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Paraguay

South America · Fishing World Guide

Paraguay.

Fishing in Paraguay 2026: Permits, Best Spots, Charters & Costs

6

target species

Yes

license needed

Feb–Nov

best season

Scroll

Do you need a license?

License

Yes.

Annual license: approx. 215.254 PYG (~28 USD). 4-day license for foreigners: approx. 322.881 PYG (~42 USD).

All license details
Where to apply?
At MADES (Ministerio del Ambiente), regional offices or conveniently online via the SIAM portal.
Cost
Annual license: approx. 215.254 PYG (~28 USD). 4-day license for foreigners: approx. 322.881 PYG (~42 USD).
Validity
Annual cards or short-term licenses (4 days) for tourists.
Available online?
Yes

Paraguay is a top destination for adventurers in 2026. The license requirement is strictly controlled, especially on the main rivers. The SIAM online portal has significantly simplified the process for tourists.

When to go?

The season at a glance.

Best season

February to October. Best time for Dorado: March to June. Observe Veda (closed season) from November!

Where to fish?

The top waters.

Ayolas on the Paraná

01 ·

Ayolas on the Paraná

Dorado & Surubí hotspotYacyretá power plant
Paso de Patria

02 ·

Paso de Patria

confluence of Paraná and Paraguay
Itaipú Reservoir

03 ·

Itaipú Reservoir

Huge stocks of Tucunaré and Pacú
Villa Florida on the Río Tebicuary

04 ·

Villa Florida on the Río Tebicuary

Popular destination for family fishing
Río Paraguay near Concepción

05 ·

Río Paraguay near Concepción

Adventurous Surubí wilderness

What's biting?

Your target species.

+2 more species
TrahiraBarred Sorubim

The rules.

Four things you need to know.

Closed seasons

Veda Pesquera: Usually from early November. Duration: approx. 45 days (Argentina border) to 90 days (Brazil border).

Catch limits

Strict minimum sizes: Dorado (75cm), Surubí (85cm), Pacú (45cm). Take limits vary by zone.

Prohibited methods

Monofilament nets, explosives and poison are strictly prohibited. Only hook and line allowed.

Catch & release

Standard for sports fishermen in 2026 for Dorado and large catfish. Catch & Release is strongly promoted.

What does it cost?

42 USD

License

Approx. 42 USD for tourists (4 days). Annual license for residents cheaper.

120-250 USD

Guide per day

120-250 USD per day. Good value for money compared to neighbor Argentina.

40-70 USD

Daily budget

Budget: 40-70 USD. Comfort/fishing lodge: 150-300 USD incl. full board.

Bite times

The best fishing times  free.

Best fishing times

·Paraguay

-23.44°, -58.44°

Plan your trip.

Everything in one place.

Book a fishing trip & guide in Paraguay

Starting from250 USD / day

View trips
OfferCharter boats & guides
GuidesLocal captains & guides
AvailabilityInstant booking
Top-rated captainsSecure payment

Best season: February to October. Best time for Dorado: March to June. Observe Veda (closed season) from November!

All the details

The fine print.

License in detail

At MADES (Ministerio del Ambiente), regional offices or conveniently online via the SIAM portal. — Paraguay is a top destination for adventurers in 2026. The license requirement is strictly controlled, especially on the main rivers. The SIAM online portal has significantly simplified the process for tourists.

Rules in detail

During the closed season (Veda) all sport fishing from boats is prohibited. Only bank fishing for personal consumption is partially permitted.

Freshwater

Dominant through the giant Paraná and Paraguay systems. Countless tributaries in the Chaco and east.

Saltwater

No access to the sea (landlocked country).

Equipment

Heavy gear for Surubí (80lb+) required. Baitfish (Morenas) are the standard on site.

Guides

Professional guides in 2026: approx. 120-250 USD/day incl. boat and fuel. Quality has increased in Ayolas.

Getting there

4WD rental car recommended for Chaco tours. Charter flights to remote estancias possible.

Safety

Watch for currents and driftwood on border rivers. Insect and sun protection are essential in 2026.

Customs & fish export

Import of own rods in tube usually unproblematic. Declaration recommended for high-end electronics.

Detailed guide: Fishing in ParaguayLearn everything about fishing in Paraguay in 2026: Licenses from MADES, top spots like Ayolas on the Paraná for Dorado and Surubí, current costs and closed seasons.Read blog article →

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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: April 12, 2026

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