Some destinations live up to the hype. Others quietly exceed it. Our recent Winter Park Flyfisher hosted trip to the Upper Paraná River in Argentina did both—and then raised the bar with unforgettable fishing, incredible food, and a rhythm of life that’s hard to beat.
This stretch of the Paraná is famous for Golden Dorado, and for good reason. Watching a big dorado light up behind your fly—accelerating, tracking, and finally committing—is something almost prehistoric. It’s violent, beautiful, and downright addictive. Even seasoned anglers found themselves holding their breath on every retrieve.
But dorado weren’t the only stars of the trip.
Dry Flies and Unlikely Targets
One of the surprises for many anglers was just how technical—and visual—the fishing could be. We spent time targeting Pira Pita with dry flies and Pacu with berry patterns, often sight-fishing and watching the entire eat unfold.
Catching an 8–9 pound Pira Pita on a dry fly is hard to put into words. It’s subtle, deliberate, and incredibly rewarding—especially when it happens right in front of you. These are the moments that stay burned into your memory long after the trip ends.
A Daily Routine Done Right
Days on the Upper Paraná follow a cadence that feels luxurious without ever being rushed.
Mornings start with breakfast before heading out to fish from 7:00 to 11:00 AM, when the river is alive and the light is perfect. Late mornings roll into what can only be described as a monster lunch—multiple courses, incredible desserts, and excellent Malbec.
Afternoons are intentionally slow. Lounge by the pool. Take a siesta. Replay eats in your head. At 4:00 PM, it’s back on the water for the evening session, fishing until dark—usually 7:30 or 8:00 PM—when the river settles and the predators come alive again.
Dinner is served late, around 9:00 PM, and every meal somehow manages to outdo the last. The food alone is worth the trip. The wine doesn’t hurt either.
Why We Host Trips Like This
At Winter Park Flyfisher, hosted trips aren’t about ticking destinations off a list. They’re about sharing places that deliver on every level—the fishing, the food, the people, and the experience.
Argentina’s Upper Paraná River checks every box. Big, aggressive fish. Technical dry-fly opportunities. World-class hospitality. And a setting that encourages you to slow down and truly enjoy where you are.
If watching a Golden Dorado chase your fly makes your heart rate jump—or if the idea of dry-fly eats from unexpected species sounds intriguing—this is a destination worth experiencing firsthand.
Interested in future Winter Park Flyfisher hosted trips? Stop by the shop or get in touch—we’re always happy to talk travel, tackle, and where the next adventure might take us.