Golden Dorado
Salminus brasiliensis
The Jaguar of the Rivers — South America's Freshwater Apex Predator
- Average size
- 5–15 lb · trophies 20–40+ lb
- Peak season
- September–April
- World record
- 51 lb 8 oz — Rio Uruguay, Argentina (2006)
- Experiences
- 3
Golden dorado are the apex freshwater predator of South America — metallic-gold bodies, vicious teeth, and an aggressive feeding style that has earned them the nickname "river jaguar." They'll crush surface flies, eat topwater plugs, and demolish streamers with violent, airborne strikes. On fly, they're one of the most explosive freshwater species in the world.
The Iberá Marshes (northeast Argentina), Paraná River system (Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay), and Bolivia's Tsimané/Pluma/Secure jungle rivers are the three premier destinations. Iberá offers full-service lodge fishing in sight-fishing conditions; Bolivia offers expedition-style jungle fishing on gin-clear rivers for 10–25 pound dorado sight-cast on poppers.
Best Methods
- ● Sight-casting on clear jungle rivers (Bolivia)
- ● Surface poppers and gurglers
- ● Large streamers stripped aggressively
- ● Topwater plugs on the Paraná
Gear Notes
8- or 9-weight fly rod. Wire tippet or 60 lb fluorocarbon shock leader — dorado have teeth that will shred standard mono. Boat-rod spinning tackle rated 20-40 lb braid.
Where to Catch Golden Dorado
3 vetted experiences across 3 countries.
Acute Angling, Brazil
Acute Angling is dedicated to providing you with the finest fishing trip in the Amazon. They focus on highly productive Peacock Bass, Payara, and Giant Catfish.
La Zona Lodge, Concordia Argentina
The fishing zone for GIANT Golden Dorado! This area of the world between Uruguay and Argentina is host to the amazing Golden Dorado, with fish of 20-30 lbs common and 50+ lb catches possible.
River Plate Dorados
River Plate Dorados features exclusive rights to Uruguay River fishing below the Salto Grande Dam, home of some of the largest Golden Dorados found anywhere in the world. A recent client landed a 62 lb Golden Dorado.
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