Salto Grande Dorados

Experience Jurassic-like Golden Dorado fishing at the exclusive tailwater fishery in Salto, Uruguay—formerly known as “La Zona.” Reopened after a nine-year hiatus, this legendary destination has already produced eight IGFA world records in just three seasons and is once again proving itself as the most productive best big-Dorado fishery accessible from Buenos Aires.

A small number of lucky anglers per week are granted strictly limited access to this dam-regulated zone, where catch rates average 22 Dorado per boat, per day—with fish commonly weighing 15 to 40 pounds. These golden beasts are explosive predators, known for their violent strikes and jaw dropping aerials.

Anglers enjoy VIP access to private resort facilities just 500 feet from the river, making long commutes a thing of the past. Travel from Buenos Aires to Salto is easy via an economical 1-hour private flight or a 5-hour drive, which can even include an optional dove shoot en route.

This exclusive destination is ideal for fly or spin anglers seeking high-volume action and trophy Golden Dorado, and who don’t mind fishing in sight of a dam—because when the fish are this big and this aggressive, the backdrop fades away.

Guests stay at the exclusive Quiroga Suites, located within the renowned Quiroga Thermal Spa & Resort—just 500 yards from the fishing zone. A private VIP wing is reserved exclusively for Golden Dorado anglers, offering single-occupancy suites for privacy and comfort, plus access to a private lounge, dining area, and open bar.

Each spacious room features modern amenities and opens the door to an ideal recovery zone after a day battling trophy Dorado. The resort’s highlight? Its natural thermal baths, fed by the mineral-rich Guarani Aquifer—perfect for soothing sore arms and tired backs after fighting 20–40 lb fish.

While at the lodge, anglers are personally cared for by longtime host and fishing manager Pancho Cardoso, who ensures a seamless, top-tier experience throughout your stay. Between the private resort atmosphere, exceptional hospitality, and proximity to the fishery, Quiroga Suites delivers a unusual combination of comfort, convenience, and exclusivity—right on the doorstep of one of the best Dorado fisheries in the world.

The exclusive tailwater fishery below El Salto Grande Dam in Salto, Uruguay, is arguably the most productive trophy Golden Dorado fishery on Earth. This short stretch of the Uruguay River has produced eight IGFA world records, including two All-Tackle records with fish surpassing 55 lbs. Recently reopened after a nine-year hiatus, this legendary zone once known as La Zona is again offering anglers a rare, tightly controlled opportunity to target massive Golden Dorado in a uniquely rich environment.

Fueled by a constant flush of baitfish and oxygenated water from the dam turbines, the fishery is nutrient-rich and densely populated with apex predators. Dorado school in huge numbers and feed aggressively, creating explosive surface attacks that can churn entire blocks of water. From November to March, boats average 22 Dorado per day, with many fish over 15 lbs.

Fishing is done from 21-foot shallow-draft bass boats with casting decks and 90hp outboards, ideal for both fly and spin anglers. Strict regulations allow only two boats on the water at a time, Monday–Thursday. Anglers rotate through four 3-hour sessions daily, keeping pressure low and the action hot.

Whether casting streamers, poppers, or hardware, anglers here catch more big Dorado in a week than most will see in a lifetime.

Fishing is available Monday through Thursday only, with exclusive access limited to two boats on the water each day.

SALTO GRANDE DORADOS
(5 nights/4 days fishing)

Sunday:    Arrive at Buenos Aires International Airport, where a host will greet you and provide a private, 5-hour van transfer to the resort in Salto, Uruguay. This comfortable, scenic drive offers a relaxing introduction to the countryside and can optionally include a stop for a dove shoot along the way.
Alternatively, guests may upgrade to a private charter flight. After arrival at the international airport, you’ll be transferred 45 minutes to a private airstrip, where you’ll board a 1-hour charter flight to Salto. Upon landing, a quick 20-minute ground transfer brings you to the Quiroga Suites.

Monday – Thursday:    Enjoy four full days of guided fishing on the Uruguay River’s exclusive tailwater section. Each day includes a morning fishing session, a break at the resort for lunch and relaxation, followed by an afternoon session. Evenings feature cocktails and gourmet dinners in the private anglers’ area.

Friday:    After breakfast, depart Salto via charter flight or private ground transfer back to Buenos Aires.

Rate: $5,600/rod
Included: Lodging in single occupancy, license and guided fishing, meals with VIP private dining, open bar, transfers to/from Buenos Aires, spinning and bait casting rods and lures.
Not included: Flights, travel insurance, laundry, services in Buenos Aires, fly gear, charter flights and gratuities

With over 26 years organizing trips in exclusively Chile and Argentina, we make travel planning efficient and worry free.

• After an easy overnight flight, anglers land at the Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport (EZE).
• Guests can pt to be driven 5 hours from the Buenos Aires International Airport to the resort with an optional dove shoot along the way or choose a private charter to the resort. Guest choosing the charter flight will be transferred from the international airport 45 min to a private airport and take a 1-hour flight to Salto, Uruguay. They are then transferred 20 mins to the resort.
• Guests may either fly or drive back to Buenos Aires.