The Esteros del Iberá with an area of 20.000 square kilometers is located in this province. This huge water system with it's countless labyrinths of channels, lagoons, bays and rivers tributaries as well as grassland and swamps offers an enormous living space for animal and plant life which poses a considerable obstacle to invading man. This water system forms a giant water reservoir comparable to a sponge. The fresh water from this system supplies the Rio Corrientes evenly all the year round and the river eventually flows into the Parana river in the southwest corner of the province. The even water supply from the Esteros guarantees water conditions suitable for fly fishing independent of the season or the amount of precipitation.

The water world of the Esteros is rich in many species of plant, animal and fish life. All kinds of fish are represented here in inconceivable numbers, from tiny colourful tropical fish to the largest predatory fish such as the Surubí (Pseudoplatystoma coruscans), which can reach 100 kilos (220lbs) in weight.

Due to the climate (lat. 27° degrees South) abundant vegetation is found here. The temperature is determined by the maritime trade winds, the area is subtropical and the dry season is in winter. The best fishing season in this area is between September and May, but one has to take into account the considerable daily temperature fluctuation of 15° - 20° degrees Celsius. The temperature may suddenly drop during a storm, from 35°C (95° F) to 15°C (60°F). These showers are very heavy, but of very short duration and when they are over, the countryside glitters in the bright sunshine.

You can reach Corrientes by Air or Bus from Buenos Aires. Upon arrival in the cities of Corrrientes, Mercedes or Goya you will be met by our host who will take you the rest of the way to the Capitá Miní lodge.

You have reached your goal, the strong hold of the Dorado (Salminus maxillosus). "The rivers' tiger!"

Status of the fishing
Until now only a few Americans and Europeans have set foot on this remote part of the planet. Life here as westerner from the Northern Hemisphere seems to be a constant compromise, the rules of every day life are created according to a completely different point of view. The Dorado is enshrined in legends about the golden warrior of the Esteros and is the central attraction of this area.

The hunt for the golden Dorado is carried out mostly from boats. One needs either a strong 8-10 weight fly rod or a strong spinning rod capable of handling spoons, wobbles or plugs in the 15 - 20 cm (6-8 inch) class. The water of the Esteros is clear all the year round, there is slight brown tinge coming from the swamps, this water clarity makes conditions optimal for fly-fishing. The largest Dorado caught to date by rod weighed 19kg (42lbs). The local Indians living on the Esteros catch Dorados of up to 30kg (66lbs) with a spear.

The Dorado is similar in shape to a salmon. It has a massive torpedo shaped body covered by golden shiny scales, and has a huge bold dorsal fin. After taking the lure it proves to is a brutal fighting machine armed with vicious teeth. The Dorado hunts its prey in packs which encircle an entire school of bait fish and then snaps up everything in front of it with an insatiable appetite. During this activity one can almost imagine the water to be boiling. Who ever has experienced this fantastic phenomenon is for ever infected with ,"Dorado fever".

Besides the Dorado which is our main target fish, the waters of the Esteros are inhabited by many more fish species not all of which are yet known. The most distinctive fish inhabitants are the Surubí, Sábalo, Armado, Pacú and of course the infamous Piranha. The Piranha can be successfully caught on artificial fly. This fish averages 35-40 cm (14-16 inches) long, average weight 1 kg (2lbs) and are extraordinarily hard fighters, the only disadvantage being that due to there viciously sharp teeth a fly will only last one fish.

Another interesting option is to fish for various species of the perch family amongst the water lilies and water roses, with poppers and other types of bass flies. The Surubí is a member of the catfish ferrule and can easily reach 40-60 kgs (88-130lbs), fish caught below 15kgs (33lbs) are the exception rather than the rule. The Surubí is an exceptionally active predator and poses a great challenge to man and equipment.

Equipment:
A single-handed fly rod in the 8-10 weight category around 270cm (9-10 feet) is ideal. Lines from shooting to fast sinkers as the Teeny series of lines, should be brought. A minimum of 100 meters (110 yards) of backing is required on your reel. Disc drag reels are advised and anti-reverse can be an advantage.

Leader material in the 8-10kg (16-25lbs) breaking strain category should be brought and wire trace of approximately 20/40cm (8/16 inches) in length must be used to the toothy nature of the fish. The kind of leaders used for Barracuda, Blue Fish and Pike are very appropriate and can be bought in many angling shops especially those with a salt water fly fishing department. Kevlar leaders are not recommended, Dorado and Piranhas will make short work of them.

Flies should be 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) long tied on strong long shanked hooks made of high quality wires. The most effective fly color is black incorporating various multicolored flashabou.

For light fishing with bass flies only a rod of down to 6 weight is necessary using a dry fly leader and line tippet with a wire trace of 3-4 kilos (7-10lbs) breaking strain.

For spin fishing a strong rod capable of casting 80-100gram (2-4oz) lures is necessary. You should have at least 150 meters of nylon 0,50 mm on the reel so that you can prevent fish from diving into weeds or vegetation. Steel traces of the type with PVC coating have proved to be the best swing to their easy versatility and great endurance.

Further necessary equipment:
Hook hone, long and strong forceps or pliers for hook release, flashlight and a mosquito net can be useful to have in the evening hours after sunset, sun protection for head and neck, high factor sun block, light clothing and Polaroid glasses.

Accommodation and miscellaneous
Guests are accommodated the recently built Capitá Miní Lodge for Dorado (Salminus maxillosus) fly fishing. It consists of a 250 square meters log cabin Club House and four double bedrooms in a separate building with en suite facilities and air conditioning. All of them with a beautiful view on the Corrientes river just 2300 meters away. The Club house is perfectly laid for enjoying the great sunsets on the marshlands having a drink or dining both fixed by our cheff. In friendly surroundings the staff treat the guests to typical regional meals and the best wines from Argentine (they are all great).

The fishing is done on the Corrientes river, very close to the lodge, in a very isolated area, with many kilometers of river for ourselves. The other fishing operations don’t have our privilege of fishing in such an excellent place. For anglers' convenience an aluminium skiff, powered by ecological Honda four strokes outboard, and guide is available for every two anglers.

At this unique location and with the high quality of the Capitá Miní lodge's service a very pleasant stay is assured.

Further Options:
Snorkeling in the waters of the Esteros del Ibera, bird watching, a night Cayman (crocodile) tour, visiting Caymans nests, photo safari by boat, trips on horse back through the Esteros or just simply relaxing in the shadow of the giant trees with a glass of argentinean wine.

Combination trip:
Between the months of November and March the Dorado fishing adventure can be combined with a trip to Tierra del Fuego to fish for sea trout in the world famous Río Grande or trout fishing in the Bariloche (Patagonia) area. This enables you to experience three completely different fishing styles within a short period of time, enabling the best use of your time spent on a long journey to down Argentina.

For more information please contact Marcos Czerwinski at: anglers.tdf@gmail.com