The Upper Rio Parana is a large tailwater system some 70 kilometers below the Yacireta Dam, and this portion of the river forms a substantial part of the border between Argentina and Paraguay. Because it is a tailwater, the water is generally clear, unlike other large rivers in northern Argentina. Your main quarry on the Rio Parana will be explosive Dorado up to about 25 pounds, but most will be 5 to 10 pounds. This is one of the best destinations for Dorado anywhere, but don’t let that distract you from the other unique angling opportunities available.
Pacu is considered the permit of Argentina, and is a cult attraction among experienced anglers because of its size and power. Pacu in the 14 to 25 pound range are caught, but most will be 8 to 12 pounds. The Pira Pita is a smaller fish, to about 10 pounds, and acts basically like a trout. It is called the Parana Salmon because of its red meat, though it looks nothing like a trout or salmon. It is a hard, acrobatic fighter which can be skittish and sometimes hard to hook. Many fisherman go to the Parana just to fish for Pira Pita, as it is unique to this area. Pacu and Pira Pita take dry flies, often dead drifted as one would for trout. It is an incredible experience to see one of these big bruisers slowly come to the surface and sip in your bumble bee imitation. Other species include dentuda (a small barracuda looking fish) and palometa, the largest of the piranha.
Most of the fishing is done from boats, though when the dam releases a lot of water, it is sometimes possible to wade the small side channels, much like you would a trout stream. Because it is a tailwater, it is not susceptible to low water. The Parana is a huge river, several miles wide in some places, and you will mostly be fishing side channels that are 50 to 150 yards wide. The boats are designed so two fishermen can be casting at the same time. Your guide will keep you in position with an electric trolling motor while you drift downstream parallel to the bank, trying to hit the most productive looking lies along the way. You will be at the same time taking in the verdant ecosystem of the Parana, which is a jungle environment. There are monkeys in the trees, toucans, caiman and an array of other birds and animals.
The nature of the river and its fish rewards competent casters, so it is advisable that you practice your accuracy with big, wind resistant flies. The reason is that much of the fishing is centered on trying to hit specific targets near tree stumps, behind rocks, under overhangs and along cut banks. Accurate casts are paramount to success.
