RiverPlateDorados

Freshwater Dorado at Salto Grande Dam

River Plate Anglers proudly presents "Gold Fever", a new freshwater Dorado fishing program on the Uruguay River tail water. River Plate Anglers has acquired a very special permit to operate two boats in the exclusive zone just below the Salto Grande Dam. This protected zone yields some of the world’s largest Dorado. The continual outflow from the dam provides a virtual food factory for the ravenous Dorado below. The Dorado is the apex predator atop the rich food chain of biomass that flows from Salto Grande. This produces an environment where Dorado may reach proportions of over 20, 30, and even 40+ pounds! Dorado are a very aggressive fish that have incredible strength and stamina, impressive leaping ability, and amazing beauty.

Furthermore, River Plate utilizes the Horacio Quiroga Thermal Spa Resort for your off-the-water experience during the trip. This resort offers you top quality rooms and services with an extensive range of amenities only a few hundred yards from the tail water fishery. As a guest, you will be treated to large spacious bedrooms with thermal whirlpools and a private VIP dining room with an open bar overlooking the park and lake.

Package Rates (2012/13)
5 nights / 4 days fishing
$3,800/angler (May thru Sept.)
$4,480/angler (Mar/Apr + Oct.)
$5,180/angler (Nov. thru Feb.)

(double occupancy room and boat)

Photo Tour - CLICK HERE
Salto Grande Dorado
Fishing
Accommodations
Guide Staff
Regional Interests

The Fishery and the Freshwater Dorado

Flowing from Salto Grande Dam, the Uruguay River separates the countries of Argentina and Uruguay. The famous exclusive fishing zone is the 1,000 meter stretch below the dam. It is this part of the river where the giant Dorado dwell and feed vigorously on baitfish that are flushed out of the reservoir above by the hydroelectric turbines. Water levels fluctuate throughout the day based on hydroelectric demands in the region.

The “Golden Dorado”, often referred to as the “River Tiger,” (Salminus maxillosus) has become one of the most prized freshwater sport fish species in the world. This aggressive and powerful gamefish is constantly on the prowl for schools of baitfish to ravage and this fact makes them great sport for both all-tackle and fly anglers alike. Its scientific name is as follows: Salminus refers to trout-like and maxillosus makes reference to this fish’s extremely powerful jaws. The Dorado is primarily a piscivore, meaning that its primary diet is other fish. One of the Dorado's favorite prey species is the Sabalo, a schooling fish weighing two to six pounds. The Dorado, therefore, will readily attack an assortment of lures and flies that resemble large, fleeing forage species. The aggressive nature of the Dorado, its spectacular leaping ability, incredible strength and stamina results in the ultimate freshwater gamefish.

Fishing Boats

River Plate utilizes 21-foot center console boats powered by 60-HP outboards and 15-HP kicker motors. These boats have a wide beam, making them very comfortable, spacious, and stable. All fishing is conducted out of these boats (no wade or shore fishing). Throughout a fishing session, multiple passes will be made in the exclusive zone. Anglers will begin fishing upriver near the dam and the captain will then back down with the current as anglers make multiple casts during the drift. Once at the downriver end of the exclusive zone, the captain will motor back upriver to commence another drift.

Lodging and Accommodations Fishing guests are accommodated in spacious rooms at the Horacio Quiroga Resort, which sits on a picturesque peninsula at Lago Salto Grande. The exclusive Salto Grande fishing area is immediately below the dam, so the trip to the boats each morning is very close. The resort is surrounded by a 450-acre national park. The hotel features multiple pools and thermal baths, along with an excellent bar and restaurant. Anglers will be hosted in one of the resort’s more private areas for dining, relaxing, and cocktails. The hotel has 24-hour Wi-Fi Internet access is available in many locations throughout the facility. Food & Beverages Breakfast is served continental buffet style each morning and includes items such as pastries and breads, fruit, yogurt, cereals, beverages, and made-to-order eggs and bacon/sausage. Morning beverages include an assortment of fruit juices, milks, tea, and coffee. After each fishing session, you will return to the resort and have your lunch and dinner meals in the private guest lounge. Lunch and dinner are both served from a full menu of meal options. The lounge is stocked with a selection of liquor, wine, beer, and sodas, all complimentary for the guests of River Plate. On each boat, the captains will have bottled water and sodas onboard during your fishing sessions. If you have any special requests for food or beverage, please ask your host. Language

