The Best Pacu Fly Patterns in Argentina Look More Like Fruit Than Fish
As we’ve started the planning process and tackle preparation for our first golden dorado fishing trip to Argentina, we’ve noticed that most of the lures are very gaudy: For the fly anglers, the big dorado streamers tend to be black, occasionally with a dash or red, chartreuse or purple. When it comes to the big casting and trolling plugs – both “banana” styles and the Pucara brand of shallow divers – once again bright colors rule the day. We see the occasional white with a red head, but overall it’s neons and fluorescents that show up on game day in the mouths of trophy fish. Everything about dorado fishing screams bold.
There is, however, one category that stands out: The flies used for Pacu.
Pacu -- nicknamed “the permit of South America” -- may have a mouth full of teeth, but they don’t just shred baitfish like their piranha cousins. Their favorite meal? Nuts and berries that fall into the rivers. That’s why pacu flies look less like minnows and more like something you’d pick up in the produce aisle. One of the coolest quirks of Argentina’s rivers is that you can catch a trophy fish on a fly that looks like a grape.
Why Pacu Don’t Exclusively Eat Baitfish
Closely related to piranhas, pacu can grow over 80 pounds and come equipped with human-like teeth. But unlike their carnivorous cousins, pacu are omnivores—and often called “vegetarian piranhas.” They seem to have a sweet tooth, favoring ripe fruit when rivers rise and flood the jungle. At the New York Aquarium, caretakers even feed them apples and grapes (watch here: [YouTube link]). Scientists confirm that their teeth are perfectly designed for crushing fruit [Journal link].
Top Fly Patterns for Pacu: Fruit, Nuts, and Berries
I wasn’t completely shocked to learn that anglers tie pacu flies to look like fruit. After all, carp-on-the-fly fans have been doing something similar for years. One of the most effective—and surprisingly widespread—patterns for carp is the mulberry fly, which imitates ripe berries dropping into the water. It’s popular in pockets of both the Northeast and Midwest, where carp will feed so aggressively that one writer described them as “getting almost drunk on the berries.”
Here are a few well-known mulberry fly patterns that carp anglers use:
That same concept translates perfectly to Argentina’s pacu. Instead of minnows, they’ll smash imitations of grapes, nuts, and other fruits that drift off overhanging trees. For fly anglers, it’s a quirky crossover: the same kind of “berry flies” that fool carp in American ponds can tempt a hard-fighting exotic species that pulls like a freight train.
Here are some pacu-specific fruit flies we’ve found online:
We’re Excited to Target Pacu in Argentina
Whether you’re a seasoned fly angler or just starting out, both golden dorado and pacu will challenge your casting skills and fish-fighting abilities. The beauty is that you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy it. Don Joaquin River Lodge has a fully stocked fly shop and quality loaner gear, making it easy to step into the action.
We can’t wait to watch these “vegetarian piranhas” smash fruit flies in fast currents—and we’d love for you to experience it, too. Our December 2026 hosted trip still has a limited number of spots available. If chasing golden dorado and fly-catching your first pacu in Argentina sounds like the adventure of a lifetime, send us an email and we’ll save you a place on the boat.
