Pira Lodge - Fly Fishing for Golden Dorado
MADISON RIVER VALLEY ~ YELLOWSTONE RIVER VALLEY ~ GALLATIN RIVER VALLEY ~ BOZEMAN ~ ENNIS ~ LIVINGSTON ~ BIG SKY ~ GARDINER
406-522-9854
Montana Angler Fly Fishing, 76 Lucille Lane, Bozeman MT 59718
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rates
Season is January 9th - April 1st
7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing $ 4,900 per person
6 Nights / 5 Days Fishing $ 4,200 per person
5 Nights / 4 Days Fishing $ 3,500 per person
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing $ 3000 per person
3 Nights / 2 Days Fishing $ 2,250 per person
*rates are based on double occupancy and shared guide
**60% surcharge for single occupancy and single guide
***40% discount for non fishing rates dependjing on availability
Included:
Transfer from Mercedes to the lodge, Lodging, Fishing license, Meals, all wines, beer, and local spirits at the Lodge,
Professional guide services.
Not included: Gratuities for guides and house staff, Airfare and private charters, In-house laundry service.
Payment Terms:
*A deposit of 50% confirms a reservation. Deposits are non-refundable, unless client replacement is found. Final payment is
due 60 days prior to departure. At this point, participants are responsible for total land costs and no refunds will be made for
unused land transportation, accommodations, or included meals.
*Non-fisher rates: 40% off depending on availability
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