Brad's 2023 Trip Report
Golden Dorado River Cruiser - Argentina
Parana River Liveaboard Fishing
Flies or Lures
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 lower 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. It has hundreds of tributaries, deltas, marshlands, lagoons, and side channels, full of fantastic flora and fauna, and yes, the aggressive golden dorado. Cast-and-Blast options too.
2025 Rate: $5,400.00 per person for 7-nights and 6.5 days guided fishing. Many package options.
2026 Hosted Weeks
with Brad Staples
2026 will be Brad's 9th year hosting trips here.
7-nights and 6.5 days guided fishing
$5,400.00 per person
Group Size: 8 anglers + host
March 20-28, 2026: SOLD-OUT
March 27 - April 4, 2026: 6 spots
You are not restricted to our hosted weeks. Book anytime.
Far From Home - The Rio Parana Episode 3
Parana River Golden Dorado
The Golden Dorado River Cruiser provides access to some of the best dorado fishing available in the Paraná River system. Each day, you'll have the opportunity to fish in new waters, with anglers often not encountering another boat throughout the day. This unique river cruiser offers the flexibility to move in accordance with the fish, adapting to seasonal changes, weather conditions, and the presence of baitfish. However, the cruiser may remain stationary during your trip, depending on water levels and fishing conditions. The team will ensure that you spend minimal time traveling in boats to reach the best fishing spots.
This liveaboard dorado fishing program is the only one of its kind in Argentina. Within minutes of the main river, you can cast your line for aggressive dorado while enjoying the expansive wilderness, all while remaining close to civilization.
The Fishing Program:
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 yet suitable for fishing.
Boats: Four 17.5-ft. Carolina Skiffs with 90-HP Yamaha four-stroke engines. The boats are designed for fly fishing and have remote-controlled 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. You'll fish 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. Fly rods and reels are available (in case of breakage). Flies are for sale on the Cruiser for $100 per dozen. Our confirmation packet includes a detailed list of what to bring.
A Fishing License is included in the package.
A Typical Fishing Day
7:30 to 8:00 a.m. - Breakfast is served.
8:30 a.m. - You’ll meet your guide and depart for fishing.
Noon to 1:00 p.m. - You can have lunch on the boat or head back to the Cruiser; you get to choose. After lunch, you can enjoy a siesta.
3:00 to 3:30 p.m. - You’ll return to fishing and fish until just before dark - 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Enjoy appetizers and cocktails on the upper deck.
9:00 p.m. - Dinner is served.
Carl Quartermus with a Hosted Week Trophy
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.
Dorado 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 every trip.
Parana River Species: Golden dorado, pacu, pira pita, wolffish, vampire fish, pira pita, catfish, and other freshwater species.
Brad and Charlie Swett with Golden Dorado
The Parana Gypsy Liveaboard
The fishing, great meals, vast wildlife, and exceptional birding make this a great trip for couples.
Far From Home - The Rio Parana Episode 3
Cast-and-Blast
Season: The Cast-and-Blast season runs from mid-May through the third week in August. Guided hunting and fishing.
There is a limit of 25 ducks per day. You’ll duck hunt early in the morning, then return to the Cruiser for lunch and a siesta. You’ll fish for golden dorado in the afternoon after the water warms up.
Double occupancy and shared blinds.
7-nights/6.5-days $6,965.00 per person
6-nights/5.5-days $5,970.00 per person
5-nights/4.5-days $4,975.00 per person
4-nights/3.5-days $3,980.00 per person
3-nights/2.5-days $2,985.00 per person
Packages do not include a gun rental ($80.00), shells ($25 per box), or a hunting license ($120).
Rates are subject to change.
Getting to the Liveaboard:
1.) You’ll fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE).
2.) A Lodge representative will pick you up from the airport or your hotel in Buenos Aires. He'll drive the group for the week in a shuttle van to the marina, about a 2.5 to 3.5-hour drive.
3.) The group will take a 60- to 90-minute water transfer from the marina on a 26-foot boat to the liveaboard.
7-night and 6-day Package:
Day 0: You’ll fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE). We suggest you arrive in Buenos Aires the day before the start of your week on the Golden Dorado River Cruiser and stay overnight in a hotel. The package does not include the ground transfer to the hotel, the overnight stay, and meals in Buenos Aires.
Day 1: A Golden Dorado River Cruiser representative will greet you at the Ezeiza International Airport or your hotel in Buenos Aires. He will drive you in a shuttle van to the marina, a 2.5 to 3.5-hour drive. Depending on where the Liveaboard is moored, you’ll ride in the 26 ft. shuttle boat for approximately 60 to 90 minutes. There will be a reception and a fishing and tackle orientation on the Cruiser. If time allows, you’ll fish in the afternoon. You’ll enjoy appetizers and cocktails, followed by dinner at 9:00 p.m.
Days 2-7: Six days of guided fishing.
Day 8: You’ll enjoy breakfast at 7:00 a.m. and depart for Buenos Aires at 8:30 a.m. Most flights back to the States leave in the evening.
Two anglers per room and boat:
7-nights and 6.5-days guided fishing $5,400.00 per person
6-nights and 5.5-days guided fishing $4,800.00 per person
5-nights and 4.5-days guided fishing $4,200.00 per person
4-nights and 3.5-days guided fishing $3,500.00 per person
3-nights and 2.5-days guided fishing $2,800.00 per person
Two anglers per room and one per boat:
7-nights and 6.5-days guided fishing $7,100.00 per person
6-nights and 5.5-days guided fishing $6,250.00 per person
5-nights and 4.5-days guided fishing $5,450.00 per person
4-nights and 3.5-days guided fishing $4,550.00 per person
3-nights and 2.5-days guided fishing $3,650.00 per person
One angler per room and one per boat:
7-nights and 6.5-days guided fishing $8,100.00 per person
6-nights and 5.5-days guided fishing $7,200.00 per person
5-nights and 4.5-days guided fishing $6,300.00 per person
4-nights and 3.5-days guided fishing $5,250.00 per person
3-nights and 2.5-days guided fishing $4,200.00 per person
Non-Angler Companion, sharing a room:
7-nights and 6-days $2,700.00 per person
6-nights and 5-days $2,400.00 per person
5-nights and 4-days $2,100.00 per person
4-nights and 3-days $1,750.00 per person
3-nights and 2-days $1,400.00 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)
• Starlink 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.
Fishing with Larry Payment Options:
1.) Credit card (a 2.5% convenience fee applies)
2.) Check. Please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to Fishing with Larry P.O. Box 419 Columbus, MT 59019.
3.) Wire Transfer (Send money electronically – typically a $15 to $30 fee for domestic transfers and $45 - $50 for international transfers.)
Please email Toni at toni@fishingwithlarry.com for wire instructions.
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.
Fishing with Larry recommends Global Rescue and Signature Travel Insurance. Click here for our Travel Insurance page.
