Spring has finally arrived on the Paraná River, bringing with it the much-anticipated start of the prime golden dorado fishing season. In our last Blog Post “Spring is Coming”, we highlighted why spring is one of the best times to fish for trophy dorados, with ideal conditions and incredible opportunities for anglers to land their dream catch. Now, as the season unfolds, we’re thrilled to report that the river is living up to every bit of its legendary reputation.

With clients joining us from all over the world, we’ve been enjoying some unforgettable days on the water, marked by intense battles, thrilling moments, and, of course, exceptional catches. From 15-pound beauties to monstrous 35-plus-pound dorados, this season is already delivering the kind of fishing experiences that anglers dream about.

The golden dorados this season have been nothing short of extraordinary. The river has been with low level and super clear water, filled with vibrant, aggressive dorados actively feeding, creating the perfect conditions for both seasoned anglers and newcomers to experience the thrill of fighting these powerful fish. Our guests have been reeling in trophy-sized dorados, with many catches falling in the 15-35 pound range—an incredible size for fly fishing!

These dorados don’t give up easily. Their strength and agility are awe-inspiring, and they’re known for putting on a spectacular show, often leaping out of the water with explosive energy. For those lucky enough to hook one, each battle becomes a test of endurance and skill, for both angler and guide. The sheer power of these fish is unforgettable, and they’ve been giving our clients an unparallel experience.

Of course, not every dorado fight ends with a catch. Some of the true giants have managed to escape, either by snapping the line or skillfully spitting out the fly mid-air. These moments, while frustrating, are part of the magic and unpredictability of golden dorado fishing. It’s hard to forget the sight of a massive dorado launching itself out of the water, gracefully tossing the fly aside with the finesse of a fountain frog, before disappearing back into the river depths.

These near-catches remind us of the challenges that make dorado fishing so rewarding. Every time a dorado slips away, it leaves us with a story to tell—and a renewed hunger to return to the water for another shot at these elusive river giants.

This spring, the river has been in perfect condition for dorado fishing. The water temperature is hovering around 18 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for dorados as they become more active and move closer to the surface to feed. The clear, warm waters allow for excellent visibility, making sight-fishing possible, especially in areas with sunken logs, rocky shorelines, and sandbanks.

As we mentioned in our previous post, this season is all about targeting trophy dorados in these structured waters, where they lie in wait, ready to ambush unsuspecting prey. Island heads, ambush points along rocky shores, and deep pockets near submerged structures have all proven to be prime spots, with dorados in full hunting mode.

With the sun filtering through the clear water, we’ve been using lighter-colored flies during most of the day. Chartreuse and yellow have been particularly effective colors, attracting the attention of dorados as they move through the water. Early in the morning and later in the evening, we switch to darker flies, which stand out beautifully in the softer light.

Given the dorados’ somewhat lethargic state as they ease into spring feeding, we’re using a slower strip technique than usual. This subtle approach has been very successful, as it mimics the natural movement of prey and entices even the most cautious dorados to strike.

For lines, we’re alternating between floating lines for sight-fishing on the sandbanks and intermediate or sinking tips like the Rio ELITE PREDATOR FLY LINE Float/1ips/2ips for deeper waters. For advanced casters, the ELITE PREDATOR FLY LINE Float/Medium Sink/Fast Sink (F/S5/S7) has been incredibly effective in getting flies to the right depth near submerged structures, where the larger dorados tend to lurk.

As we move further into spring, we’re expecting the fishing to only get better. The Paraná River is alive with energy, and the golden dorados are ready to put up a fight. If you’ve been dreaming of hooking a trophy dorado, there’s no better time to join us. The river is waiting, and every cast holds the potential for an encounter with a true river monster.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, this season offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the thrill of golden dorado fishing at its finest. Come and witness the magic of the Paraná River for yourself, and create memories that will last a lifetime.