CHRISTMAS GIFTS/ LA ZONA FOR GOLDEN DORADO

 

If you browse through the IGFA record books for golden dorado, practically all entries are from the Uruguay River in a section known as La Zona.  Here the largest golden dorado on earth swim.  La Zona is a section or river near the Salto Grande Dam on the border of Uruguay and Argentina which is restricted to only 2 permits and can only be entered 4 days during the week. 

Currently, La Zona Lodge controls these 2 permits so 2 boats of up to 3 fishermen per boat are allowed into the Zone.  In the zone, clients have a chance of landing a golden dorado exceeding 50 pounds with a possibility of also landing a huge surubi. 

Elsewhere dorado topping 10 pounds are considered trophies, but they could not last in La Zona as they would be a dinner for the giants.  I have fished La Zona every year except the covid restrictions this year since the permits were granted.  The golden dorado seem to get larger each year as a strict catch and release policy is set forth by the government and La Zona Lodge.  Lodge owner, Hector Bradanini constructed a new hotel last year where clients stay.  Each room has private bath, large screen TVs, etc..  There is a restaurant in the hotel where delicious meals are served by local chefs.  The Argentina Bar-B-Que is simply fantastic!!  Clients are picked up in Buenos Aires by La Zona Lodge in a spacious A/C van and driven about 5 hours to the lodge.  Fly fishing and Conventional tackle are the preferred methods to land the monster dorado.  Topwater poppers and Super Shad Raps are some of the best lures.  Thick wire spinnerbaits have probably accounted for more monsters over 50 pounds than any other lure.  La Zona Lodge fills quickly so book that Christmas Gift soon.  You can contact me directly with any questions or I can put you in touch with the lodge manager.