Location: The headwaters of Bolivia’s Secure River watershed
Fishery: The isolated population of large migratory golden dorado makes Tsimane one of South America’s most unique fisheries. There are three distinct operations to choose from. They all offer nuanced differences in terrain and accommodations – but what they all have in common is insane golden dorado and pacu fishing both wading and from a super-dugout canoe, incredible guides and a real jungle experience.
Accomodations: Pluma Lodge – handsome double occupancy hardwood cabins, considered the most deluxe and “luxorious” of the lodges. Agua Negra Camp – double occupancy safari tents with attached bathrooms, hot showers, bedding and ceiling fans. Secure Camp – deluxe double occupancy safari tents with attached bathrooms, hot showers, bedding and ceiling fans. Each camp serves delicious meals paired with fine Argentine wines.
Pluma Lodge:
- Capacity: 8 anglers
- 2021 Rates: 9 night/6 day package: $7,600 plus $670 native fees
- Fishing Program: Potential single or multiple day backpacking-style overnights on the upper Itirizama or upper Pluma rivers. The overnight options are the most adventuresome and physically challenging of the Tsimane offerings. Lots of access to slightly larger water.
Agua Negra Camp:
- Capacity: 4 anglers
- Rates: 9 night/6 day package: $5,800 plus $570 native fees At time of writing, subject to change
- Fishing Program: The smallest and most intimate waters with easy wading and large fish. Less physically demanding than the upper beats at Pluma or Secure. Potential single or multiple day backpacking-style overnights on the upper Agua Negra. Easiest backpacking camp to reach. Great cultural interface with the adjoining small native Yuracaré community of Agua Negra.
Secure Camp:
- Capacity: 6 anglers
- Rates: 9 night/6 day package: $5,800 plus $570 native fees At time of writing, subject to change
- Fishing Program: Unique and interesting up-river beats with canyons and gorgeous jungle scenery. The best pacu fishing in Tsimane. Remarkable late season fishing for big dorado. Potential single or multiple backpacking-style overnights on the upper Secure. Great cultural interface upon arrival at the airstrip in Asunta.
All arrangements are handled by our trusty friends at Fly Water Travel.
Gear Guide
Golden Dorado Flies
- Predator Pounder – 2/0 Chartreuse/Black, 2/0 Orange/Black, 2/0 Red/Black
- EP Mullet – 2/0 Black/Purple, 2/0 White, 2/0 Bronze/White, 3/0 Black/Purple, 3/0 Bronze/White
- Seeker – 3/0 Green
- Robrahn’s Bluewater – 4/0 Dark Day
- EP Pike Offshore – 4/0 Black/Orange, 4/0 Chartreuse/Polar
- EP Dorado – 4/0 Baby Dorado, 4/0 Baby Peacock, 4/0 Black/Yellow, 4/0 Chartreuse/Glow
- Tarpon/Pike Snake – 3/0 Black, 3/0 Orange/Yellow
- EP Peanut Butter – 2/0 Black/Red, 3/0 Black/Purple
- CF Whistler – 1/0 Orange/Black, 1/0 Red/Yellow, 1/0 Red/White
- King Rat – 2/0
- Kendrick’s Howitzer Mullet – 2/0 Chartreuse/Purple
- Rainy’s Bubblehead Popper – #2 Black
- EP Tarpon Tiger – 2/0 Backcountry, 2/0 Chartreuse
- Tom’s Tantrum – 1/0 Black, 1/0 White
Pacu and Yaturana Flies
- Egg Fly – #8 Chartreuse, #8 Fl Orange
- EP Peanut Butter – 1/0 Mini Black/Purple, 2/0 Black/Red
- RIO’s Chernobyl Ant – #10 Black/Tan, #10 Brown/Gold
- Terresticator – #6
Fly Rods
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Features
- Guides are PVD coated in a low reflective coating for even greater durability and stealth.
- Scott’s all new Carbon Web technology improves torsional stability.
- Reel seat milled from aircraft grade aluminum.
- CeRecoil stripping guides with nickel titanium frames and super slick Zirconia inserts.
- Unmatched reliability for easily duplicated performance on the water.
- Fast-action 9′ 8 weight
- Fast-action 9′ 9 weight
Reels
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Features
- New Frost finishes utilize Tibor’s Certified Mil-A-8625 Type II Anodizing with fewer polishing steps for a less reflective surface with the same durability
- Made from solid aluminum bar stock
- Lightweight to balance with modern fly rods and reduce casting fatigue
- Triple outgoing line signals, easily removable for silent operation
- World famous Tibor drag system
- Made and assembled in the USA
- Durable 8 weight size reel with smooth drag system and at least 150 yds of #20 backing
- Durable 9 weight size reel with smooth drag system and at least 150 yds of #20 or #30 backing
- (A backup 9 weight reel is suggested as you’ll want to have one with a floating line and one with a sink tip line)
Fly Lines
- Weight forward tropical floating WF8F fly line with an overweight, short head that turns over large flies easily.
- Weight forward tropical floating WF9F fly line with an overweight, short head that turns over large flies easily.
- Weight forward tropical intermediate sink tip WF9F/I fly line
Dorado and Pacu Leaders & Tippet
- RIO Big Nasty Leader – 20lb/6ft
- RIO Powerflex Wire Bite Tippet – 30lb, 40lb
- RIO Fluoroflex Saltwater Tippet – 20lb, 30lb, 40lb
Fishing Apparel & Gear
- Quick-drying, lightweight, UPF sun protection apparel is a must
- As is a good rain jacket, and waterproof pack
- Felt wading boots with studs will keep you from slipping on the thin algae that covers the rocks
Need Help? Talk to our fly fishing advisors
