Fishing in Corrientes Province

Situated in northeastern Argentina, Corrientes Province is defined by water. Bordered by the mighty Paraná River to the west and the Paraguay River to the north, with the enormous Iberá Wetlands at its heart, Corrientes is one of the country’s premier sportfishing regions. The landscape is mostly low-lying and subtropical, with dense vegetation, year-round warmth, and abundant wildlife creating a setting that feels both wild and vibrant. The fishing culture in Corrientes runs deep, with traditional wooden boats, passionate local anglers, and a deep respect for the rivers that support both the people and the fish. The Paraná River is a fishing powerhouse, known for its big dorado and surubí, while the Iberá Wetlands are a world of their own - shallow, mysterious, and filled with unique fishing opportunities. The fishing season runs nearly year-round, with prime conditions typically from October through April - close to the equator, summer temperatures can be unpleasantly hot.

Fishing in Corrientes is as diverse as its waterways. The Paraná River, with its powerful current and deep main channel, is the centerpiece of big-game freshwater fishing. Here, anglers chase large golden dorado in the fast runs, cast around sunken logs and rocky structures, or drift bait through swirling eddies. Surubí catfish are targeted in the deeper holes, often at night or during low light hours. The upper reaches and tributaries of the Paraná, including the Riachuelo and smaller feeder streams, offer more intimate settings for light tackle or fly fishing. The Iberá Wetlands—one of the largest freshwater wetlands in South America—provide a completely different experience. These shallow, still waters require stealth and finesse. Here, anglers can pole quietly through narrow channels and lagoons, sight-casting to dorado, pira pita, and pacú. The wetlands are a fly fisher’s dream, offering technical, visual fishing with the added bonus of encounters with capybaras, caimans, and hundreds of bird species along the way.

Corrientes supports a wide spectrum of fishing techniques. Fly fishing is the default in Argentina, especially in the Iberá Wetlands, where clear water and calm conditions allow for sight-casting. An 8- or 9-weight rod, floating or intermediate line, and a mix of diverse lures will cover most scenarios. For golden dorado, the experts advise to focus on streamers. As the fish strikes, set the hook decisively - the Argentinean Gran Prix species has a very hard mouth - and prepare for the wild ride with astounding acrobatic leaps. Presentation is critical in the wetlands, where long casts and quiet approaches make the difference. For pira pita, small streamers or surface flies like poppers are ideal, while pacú will often rise to carefully drifted imitations of local fruits or insects. For tararira, surface lures and weedless soft plastics or poppers are highly effective in the weedy shallows. Surubí are typically targeted with deep-set live bait, fished in the main channel or drop-offs. Although many believe it’s a shame to target the golden dorado with anything but the fly rod, on the Paraná River anglers often use baitcasting or spinning setups. Wire leaders are essential due to the dorado’s sharp teeth, and casting lures like crankbaits, spoons, or topwater plugs near structure is the go-to approach. Click to learn more about fishing in Argentina