Fishing

The fishing at Pira Lodge is done on the Iberá Marshlands, one of the most fascinating wetlands in the world. 3,500,000 (that´s three million five hundred thousand) acres of unexplored and uninhabited marshland in the northeastern corner of Argentina will be the setting for some of the most exciting fishing you will ever do. The marsh is a vast system of non-polluted crystal-clear creeks, rivers, shallows, and lakes roughly 2.5 times bigger than the Florida Everglades and you will spend your days here in state-of-the-art Hell´s Bay flats skiffs exploring this enormous expanse.
The swamps are the home to more than 350 species of birds, 85 mammals and almost 70 reptiles, including major populations of Marsh Deer and South American Cayman.

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 called in Argentina due to its impressive fighting spirit and jumping characteristics, has rocketed to the top of the hot fish list.

Fishing schedule: Fishing times vary depending on month and weather. A typical spring fishing day will start in the morning from 8:00 to 12:30, lunch at the lodge, and then afternoon fishing from 3:30 to 7:30. Transport is provided from the lodge´s private dock to the fisheries in Hells Bay flat skiffs, fitted with VHF radios. Pirá is a strictly CATCH AND RELEASE fishery.

Fishing Tackle

Rods: Many rods have been tested on the Iberá marshlands. A single-handed rod, with an 8 ½ and 9 for a No. 7, 8, or 9 weight line to be about ideal for covering the water and for optimal sport.

Reels: A quality reel is important. A strong, smooth drag is a must, as many fish will take very strong, fast runs. Reels (and spare spools) should have capacity for the fly line and 100 yards of 20?pound backing. Reels such as: Abel, Tibor, Hardy, Lamson, Scientific Anglers, and Ross have proven quite successful.

Lines: Weight Forward Floating lines for warm water. Lines such as: Scientific Anglers Ultra 3 Bonefish Taper, Tarpon Taper, Cortland Tropic Plus, or comparable warm water lines will prove invaluable. Do not bring conventional cold water floating lines, as the hot weather makes the lines "soft and gummy" and therefore very difficult to cast. Also bring a fast sinking shooting taper like Teeny's T-200 or T-300 or comparable sinking line.

Leaders: The Freshwater Dorado isn't particularly leader-shy. While reasonable stealth should be exercised, the leaders should be heavy enough to turn over big wind resistant flies, so heavy-strong butts are important. Spools of mono should include 40, 20, 16, 12, and 8 lbs breaking strengths, for tippets. For floating lines you should have 7 to 9 foot long tapered leaders (Knotted or Knot less, depending on your personal preference.) For sinking lines, 4 to 7 feet of 20 lb. mono with a piece of 16 lb. tippet should work well. The most important thing to consider in a Dorado leader is the shock, or bite tippet. These fish have very sharp teeth that will cut even the strongest mono. We recommend using a 15 to 30 lb. wire section at the end of your leader. American Fishing Wire and Malin BOA wire are both good selections.

Flies: The Lodge provides a wide selection of fly patterns as well as a modest supply of back-up tackle at very competitive prices. This notwithstanding, we recommend you bring a good supply of your own flies to get you through your stay.

Big Saltwater Streamers are usually the norm. Black, White, Red & Yellow, Red & White, Orange & White, and Purple & White Deceivers traditionally work very well. Other well-known patterns such as: Lefty's Half and Half, Whistlers, Cock-Roaches and Clouser Minnows are excellent choices as well. Poppers & Divers in similar color patterns have proven very effective in certain conditions. Size: from 1/0 to 4/0

Pira Lodge strongly encourages the use of barbless hooks.

Location

Pira is located nearly 400 miles north of Buenos Aires on the edge of the Iberá Marshlands of the Province of Corrientes, Argentina.