Pluma Lodge delivers the most unique fly fishing in Bolivia, combining the raw power of jungle species with the exclusivity of a remote, fly-in only location. Deep in the Bolivian rainforest, you will stalk Golden Dorado in crystal-clear freestone rivers where every take is seen and felt.
The fishery includes the Pluma, Upper Sécure and Itirizama Rivers, all wade-only and loaded with aggressive predators. Golden Dorado here regularly reach 20 to 30lb, with bone-crushing strikes and runs that test tackle to its limits. Pacu and Yatorana add variety, powerful and unpredictable in fast jungle currents. With six rods per week and two anglers per guide, every session is highly personal and focused.
Fishing is visual, technical and physically demanding. You will sight-fish shallow riffles, drift streamers into deep pools and cast under dense canopy to tight seams and woody structure. The guides are seasoned professionals, supported by local Indigenous knowledge, and their expertise turns a challenging fishery into an memorable adventure.
The lodge combines wilderness authenticity with comfort. Private riverside cabins feature en-suite bathrooms and hot showers, while full-service dining showcases freshly prepared meals. Evenings are relaxed and social, with cold beers, fine wines and rum served against the backdrop of the rainforest.
Book your trip today with Sportquest Holidays and experience Pluma Lodge, where wild rivers, technical fishing and trophy Dorado define the pinnacle of jungle fly fishing.
The season runs from May to October.
Season: May to October
Peak: June
Weight: 8lb to 35lb
Average Weight: 15lb
Season: May to October
Peak: June
Weight: 1lb to 30lb
Average Weight: 8.5lb
Depart Any international airport - Arrive Santa Cruz
Depart Any international airport - Arrive Santa Cruz
Depart: TBA
Arrive: Viru Viru International Airport
General Note
General Note
Please note: Depending on your chosen international airport, an overnight flight and/or hotel stay may be required, which may affect your departure and return dates. Your itinerary will be finalised once travel arrangements are confirmed.
Independent flight/travel arrangements can be accommodated, though our flight-inclusive packages are recommended to ensure seamless integration into your holiday plans.
Transfer from Santa Cruz Airport to your overnight hotel
Transfer from Santa Cruz Airport to your overnight hotel
Once you’ve landed at the airport and collected your bags, you’ll be met by a member of the Tsimane team and transferred to your overnight hotel.
Santa Cruz Standard Hotel
Overnight Accommodation
Santa Cruz Standard Hotel in a Single Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Transfer from your overnight hotel to Santa Cruz Airport
Transfer from your overnight hotel to Santa Cruz Airport
In the morning, after enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up at approximately 9:30am and transferred to the domestic terminal at Santa Cruz Airport. From there, you’ll board a charter flight to the Oromomo Indian Community landing strip, a journey of around 90 minutes.
Depart Santa Cruz - Arrive Oromomo Village
Depart Santa Cruz - Arrive Oromomo Village
Depart: El Trompillo Airport
Arrive: Oromomo Indian Community Landing Strip
Travel from Oromomo Village to Pluma Lodge
Travel from Oromomo Village to Pluma Lodge
Once you’ve touched down on the landing strip, the Pluma guides will be waiting to welcome you and transfer you to the lodge. The transfer is by boat and takes approximately one hour, depending on water levels. Upon arrival at the lodge, you’ll be met by the team, shown to your rooms, and have time to unpack and prepare for the exciting week of fishing ahead.
Pluma Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Pluma Lodge in a Single Room on a All Inclusive basis
Fishing
Fishing
On your first two fishing days and throughout your fishing week, you’ll be fishing what is unarguably the best Golden Dorado fishery on the planet and, in the opinion of most experts, one of the top 10 fly-fishing destinations worldwide.
Each year, Pluma is responsible for producing some of the biggest Dorado in the world, and trophy-sized specimens over 30lb get landed every season.
Pluma Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Pluma Lodge in a Single Room on a All Inclusive basis
Fishing
Fishing
On your third and fourth fishing days, you’ll get to really explore this beautiful watershed, allowing you a chance to wet a fly across three unique rivers: the Pluma River, the Itirizama River, and the Lower Sécure River.
Each piece of water varies from deep pools to rugged terraced pocket water and offers a different challenge. It’s the ideal destination to try all the fly fishing styles, even spey casting, throwing a popper into a feeding frenzy, to a sight cast in a pocket.
Pluma Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Pluma Lodge in a Single Room on a All Inclusive basis
Fishing
Fishing
On your last two fishing days, if you’d like to go all out for a bigger fish or maybe re-visit an area you particularly enjoyed fishing, let your guides know, and they will do their best to make it happen.
Note: All the fishing at Pluma is based on two anglers to one guide.
Pluma Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Pluma Lodge in a Single Room on a All Inclusive basis
Travel from Pluma Lodge to Oromomo Village
Travel from Pluma Lodge to Oromomo Village
In the morning, after breakfast and once you’ve packed your bags, the guides will transfer you back to the Oromomo Village. The journey is by boat and takes approximately one hour, depending on the water levels.
