Argentina Golden Dorado

1. Why Visit and Fish Argentina

Argentina is the 8th largest country in the world and covers over 1 million square miles. Despite its size, Argentina is only inhabited by 40 million people.  Half of the population lives within ten of the largest metropolitan areas.  The other half of the population is spread throughout rural areas and in some parts of the country, population density is among the lowest in the world.  This affords visitors the opportunity to entertain in modern cities' such as Buenos Aires, yet escape to...

  • Oceans of open land in Patagonia...equivalent to the America West +100 years ago
  • Explore the longest mountain range in the world,  the Andes at 4,400 miles.
  • Visit the highest mountain in the western hemisphere, Aconcagua 22,841ft
  • Stand on wind swept beaches and view Sea Lions, Penguins and Orcas.
  • Drive to the end of the earth and visit the land of fire, Tierra del Fuego.
  • Tour Antarctica, it's only +/- 400 nautical miles from Tierra del Fuego.
  • Watch monkeys and other exotic species while fishing in subtropical forest.
  • Feel the power and the spray of the longest waterfall in the word, Iguazu Falls.
  • Witness one of the few advancing glaciers in the world, Perito Moreno. 
  • Savor Argentinas famous cuisine (beef) and Malbec wines.
  • And of course, wet a line in the immense network of lakes and rivers filled with wild Salmon, Steelhead, Sea Run Brown Trout, Brown-Rainbow-Brook Trout and South America's very own apex predator, the Golden Dorado.

2. Definition of Guided DIY Fishing

Think 100% fishing programs without a lodge; without large groups of people, and without lodge pricing.

Disclosure: Don't be fooled -- All waters in Argentina are PUBLIC.  Legally, we guide you (walk-wade and float) on all waters, even waters that are falsely marketed as private lodge waters.

  • You only pay us for fishing.   
  • We may visit multiple locations within a region.
  • You fish hard, but when of the water, you are 100% on your own. 
  • You stay in a hotel or estancia B&B.  Price range $50-$200 USD per night. 
  • We offer food/beverage guiding services, but our clients prefer to buy and prepare their own food.  Our coolers are filled with ice -- bring your preferred food-beverage. 
  • No long shore lunches -- our clients want to fish!
  • We provide transportation to/from the airport, lodging, and rivers.

3. Your Argentina Team

There are hundred of organizations selling trips to Argentina.  In our opinion they are all the same -- the vast majority of them are booking agents, employees filling lodges for a high commission. We think we are different and we believe it is important for you to know who you are working with.  By working with FCFF:



- You work directly with the owner and managing partners.
- All of our trips are hosted by an owner or managing partner.  

Head Fishing Guide: Gustavo was born and raised in Argentina. He grew up on the Delta de Parana, which is part of the enormous Parana river system.  In the delta, which is a massive eco-system in itself, Gus and his father hunted for small game and fished for species such as Dorado, Surubi, Pacu, and Pirapita.  At age seventeen, Gus learned how to fly fish on a Patagonia river called Pichi Leufu; a small freestone tributary to the Limay river system. Growing up nearby water, Gus not only fished, but he began rowing.  He eventually became an Argentine single skull champion.  He held this distinction while attending the University of Buenos Aires.  After college, rowing in the Olympics was an option, but he married, started a family, and spent fifteen years as a banking system analyst.  Gus left the banking world, and like Lucas, followed his heart.  Gus is an expert walk-wade and floating guide.  When the Patagonia fishing season is closed, he works with our Golden Dorado clients, and assists Lucas with our hunting programs. We are extremely fortunate to have Gus on our team.

Owner-Host-Program Coordinator:

Click About Mark

Mark has created a team of highly educated professionals with tons of fishing, hunting, and outdoor experience. We know Argentina/Chile, and you are in the very good hands! 

4. About the Golden Dorado Biz 

A while back, in Argentina, there was a GOLD rush, and it was not for the precious metal.  I am talking about a toothy beast, that lives in South American waters, called the Golden Dorado. The rush was on to stake claims, build lodges, and book clients. Unfortunately, much like the history of the precious metal, a lot of anglers were sold fools gold. Specifically, I have met investors who purchased bogus land and long term leases, and anglers who were sold off-season trips.  As the rush was on, we purposely sat back and watched.  We explored, and slowly began to prepare the best guided DIY Golden Dorado programs available in Argentina and Paraguay/Uruguay.

5. Golden Dorado Guided DIY Options

Option #1: Buenos Aires North, Uruguay, and Paraguay

Whether you are a DIY soloist or a small DIY group, just about anywhere in the world, it is possible to do your own fishing trips.  However, tapping into local knowledge, for instance, where to fish the best waters, can be very challenging (especially, if you only have 1-2 weeks in a foreign country). 


Our guided DIY trips are designed to eliminate all the challenges associated with independent traveling and fishing.  Our trips are 100% designed to meet the needs of all anglers, and offer the best value and life experience Argentina has to offer.
 


General Info


  • Where:  We fish the Entre Rios province, focusing on several key areas on the Rio Parana, and within the Rio Parana Delta System.  From Buenos Aires (BsAs), ranging from 1.5 - 6.0 hour drive, and as far as Uruguay and Paraguay, we offer Golden Dorado fishing programs.
  • How:  We pick you up at the Buenos Aires Airport and guide/travel with you until the end.
  • When: Mid October to mid January, and mid April to mid July (see frequently asked questions).
  • Equipment:  Fishing is available with 6wt-8wt fly rods and light tackle equipment.
  • Flights:  Our services do not included the cost of airfare.
  • Who:  Trips available for two to four anglers. 
  • Cost:  Each DIY trip is 100% customized to meet your personal needs.  Please contact FCFF for more details.

Frequent Questions and  Answers

Q: What is the best month/week to target BsAs Dorados? 
A: It is best to target October thru December, and April thru June.  Other times of the year, could be a waste of time and money.

Q:  I am a beginner/intermediate angler.  What will the fishing be like for me; will I be catching lots of big fish? 
A:  Truth be told, the majority of the time, it could be very challenging for you.  You might be a beginner/advance beginner/intermediate angler back home, but this is a different ball game.  Please speak directly with me.  

Q: I am a beginner/intermediate, can you teach me?

A: There is a major difference between guiding and teaching. Our programs are set up for guiding proficient anglers.  My suggestions; 1) talk to me before investing thousands of $'s; 2) take lessons, practice at home and get as much experience on the water (and still be prepared to be humbled).

Q: Are there blood suck mosquito's and life threaten insects/animals?
A: Surprisingly, no mosquito's or poisonous insect/animals. Your biggest worry should be sun protection, wind protection and hydration. 

Q: If I wanted to hire you to take me to different parts of Argentina, would you do so?
A: Yes.  Please see fishing and hunting options, and contact me for more details.

Q: Can you send me more detailed information about your services.

A: Yes.  One we receive a deposit, you will receive an in depth welcome brochure.  99.9% of all Q&A and pre-trip planning, will be in this document.

6.  Fee's, Payment, and Welcome Brochure 

- Please request pricing 
- USA Payment: Venmo/Zelle, Paypal, Cash, Personal Check
- International Payment: Paypal, E-Transfer
- Welcome Brochure: Sent via email, post deposit