Paraná River

Paso de la Patria, Corrientes, Argentina · Freshwater · Intermediate

South America's second-largest river, home to the golden dorado — a hard-jumping, gold-flanked predator that has become a bucket-list fly rod species. Big surubí catfish share the same water.

Getting there & access

  • Fish from: land-based or boat

CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY: the Dirección de Recursos Naturales, under the Corrientes Ministry of Tourism, permits sport fishing throughout the province solely as pesca y devolución. Extractive fishing of dorado is prohibited outright — it may be fished only catch-and-release, and only with tackle suited to that. Barbless hooks (anzuelos sin rebaba) are required. DAYS OF THE WEEK: on the stretch of the Paraná from the confluence zone down to the mouth of the Arroyo Ambrosio — which takes in Paso de la Patria — sport fishing has been permitted Thursday to Monday, with Tuesday and Wednesday closed. That restriction is set by provincial disposition and has been varied before, so confirm the current one rather than assuming. LICENCE: since the platform came in, Corrientes sport fishing licences are sold only electronically, through www.licenciasrecursosnaturales.gob.ar. The site works in several languages and takes a couple of minutes; tourism operators reselling licences must first register as providers. Fines can also be paid through it. Infractions are dealt with administratively and can mean a fine or suspension of an operator's licence. Check the current reglamento before fishing.

Access information source

Species

  • golden dorado
  • surubí
  • pacú

Best times to fish

  • Dorado (Sep-Apr)
  • Low, clear water
  • Early morning

Recommended gear

Essential

  • 8-9 weight fly rod or medium baitcast
  • Large streamers and wire bite guards
  • Sharp hooks — dorado jaws are hard
  • Sun protection

Optional

  • Guided boat
  • Insect repellent
  • Polarized sunglasses

Regulations and requirements

  • A Corrientes provincial fishing licence is required
  • Dorado is catch-and-release in many provinces and has closed seasons — check current rules
  • Fish through licensed guides; some stretches are closed to protect spawning fish

Rules change regularly — always confirm with the relevant fisheries authority before you fish.

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