging at exclusive Golden Dorado River Cruiser, at double rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
- All meals prepared by our Chef. Lunches can be arranged at the Mothership or by our guides during fishing programs.
- All drinks, such as great Argentinian wine, beer, soft drinks, cocktails, whiskey, cognac, gin, Fernet Branca, Campari, Cinzano, Gancia, and others.
- Wireless Internet access at most locations the Dorado Cruiser moves to.