Spanish is the national language of Uruguay and Argentina. However, English is spoken in most resorts, shops and restaurants. Weather and Temperature December thru March are the warmest months, with the average temperatures being 75 - 90 °F. The months of April and October thru November are typically cooler, with average temperatures between 68 - 85 °F. Make sure to apply sunscreen and wear clothing / headwear that will protect your skin and face from the intense sun and heat. Please note that there is always a possibility of foul weather such as rain and/or wind. Therefore, please make sure to bring complete rain gear (jacket, pants, and shoes/boots) with you on the boat each day. Time Zone When it is Daylight Savings Time in the U.S., Argentina and Uruguay is on Eastern Standard Time plus one hour. The remainder of the year they are Eastern Standard Time plus two hours. Electrical Current (220 Volt / Non-US Standard) While in Argentina and Uruguay, a 220V to 110V converter is required to utilize any US electronics. A European adapter with two-pronged plugs will work fine. Currency The currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso (ARS) and the Uruguayan Peso (UYU) in Uruguay. However, there is no need to change money for this trip. US dollars are accepted by most hotels/resorts, restaurants, shops, etc. at the current exchange rate. Gratuities For the guides and staff, we suggest a tip of $350.00 total per angler at the end of the week. (U.S. dollars are accepted) Please tip the guides DIRECTLY on the last day of fishing (recommend $175 USD per angler). The staff gratuity can be handed directly to the Patrick Brown or other RPA host on-location (recommend $175 USD per guest).
Traveler Health and Insects In this region, there can be encounters with biting insects (mosquitoes, no-see-ums, flies, bees, other). There are no required vaccinations for entry into Argentina or Uruguay. However, the Center for Disease Control does list “recommended” vaccinations for travel to these countries. We suggest you contact your doctor or healthcare provider regarding requirements or recommendations for immunizations/vaccinations for travel to these countries. Please visit the Center for Disease Control website (http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/) for traveler health information and warnings for Argentina and Uruguay.
2012/13 Package Rates (5 nights / 4 days fishing - double occupancy room / boat)

$3,800 USD per angler (May thru Sept.)
$4,480 USD per angler (Mar/Apr + Oct.)
$5,180 USD per angler (Nov. thru Feb.)

All packages include:
All necessary ground transfers included in Buenos Aires and Salto (as per package itinerary)
Guided-operated 20-foot fiberglass shallow drafting bass boat with extra large casting platforms per 2 anglers
7 hours fishing per day at the Exclusive Zone (Salto Grande Tail Water)
Fishing license
All meals at destination, including wine, beer and hard liquor
G. Loomis rods with Shimano reels for spinning and bait casting
Round trip domestic commercial LAER flight Concordia/Salto (if included in the itinerary).

River Plate Anglers Cancellation Policy

Payment Details: A 50% deposit per person is required to secure a reservation. Final payment is due by 90 days prior to scheduled arrival date.

Cancellation / NO Refunds: Cancellation notice must be made IN-WRITING and sent to Angling On The Fly. All payments are forfeited unless a replacement can be found by the canceling client—again, it is the client’s responsibility to find a replacement. There is no refund for any unused portion of the land package. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment by Angling On The Fly is acknowledgement that client has read and accepts the cancellation/refund policy and terms/conditions clause.

Angling On The Fly Terms & Conditions

A 50% deposit is due within 14 days of booking to secure a reservation. Final payment is due 90 days prior to scheduled arrival date. Cancellations must be made in writing and sent to Angling On The Fly. Package pricing and rates are subject to change. All prices and rates are in US Dollars.

Angling On The Fly acts only as agents for contractors or owners and outfitters, airlines, charter air, and ground transportation carriers or other services. Payment of funds for fishing and other Angling On The Fly trips shall be deemed acceptance and consent of the following conditions. Angling On The Fly or any of its affiliates or associated companies shall not be held liable for any loss or damages howsoever caused or arising from services provided by hotels or lodges, outfitters, guides, means of transportation or other services. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the traveling client at all times.

Terms and Conditions