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Dorado

Salminus brasiliensis

Dorado© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Dorado (Salminus brasiliensis) is a prized South American freshwater game fish known for its aggressive strikes, powerful runs and spectacular aerial jumps. Anglers prize it for the thrilling fight and its striking golden‑red coloration.

Fight
Taste
Game Fish

Basic Information

Family

Bryconidae

Max Size

100 cm

Max Weight

31.4 kg

Habitat

freshwater

Climate

tropical

Best Season

Spring and summer (October‑March in the Southern Hemisphere)

Best Time

Early morning and late afternoon

Distribution

No distribution map available

Fishing Tips for Dorado

  • Use bright, fast‑moving surface lures like poppers or spinnerbaits to provoke aggressive strikes
  • Troll with spoons or soft plastics behind a down‑rigger to cover larger water columns
  • Target deep pools or eddies where dorado hold before moving into the current during feeding
  • Keep line tension high and be ready for rapid, powerful runs; use a strong drag setting

Top Fishing Locations for Dorado

Amazon River (Iquitos)

Peru
intermediate60% Common

World‑renowned dorado fishery on the Amazon near Iquitos, with large schools and trophy‑size fish during the low‑water season.

Best: May‑October

Rio Paraguay (Asunción)

Paraguay
beginner55% Common

Prime dorado runs along the Paraguay River near the capital, easily accessed from the city and popular with local guides.

Best: December‑March

Pantanal (Corumbá)

Brazil
intermediate50% Common

Vast floodplain waters host abundant dorado during the seasonal rise, offering both sport and scenery.

Best: August‑November

Upper Uruguay River (Concepción del Uruguay)

Argentina
expert40% Occasional

Remote stretch of the Uruguay River known for large, powerful dorado that demand expert handling.

Best: November‑February

Lake Titicaca Tributaries

Peru
beginner30% Occasional

High‑altitude streams feeding Lake Titicaca hold healthy dorado populations, a unique challenge for anglers.

Best: December‑March

Rio Madeira (Porto Velho)

Brazil
intermediate65% Common

Fast‑flowing Madeira River sections near Porto Velho are famed for aggressive, trophy‑class dorado.

Best: June‑September

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Dorado

Recommended Equipment

Rod7‑9 ft medium‑heavy action rod suitable for 20‑30 lb line
Line20‑30 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeTopwater poppers, spinnerbaits, spoons, and soft‑plastic jerkbaits
TechniqueTopwater casting with fast retrieves, trolling, and occasional jigging in current

Best bait: Live minnows or small fish; alternatively use artificial lures listed above