Who is best suited to this destination? This destination is suited for couples and serious anglers alike who are looking for an authentic travel experience in Uruguay with all-inclusive door-to-door service, easy logistics, luxury accommodations, and a variety of activities in rural wine country set along one of the largest freshwater deltas in the world.
Where is the lodge? There are two lodges that make up Urban Dorado Anglers - Uruguay Program: Campotinto Lodge and Rio Negro Lodge.
Campotinto Lodge is best suited for couples or groups and is an 8 bedroom luxury lodge, winery, and restaurant on a 150 year old estancia in the heart of the small wine town of Carmello on the banks of the Rio Uruguay.
Rio Negro Lodge is best suited for those who want to maximize fishing during their trip. It is a 5 bedroom lodge located on a classic Uruguayan estancia. It overlooks the Rio Negro with a nice view of the river and features double occupancy rooms with a main eating area, a porch overlooking the river, and is surrounded by intact native forests.
How do I get there? This program is a great choice for adding on to the beginning of your trip to Patagonia, experiencing at the end of your trip, or on its own.
To experience Urban Dorado Anglers - Uruguay Program, most guests will fly to Buenos Aires international airport (EZE), pick up their luggage, clear customs and be met outside the gate for a private transfer to the marina. Guests can also elect to fly directly to Montevideo, Uruguay and take a private ground transfer to the lodge.
Depending on the time of arrival into Buenos Aires, the weather conditions, and which lodge guests are heading to, the route will either: a) take a 2 hour boat ride from the marina to the lodge, fishing along the way; b) drive from the airport to the lodge 3+ hours; or c) take a private charter from the Buenos Aires domestic airport (AEP) into Uruguay and ground transfer to the lodge at additional expense.
The preferred route is to cross through the delta, and guests will reach a floating immigration station to have their passports stamped before entering Uruguay.
When should I go? UDA provides year-round guided fishing, although since golden dorado are tropical fish the warmer the weather the better the fishing. The season runs from October – May, and pairs well as an easy add-on for anglers on their way to and from Patagonia during November - April.
How will I fish? Anglers target golden dorado using 9-foot 7 weight rods equipped with floating lines rigged with surface or subsurface flies and cast to structure, stripping the flies to entice the predatory behavior of dorado.
Is there wade fishing? Fishing is primarily from a boat but wade fishing opportunities exist depending on the section of river guests are fishing. The Rio Negro and its tributaries are primarily wade focused fisheries.
Where will I fish? Depending on the length of the stay, guests will fish a variety of waters including the Parana delta, Rio Uruguay, Rio Negro, and numerous tributaries.
How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? It takes 5 minutes from Campotinto Lodge to reach the boat, and the Rio Negro Lodge is located on the river. Guests can expect between a 5 minute to 30 minute boat ride to the fishing grounds.
What type(s) of fish will I catch? The target species is golden dorado, but anglers will also encounter vampire fish, pira-pita, and wolf fish.
How many fish will I catch? Golden dorado are not a numbers fishery, and anglers can expect 5 – 10 encounters per day depending on conditions.
Will I see other anglers? Not likely, and it is very rare to see anyone else fly fishing. Some locals will be out fishing, but they are typically targeting sabalos, the small baitfish that dorado feed on.
What are the guides like? Urban Dorado Anglers prides itself on having fun, enthusiastic, and professional local guides. They speak English and want to make you feel as part of the family.
What are the physical demands? None. Since the waters are quite murky, anglers can typically get very close to the structure and not have to make a long cast. Solid footing is good to have to balance when fishing from the boat.
Are there any special skills required? The key to hooking and landing golden dorado will be a strong strip set.
Does the lodge provide equipment? Yes, the lodge provides all premium equipment, including rods, reels, lines, waders, boots, flies, and tippet, making it a zero hassle, easy add on for Patagonia anglers not having to bring extra gear.
What is your favorite setup for the trip? A fast action 9-foot 7-weight equipped with a floating cold-water tropical shooting head.
SAGE Perfect Set Up
- Rod: 9′ 7-weight Sage X (790-4)
- Reel: Sage SPECTRUM MAX 7/8
- Line: RIO Products DirectCore Jungle Series WF7F
- Leader: RIO Products Saltwater Mono, 20 – 40 lbs
- Tippet: RIO Products Powerflex Wire Bite, 40 lbs
What are the top flies? Any fly that is big and black that moves water will be productive, and the preferred subsurface pattern is the Andino Deceiver in red and black, purple and black, and black on black. When conditions are right, surface flies such as mice and poppers can be productive.
What are the options if water conditions become challenging? Wind can be a problem, but it typically only interrupts one session of the day. If conditions are challenging, guests can go to the Parillas in the delta and experience a traditional barbeque with large steaks and great wine to relax out of the wind. In the hot afternoons, guests can also elect to wing shoot for a couple hours for nominal additional expense, and then return to the water for the evening session.
What is a typical day like? Guests will wake up and have breakfast with made to order eggs, fruit and coffee in the main lodge eating area, then meet their guide to depart to the marina and begin the day’s fishing. Fishing is typically split between a morning and afternoon/early evening fishing, and guests will either have lunch prepared on the water or return to the lodge for lunch and a siesta before heading out for the evening fishing. Cocktails and dinner are back at the lodge and hosted by the guides, where they will talk about the next day’s program. Each night guides rotate hosting with the guests to discuss the day’s fishing and build a plan for the coming day.
What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge? Campotinto is a casual but luxury winery hotel experience shared by non-angling guests. It is elegant, but there is no need for a tie unless you choose. Rio Negro lodge offers comfortable accommodations right next to the river on a classic Uruguayan estancia.
Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge? Yes, both lodges always have a manager on site.
Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Meals at both locations include a well-designed menu of traditional meat and vegetarian cuisine from the area.
What is the alcohol policy? The trip is all inclusive, there is no additional charge for wine, beer, and alcohol.
Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? Both Campotinto and Rio Negro Lodge are hotels with first class accommodations.
Is there internet and/or cell service? Yes, wireless internet is available at the lodges, and cell coverage is available throughout the delta for guests with international phone plans.
Are there other activities? Other activities include wing shooting, wine tasting, bike riding, golf, and massages.
Are there any other expenses? All the fishing and lodging program is included, and there are additional expenses for the other activities or if you would like to take home a case or bottle of wine at a nominal charge.
Do I need a visa? No, Argentina no longer requires a reciprocity fee (visa) for citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Western Europe.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months following your entry date.
Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances? No, this program is close to one of the most robust hospital systems in all South America, and there are currently no special travel requirements.
