Fly Fishing in Paraguay

The following are my observations on close to three years of living in Paraguay and making semi-frequent attempts at DIY fly fishing in various types of water. While Paraguay has  many of the exotic freshwater fish people travel to South America to fish for, they are difficult to find as a fly angler. I believe constant fishing pressure by both commercial fisherman and casual angling is likely responsible for this. Perhaps exploratory angling in the more remote areas would reveal good opportunities for adventurous

 fly anglers. 

Hot weather, bugs, torrential rains, and regular flooding also add to the challenge of connecting with good fish.

Two major river systems offer endless opportunities for anglers to explore: the Paraguay and the Paraña. I believe the Paraguay river has about 350 species of fish so even deciding where and how to fish can be a challenge. I have attempted many different types of flies and rods from four to ten weight. These rivers can also be accessed from Argentina, which often offers more paved roads in areas near the rivers and the possibility to hire boat drivers who have some understanding and appreciation for fly fishing.

Wire leader is a must for many of the fish that will go after a fly. Above are clouser minnows, one of which had some piranha encounters.

Fishing small poppers can be fun with lighter tackle for several species of fish. Frog imitations are a good bet for wolf fish or tere'ye. This approach is especially effective in flooded backwaters, soft spots in smaller rivers, and farm ponds.

Streamers are usually my go to style of fly in water that is always fairly off color. When things get slow or in small streams, nymphs and dry flies will catch small fish.

Bahía de Asunción

Dientudo

Salmón or pira pitá

The Rio Aquidabán. When rivers are lower, covering more water from shore becomes easier.

I don't know the name of this cichlid, but I've heard people call it tres ojos, presumably because of the eye spot on the tail.

Paraguayan Golden Dorado near Ayolas

Farm pond tilapia and
wolf fish (right)

Flooded creeks create fishing opportunities when high rivers make other fishing a challenge. Above - Paraguay river pira jaguá or payara.

Lots of interesting fish are are highly unlikely to take a fly (like this stingray inadvertently snagged in the Paraña). Spending some time fishing with bait is a good way to get a look at some other species.

Small Dorado

Pirhana