Freshwater dorado (Salminus maxillosus and S. hilarii) are a distinct migratory gamefish.

Physically, the freshwater dorado is best described as a prehistoric golden trout or salmon with the jaws of a pit bull terrier. Ichthyologists have appropriately given the southern species of dorado the Latin name, Salminus maxillosus. Salminus, meaning trout-like, and maxillosus referring to the fish's immensely-powerful jaws.

Dorado are hard-hitting, incredibly-strong, acrobatic fighters that attain weights in excess of 30-pounds The freshwater Dorado has long been one of the most admired fish in the southern portion of South America, it is almost completely unknown in the rest of the world. The largest species, Salminus brasilensis (a recent name change from Salminus maxillosus), is found mainly in Argentina, Bolivia, Southern Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay.

Outside of South America, the dorado suffers an identity crisis. Many anglers confuse this distinct migratory gamefish with other, generally less voracious, species. Although its migratory behavior and its body are reminiscent of the salmon, it is not at all related. The dorado does not die after spawning and never swims in the ocean. And while its common name is similar, the dorado is a freshwater gamefish and not to be confused with the saltwater “dolphin” fish (called 'el dorado' in many Spanish-speaking countries).

Dorado are exceptionally strong swimmers. They typically range in size from 5 to 10 pounds. In some fisheries, twenty pounders are common. Although the current IGFA all-tackle record is over 50 pounds, giants of up to 70 pounds have been recorded. Their intense, almost radiant, golden color is marked with holographic black horizontal stripes. This patterning, coupled with their powerful jaws and razor sharp teeth have earned the dorado the sobriquet “River Tiger” in Argentina.

These steel-jawed hunters are strongly piscivorous and feed primarily on a mullet-like fish called sabalo, A big dorado will happily feed on any size sabalo - ranging from two-inches to two-pounds. Anglers have excellent success with lures and flies that can imitate this favorite food. The dorado is a great jumper and a prodigious fighter. Once fooled with a fly, their arm-wrenching strike is a testament to their aggressiveness and ferocity. As soon as an angler sets the hook, these wild leapers explode out of the water in a series of outrageous jumps.

Fly fishermen are best equipped with an 8-9-weight fly rod and either a 200 to 300 grain, 24-foot sink tip line or a full floating line depending upon water conditions. A heavy steel leader is a must, as these fish will chew through any kind of monofilament as though it were sewing thread! Dorado take a variety of streamers, sliders and even Atlantic salmon-style Bombers during ideal conditions (tied on 3/0 to 6/0, heavy, long shank hooks).

Because of the crystalline water clarity of the Iberá Marsh and the manner in which they forage, cruising dorado can often be seen feeding along the water’s edge. This allows for some excellent sight casting opportunities. Accurately throwing big streamer flies is often rewarded by a fast and intense new relationship with one of the most beautiful but obstinate fish you’ll ever meet.

As the world continues to become smaller, people are increasingly encroaching upon its innermost hidden places. Development and environmental change follow close on their heels, leaving fewer and fewer of the planet’s natural ecosystems intact. Only through extreme inaccessibility or overt human intervention can a natural area remain pristine. The Iberá Marsh of northern Argentina, one of the world’s most beautiful fly fishing destinations, has survived and thrives because it combines both of these protective factors.

Travelling Fly Fisher recommends Pira Lodge in the Iberia Marshlands as the ultimate base for your Golden Dorado fly fishing trip.

To enjoy the unique experience of fishing for Golden Dorado and other species in the Iberia Marshland contact Travelling Fly Fisher.

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