Tsimane, Bolivia
Golden Dorado are simply amazing on a fly rod. Strength and acrobatics abound. And in the remote jungles of Bolivia they behave every bit in keeping with their wildlife rich habitat.
Tsimane opens the possibility to fly-fish for huge Dorado in small mountain streams, with clear waters surrounded by unspoilt rainforest. Although the fish population remains comparatively untouched and at certain moments the fishing bursts into relentless feeding frenzy; one has to be prepared for more technical situations in which the Dorado appear more selective. Sight fishing in clear shallow waters sometimes takes an accurate cast and a silent approach. Surface fly-fishing during these times requires good speed and reflex.
At Tsimane you will mainly fish with quite large flies which means an ability to double haul is a great advantage. It is essential to pay attention to the recommendations of the guide to get the most from this amazing fish.
Tsimane guests fish during the dry season, from May up to and including October, being the period in which the most astonishing migration of Sabalos (the Dorado’s key food source) takes place. These small fish arrive by the million every year to return to the breeding grounds where they spawn from December to January. The Dorado follow. In addition to Dorado, large Pacu and Yatorana can be caught, and also occasionally striped Surubis and a rare variety of Dorado endemic to the Amazon basin.
The majority of the fishing is sight casting to cruising fish or targeting the feeding frenzy with a single handed eight or nine weight fly rod loaded with an up-rated tropical floating line. Black, red and orange streamer and popper patterns are tied to steel trace to prevent a lightning turn of the head slicing the line in the Dorado’s dash for freedom. Flies are best purchased at the on site shop as many are peculiar to this part of the jungle and your guides will help you select the right ones to use.
90% of the fishing at Tsimane is done by wet wading in the river or fishing from the banks. The river structure varies tremendously from river section to section. From sandy and small gravel beaches to sharp volcanic rock shoals transitioning through all kind of freestones and boulders. Wading is not difficult or dangerous; however there is a lot of it so some level of fitness is preferable to access the most from your visit.
Accommodation
Tsimane offers guests three different options in terms of accommodations but all are fitted, staffed and supplied to an exacting standard especially considering the remote location. The food is first class and every detail has been considered.
The Secure Lodge experience is based on one very comfortable jungle lodge, built entirely from sustainable wood cut from the nearby jungle. There’s also the option to do head-water out-camps on the high Secure River.
The lodge features 4 tent cabins up to 6 anglers + 1 host.
The Agua Negra and Pluma Lodge experiences are based on a comfortable jungle lodge, built entirely from sustainable wood cut from the nearby jungle. There’s also the option to do out-camps and one-day hikes to hidden streams
Both lodges feature 3 tent cabins up to 4 anglers + 1 host.
Each tent has comfortable box sprung beds, private bathrooms, and electricity. Delicious International Cuisine paired with great Argentinean supplies in a well-fashioned living and dining room will delight the guests at all the Tsimane lodges. The lodges offer satellite Internet wireless connection and phone service for all guests. Hot water is generated by a solar panel system.
Tsimane is the very first joint venture between a private company and indigenous tribes in the world of sport fishing, and it’s also an unparalleled tourism project that provides more economical benefits to native communities in Latin America.
In addition to the economical benefits, the Tsimane natives participate actively in the operations, mostly as guides, sharing with our guests their ancestral knowledge. This way visitors value their skills and feel really proud to be partners of Tsimane, creating a strong tool to protect their culture
