Brad's 2023 Trip Report
Golden Dorado River Cruiser - Argentina
Parana River Liveaboard Fishing
We've hosted many trips aboard the Golden Dorado River Cruiser. Within a few hours of Buenos Aires, you'll find fantastic golden dorado fishing opportunities in the vast upper delta of the Parana River system. The Parana River system is the second largest in South America, after the Amazon, and has a total length of over 1,500 miles, with hundreds of tributaries, deltas, marshlands, lagoons, side channels, full of fantastic flora and fauna, and yes, the aggressive Golden Dorado.
Parana River Golden Dorado
The Golden Dorado River Cruiser accesses some of the best dorado fishing on the Parana River system. Each day, you'll fish new waters. Anglers will often not see another boat on the water during the entire day. The Golden Dorado River Cruiser allows anglers the mobility to move with the fish, according to seasons, weather, and the arrival of baitfish... Follow the migrations for the best fishing year-round. A liveaboard operation targeting golden dorado program is the only one of its kind in Argentina. Within minutes of the main river, you can be casting to aggressive dorado and enjoying this expansive wilderness area while remaining close to civilization.
Golden Dorado are extraordinary hunters and are regarded as one of the best-fighting freshwater fish on the planet. They’re aggressive with a ferocious strike, long, hard runs, high jumps, and fighting stamina. The locals call them River Tigers. They like moving water and most often stalk close to river structure. Be prepared for them to viciously strip set your hook, pulling hard on your line, or you’ll end up with nothing. Catches range from 2 to 15-pounds, with chances at larger fish during every trip.
Parana River Species: Golden dorado, pacu, pira pita, wolffish, vampire fish, pira pita, catfish, and other freshwater species.
Fishing Facts:
Season: The Golden Dorado River Cruiser runs year-round, with peak fishing from September through April. January and February, their summer months, tend to be hot but are also suitable for fishing.
Boats: Four 17½-foot North Carolina Skiffs with 90-HP Yamaha four-stroke engines. The boats are designed for fly fishing and have remote control-operated electric trolling motors, and two casting platforms, so anglers can comfortably cast at the same time.
The guides all have radios in their boats for communication with the liveaboard and other guides. Two anglers per boat and guide.
Guides: Local guides were born and raised on these waters. They speak both English and Spanish. You'll fish with a new guide each day.
Fishing Equipment is not included. The use of fly rods and reels are available (in case of breakage). Lures are welcome. A gear and tackle list is provided in our confirmation packet.
A Fishing License is included in the package.
2024 and 2025 Hosted Weeks:
The fishing, great meals, vast wildlife, and exceptional birding make this a perfect trip for couples.
2024 Hosted Weeks:
7-nights and 6-days guided fishing
$5,200.00 per person
Non-Angler Companion $2,600.00
March 15-23, 2024: Brad Staples hosts
March 22-30, 2024: Brad Staples hosts
2025 Hosted Weeks:
with Host Brad Staples:
$5,400.00 per person
March 14-22, 2025: Brad Staples hosts
March 21-29, 2025: Brad Staples hosts
You are not restricted to our hosted weeks. Book anytime.
Brad's 2023 Trip Report.
Brad's 2019 Trip Report.
Getting to the Liveaboard:
You’ll fly to Buenos Aires, arriving at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE). A Lodge representative will pick you up from the airport or your hotel in Buenos Aires. He'll drive you in a shuttle van to the marina, about a 2.5 to 3.5-hour drive. From the marina, there is a 26-foot boat transfer to the liveaboard that takes 60 to 90 minutes.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: After your arrival, onboard the Cruiser, there will be a reception and an introduction to dorado fishing and tackle preparation. If time allows, you'll fish in the afternoon. Appetizers and cocktails are served. Dinner is at 9:00 p.m.
Days 2-7: Breakfast is around 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. You'll meet your guide at 9:00 a.m. and depart for fishing.
At 1:00 p.m., you'll have lunch on the boat while fishing or head back to the Cruiser for lunch. Fish from 3:00 p.m. until just before dark. Enjoy appetizers and cocktails on the upper deck before dinner at 9:00 p.m.
Day 8: At 7:00 a.m., enjoy breakfast and depart at 8:30 a.m. for the shuttle back to Buenos Aires. Most flights back to the States leave in the evening.
Rates Valid through August 2024:
7-nights and 6.5-days guided fishing $5,200.00 per person
6-nights and 5.5-days guided fishing $4,650.00 per person
5-nights and 4.5-days guided fishing $4,000.00 per person
4-nights and 3.5-days guided fishing $3,400.00 per person
3-nights and 2.5-days guided fishing $2,700.00 per person
Non-angler sharing a room:
7-nights and 6-days $2,600.00 per person
6-nights and 5-days $2,325.00 per person
5-nights and 4-days $2,000.00 per person
4-nights and 3-days $1,700.00 per person
The Packages Include:
• Airport reception in Buenos Aires• Ground transfers between Buenos Aires and the liveaboard
• Lodging on Liveaboard
• Meals on Liveaboard
• Open bar with wine/beer/soft drinks/cocktails
• Use of fly rods and reels (in case of breakage)
• One free load of laundry ($15 after that)
• Limited Wi-Fi
• Guided fishing
• A fishing license
The Packages Do Not Include:
• Airfare to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and return• Hotels, tours, and meals in Buenos Aires
• Fishing gear, tackle, and flies
• Use of satellite telephone
• Gratuities to guides and staff
• Global Rescue
• Travel insurance
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions
• Flies cost approx. $225.00 for a week’s supply.
• As of December 10, 2020, Fishing with Larry adds a 2.5% convenience fee to all credit card transactions.
Cast-and-Blast Option
During duck hunting season, mid-May through the third week in August, the outfitter offers a Cast-and-Blast program. Limit of 25 ducks per day.
You’ll hunt early in the morning, then head back to the Cruiser for lunch and a siesta. You’ll fish in the afternoon after the water warms up.
7-nights and 6.5-days guided fishing and duck hunting
$6,265.00 per person
4-nights and 3.5-days guided fishing and duck hunting
$3,580.00 per person
Based on double occupancy and shared blind.
Does not include a gun rental ($70.00), shells ($14.00 per box), or a hunting license ($120.00).
YouTube 2:50 Video - Duck Hunting Argentina Cruiser
Golden Dorado River Cruiser Policies:
Deposit Policy: To confirm a booking, a non-refundable deposit of 50% per person is due within 10 days. The payment of the balance of the trip is due 90 days before the beginning of the booked date.
Cancellation Policy: For cancellations, all deposits and payments are non-refundable.
Because of the lodge's no refund policy, we highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance.
If there are valid reasons why an angler is not able to make the booked dates, and at the total and exclusive discretion of the lodge, a new date could be offered according to availability. In the same way, and at the total and exclusive discretion of the lodge, if a replacement is found, the trip could be transferred to the replacement.
Click here for our Travel Insurance page.
