We kicked off the new fishing season at Pirá Lodge just two weeks ago, and the news from the field is nothing short of spectacular. The excitement of launching a fresh season never fades, especially with the anticipation of rediscovering our waters after months of rest. Navigating through the channels, exploring the pristine waters, and seeking out the Golden Dorado is as thrilling as ever.
The Ibera Marshlands have shown remarkable recovery from the dry seasons of recent years. Thanks to seasonal rains and river swells, water levels, fish populations, and native flora have rebounded beyond our expectations. Mother Nature has restored the balance, and Pirá Lodge is thriving in ways we haven’t seen for years. In these early weeks, we’ve encountered an abundance of dorado across our entire system. Notably, we’re reconnecting with some of the larger resident female dorados—many weighing in between 10 and 20 pounds, with a few over 20. This bodes well not just for this season but for the ongoing health of the marshlands, as we expect these females to spawn effectively. It promises to be an exciting season ahead!
Our fishing techniques have ranged from floating lines with dry flies, mice patterns, and streamers in the marsh, to using sinking lines and swinging big streamers on the Corriente River and at the headwaters. We’re also wading the Corriente River and the many smaller channels that have emerged with the high water levels, which has led to rewarding catches.
Beyond the fishing, the marshland’s wildlife has been a sight to behold. Birds in abundance, marsh deer, capybaras, and caimans line the channels, adding an unmatched dimension to our days on the water.
Each evening, we return to Pirá Lodge, where guests enjoy refreshing drinks, fine appetizers, and a superb meal—making it one of South America’s finest fishing lodge experiences. We look forward to a season filled with unforgettable memories and thrilling fishing in the Ibera Marshlands.
– Jose Caparrós,
Fishing Manager, Pirá Lodge
