Golden dorado are the native game fish to Argentina. This large and hard fighting "river tiger" is one of the world's great streamer fish and behaves much like a small tarpon. Pira Lodge offers access to some of the globes best dorado fly fishing. In many areas large freshwater dorado are caught in murky waters, but at Pira you will be casting in clear waters and will see the heart stopping takes. The luxurious Pira lodge is located in the vast wilderness area of the Ibera marshlands in the northern portion of Argentina. In many ways the location resembles the Florida Everglades (although the Iberian marshlands are twice as large!). The wildlife viewing and birding is spectacular while fishing in this remote region.
The fishing is varied and ranges from casting in large pools on the Corrientas river to small spring creek like streams and channels were sight fishing is ideal. Anglers will learn to read the current features much as you do when trout fishing. 10lb dorado are common and much larger fish are a real possibility. The fishing is done from small saltwater style skiffs that allow fisherman to explore both the larger runs and backwaters and the smaller more intimate channels. Once back at the lodge anglers will appreciate the attention to detail found at all Nervous Waters lodges.
Rates
Fishing
Accommodations
Rates
Rates
Season is January - April 1st
7 nights/6 days fishing $7,950
6 nights/5 days fishing $7,250
5 nights/4 days fishing $6,100
4 nights/3 days fishing $4,950
3 nights/2 days fishing $3,750
Non-Angler Rate $650/night
*rates are based on double occupancy and shared guide
**60% surcharge for single boat
Full day fishing upon arrival $750/boat
Half day fishing upon arrival $650/boat
Included:
Lodging, Meals, all wines, beer, and local spirits at the Lodge, Professional guide services.
Not included: Transfers, Fishing Licenses, Gratuities for guides and house staff, Airfare and private charters, In-house laundry service
Fishing
Fishing Program
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. It is a hard fighting and acrobatic fish, well known for strong runs and relentless jumps. Throughout much of its range , the Dorado is caught in colored or murky waters and generally with heavy spinning tackle but the establishment of Pirá lodge in the Iberá marshland has generated a new alternative, allowing for clear water fishing on fly rods, with plenty of opportunity for sight casting. 7and 8 wt 9 foot rods are recommended, as well as floating and sinking heads. Traditional saltwater streamers and deceivers in black, purple chartreuse and white complete the required gear.
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. Other activities available are bird watching, horseback riding and snorkeling. Pirá is a strictly CATCH AND RELEASE fishery.
Accommodations
Accommodations
Pirá is designed to provide its guests not only with a remarkable fishing experience, but also with maximum comfort. The lodge has only five bedrooms, each one of them fully air-conditioned, with two double beds and large bathrooms with double windows, which provide a peaceful space to unwind in a warm bath. The rooms´ French windows open out to the shaded veranda with easy access to our 20-meter pool and a beautiful view of the surrounding wilderness. In addition to the comfort of a spacious sitting room, with unique furniture crafted by local artisans, anglers will appreciate the convenience of a fly-tying table, and an on-site fly shop, fully equipped with flies, rods, reels and clothing. Gourmet dining with Argentina´s famed beef and fine wines, traditional "asados" (BBQ´s), delicious regional as well as international cuisine desserts, and the bar, fully stocked with local spirits, contribute to create the setting for perfect moments at the end of a perfect day.
o Capacity: 10 rods
o Rooms: 5 bedroom suites, fully air-conditioned, with 2 double beds and
French windows opening out to the shaded verandah
o Dining room, spacious sitting room, bar, fly-tying table, and shaded verandah with hammocks
o 20 meter pool
o Telephone and Internet access
o Gourmet dining with Argentina's famed beef and fine wines, traditional Asados (BBQs), and delicious desserts.
o Maid and laundry service
o Fly shop fully equipped with flies, rods, reels, lines, and apparel.
o Loaner rod service
Dining
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. The well stocked bar is always open, and a wonderful selection of fine wines from the Luigi Bosca Bodega will be served during lunch and dinner.
Location
The fishing at Pira Lodge is done on the Iberá Marshlands, one of the most fascinating wetlands in the world. 5,000,000 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.
o The lodge can be accessed by a 1 ½ hour drive from Mercedes in the Corrientes Province. A lodge representative will make this transfer for you.
o Mercedes can be accessed by either overnight 1st class sleeper bus from Buenos Aires or air.
o The 1st class sleeper bus is a comfortable option that also makes the best use of your time. Day rooms in a hotel, an evening meal, and transport to the terminal can all be arranged on request.
o A 2 hour private charter flight is available from Buenos Aires to the lodge's landing strip, when operational, or to the Mercedes airport.