What to know before planning the trip
Fishing in Paraguayan waters requires a current license from MADES (Ministry of Environment), valid 1 year and non-transferable. Obtain it online at mades.gov.py (SIAM portal) or at regional offices in Ayolas and Encarnación. Requirements may vary by activity type and zone. Many lodges arrange it for their guests: ask when booking. Fishing without a license: fine of Gs. 3.2–53.8 million.
| Species | Minimum size |
|---|---|
| Golden dorado | 75 cm |
| Spotted surubí (P. corruscans) | 85 cm |
| Tiger surubí (P. fasciatum) | 80 cm |
| Manguruyú | 100 cm |
| Patí | 70 cm |
| Pacú & Boga | 45 cm |
Fish below these sizes must be released carefully. Most serious lodges practice dorado catch-and-release.
Every year MADES closes sport and commercial fishing during spawning; only subsistence fishing from the bank is exempt. Pattern: starts in the first days of November. In waters shared with Argentina: until December 20. Inland rivers, streams and lagoons follow that same date. In waters shared with Brazil: until January 31 of the following year. Always verify the exact date at mades.gov.py before booking. Fishing during the veda: fine of 3,001 to 20,000 minimum daily wages, today Gs. 351–2,342 million.
Paraguay requires no visa for most regional countries, the US and EU for tourist stays. Personal fishing gear enters without issue as sporting luggage. Your lodge can arrange the local fishing license when booking.
Pira Experience, the sport fishing guide to Paraguay
Questions: [email protected]