LA ZONA LOW WATER/ NO PROBLEM!

 

Southern Brazil and Upper Argentina have been in drought conditions for the past few years.  Farmers, ranchers, and others who depend on water are having much issues growing crops and with their livestock.  Many of the famous rivers such as the Uruguay and Parana are extremely low such as many boats cannot even get out due to lack of water.  The past few weeks while fishing for dorado in La Zona on the Uruguay River the water was the lowest locals have experienced.  In the "Zone", one could say it reminded one of a rock field as numerous boulders were either exposed or sitting a few inches below the surface. 

Motoring through this rock field maze was extremely difficult, but our guides Elbio and Alejandro did a great job.  With the water being so low only a few lures would be an option as others would dive too deep and constantly snag in the rocks.  Shallow cup poppers made by Kermett Adams were outstanding when the dorado could be seen attacking bogas in a few inches of water.  When using the popper, keep your rod as high as possible and reel in with super human speed, do not pop!!!  We had our best luck using 2 oz Papa Doctor Spoons in gold coloration. 

These spoons are 5 1/2 inches long and quite thin.  One can cast them a country mile trying to reach the exposed rocks where the dorado sit.  A medium to fast retrieve was required to prevent snagging.  We put a barrel swivel on the rear split ring then another split ring to the barrel swivel then a 8/0 strong single hook.  This configuration allowed the hook the rotate when the giant dorado would make numerous leaps to try and toss the hook. 

Another lure we had success with was a local glider, JAG, which would zig zag a few inches below the surface.  I actually landed a 44 lbs dorado on my second cast with this lure.  We lost numerous lures due to dorado leaping while our braid would cut on the rocks, so long mono or fluor leaders are necessary.  In my opinion, the water levels in La Zona will remain low in the near future, so be prepared for low water conditions where you can catch "mucho grandes" like we did!!!  Best of luck!!!