Uruguay Golden Dorado
Spin, Bait, or Fly Fishing
World-Record Tailwaters
Think "La Zona" world record Golden Dorado. With River Plate, you'll fish the same tailwaters on the Uruguay River as La Zona. The difference is, you are staying on the Uruguay side of the river at an elegant resort 500 meters from the Dam. River Plate and La Zona share the Restricted Zone just below the Salto Grande Dam, a 1,000-meter tailwater known as La Zona or The Zone.
This exclusive zone has produced numerous world records. The catch is that River Plate can only have two boats/four anglers per 8-hour shift, Monday through Thursday. (La Zona is allowed six anglers.) These private tailwaters are shared with La Zona for a maximum of 10 anglers on the water at any given time. You'll stay in a single-occupancy room at the elegant Quiroga Suites, only 500 yards from the Salto Grande Dam. Book early to get in on the action.
River Plate's Tail Waters
Art Weston with World Record Golden Dorado
The Uruguay River flows from the Salto Grande Dam and is a natural border between Argentina and Uruguay. River Plate (on the Uruguay side) and La Zona Lodge (on the Argentina side) share the exclusive 1,000-meter fishing zone located just below the dam. These private tailwaters are shared with La Zona for a maximum of 10 anglers on the water at any given time.
Salto Grande Dam
Salto Grande Dam: Giant dorado thrive here, feeding on baitfish flushed from the dam's hydroelectric turbines. The dam turbines flush large amounts of food and supply a superabundance of whirling oxygen, creating a uniquely rich, Jurassic-like environment.
In these catch-and-release waters, golden dorado grow larger and larger and in staggering numbers. Water levels fluctuate frequently based on hydroelectric demands, creating an added challenge for anglers.
Uruguay River World Records
The golden dorado pictured above was landed in 2013 by Andrei Bylchynski on a deep diving Rapala X Rap, and when weighed, it bottomed out a 60-pound boga grip.
At least 23 IFGA baitcasting and fly-fishing world records have been set here in various categories. The All-Tackle World Record was broken twice; the latest has been a record for over a decade!
Fishing Session: During a three-hour fishing session, multiple passes are made in the Exclusive Zone. You'll begin fishing upriver near the dam, making multiple casts through the drift while you back down with the current. Once you reach the downriver side of the Zone, your guide will motor upriver to begin another drift.
The Fishing Program
Season: The fishery is open year-round. The fishery has a two-boat limit and is only fished Monday through Thursday. Peak fishing is during the summer from mid-November through mid-March.
Travel Time: The fishery is 500 yards from the hotel, an eight-minute walk to the docks.
Group Size: Four to eight anglers per week, two per boat. You'll fish two anglers per boat and guide. River Plate can fish a maximum of four anglers at a time inside the Restricted Zone.
Boats: Wide, stable 21-ft. shallow-draft fiberglass bass boats with 90 HP outboard engines. Boats have two large casting platforms, so two anglers can fish simultaneously. All fishing is from the boat.
Guides: Outstanding and reputable Spanish-speaking guides.
Equipment: Baitcasting rods/reels/lures are provided. Conventional lures are available for purchase for $8 to $15 each. You will need to bring your own fly-fishing gear. Fly-fishing-only dates are available upon request. A comprehensive gear and tackle list is included in our confirmation packet.
Fishing License: A fishing license and a permit to fish the Restricted tailwater is included in the package.
Physical Condition: The hotel and fishing program are wheelchair friendly.
A Typical Fishing Day
A Typical Six-Hour Guided Fishing Day:
You'll have two three-hour guided fishing sessions each day.
After breakfast in the angler's private dining area of the hotel, you'll take an eight-minute walk to the dock. You'll fish for three hours and return to the hotel for lunch, followed by a soothing thermal bath and a short siesta. In the afternoon, you'll fish for three more hours. Bottled water and sodas are provided on the boat.
Your stay will be overseen by Pancho Cardoso, one of River Plate’s founding partners, over 25 years ago.
Large Catfish Too
During the summer months, from mid-November to mid-March, River Plate is able to provide four sessions each day. (Anglers are allowed two.)
Session 1 is from 6 to 9 am. Session 2 is from 9 a.m. to noon; session 3 is from noon to 3 p.m.; session 4 is from 3 to 6 p.m.
In the summer, groups will switch sessions day to day to give everyone a chance to fish at different times of the day.
In the winter months, from April through October, daylight hours allow for two 3-hour sessions each day.
Session 1 is from 8 to 11:00 a.m., with a lunch break from 11:00 to 2:00 p.m. Session 3 is from 2 to 5 p.m.
Wing Shooting Options - Minimum of 4 to Book
Cast-and-Blast Options
To book a cast-and-blast, a group of four is required.
Combine a half-day of fishing with a half-day of high-volume of wing shooting for pigeons, doves, or perdiz (red-legged partridge) over dogs. cover is abundant, pigeon grain fields are everywhere, ponds and lagoons are full of ducks, and dove roosts are just a short drive from the hotel on good roads.
Optional dove hunting is included in the rates. For pigeon and Perdiz hunting, add $280.00 per half day per hunter. Pigeon blinds are for two guns and include various animated decoys. Perdiz hunting is two guns per pointer and handler.
Shotshells for 20, 28, and 12 gauges for dove run $15 per box, and for pigeon and perdiz, $18 per box. A gun entrance fee into Uruguay is approximately $110.00 per gun.
You will need to schedule your hunts when booking.
Quiroga Thermal Spa and Resort
Anglers will stay in the exclusive VIP Suites section of the Quiroga Thermal Spa and Resort in Salto, Uruguay. This section has twelve bedrooms and a private dining room with an open bar overlooking the lake. The Resort is 500 meters from the Salto Grande Dam.
Hotel Horacio Quiroga YouTube Video
The large vein of the Guarani Aquifer flows along the Uruguay River directly beneath the resort. The resort taps into these hot, mineral-rich waters. After a day of landing big fish, you'll enjoy your room's private ensuite Whirpool bath and also a thermal massage shower. The package includes access to facilities and services at the Quiroga Thermal Spa's and thermal whirlpools.
Angler Suites in the VIP Section
Spacious single-occupancy rooms. Each angler will have their own room with a view of the reservoir and a partial view of the 590-acre park surrounding the resort.
Communications: Wi-Fi access is available at the resort.
Non-Angler Activities: The largest thermal water aquatic park in Latin America is nearby. There are hiking trails, catamaran rides around the lake, electric train rides, and horses available for hire.
Private Dining Area and Open Bar
Meals: Anglers will have a private dining room. Continental-style breakfast with eggs cooked-to-order, bacon/sausage, yogurt, fruit, juices, coffee and tea. For lunches and dinners, you'll order from a full menu.
Alcohol: The package includes an open bar with liquor, wine, beer, and soft drinks.
