Pira Lodge 
Argentina
There is little written on Dorado fishing on the fly. This is an exciting fishing frontier. The guides have been exploring the area and Dorado fishing itself for more years than most. We recommend you follow their advice, designed to maximize your enjoyment of this incredible fighting fish. The Dorado, (salminus maxillosus), belongs to the salmon family and is an aggressive fish. Once hooked it makes impressive and acrobatic multiple jumps. Due to the clarity of the water, there is plenty of opportunity for sight casting. 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. Dorado fishing requires casting large flies in high temperatures. If you think your casting abilities are not up to it or want to take a break during the day, we suggest you bring a casting or spinning rod. Double-hauling is an easily learned technique which will pay dividends when you're fishing for Dorado and elsewhere. It's important to remember that the fly you present to a Dorado must be stripped from the moment it touches the surface of the water. Fast Stripping of the fly is the key to more fish in the boat but it can be tiring after a long day, another reason to bring your casting rods.
Pira Lodge Travel:
To get to Pira Lodge you need to arrive into Buenos Aires to catch your flight to the lodge. Typically guests overnight in Buenos Aires and spend a day touring this wonderful city. Anglers have two options from Buenos Aires: (1) the lodge can be accessed from Buenos Aires by commercial airline from Buenos Aires to the airports of Corrientes or Resistencia (2 hour flight). The Resistencia airport seems to offer the most attractive flight times. The transfer from the airport to the lodge by four wheel drive takes 4 hours; or (2) anglers may take a charter plane from Buenos Aires to Mercedes airport or to the lodge's landing strip (weather permitting). The drive from Mercedes to the lodge takes 1 hour and 15 min by four wheel drive.
Pira Lodge Documentation:
You will need a valid passport to travel to Argentina. No Visa is required for US or UK passengers, but other nationalities should check with their local consulate.
Pira Lodge Region:
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 most of its range, the dorado is caught in colored or murky waters and generally with heavy spinning tackle. Since the discovery of the Obera marshlands and the establishment of Pira Lodge, clear water fishing on light spinning tackle and on fly rods has become one of the world’s most sought after angling adventures. The Lodge opened in March 2000, and is the world’s first deux lodge to target the freshwater dorado. The lodge is located on one of the most unique and fascinating wetlands in the world in the Corrientes Province, Northeast Argentina, in the middle of the Ibera Marshlands, within 1,300,000 hectares of Natural Reserve. This area is twice the size of the Florida Everglades. The lodge sits right on the edge of a channel providing direct access to the marsh system and to the Corrientes River, located 15 min south of the lodge. The Ibera Marshland is a vast system of non-polluted crystal-clear creeks, flowing rivers, shallows and lakes. The Province of Corrientes borders Uruguay, and enjoys one of Argentina's subtropical climate patterns, with temperatures in the mid-80s early and late in the season. The Ibera Marshland is almost completely unexplored and uninhabited. It is home to more than 350 species of birds (parrots, southern screamers, kingfishers, ibis, herons…), 85 mammals and almost 70 reptiles, and an incredible abundance of flora. During your stay you will have a chance to see species such as capybara, river otters, Yacare (cayman), howler monkeys and marsh deer. If you are interested in spending extra time spotting the wildlife or the unique birdlife of the Ibera, please let the head guide know on arrival.
Pira Lodge Fishing Program:
Fishing times vary depending on month and climate. To avoid the midday heat, anglers generally leave the lodge early in the morning around 8 am or earlier. Guests return to the lodge for a swim, lunch and drinks at around 12.30 pm. After Lunch and a siesta boats will typically leave the dock around 3:30, returning around 7:30. Fishing hours will change slightly depending on the time of year. Demanding fishermen can fish through the day and can arrange this with the head guide. Pira is strictly a CATCH AND RELEASE fishery. Guides are equipped with boga grips and assist guests in weighing and releasing fish without damaging them. Non fishing activities such as horseback riding, or canoeing are available to allow our guests to enjoy the amazing wildlife in the area, and should be organized with the head guide. The swimming pool is the perfect place for relaxing and sunbathing. Snorkeling and Night expeditions into the Marsh are also exciting options.
Pira Lodge Accommodations and Meals:
Built in a typical Corrientes style, the lodge enjoys a spectacular panoramic view of the vast wetlands. It accommodates up to 10 guests in five large rooms, each with a private entrance, private bath, two double beds and air conditioning. A separate building, attached by covered galleries, accommodates the spacious living room, bar and dining room, each with tall doors which open up to the wide veranda. The lodge was designed to respect the traditional local architecture while offering all of the comforts of a contemporary hotel. A fly-tying table, shaded veranda with hammocks, daily maid and laundry service and 20 meter pool are available to all guests. The lodge has a fly shop fully equipped with flies, rods, reels, lines and clothing. Loaner rod service is also available. Pira lodge offers wonderful cuisine based on local meats, fresh vegetable and delicious deserts. A traditional Asado (BBQ) will be held once during your stay, and you can sample different cuts of meat and wonderful salads. Breakfast is served al fresco during part of the season, and full cooked breakfast is available, together with fresh fruit, yogurts, home baked bread and jams and a selection of cereals. Alcohol: A well stocked bar is always open, and a wonderful selection of fine wines from the Luigi Bosca Bodega
Pira Lodge Fish Species:
Sea-run brown trout
Pira Lodge Capacity:
8 anglers
Pira Lodge 2008 Rates:
6 night / 5 day fishing package $3600
Included:
Lodging, Fishing License, meals, all wines, beer and local spirits at the lodge, professional guide services, transfers to the Lodge from Mercedes if applicable.
Not Included:
Gratuities for guides and house staff, airfares or private charter, laundry service, round-trip ground transfer from Resistencia or Corrientes airport ($350-$700 depending upon number in group).
