Golden Dorado Fishing: Dorado Lodge - Salta Province - Argentina

Quick Links:

The Golden Dorado

The River

Fly-Fishing for Dorado

Video Journal

Accommodation During Your Stay

Best Times to Go

Location & Getting There

Pricing

Whilst in Argentina

Map Location

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WhereWiseMenFish for Dorado

Booking Enquiries

Dorado Lodge in Salta Province in Argentina offers two very distinct types of fishing. On one hand you have the Juramento, a medium sized river and home to some truly blistering sized Dorado. On the other hand you have the petit Rio Tucanes or Rio Dorado, clear-water spring creeks that look like perfect water for stalking Trout but instead are inhabited by Dorado of up to 20lbs that lurk amidst the boulders.

The Golden Dorado

The Golden Dorado is the bully of the Latin American mid-continent. Behind the glowing golden flanks of this somewhat salmonoid looking fish is a ferocious predator. These fish are fast moving acrobatic and will sometimes hunt in packs of up to 30. It’s Latin name of ‘Salminus Maxillosus’ hints at both its power and beauty. The ‘Salminus’ refers to its salmon-like features and ‘Maxillosus’ the powerful jaws. Do not let the streamlined looks of these beautiful fish belie their true nature. Sharp teeth and powerful jaws will bend hooks and cut wires and once on the line they are famous for their jumps and long runs.

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The Rivers & Environment

Salta province in North West Argentina is a far cry from the Sea Trout waters of Tierra del Fuego. Situated in the lee of the Andes mountain range but yet surrounded by sub-tropical rainforests it makes for a spectacular environment. With access to three rivers the fishing style and backdrop is as varied as it is exciting.

Rio Tucanes: The fabled Rio Tucanes sources in the Parque Nacional el Rey. It is a true spring creek since it is born from cold and warm water springs in the Sierra Cresta del Gallo and Sierra del Piquete. Outstandingly beautiful and crystal clear it has all the attributes of a boulder strewn Trout stream but rather it holds Dorado that average 6 lbs with specimens of up to 20 lbs in many pools along with huge schools of Sabalos (the main food source for Dorado). All the fishing is by wading with a total of 6 anglers per week fishing the 10kms of water, divided into 7 beats.

Spectacular clear water sighted Dorado fishing of Rio Tucanes

Rio Juramento: The Juramento is located on the transition zone between the high altitude Andes range (16.000 ft) and the rain forest. A medium sized river it is typically tea stained although the upper reaches can be crystal clear. Guests cover around 10-15 miles of river each day with two anglers to a raft, floating downstream during the day. Whilst the Juramento is small enough to be easily coverable it is none-the-less home to some real trophy Dorado with an average sized fish being 9lbs and with fish up to 40lbs lurking in wait (watch the video!!). Landing these monsters is however another matter!

The Tucanes holds some gigantic Dorado - The seven beats are floated fished using dinghies

Fly-Fishing for Dorado

Powerful aggressive fish they will provide spectacular action when hooked on a fly rod. They are very tough bold and brassy opponents that will snap or bite through lines, demolish flies and savagely attack their brethren given the opportunity for a cheap meal particularly whilst another fish is on the line. These violent predators will typically devour your fly the moment it hits the water and are both fantastic and exceptionally acrobatic fighters.

Video Journal Floatfishing the Rio Juramento by Todd Moen – Catch Magazine

Accommodation During Your Stay

Over the course of your trip you will typically fish both rivers and your trip will be split between Hotel Salta on the night of your arrival, the Juramento Lodge in the town of J.V.Gonzalez and Dorado Lodge whilst fishing the Rio Tucanes.

Dorado Lodge, a traditional Argentinean ranch house and Hosteria Ayres de Campo

Dorado Lodge: Located on a private cattle ranch, formerly run as a logging estate this is an authentic Argentinean ranch with simple but basic amenities. Run along the same lines as the adjoining national park the building is surrounded by ancient and precious trees with a wide range of wildlife such as puma, tapir, jaguar, monkeys, toucans, parrots and the tasty but protected Pava del Monte (wild South American turkey).

Juramento Lodge: Guests will stay at Hosteria Ayres de Campo a simple and basic guesthouse with 5 double rooms available with private bathrooms and importantly, easy access to the best stretches of the river.

Best Times to Go

The best Dorado fishing is from March 15t March to 1 May and then again from 15 Sep – 31 November.

Location & Getting There

Guests fly into Buenos Aires and typically overnight there before taking the 2 hour flight from the domestic airport to Salta. The final journey to the lodge is by vehicle.

Typical Itinerary

If you would prefer to speak to us directly regarding a trip to the Dorado lodge, please contact us at the following:

United Kingdom Office:
Justin Maxwell-Stuart
Mobile: +44 (0)7711 519 857
Fax: +44 (0)20 7352 0942
justin@wherewisemenfish.com

United States Office:

US Country Code: +1
Telephone: 646 797 2945
info@wherewisemenfish.com

Or alternatively email us via our Booking Enquiries Form to request more information.