GENERAL INFORMATION:
Dorado fly fishing in Salta: a real adventure trip, only for those fisherman who love wilderness and are avid to seek for new fly fishing experiences. Here, it is not unusual to come across toucans flying, thousands of butterflies of different sizes and exotic colours, footprints of tapirs and pumas, corzulas, mountain pigs, and even anteaters!

In this new program, you will have the chance to make a two days floating trip and a full day wading. Juramento river, Del Valle river and Dorado river flows through the yungas (warm rainforests), forming big pools and riffles where the fighting Dorado, the tiger of the rivers, is found. The most interesting thing about Dorado fishing here is that fishing is done by wading crystal clear waters, almost impossible in other destinations. Moreover, the Dorados are hardfighting, wild jumping and brilliantly colored. The average weight of the Dorados -in Del Valle and Dorado rivers- is around 5 pounds, fished with lightweight tackle, # 5 rods.

Fishing Juramento river, is where you will find the biggest ones: between 10 to 20 pounds. By floating it, you can reach the really hot spots and get the chance to fish this giant Dorado. In this case, you will need a # 8 rod.

PROGRAMME:
This 3 fishing day, 3 night Programme consists of the following:

• Day 1: Morning flight from Buenos Aires to Salta; Transfer to Juramento River; Afternoon guided fishing (to 8pm); 1 night in tent camp

• Days 2 and 3: 2 Full days guided fishing (float trip); 2 nights accommodation at the fishing Lodge at Las Lajitas

• Day 4: Transfer to Salta airport; Afternoon return flight to Buenos Aires; End of Programme

SEASONS:
March, April; and September, October and November

RATES for 2007 SEASON (2 anglers minimum, and 4 maximum):
£565 per person (US$990/person).

INCLUDED:
3 fishing days & 3 nights accommodation; Shared accommodation (Tent camp the first night on the shore of the river, Accommodation in hotel double-occupancy rooms with private baths for the second and third nights); breakfast, meals on days of fishing, soft drinks and beer, typical dinner served with wines from Salta; Bilingual guide and assistant; Transport to and from fishing locations; Transfer in/ out from Salta airport; Fishing permit.

BACK TO TOP OF PAGE

GENERAL INFORMATION:
Located in the province of Corrientes, in the northeast of Argentina, Estancias el Dorado stands out as a typical Argentine ranch upon the Corrientes river. It has the advantage of being very close to the Corrientes river, and it boasts clear banks for fishing for almost the whole of its course. Here you can sight-fish or search for the most powerful hook-ups of the large Dorados all along the river bank.

The Dorado (Salminus Maxillosus) or "the Tiger of the Paraná" is a very aggressive fish for sport fishing. Although the Dorado may reach 30 pounds, the average size in the Corrientes river is between 4 and 12 pounds, with larger species commonly found.

In Estancias El Dorado fishing starts early in the morning. Breakfast is served at 6.30am and consists of coffee, toast, jam, bacon and eggs, etc. Fishing continues until 11.45am, when you go back to the ranch for an early lunch (a starter, a main course and dessert, served with wine, beer, fizzy drinks or mineral water). After a good rest, at about 4pm you can return to the river and fish until 8.30pm. Before dinner you will be offered a wide variety of cheese, ham, olives and drinks; dinner consists of three courses (starter, a main course and dessert).

There are three fully equipped boats for fly-fishing and experienced guides who know every corner of the river, to fulfil the expectations of all standards fisherman.

Located very near the left bank of the Corrientes river (going downstream), the Lodge offers three double bedrooms with private bathrooms and air conditioning, accommodating up to 6 guests. There is also a spacious gathering room, a dining room and other facilities, as well as warm service and hospitality.

Estancias El Dorado is located at 700 kilometres from Buenos Aires. It is accessible by bus up to Mercedes (in the province of Corrientes), where members of the staff will be waiting to drive you to the ranch, or by your own vehicle - or by plane to Resistencia.

SEASON:
September to May.

ALL-INCLUSIVE RATES (for min. 3 Days/3 Nights) - 2006/07 SEASON:
£455/person (US$800/person) - Minimum 2 anglers) - for 3 Days/3 Nights package

RATES INCLUDE:
Shared accommodation and boat, fuel, bilingual guide, water, refreshments, beer, wine, snacks, brunch, dinner, accommodations.

BACK TO TOP OF PAGE

(PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS DESTINATION FEATURES IN OUR ‘TWO COUNTRY PROGRAMME’ – see the FEATURES PAGE)


El Encuentro Lodge, near Esquel, Argentina, is located on the edge of the massive Futaleufu River (Rio Grande), overlooking both the river and the spectacular, snow-capped Andes separating Argentina from Chile.

The Lodge is just 20 minutes from the border crossing with Chile.  It is run by the Anglo-Argentine family that owns it, and most of the family are trained and certified, bilingual guides in their own right, including the daughters.


