Fishing is a popular Paraguayan past time with many national competitions taking place throughout the country. Thanks to their large size and delicious taste, long-headed surub (catfish) and speckleskinned dorado are prize catches known to put up quite a fight. The bounty of Paraguay’s rivers includes other fish such as pacu, boga, and even piranha in certain spots.
Paraguay has yet to capitalize on the bounty of its rivers the way neighboring Argentina and Brazil have. Travelers in those countries will find many options for sport fishing tours along the Paraguay and Parana rivers. Within Paraguay, there are few organized fishing tours per se, but hotels in popular fishing spots such as Villa Florida (along the Tebicuary River) and Ayolas (along the Parana River) in Misiones should be able to help arrange private outings. When hiring a guide, it is important to be clear about what is covered and what isn’t in the fee. In addition to the cost of the tour, you may be expected to provide fuel, bait, food and beverages, and even transportation to and from the river
(some guides may have a boat but not a car). During the low season and in poorer areas, expect to spend an hour accompanying the guide to pick up supplies – do make sure that this time does not count towards your tour though.
Overfishing is becoming an issue in Paraguay’s rivers with the population of dorado, in particular, declining precipitously. Fishing enthusiasts should be aware of the yearly fishing ban (veda) in place from November to December (and in some cases extending till January). Many local fishermen do not respect this, but it is best to abstain from fishing during this period to allow fish to reproduce.
For more information about fishing in Paraguay contact:
Federacion Paraguaya de Pesca Deportiva Organizes fishing competitions and events throughout the country. Tel: 021 447 735, 0981 405 595, Manduvira 948 between Colon and Montevideo
Asociacion Paraguaya de Caza y Pesca Deals with both hunting and fishing. Located on the outskirts of Asuncion by the port of Ita Enramada. Tel: 021 905 556, 909 131, Avenida Peron 4280
Sidebar: If you are living in or visiting a rural community, going fishing with locals can be a good bonding experience – don’t expect any fancy equipment though, most people fish with simple lines or nets.
Fishing in Paraguay Photo Gallery
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