Esteros del Iberá Reserve (from the Guaraní language, meaning “Bright Waters”) is an absolutely amazing water wilderness, teeming with a wonderfully diverse range of fauna and flora.

Pirá Lodge, Iberá Marshland Reserve

Introduction

Overview of the Iberá Wetlands in northern Argentina

The Iberá Marshlands Reserve – one of South America’s most important freshwater reservoirs. This expansive wetland is ranked second after the Pantanal in Brazil! This amazing water wilderness, covering more than 3 million acres of flowing water, includes gin-clear creeks, shallows, lakes, swamps and lagoons.

Pirá Lodge, in the beautiful province of Corrientes, is the perfect base for anglers looking to explore this amazing rich habitat where the marsh and Corriente River ecosystems converge.

The Iberá Marshland is a vast system of non-polluted crystal-clear waters. The Province of Corrientes borders Uruguay, and enjoys one of Argentina’s subtropical climate patterns. This marshland remains almost completely unexplored and uninhabited, and is home to more than 350 species of birds (e.g parrots, Southern Screamers, kingfishers, ibis, herons), 85 mammals, and almost 70 reptiles, without mentioning the incredible abundance and biomass of flora. During your stay, you will have a chance to see species such as Capibara, River Otters, Yacare (caiman), Howler Monkeys, and Marsh Deer. If you are interested in spending extra time spotting the wildlife or the unique birdlife of the Iberá, please let your head guide know on arrival.

Fishing

Fishing in the Iberá Marshes Reserve

Pirá Lodge is located on the shores of the Iberá Marsh Nature Reserve, the second largest wetland in the world. Here, clear waters filter and meander through ever-changing channels, islands, lagoons and streams. The marsh has a unique climate during the season as the water rises and falls, but perhaps most amazing is how clear the water remains through high and low water levels.

Fishing Season
The fishing season runs from late spring to autumn and our fishing tactics change to suit the conditions and behaviour of the big fish in each season, ensuring that all guests have the best chance of landing their dream fish.

Spring Season (September to late December)
Our season begins as the first warm fronts begin to warm the waters, the dorado wake up and the action begins. Under the warm spring sun, the marsh and its vegetation come alive, as do the predators lurking below the surface. The rains begin and everything is in bloom. At this time of year, the capibaras (large rodents) watch over their young and hundreds of migratory birds hatch.

It’s an excellent time of year to focus on the larger female Dorados, which are actively feeding and gaining weight before spawning. This usually happens between November and early January depending on the weather patterns and water levels. At the same time the large, overwintering Dorado are in phenomenal shape and eager to hunt as well as their migratory counterparts who are beginning to arrive in the system. As schools of Sábalo swim upstream from the Río Paraná, into the Corriente River, and into the marsh, the aggressive Dorado are hot on their tails, eager to feed on their favourite baitfish. Spring is the best time to target the large pre-spawn females and the migratory fish as they enter the marsh.

Summer Season (End of December – End of March)
Summer arrives in December and temperatures are already high. December and January tend to be the hottest months. Occasional rainfall is very welcome as it oxygenates the water and lowers the temperature. By the end of December the spawning season is over and the Dorados begin to feed actively, getting back into shape after burning their energy spawning.

Throughout the summer the water remains clear as more fish arrive in large numbers. The run reaches its crescendo in January. Schools of Sábalos enter the system, followed by schools of hungry Dorados. This is the time to try all kinds of top-water techniques; from mouse patterns to dry flies of all kinds. If presented correctly the Dorados will explode on the dries from underneath for an easy snack. During the summer we fish both the river and the swamp. When the current allows we fish the upper braided channels of the swamp and when the water levels are lower we concentrate on the Corriente River where the monsters lurk.
This time of year is great for numbers and sizes!

Late summer and early autumn (late March – early June)
As the summer fades the water levels begin to drop and by the end of the season in March and April the water levels are near their lowest. Then, the Dorado migration is usually over, but depending on the weather it can be delayed until late March or early April. This is a great time of year for fishing in terms of the weather. The days are not as hot and begin to shorten, cooling the water. Normally we tend to find more fish in the upper headwaters as the fish start to migrate out of the marsh and back into the river. The fishing is still very good and we find Dorados feeding happily in all parts of the water spectrum.

Pirá Lodge provides anglers with high-quality loaner fishing equipment.
(Fly-fishing & Spinning)

6 nights in Pirá Lodge and 5 days guided fishing cost $ 7250 pp.
Contact us for a tailor-made and detailed itinerary.

The Accommodation

Elegant Accommodation at Pirá Lodge

The Lodge is located in the province of Corrientes, northeastern Argentina, in the middle of the 1,300,000 hectare Iberá Marshes Nature Reserve, an area twice the size of the Florida Everglades. The lodge is located on the edge of the home channel, with direct access to the marsh system and the Corriente River, which is a 20-minute boat ride south of the lodge.

Built with exquisite Corrientes style and pride, Pirá Lodge enjoys spectacular panoramic views over the vast wetlands. It accommodates up to 10 guests in seven deluxe rooms, each with private entrance, en-suite bathroom, twin beds, ceiling fans and air conditioning. A separate building, connected by covered walkways and open-air terraces, houses the spacious living room, bar and dining area – each with tall doors opening onto the wide veranda.

Pirá Lodge was designed by award-winning architects to respect the traditional elegance of the region, while offering all the comforts and luxury of a modern hotel.

Relax with a cocktail at any hour and cool off in the outdoor pool after a rewarding day’s fishing.

Our cuisine is brought to life by the use of fresh and locally sourced meats and produce. By combining these elements, we create delicious flavours and varied textures that hide hidden stories and share dining traditions on every plate. We have assembled a world-class team of experienced Argentinean and international chefs, trained in both classic and avant-garde culinary techniques.

Menus are paired with some of Argentina’s—and the world’s—best wines; Bodega Catena Zapata, Malbec.

The Guides

Expert Guides at Pirá Lodge

Little is written about fly fishing for Dorado. Our guides have been exploring the area and the dorado fishing itself for many years. Follow their advice!
Their goal is to maximise your enjoyment of this incredible fighting fish.

The Dorado, is an aggressive fish and once hooked will perform impressive and acrobatic jumps. This complex and challenging fish can be found near confluences, edges of eddies, riffles, sharp bends in the current and near overhanging carpets of water hyacinth. It can be fished in narrow runs, in shallow water and big fish can be hooked in a variety of places. So let your guide show you the ever-changing spots where you can find these incredible fish.