643 | Fly Fishing Argentina with Gustavo Hiebaum of Set Fly Fishing - Golden Dorado, Patagonia, Travel

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/643

Presented By: Visit Helena, MT, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Togiak River Lodge, Angler's Coffee

We're fly fishing Argentina today with Gustavo Hiebaum of Set Fly Fishing. He's here to tell us all about fishing for golden dorado in the eighth-largest country in the world.

We'll also explore Argentina's fly fishing, the culture, and the amazing outdoors. We're going to cover it all today!

Episode Chapters with Gustavo Hiebaum on Fly Fishing Argentina

02:18 - Gustavo got into fly fishing when he was eight during vacations in Northern Patagonia. By the age of eleven, he was tying his own flies, and by fourteen, he already knew that he was going to run his life around fly fishing.

Exploring Argentina

05:35 - Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world and the second-largest in South America after Brazil.

7:48 - Argentina is famous for its trout fishing, with rainbows, browns, and brook trout thriving since their introduction in 1904. But the country is most known for the Golden Dorado. There's also the Perca, a bass family fish.

11:34 - Argentina's population is about 40 million, with 70% living in Buenos Aires and the nearby areas. The rest of the country is less populated and perfect for fishing. While fly fishing isn't as popular in Buenos Aires, you can still catch fish like dorado in local ponds.

13:55 - Gustavo runs lodges in two main regions: the northeast and northern Patagonia. These spots are remote, about 700 to 1000 miles from the city, requiring a flight from Buenos Aires.

23:16 - For first-timers visiting Argentina, Gustavo recommends the Spring Creek Lodge in northern Patagonia, which is easy to get to from Buenos Aires.

The Thrill of Golden Dorado Fishing

26:32 - Gustavo describes the golden dorado as an addictive catch because of its fierce and wild nature. This freshwater fish has a crazy mix of speed and power, kind of like a barracuda and shark combined.

They have sharp teeth and can eat prey twice their size in seconds. It’s a thrilling experience that’s similar to saltwater fishing.

29:13 - Gustavo talks about how they run three lodges in different environments, but the Ibera Wetlands is a standout spot for Golden Dorado.

The Ibera Wetlands in Argentina is a massive, crystal-clear paradise for fishing and wildlife watching. It’s like the Everglades but with clear freshwater.

37:29 - Gustavo talks about the huge Golden Dorado you can find in the upper Paraná River. These fish can grow up to 50 pounds, with some reaching nearly 70 pounds!

The Paraná River is massive, similar in size to the Mississippi River, and it eventually flows into Buenos Aires. The river is full of life, with dorado feeding on fish like the savalo.

42:15 - Gustavo talks about the variety of fish you can catch on the Upper Parana, like the paku and piapita.

50:02 - Gustavo explains that their fishing trips are flexible and tailored to their preferences.

They recommend starting at the Ysoro wetlands, which is like a nursery for smaller dorados, to get used to the fishing style. Then, you can head to the main Paraná for a shot at the bigger fish.

55:51 - The prime seasons for catching golden dorodo are September to November and mid-February to early May. Some visit in January and February to combine trout fishing in Patagonia with a dorado trip.

Set Fly Fishing

59:44 - Gustavo describes the amazing lodges SET Fly Fishing provides for golden dorado fishing. Each lodge offers a unique experience with great food and easy access to fishing.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/643