Depart Oromomo Village - Arrive Santa Cruz
Depart Oromomo Village - Arrive Santa Cruz
Depart: Oromomo Indian Community Landing Strip
Arrive: Viru Viru International Airport
Transfer from Santa Cruz Airport to your overnight hotel
Transfer from Santa Cruz Airport to your overnight hotel
On arrival at the domestic terminal at Santa Cruz Airport, a member of the Tsimane team will meet you and transfer you to your overnight hotel.
Santa Cruz Standard Hotel
Overnight Accommodation
Santa Cruz Standard Hotel in a Single Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Transfer from your overnight hotel to Santa Cruz Airport
Transfer from your overnight hotel to Santa Cruz Airport
After breakfast at the hotel, and at the agreed time, you will be transferred back to Santa Cruz Airport to begin your return journey home.
Depart Santa Cruz - Arrive Any international airport
Depart Santa Cruz - Arrive Any international airport
Depart: El Trompillo Airport
Arrive: TBA
General Note
General Note
Please note: Depending on your chosen international airport, an overnight flight and/or hotel stay may be required, which may affect your departure and return dates. Your itinerary will be finalised once travel arrangements are confirmed.
Independent flight/travel arrangements can be accommodated, though our flight-inclusive packages are recommended to ensure seamless integration into your holiday plans.
Prices are shown per person and are based on single rooms and two anglers per guide unless stated otherwise. All prices are accurate at the time of publication but may vary slightly depending on factors such as travel dates, booking time, airline pricing, or fuel surcharges set by the operators.
Flights are always priced at the most competitive rates available at the time of enquiry to ensure you receive the best possible value when booking.
Proudly an ATOL bonded company, our trips are complete packages, including all flights, transfers, accommodation, and fantastic fishing and shooting experiences.
| From | To | Days | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/07/2026 | 19/07/2026 | 10 | £8,644 | Sold Out |
| 17/07/2026 | 26/07/2026 | 10 | £8,644 | Enquire |
| 24/07/2026 | 02/08/2026 | 10 | £8,644 | Sold Out |
| 31/07/2026 | 09/08/2026 | 10 | £8,644 | Sold Out |
| 07/08/2026 | 16/08/2026 | 10 | £8,644 | Enquire |
| 14/08/2026 | 23/08/2026 | 10 | £8,644 | Sold Out |
| 21/08/2026 | 30/08/2026 | 10 | £8,644 | Sold Out |
| 28/08/2026 | 06/09/2026 | 10 | £8,644 | Sold Out |
| 04/09/2026 | 13/09/2026 | 10 | £8,644 | Sold Out |
| 11/09/2026 | 20/09/2026 | 10 | £8,644 | Sold Out |
| 18/09/2026 | 27/09/2026 | 10 | £8,644 | Sold Out |
| 25/09/2026 | 04/10/2026 | 10 | £8,644 | Sold Out |
| 02/10/2026 | 11/10/2026 | 10 | £8,644 | Sold Out |
| 09/10/2026 | 18/10/2026 | 10 | £8,644 | Enquire |
| 16/10/2026 | 25/10/2026 | 10 | £8,644 | Enquire |
| 23/10/2026 | 01/11/2026 | 10 | £8,644 | Sold Out |
| 30/10/2026 | 08/11/2026 | 10 | £8,644 | Sold Out |
| 28/05/2027 | 06/06/2027 | 10 | £9,435 | Enquire |
| 04/06/2027 | 13/06/2027 | 10 | £9,435 | Enquire |
| 11/06/2027 | 20/06/2027 | 10 | £9,435 | Enquire |
| 18/06/2027 | 27/06/2027 | 10 | £9,435 | Enquire |
| 25/06/2027 | 04/07/2027 | 10 | £9,435 | Enquire |
| 02/07/2027 | 11/07/2027 | 10 | £9,435 | Enquire |
| 09/07/2027 | 18/07/2027 | 10 | £9,435 | Enquire |
| 16/07/2027 | 25/07/2027 | 10 | £9,435 | Enquire |
| 23/07/2027 | 01/08/2027 | 10 | £9,435 | Enquire |
| 30/07/2027 | 08/08/2027 | 10 | £9,435 | Enquire |
| 06/08/2027 | 15/08/2027 | 10 | £9,435 | Enquire |
| 13/08/2027 | 22/08/2027 | 10 | £9,435 | Enquire |
| 20/08/2027 | 29/08/2027 | 10 | £9,435 | Enquire |
| 27/08/2027 | 05/09/2027 | 10 | £9,435 | Enquire |
| 03/09/2027 | 12/09/2027 | 10 | £9,435 | Enquire |
| 10/09/2027 | 19/09/2027 | 10 | £9,435 | Enquire |
| 17/09/2027 | 26/09/2027 | 10 | £9,435 | Enquire |
| 24/09/2027 | 03/10/2027 | 10 | £9,435 | Enquire |
| 01/10/2027 | 10/10/2027 | 10 | £9,435 | Enquire |
| 08/10/2027 | 17/10/2027 | 10 | £9,435 | Enquire |
| 15/10/2027 | 24/10/2027 | 10 | £9,435 | Enquire |
| 22/10/2027 | 31/10/2027 | 10 | £9,435 | Enquire |
If your preferred week or travel dates do not appear in the calendar above, please get in touch. Many lodges release availability in stages, and some dates depend on tides, seasons, guide schedules, or short-notice changes. By speaking with us directly, you will receive the most up to date availability and clear guidance on securing the strongest options before popular weeks fill.
