Pira Lodge
In Persuit of Golden Dorado

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The Argentine province of Corrientes is home to the Ibera Marsh, the largest body of fresh water in the world, and two and a half times the size of the Florida Everglades.

Fishing from Pira Lodge focuses on the Ibera Marsh and the Corrientes River, which winds through the marsh. This is one of the most unique wetlands in the world--over three million acres of unexplored and uninhabited marshland in the northeast corner of Argentina, and the setting for some of the most exciting freshwater fishing you will ever do.

The marsh is a vast system of crystal-clear creeks, flowing rivers, shallows, and lakes. You will fish from state-of-the-art Hell's Bay flats skiffs, exploring this enormous expanse with enthusiastic professional fly fishing guides. Dorado are exceptionally plentiful here due to the astonishing clarity of the water, and the massive amounts of bait fish and other food sources. Floating lines and traditional saltwater streamers, as well as many of the lodge's own patterns are used to make tasty presentations to waking fish. Sink-tip lines and large deer hair head bunny patterns are deadly in the deeper runs and bends for big dorado.

Once you hook into a Dorado, "the tiger of the river", you'll think you've hooked a saltwater beast. These are exceptionally strong fish, and they run and jump like tarpon. As one excited guest remarked, "The take is like a freight train slamming into you."

Pira Lodge was designed to provide its guests not only with a remarkable fishing experience, but also with tremendous comfort. There are only five deluxe rooms here, so you will never feel crowded. Each air-conditioned room has two double beds, and large French doors that open to wide verandahs with sprawling views of the marshlands. Large bathrooms with double windows afford a peaceful place to unwind in a bath or relax as high-volume shower heads pour down like rain over tired casting muscles.

Most meals are served in the spacious dining room, adjacent to the great room filled with oversized couches and comfortable armchairs created by local artisans. Despite the isolated location, the chef at Pira focuses on typical Argentine dishes but with his creative personal flair and impeccable presentation, he will dazzle your palate. Fine Argentine wines are served with lunch and dinner. Massages are available by appointment. A large deck and swimming pool is available for your enjoyment. Three nights minimum stay.

The following is a sample itinerary

Day 1
Fly into the local airport via air charter from Buenos Aires, Cordoba or Mendoza. You will be met by the Pira staff and driven to the lodge in an air-conditioned vehicle, about a 45 minute ride. As an option, you can take a commercial flight into Corrientes, then transfer via air-conditioned vehicle to the lodge, about a three and one-half hour drive.

Upon arrival at the lodge you'll settle into your room. Most arrivals coincide with lunch. If this is the case, you'll enjoy a sumptuous lunch with wine, then prepare for an afternoon session of fishing. This session usually goes out around 3 p.m. You will be introduced to your guide, and the entire guide staff, and given a short orientation. Your guide will check over your gear and flies and be sure you are rigged properly. The guides have a good selection of the best flies, and the lodge features a full tackle shop. The guides will usually rig you up with a special wire leader. Wire is a must for the serious teeth of the "tiger of the river". All guides are excellent instructors and know the waters of the marsh intimately. You will be amazed at the labyrinths your guide will negotiate in the fishing adventure you are now embarking on.

Return to the lodge for evening snacks and cocktails. Shower and relax. Enjoy a fabulous Argentine meal with fine wine and homemade desserts.

Day 2
Take an early morning swim if you like, and breakfast at the lodge. A morning session of fishing in a different area of the marsh. The guides communicate with each other every evening and coordinate the fishing locations so that you see a nice variety of water, and experience many different fishing situations.

Lunch back at the lodge. Relax, siesta, take a swim. Afternoon session of fishing. You usually fish until dark, but you can choose to return earlier if you like. If you fished a part of the river in the morning, most likely you'll fish an area of creeks off one of the marsh lakes in the afternoon--unless the fishing was so good you just have to return to your honey hole.

Return to the lodge for evening snacks and cocktails. Shower and relax. Enjoy a great Argentine dinner with fine wine and homemade desserts.

Day 3 and on
Same as Day 2, and continuing through the length of your stay. The variety of fishing is simply incredible, and over your stay you will discover favorite places, and favorite type of fishing situations. At times you'll just be awestruck by the marsh itself, and you'll want to take lots of photographs. Bring plenty of film and lots of memory for digital cameras.

Departure Day
After breakfast you will be driven back to the local airport for your charter flight to your next adventure, or to Buenos Aires for your international flight home.



Seasons
The high season months are January through April. October through December are good times to fish, and a great value.

2005 Rates
First week of January through April, $3,500 per person, double occupancy, for a 7 night/6 day all-inclusive fishing package. 5 night/ 4 day package is $2,600 per person double.
October through the first week of January, $2,900 per person, double occupancy, for a 7 night/6 day all-inclusive fishing package. 5 night/ 4 day package is $2,170 per person double.
May through October, please inquire, as the lodge closes for part of this timeframe.

All Packages Include
Ground transfers from Mercedes to/from the lodge, accommodations in a deluxe suite, guided fishing, all meals and snacks, wine and other alcoholic beverages, horseback riding and bird watching excursions.

Not Included
Commercial or air charter from Buenos Aires to Corrientes/Resistencia or Mercedes, staff gratuities, laundry service, telephone calls.

Please Note
Stays of less than one week are available. Single rates and non-angler rates are available. Please inquire.

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