Uruguay Dorado Fishing

Frequently Asked Questions
Check out the Uruguay Hunting Blog for some quick tips and great information about Uruguay Fishing

1. Where do we fish for dorados in Uruguay?

Uruguay is a country in the Southern portion of South America, cornered by Argentina on the west, Brazil on the north and northeast and the Atlantic Ocean on the souteast at 53 and 58 west longitude and 30 and 35 south latitude. Uruguay dorado fishing takes place In the Uruguay River and the lodge is located near Salto, Uruguay. The drive time is about 15 minutes from front door to boat and dorados. This area is termed La Zona and is home to some of the largest golden dorado in South America.

Salto can be accessed from Montevideo, Uruguay (charter flight) or combine with the Uruguay dove hunting allows a transfer to the dove hunting and then transfer to the dorado fishing in Salto. Another option for the Uruguay dorado fishing in Salto would be to arrive in Colonia, Uruguay - located just 50 minutes from Buenos Aires and take advantage of the Uruguay high volume dove shooting and then take on those golden dorado fish.

2. What will the weather be like?

The season are opposite those of North America. Autumns are mild and the winters are chilly. Autumn is March to June. Spring is usually damp, cool, and windy; September to December is springtime in Uruguay. Summers are warm; December to March makes up summertime in Uruguay.

Autumn: March 21st to June 20th - Average Temperatures = 71/59 F

Winter: June 21st to Sept 20th - Average Temperatures = 59/43 F

Spring: Sept 21st to Dec 20th - Average Temperatures = 65/40 F

Summer: Dec 21st to March 20th - Average Temperatures = 85/65 F

3. What is the best way to get to Uruguay? What city do I fly into? How long is the drive from the airport to the Uruguay dorado fishing lodge? Who picks us up at the airport? Is that included in the Uruguay fishing trip?

American Airlines is currently the only airline that flies direct from the U.S. (Miami) to Montevideo, Uruguay's capital (MVD). Anglers planning a Uruguay fishing trip may also opt to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE) and drive or take the ferry over to Uruguay. Every major carrier has at least one flight each night to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Los Gauchos Outfitters has hosts and guides that meet you at the airport (either Montevideo International Airport or Buenos Aires International Airport). Contact Los Gauchos about the rates for a personal host and the transfer from Buenos Aires or Montevideo.

The drive time from both Buenos Aires and Montevideo is about 6.5 hours in a private minibus. The transfer is an additional fee and Los Gauchos will be happy to give rates for the roundtrip transfer.

Los Gauchos recommends looking at the transfer to Colonia OR looking at the Uruguay flight service available from Montevideo to Salto via the Buquebus Airline.

See what the rates for flights to MVD (Montevideo) are running.

4. What do I need to enter Uruguay? What do I need for my Uruguay fishing trip?

A passport with at least 6 months remaining. No visa is needed for U. S. citizens. (A photocopy of your passport where shows your name, passport number, date issued and expiration date.)

Check out this company for getting your passport without long lines.

Pack a sweater or jacket in case it's cool in the early morning and also a flannel or chamois shirt.
Head Wear. Sunglasses. Sunblock. Bug repellant. Camera - the area is scenic and photographic possibilities abound. Flashlight. Rain Jacket.

Although the outfitter provides the fishing gear - you are welcome to bring your own favorite rod. Los Gauchos Outfitters recommends the following:

* 2 piece bait casting rod about 7/8 foot in length with medium to strong power action.
* Back up rod and reel.
* A reel that is strong and powerful and has plenty of room for backing spooled with braided 40-pound test line.
* Baits and lures up to 6 inches long (Rapala's, AbuGarcia's, Alfer's).

*If you will be fly-fishing - please bring your own fly rod and equipment - Contact our office about the fly-fising for dorado in Uruguay.

5. What is the currency and what is accepted in Uruguay?

The official currency is the Uruguay peso. U.S. Dollars and credit cards are widely accepted, so you need to change little or no money into pesos. Los Gauchos Uruguay dorado fees can be paid with checks or cash.

Please note that checks require a 3% fee, this is the fee the bank charges to process an American check. Traveler's checks are not widely used; however, you may use. The fee for traveler's checks is 4%. Please contact the Los Gauchos Outfitters if you have any questions. Currently, credit cards are NOT accepted for transfer fees or equipment rental in Uruguay.

6. Family activities (for our non-angling guests...)

Visits to the sandy beaches, beaches are common in Uruguay- 120 miles, can be arranged. Names like Punta del Este, La Coronilla, La Paloma, Piriapolis, Punta del Diablo are pearls in the string of summer resorts visited every summer by sunlovers from Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. The nature lovers will enjoy going to the Lagoons of Merin, Castillos, Rocha, Garzon and Laguna Negra that are magnets for wild life, birds, and greenery.

The cities of Montevideo, Colonia, Punta del Este and Rocha offer interesting Museums like the Museum Arboretum with 500 acres, considered the first Reserve for South America, where more that 350 species of plants and trees local and exotics are in display, the several Historical Museums that introduce the visitors into the rich history that Uruguay has and a special mention is needed to Museum of American Art, founded by the artist Paez Vilar— that shows the pre colombine, colonial and contemporary art with colections from three continents.

7. Fishing Equipment to bring/not to bring for Uruguay dorado fishing

What to bring:

• Light colored t-shirts




• Flanel Shirts




• Sweater




• Rain Gear




• Head Wear - hat or some sort of protection if the sun is shining.




• Ear plugs




• Sunglasses (shatter-proof)




• Bug repellant - remember the rules of bringing products (liquids in your carry-on) Check your airline for substances that can be packed.




• Sunblock - anytime of year the sun can be shining...protect yourself while dorado fishing in Uruguay.

8. Is there internet where we stay for the Uruguay fishing trip?

There is internet access at the hotel.

9 Will my phone work? How can I call my friends and family about this fantastic dorado fishing in Uruguay?

Most cell phones work fine when around the cities in Uruguay. Please check with your carrier before departing for Uruguay. Calling cards can be purchased in Uruguay to call the U.S.

Using SKYPE is a great way to stay in contact with your angler or wingshooter - wherever they may travel!
SKYPE is a free service and high quality - just requires an internet connection and account (free). You can also use this to make calls to anywhere in the world for very reasonable fees.

10. What do I wear in the evenings? Do I have to get dressed up for dinner?

Evenings at the hotel are casual, and dress is a matter of choice and comfort.

11. What is the electric current?

The current in Uruguay is 220 volts; a standard converter and adapter for two-pronged plug will work fine to charge the batteries of your camera, cell phone and laptop.

12. What is the Uruguay dorado fishing season?

The season for Dorado fishing in Uruguay is open all year. Just contact Los Gauchos and take part in this unique fishing trip for the freshwater fighting golden dorado.