Don Joaquin River Lodge

ARGENTINA

FRESHWATER

SEASON: YEAR-ROUND

ACCOMMODATION

6 Suites each with 2 Queen beds, private bathroom, aircon and Wi-Fi

SPECIES

Golden Dorado, Pacu, Pira Pita, Surubi Catfish

Don Joaquin River Lodge

Nestled in the heart of Argentina, Don Joaquin River Lodge offers an amazing experience for anglers of all levels. Situated on the banks of the renowned Corrientes River, the lodge is surrounded by a spectacular wetland wilderness. This is a prime destination for fly anglers looking for incredible Dorado fishing along Pacu, Pira Pita and Surubi Catfish. ENQUIRE ONLY - no online booking is available for this destination. Contact us with your preferred dates and we will do the rest!    

Don Joaquin River Lodge is the full combination of luxurious accommodations, phenomenal Dorado fishing and customer service. The central hub of the lodge features an outdoor veranda and a large dining and living room with panoramic views of the beautiful Corrientes River. Not only does it cater for anglers, but also to non-fishing partners and families.

The lodge includes 13 suites, 2 living rooms, 3 dining rooms, a BBQ terrace with a wood oven, and a 14-meter swimming pool. Each suite has a private bathroom, air conditioning, daily maid service, and free Wi-Fi. The lodge is surrounded by an Estancia country garden with amazing native trees.

There are 6 skiffs on site and as such we show availability for 6 rooms. If you are looking for a larger group or family booking – please enquire with us directly and we will facilitate this for you.

Why Choose Don Joaquin River Lodge?

Prime Location: Situated on the banks of the Corrientes River, renowned for its exceptional fly fishing. Dorado along with a host of other species
Expert Guides: Professional, knowledgeable guides ensure a great fishing experience.
Excellent Accommodation: Argentinian style with modern amenities and world-class cuisine
Personalised Service: Attentive staff dedicated to meeting your needs and enhancing your stay.
Scenery and extra activities: A beautiful setting offering a range of outdoor activities for the family. Horse riding, Wildlife Safaris, Birding, Gaucho experiences and Spa treatments

The lodge includes 13 suites, 2 living rooms, 3 dining rooms, a BBQ terrace with a wood oven, and a 14-meter swimming pool.

Each suite has a private bathroom, air conditioning, daily maid service, and free Wi-Fi.

NOTE: There are 6 skiffs and as such we show availability for 6 rooms. If you are looking for a larger group or family booking – please enquire with us directly and we will facilitate this for you.

After booking – We will be on hand to assist and advise on local travel

Flights to Argentina

  • Major Airport: Buenos Aires (Ezeiza International Airport – EZE)
  • Airlines: American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, Aerolineas Argentinas along with other major International Airlines

Domestic Travel in Argentina – You have various options

  • From Buenos Aires to Corrientes:
    • Flight: Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) to Doctor Fernando Piragine Niveyro International Airport (CNQ), approximately 1.5 hours
    • Airline: Aerolineas Argentinas
    • Alternative: Long-distance bus from Buenos Aires to Corrientes, 10-12 hours (Flecha Bus, Via Bariloche). This is a very good option and the bus is extremely comfortable

3. From Corrientes to Don Joaquin River Lodge

  • By Car: Rent a car at Corrientes Airport, 2.5-3 hours drive
  • By Transfer Service: Private transfer from Corrientes Airport directly to the lodge

SEASON: Year round

The Corriente and Parana rivers offer a pristine environment for your target species. Without much boat traffic, the rivers are quiet and clean and are thriving ecosystems with a rich variety of flora and fauna. The Parana River is the second longest river in South America and is famous for its Dorado fishing. The Corriente River begins in the Ibera Wetlands, the second-largest wetlands on the planet and the largest source of fresh groundwater.

Highly prized for their powerful runs and acrobatics, Golden Dorado are hooked and landed in numbers and size each year.

Other Species
• Pacu • Manguruyú • Piranha • Chafalote or Dogfish• Armado • Raya • Palometa • Pira Pita or River Salmon• Dientudo • Boga • Tararias • Surubi catfish (2 species) pintado & surubi

The lodge does have fly fishing equipment available for guests. However, here is a list of recommended gear if you want to bring your own.

A variety of single-handed rods to effectively target different species. For Dorado, a 9-ft, 8-wt or 9-wt rod with reels loaded with tropical floating lines is recommended. For Pira Pitá dry fly fishing, a 9-ft, 6-wt or 7-wt rod is ideal, paired with floating tropical lines. When fishing for Pacu, 8-wt and 7-wt rods with fruit patterns and floating lines.

Leaders and tippets should be robust enough to handle large flies. It’s advisable to have spools of mono in 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 lbs test weights. For floating lines, use 9-foot, long tapered leaders, and for sinking lines, use 5-6 feet of 30 to 50 lbs, depending on the fishing structure. Maxima Ultragreen Mono is recommended for leader material. For Dorado, a shock or bite tippet is crucial due to their sharp teeth, so bring 40 to 65 lbs test steel leader.

Flies include saltwater streamers in colours like Black, Black and Chartreuse/Red/Yellow, Red/Black, and Purple and Black with flashabou. Deceivers, Lefty’s Half and Half, Whistlers, CockRoaches, and Clouser Minnows are excellent choices. Poppers & Divers in similar colours are also effective. Ensure flies have plenty of flat, wide holographic flashabou, and consider using weed guards. Sizes range from 1/0 to 5/0, with 2/0 and 3/0 being most common.

Additionally, large Bombers, frogs, foam poppers, pencil poppers, deer hair poppers, Chernobyl ants, and large bass or pike bugs in various colours are recommended. For Pacú and Pirá Pitá, fruit imitation flies are suggested. Always keep hooks sharp, and use barbless hooks when possible.

RATES

There are variable rates for 3,4,5,6 and 7-day packages, When you select your dates – please select a rate package according to your length of stay.

Packages 2024/2025
3 Night Package Rate: $1402 pp Sharing
4 Night Package Rate: $2210 pp Sharing
5 Night Package Rate: $2911 pp Sharing
6 Night Package Rate: $3544 pp Sharing
7 Night Package Rate: $4037 pp Sharing

Singles rates are available online but please enquire about non-fishing partners and families

Don Joaquin River Lodge Terms and Conditions:

* Securing a reservation with your 50% deposit means you accept the terms and conditions of the cancellation policy
*Full payment 60 days before check-in
*Cancellations made more than 60 days from check-in receive a 90% refund or the option of a credit valid for 1 year from the cancellation date.
*Cancellations between 60 and 31 days from check-in receive a 50% refund or the option of a credit valid for 1 year from the cancellation date.
*Cancellations between 30 and 15 days from check-in receive a 30% refund or the option of a credit valid for 1 year from the cancellation date.
* Cancellations made 14 days or less before check-in: No refund

Included:
* Accommodation, all meals, pre-dinner drinks and appetisers, Malbec Wine, beer, Wi-Fi, professional guide, loaner equipment, fishing license

Not Included:
*Transfer from Patrana (PRA) or Corrientes (CNQ) to the lodge, gratuities for guides and house staff, airfare and private charters

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