GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY

One of the world’s most aggressive freshwater river monsters, the golden dorado is, pound for pound, one of the strongest fish you’ll encounter anywhere on the planet. Found only in central and east-central South America, these golden goliaths are renowned for their powerful headshakes, blistering runs, and spectacular aerial acrobatics. Combined with the fact that it’s often a very visual experience, thanks to the area’s clear water, these attributes have landed them at the top of many fly anglers’ trophy species lists.

Your journey begins in Salta, the capital city of the Province of Salta and ancestral home of the Incas, located in the Lerma Valley at the base of the majestic Andes Mountains. Stepping out of the airport, you’ll receive a warm welcome from our staff, followed by a short ride to your hotel, a sanctuary for post-flight rejuvenation. The afternoon unfolds with a chance to wander the historic Plaza 9 de Julio, grabbing lunch and absorbing the city’s vibrant culture before your transfer to our quaint farmhouse lodge. This hidden gem, nestled amidst the lush jungle, features a breathtaking panoramic view from its massive front porch. Behold the vast vegitative canopy stretching to meet the distant, mist-shrouded mountaintops on the horizon.

Unimaginable adventure awaits for six days as you travel deep into the Salta backcountry. For the first three days, you’ll plunge into the crystalline streams of the Yungas Forest on foot accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. Beneath shallow, tea-stained water, dorado lies waiting to test your angling skill and resolve. Amidst the thrill of casting for golden dorado, don’t forget to pause to absorb the symphony of the jungle – the vibrant tapestry of emerald foliage, the calls of unseen birds, and the silent, watchful eyes of the forest’s diverse inhabitants. This fishing trip is a profound immersion into nature’s wild, untamed beauty like few others get to experience.

Midtrip, you’ll be transported to a small village to drift the mighty Rio Juramento by boat for three days as you seek to unearth its golden treasures. The rhythmic splash of your guide’s oars becomes a gentle counterpoint to the gently rushing water, each bend revealing a new vista of verdant jungle clinging to the riverbanks. From the stable platform of the drift boat, you execute precise casts, targeting the golden flashes of dorado that lurk beneath the surface, while the silent passage allows for undisturbed observation of the river’s wild inhabitants.

Every day begins with coffee and a hot breakfast before heading to the fishing grounds. You’ll enjoy a “not-your-average” lunch on the water. Evenings start with appetizers before enjoying a traditional Argentinian-style feast courtesy of our skilled cooks. Meals showcase the region’s top beef, pork, and chicken selections. Each dinner ends with a tasty dessert. A limited domestic alcohol selection is included in the package.

Ready to check the golden dorado off your fly fishing bucket list? Contact Nomada today!

IT’S LIKE GETTING TWO FLY FISHING ADVENTURES IN ONE TRIP!

SMALL JUNGLE STREAM:

Fly fishing for golden dorado in the remote Yungas Forest’s small streams is an adventure into the wild, untamed nature. These aren’t wide, placid rivers but tight, jungle-choked waterways where every cast is a calculated risk. With their fierce predatory instincts and shimmering gold armor, the dorado lurk in these hidden pockets, demanding precision and a touch of audacity. The dense vegetation and swift currents create a challenging environment, requiring anglers to employ short, accurate casts and adapt quickly to the ever-changing conditions. The reward, however, is the thrill of hooking a powerful dorado in such a pristine, isolated setting, a true testament to the angler’s skill and a profound connection to the raw, untamed beauty of the Yungas.

RIO JURAMENTO:

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Drift boat fly fishing on the Rio Juramento’s tailwater section offers an exhilarating pursuit of the golden dorado. Gliding along the river’s controlled flow, anglers can precisely present large, flashy streamers to ambush these powerful predators lurking in the river’s depths and along its banks. The drift boat allows for efficient coverage of prime holding areas, from deep runs and undercut banks to swirling eddies, maximizing opportunities for explosive strikes. The stunning Yungas scenery, the rhythmic casting, and the raw power of a hooked dorado create an unforgettable angling experience, where each drift holds the potential for a trophy catch.

PRICE INCLUDES:

Seven nights of all-inclusive accommodations in beautiful Salta, Argentina (Three nights at a jungle farmhouse, one night in Las Lajitas, and three nights in El Tunal)
Six days of fly fishing for golden dorado with local guides (Three days on a remote hike-in jungle stream and three days drift boat fishing on the Rio Juramento)
All ground transportation services from the time you arrive and depart from Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport (SLA)
All meals, soft drinks, and limited domestic beer and wine selection
Fishing license
All taxes & fees included

COMPLEMENTARIES:

Bottled drinking water
Free guest WiFi is available

NOT INCLUDED:

Roundtrip international air transportation to Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport (SLA)
Hotel stay in Salta on arrival and departure days (Nomada will help coordinate reservations)
Additional meals or expenses in Salta
Fly fishing equipment–rods, flies, and terminal tackle
Standard gratuity for guides and staff

WHAT TO BRING:

7 to 9-weight fly rods (8-weight is ideal in most situations)
Tropical jungle taper fly lines with short, aggressive heads for quick shots
Tropical intermediate sink fly lines with short, aggressive heads (optional)
20, 30, 40, and 50-pound straight fluorocarbon for building leaders
30-50-pound micro swivels (optional)
30-40-pound bite leaders
Golden dorado fly selection
Waterproof backpack
Polarized sunglasses
Hat
Packable rain jacket
Fighting gloves
Camera or phone
Electrolyte powder
Sunscreen
Bug spray

FLY FISHING:

Off-the-grid fly fishing adventure of a lifetime in Argentina’s historic Salta region for trophy golden dorado
Three days on a remote, hike-in jungle stream—words can’t describe the thrill of battling aggressive dorado in these intimate quarters
Three days drift boat fishing on the Rio Juramento—on the surface, this is a more casual experience; however, this river has the potential to produce some of the largest dorado in the area
Being a tailwater, the Rio Juramento is an excellent “trip saver” in the event the conditions are less than ideal on the jungle stream

LODGING:

Jungle Farmhouse Lodge:
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the jungle canopy from the massive front porch. Our group will have exclusive access to the property, which features three semi-private rooms with two beds each, a spacious living area, and a large bathroom with a hot shower and modern toilet. Starlink provides reliable internet access to stay connected and share your adventure.

Las Lajitas Motel:
Located midway between our two fisheries, you’ll arrive late after dinner to spend your fourth night in Las Lajitas. The rooms are basic but adequate for a good night’s rest before continuing to El Tunal. The rooms feature two single beds and a bathroom.

El Tunal Bunkhouse:
You’ll conclude your trip in the bunkhouse located above our Rio Juremento outfitter’s boatyard garage. This apartment-style dwelling includes a kitchen, full bathroom, and two bedrooms with multiple beds. There is a second half bath located below.

MEALS:

Argentina is known for its carne asada or roasted meats. You’ll enjoy the region’s top beef, pork, and chicken selections at every stop along your journey. Cooked to tender perfection in traditional Argentinian outdoor coal ovens or over an open fire pit, they will ignite your taste buds. And not just at breakfast and dinner time, as the shore lunches are shown to have the same dedication. We confidently say that the food will highlight your time in Salta, especially when served alongside the region’s award-winning wine and beer selections.