Adventure Description

Based on the Pluma & Irisama Rivers, this world-class fly fishing operation offers the best opportunity to target trophy golden dorado on crystal clear rivers in the heart of virgin Bolivian jungles. Fishing takes place during the dry season, from May up to and including October, a period in which the most astonishing migration of sabalo and golden dorados in South America takes place. These fish arrive by the millions every year, seeking to find the breeding grounds where they then spawn from December to January. In addition to dorado, large pacú and yatorana can be caught, as well as occasionally striped surubi and a rare variety of dorado endemic to the Amazon basin. In order to provide a high-level program in such a remote and geographically complex area, this operation has designed a fishing program to help their guests to get the most out of their world-class fly fishing experience. The Pluma River is a crystal-clear freestone river, with incredibly rich and beautiful topography. It runs from south to north, parallel to the Mosetenes Mountain Range, and is therefore slightly broader and more open than some of the other rivers we fish at Tsimane. The Pluma is easier to wade due to its wide banks, mostly composed of round smooth gravel and rock. Further upstream, it does get steeper and more rugged. This river is home to all four of the main species we target at Tsimane: dorado, pacú, yatorana, and surubí. The Itirisama is considered by many anglers to be the “crown jewel” of the Tsimane waters. Similar in size and volume to the high section of the Pluma River, it has a steeper gradient and more rugged terrain, giving it a very different look and feel. The Itirizama runs from west to east through rugged canyons, making it a typical mountain stream with many runs, rapids, waterfalls, and large boulders. Cascading boulder gardens give way to deep pools flanked by exposed canyon walls. This is the most physically intense section of river to hike, wade, and fish, but the rewards of incredibly scenic beauty—and some of the largest dorado—make it worth the extra effort. 90% of the fishing is done by wet wading in the river or fishing from the banks. The river structure varies tremendously from section to section, from sandy and small gravel beaches to sharp volcanic rock shoals, and then transitioning through all manner of freestones and boulder-strewn rivers. Wading is not difficult or dangerous, however there is a lot of it. It is recommended that guests (at minimum) do a bit of walking or running the weeks prior to their visit. This operation practices a strict catch-and-release policy for all species. They encourage avoiding unnecessary handling of the fish, and barbless hooks are mandatory. In this way the operation not only release the fish with minimal injuries, but also take care of you and fellow angler’s safety. The Pluma Lodge is a very comfortable jungle lodge, built entirely from sustainable wood cut from the nearby jungle. The lodge features 5 double rooms up to 8 anglers + 1 host.
‍ Guests enjoy double rooms with private bathrooms, spring box beds, hot water, and electricity, Free Wi-Fi, Free Laundry, on property Fly shop, International cuisine paired with stellar Argentinean, Chilean, and Bolivian wines in a finely-fashioned living and dining room, and an All-inclusive bar: liquor, spirits and special drinks
. If you are looking for the ultimate fly fishing adventure in South America, Call us today to reserve your spot for this upcoming season!