DORADO FISHING: Argentina - Esquina

Estancia La Pelada Lodge is the ideal Dorado fishing lodge, located 35 kilometers north of  of Esquina and right on the Corriente River.  This 25,000 acres family ranch was never intended to become a guest ranch, yet its remote location is ideally suited for anglers, hunters and wildlife enthusiasts.  Since the day we discovered it 2001, we’ve knew this was an extraordinary property in an exceptional location and made it our home base for hunting and fishing in northern Argentina.

La Pelada  is a Spanish Colonial style estancia with an ancient feel, yet it is only about 45 years old.  Its design represents classic Spanish architecture with stucco walls, high ceilings, courtyards, rounded windows, archways, and pillars.  There’s nothing too fancy or overdone, however, from the moment guests pull up to the house, they begin to feel privileged to be in such an intimate and unique place.

La Pelada holds eights guests in European style rooms all with private baths.  Meals are either served in the elegant dinning room or in the veranda overlooking the gardens. The veranda is also where drinks and appetizers will be waiting every evening upon the guests return.  In the warmer months, a swim in the riverside pool with a cold beverage is the perfect way to wind down after a long day fishing or hunting.

Meals are cooked in the traditional Argentine fashion including delicious specialty meats and fruits from the region which are complimented by fine wines from the province of Mendoza.

Fishing
The Corriente runs along the ranch’s property only 50-100 yards from the lodge depending on water levels.  Much like trout tactics, Dorado fishing on the Corriente is done by wading white sandy beaches and slowly floating while casting to structure on the banks.  The river is an average 100 yard wide with slow, but steady current. Mouths of small channels and the top of runs always hold fish.  We fish the Corriente both upstream and down stream of the lodge, usually returning for lunch and siesta.

Thirty-five kilometers down stream of the ranch, the Corriente empties into the Paraná River forming a huge delta.  The delta of these two rivers is a labyrinth of water, vegetation and islands.  Some places are wide open while others completely enclose you in vegetation.  In the remote areas we’ll see exotic animals such as Water Buffalos, Capybara, Water Boas, thousands of different birds, and maybe the Black Caiman.  Dorado fishing the main Paraná is only done from the boat casting to the shore.  Dorado in the Paraná are generally larger than in the deltas and Corriente River.  It’s common to see schools of bait fish burst out the water and half submerged vegetation shake from a pack of attaching Golden Dorado.

Estancia La Pelada also hosts multiple lagoons that hold Tararira, a 1-5 pound prehistoric looking fish that aggressively takes poppers.  The more permanent lagoons hold multiple species of fish, and this is a fun way to shake up the week and experience something different.  Our Argentina fishing guides grew up here, know these complex waters like the back of their hand.

Throughout the week, we’ll be Dorado fishing on different parts of the Corriente River, within the delta and possibly the main Paraná, giving you a variety of scenery and fishing scenarios.

For the bird hunter, we also offer high volume dove and pigeon hunting on nearby farms.  This is a great way to break up the week.  However, please advise us before your arrival if you are interested in shooting.