THE FISHING:
Rainbow and Brown Trout are the major quarry.    The fishing begins on the home river, the Futaleufu (Rio Grande).  Typically the Futaleufu will be good for fishing dries, from stimulators to mayflies and caddis.  Other times it may be necessary to use a sink tip and streamers to get down to the big browns.  Wading can be had year around but it is better from January on because of lower water levels.  Depending on the length of stay there are several other rivers also that will provide a variety of different challenges.  These waters range from large rivers with pools and runs, through to creeks such as the famous spring creek, Arroyo Pescado.  If time permits, a day or two can be spent in the national park Los Alerces floating down the gin clear Rio Rivadavia.  The float begins at one lake and ends in another. All three waters can be fished.  If it is still waters that are preferred a day trip to Wilimanco can be included, a lagoon in which large trout abound.  There is a great section to wade and site cast to these enormous browns.


ACCOMMODATION:
The Lodge is situated on the banks of the Rio Grande (or Futaleufu River).  From your window you will be amazed by the spectacular view of the Andes.  It is located just 5 miles from the Chilean border.

El Encuentro, with a privileged riverside location, offers modern and comfortable accommodation for up to 8 guests.  Owners Michael and Jane Beale have nurtured a family style business with a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.  They are assisted by Steven and Antonia Twilegar, and bilingual guides to make your experience unforgettable.

Every meal is an experience with home-baked breads and home-grown vegetables freshly picked from the garden.  No Argentine lunch or dinner would be complete without the famous wines from Mendoza. Midday meals can be enjoyed by the riverside with your guide attending you, or you might prefer a leisurely ride back to the lodge and lunch on the veranda.  After lunch there is always the option of a Siesta before heading out for the evening hatch.


THE PROGRAMME:
There is no fixed programme at El Encuentro, since the fishing may be booked by the day.  However, given the variety of fishing available a minimum stay of 4 fishing days is recommended.

Your arrival into Argentina will be at the international airport of Buenos Aires, EZEIZA. From there you will need to transfer to the domestic airport, AEROPARQUE, to take your 2+ hour flight down South to the city of ESQUEL where you will be met and transferred to El Encuentro. 

Depending upon arrival time at El Encuentro you will be provided with an appropriate meal and/or the opportunity for a rest.  Alternatively, an immediate foray to the river may be a more attractive option, in which case a guide will be available to take you.

The programme for each day’s fishing is entirely subject to your preferences, and your guide will discuss this with you at the outset – both in terms of preferred hours as well as preferred types of fishing.  At El Encuentro it is quite normal to take full advantage of daylight fishing and not to return for dinner until about 9.30/10pm.  This is often the most convenient arrangement for the more distant locations.  If fishing closer to home, it gives the opportunity for lunch at the Lodge followed by a siesta.  Alternatively an earlier dinner can also be made available.


OTHER ACTIVITIES:
For non-anglers, or for those wanting to combine fishing with a bit of Patagonian experience, Patagonia has a lot more to offer than just fishing. Depending on your interests we can offer:

· Horseback riding from right outside the back door:  Depending on your experience you can ride for a couple of hours along the river, or ride for a half, or full, day up in the mountains.

· Half day trip to Chile: El Encuentro is only 5 miles away from the Chilean border. The town of Futaleufu has some great restaurants where you can enjoy some excellent pacific seafood and Pisco Sours. After lunch go for a drive around the area or go for a nice hike. You will be surprised at the change of scenery and life style.

· Rafting on the Futaleufu River in Chile:  This river is world-famous for rafting.

· Discover the Welsh Heritage of the area: Visit the town of Trevelin and it’s museums to learn about the fascinating Welsh settlers. Enjoy a traditional tea with some delicious home-made cakes and breads.

· Day trip to The National Park Los Alerces: Take a boat tour or a hike. Enjoy some stunning scenery and wild life. The park was created in 1937.  The National Park has the largest alerce forest of Argentina . Alerce is one of the longest-living trees in the world; some trees in the park are around 3,000 years old, with many of them over 1,000 years.

· Half day trip on La Trochita: One of the only narrow-gauge trains still operating in the world.

· Hiking and Bird Watching


SEASONS:
The season runs from 1^st November to 1^st May.  The Arroyo Pescado opens later (1^st January).


RATES:
Rates at El Encuentro are chargeable by the day.  These are £300/person per day (US$530).  Non-angler rate is £160/person per day (US$275).  The rates include:  A full day’s guided fishing, shared boat;  accommodation, double occupancy;  full board and finest Argentine wines;  Transfers between Esquel airport and Lodge.

Not included: Air flight tickets;  Fishing tackle and equipment;  Fishing Licences –  US$10/day (Arroyo Pescado US$60/day);  internet and telephone;  gratuities


SUPPLEMENTS & EXTRA SERVICES:
We can arrange for an airport reception in Buenos Aires, intercity transfer, and hotel reservations (for those staying overnight in the city).  You may want to take advantage of being in Buenos Aires by experiencing an authentic Argentine tango show or its fantastic restaurants.  We can arrange for trusted city guides.

We are also able to offer a customised ‘Two Country Programme’, combining the fishing at El Encuentro with that at Isla Monita, Chile (see Chile page) just 1½ hours drive from the Argentine border.


CONDITIONS:
A 50% trip deposit is required to hold your reservation.  The balance is due 60 days prior to commencement of the programme.

BACK TO TOP OF PAGE