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Dorado Fishing
A day of 8 hours, or a half day of 4 hours, on the Uruguay River in a motorboat with a guide, after the golden dorado (Salminus brasiliensis), one of the most prized freshwater game fish in South America and not to be confused with the saltwater dorado, the mahi-mahi. The river, the dam and the rules are in the Journal: fishing in Uruguay.
What's Included
- A day of 8 hours or a half day of 4 hours on a motorboat, fuel included
- Fishing gear and artificial lures
- Local fishing guide, life jackets and safety equipment
- A cool box with water and ice
- Video and photos of the day
- Private parking, toilets, showers and the launch down to the river
- Up to 3 anglers per boat; ask me about a fourth
- Catch-and-release guidance
Schedule
The Fishing
Upgrades
The cool box with water and ice is included. Beyond that I can arrange an asado lunch and a place to sleep the night before or after.
Fishing up to the Dam
The last 1,000 m of river up to the Salto Grande dam are a separate add-on. Access is by a limited number of slots, Monday to Thursday only, and they are booked well in advance. For that stretch, the earlier you ask the better.
Good to Know
Up to 3 anglers per boat, and the price is for the whole boat, not per person; ask me about a fourth. Paid to the operator on the day, in Uruguayan pesos: UYU 15,000 for the day, UYU 12,000 for the half day. Catch-and-release encouraged. Free cancellation up to 24h before your visit.
Questions
Do I need a fishing licence in Uruguay?
No. Nobody asks for a licence on the Uruguayan bank, and the guide's boat carries its own papers.
Is dorado fishing catch and release?
From a boat, yes, without exception: every fish goes back. Under the dam the rules add barbless hooks and a knotless net.
Lures, bait or fly?
Lures and live bait in the open river; under the dam only artificial lures, no bait and no trolling. Tell me what you fish when you book.
Can my partner come without fishing?
Yes, as one of the three places on the boat. Or a day at the hot springs at Daymán while the boat is out; I can set up both.
Which month is best?
Dorado and surubí all year. March to August for the big fish under the wall; November to mid-April for the boga and the low summer river.
No payment online · I confirm within 12 hours, Monday to Friday · The operator is paid on the day, in Uruguayan pesos at the equivalent of the US$ price, cash or bank transfer · Free cancellation up to 24h before
Book the full day Book the half day