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Pira Lodge
(Esteros del Iberá. CORRIENTES)

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INFO PACK

For many years one of latin america's most exciting game fish was kept a secret in it's heartland. In the last few years the golden dorado, or 'river tiger' as it is affectionately known has rocketed to the top of the hot fish list.
Throughout much of it's range, the dorado is caught in colored or murky waters and generally with heavy spinning tackle. Since the discovery of the ibera marshland and the establishment of Pira Lodge, clear water fishing on light spinning tackle and on fly rods has become one of the world's most sought after angling adventures. Opened in march 2000, pira lodge is the world's first deluxe lodge to target the freshwater dorado. The lodge is located in the ibera marshland, one of the most unique and fascinating wetlands in the world. The incomparable variety of wildlife found in the 3000000 acre marshland allows anglers to combine fishing with a number of other activities. However, it is the electric take and dazzling fight of the dorado that brings
fishermen back year after year.

LOCATION

Located in the Corrientes Province, in the middle of the Iberá Marshland, a 1,300,000 (One million three hundred thousand) hectors of Natural Reserve.
* The Iberá Marshland is a vast system of crystal-clear creeks, flowing rivers, shallows and lakes.
* The lodge can be accessed by commercial airline from Buenos Aires to Corrientes or Resistencia (2 hour flight). The transfer from the airport to the lodge by four wheel drive takes 4 hours max.
* A 2 hours private charter flight is available from Buenos Aires to the lodge's landing strip when operational or to the Mercedes airport then a 1h 30min drive to the lodge.
* The deluxe purpose built lodge is located in beautiful virgin wilderness to target the freshwater Dorado.

 

THE FISHING

* The freshwater Dorado, belongs to the Salmon family. A hard fighting and acrobatic fish, they are plentiful in the area. They are known for their strong runs and relentless jumps.
* Due to the clarity of the water, there is plenty of opportunity for sight casting.
* Rods: 7 and 8 wt 9 foot rods.
* Lines: floating and sinking heads.
* Flies: traditional saltwater streamers and deceivers in black, purple chartreuse and white.
* Fishing schedule: Fishing times vary depending on month and climate. 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.
* Pirá is a strictly catch and release fishery. Guides are equipped with boga grips and will assist guests in weighing and releasing fish without damaging them.

FACILITIES AND SEVICES

* Capacity: 10 rods
* Rooms: 5 en suite bedrooms, fully air-conditioned with 2 double beds and French windows opening out to the shaded veranda
* Dining room, spacious sitting room, bar, fly-tying table, shaded veranda with hammocks,
* 20 meter pool.
* Telephone and Internet.
* Gourmet dining with Argentina's famed beef and fine wines, traditional Asados (BBQs).
* and delicious desserts.
* Maid and laundry service.
* Fly shop fully equipped with flies, rods, reels, lines and clothing.
* Loaner rod service.
* First class professional international and Argentine guides.
* Hells Bay flats skiffs, fitted with VHF radios, take you from the lodge's private dock.
Other activities available:
* Kayaking
* Bird watching
* Horseback riding
* Snorkeling

Rates are based on double occupancy and shared guide:

Included
*Transfer to the Lodge from Mercedes
*Fishing Licence
*Lodging
*Meals, all wines, beer and local spirits at the Lodge
*Professional guide services

Not included
*Gratuities
*Airfares or private charter
*Buenos Aires transfers and hotels
*Laundry service.