Paraná · Santa Fe
Golden dorado
The river tiger. A heavy head, jaws lined with teeth, and the habit of leaving the water the moment it feels the hook.
Where
The Paraná, Santa Fe
Season
August to April
How
Bait or fly
Lodge
Río Bravo
The fish
Why they call it the river tiger
Golden dorado is what people come to the Paraná for. It is a predator built like one: a heavy head, powerful jaws lined with sharp teeth, and scales that go from bronze to gold in the light. Hook one and it leaves the water almost immediately, usually more than once.
The Paraná runs through the heart of Santa Fe, an hour's flight from Buenos Aires. Río Bravo sits on its bank, with the boats at the lodge's own dock, so the fishing starts a few minutes after breakfast.
The fishing
Bait or fly — you choose
Dorado is one of the few fish worth chasing either way. Traditional bait fishing is the surer road to a big one. Fly is the harder, more deliberate game, and the take is something you do not forget. Both run the same four full days, with the same guides.
Fishing permits are included in the package. Tackle rental is USD 35 a day if you would rather travel light.
Media gallery
The river tiger
Questions
What people ask about golden dorado
Why is the golden dorado called the river tiger?
For the way it fights. Hook one and it leaves the water almost immediately, usually more than once. It is a predator built like one: a heavy head, powerful jaws lined with sharp teeth, and scales that go from bronze to gold in the light.
Can you fish golden dorado on bait and on fly?
Both, and you do not have to decide before you arrive. Traditional bait fishing is the surer road to a big one; fly is the harder, more deliberate game. Río Bravo runs both across the same four full days, with the same guides.
When is the golden dorado season, and how many days do you fish?
The season at Río Bravo runs from August to April. The programme is four full days on the water, the same whether you fish bait or fly, with guides who fish the Paraná every day of the season.
Where is Río Bravo Lodge, and how do you get there?
On the bank of the Paraná, in the heart of Santa Fe province, an hour's flight from Buenos Aires. The boats are moored at the lodge's own dock, so the fishing starts a few minutes after breakfast.
Are fishing permits and tackle included?
Fishing permits are included in the Río Bravo package. Tackle is not, but you can rent it at the lodge for USD 35 a day if you would rather travel light.
Do you need experience to fish for golden dorado?
Not necessarily. Bait fishing asks less of your casting than fly does, which makes it the better start if you have never met this fish. Fly is the harder, more deliberate game, and plenty of guests do both across the same week.
Plan your trip
Four full days on the Paraná
All inclusive from USD 3,600 per angler, August to April. A person reads every enquiry and comes back within one business day.