Enquire now and we will check live availability for the dates you are considering.
Our ATOL protection, means you have financial security on your booking.
All our destinations are thoroughly researched by our team of experts.
We have worked hard to be able to provide you with the best prices possible.
We offer complete holiday packages, making booking a holiday simple.
"I fished at Pluma Lodge last year and enjoyed it so much that I re-booked for this year and once again I wasn't let down, it was fantastic. Last year the fishing was a little slow because of the weather, but this time around it was fantastic. My previous Golden Dorado PB was just over 10lb, but I smashed it this year with a cracking fish a few ounces over 18lb. My guide (apologies I can't remember his name) was absolutely first class and an expert in his field! Thanks to everyone involved in making my trip so memorable. "
"I absolutely loved my week in Bolivia. It was my first time targeting Golden Dorado, but it certainly won't be my last... what a fish! The staff and guides at Pluma Lodge were exceptionally accommodating and done everything they could to make sure I had the best week possible. Considering how remote the lodge is, the food and drink was first class too - some of the Argentinian wine was out of this world! "
"If you've never caught a Golden Dorado then you need to! They have to be one of the best sporting fish in the world and targeting them on a balanced fly fishing set-up was so much fun. I'd just like to say thank you to everyone who made my trip possible, everything from start to finish ran so smoothly. "
"I'd been on a few freshwater fly fishing holidays in and around Europe but this trip to Bolivia was by far the furthest afield I'd ever travelled. However, from the moment I left my front door to the moment I returned home, everything went brilliantly. I think I was extra lucky with the weather and the fishing, but everything just clicked. I had a fantastic week and landed tonnes of Golden Dorado (I think my biggest was a few ounces over 15lb). The guides were brilliant and the lodge was very smart, comfortable and relaxing. "
"This was my third trip to Bolivia and my third time fishing for the Golden Dorado, but my first time at Pluma Lodge. What a place - I think it's probably my most enjoyable trip yet. The fishing, guides, lodge and staff were all first class and without a doubt, I'll be back. "
"Glad to see that you have added these programs to your website. We have been here a few times and can only say good things. Great fishing, great guides perfection.
We have used Sportquest also a few times and happy to see that they are expanding to cover more destinations with their 1st class service.
"
"Peter just to let you know I had a great time, the lodge and staff made the trip. I caught lots of Golden Dorado and on my best i even managed 5 fish in 1 hour all in the same pool.
We found the best fishing where the dirty water joined the clear streams as it made perfect ambush points.
I have sent you a few pictures to share
"
"I can highly recommend the The Pluma Lodge operation and not just for the amazing fishing but also for the surroundings and the amenities. I miss the oropendola birds in the trees in front of the lodge that greet you every morning. Their unique hanging nests are truly a sight to behold. Breakfast and dinner were very tasty and bookended the days beautifully. The rooms were very comfortable and although only equipped with fans, nights typically cooled down quite a bit for it not to feel too sticky. There was mosquito netting around the bed to prevent you from being surprised from any bugs active at night. One one night I opened the front doors and was amazed to find a bat flying straight into my room! The drinking water provided was made via reverse osmosis and although the tap water in the bathroom wasn’t filtered that way, I didn’t get into difficulties with teeth brushing. Showers had warm and cold water with plenty of water pressure. One thing to have to get used to was to put the used toilet paper in the bin rather than the toilet. Toilet paper upsets the septic tank. Each room had a table and chair outside and most anglers draped their wet clothes on the railings. The entire lodge building is raised on stakes. I cannot imagine the river rising as far up the cliff to touch the lodge, but apparently this is exactly what happened some time ago.
There was a helipad with two Robinson helicopters standing there. One was a piston engine the other was a turbine engine. They both sounded quite different. The ride in the piston engined version was far more shaky. It’s an impressive sight just to see these in action. Of course the views from the helicopter as you flew around were pretty spectacular. As I’ve always been keen on flying and grew up speaking Spanish, I had many chats with the helicopter pilots on their off times. They were both ex Bolivian air force and had plenty of tales to tell of the scrapes they had to go through in their careers.
The rivers we fished were all heaving with sabalo this year, and wherever there’s sabalo in quantity there’s golden dorado. I found my first encounters with the dorados very exciting. Dorados attack the fly very aggressively and make some spectacular jumps. Strip striking is the only real way of ensuring a solid hook up. It took me some days to perfect the casting, stripping, and striking techniques. The stripping has to occur the minute the fly hits the water. Many casts required considerable distances, and stripping like this meant always having the line in your left hand at the ready. You learned to spot the signs of the fish in front of the rocks and also behind. Amazingly they were often in water barely able to cover their back. I learned a lot from the Argentinian guides Alvaro and Nico, and also from the Chilean Martin. The guides were amazingly considerate in helping me with some of the tricky wading situations in rocky bottoms with fast currents.
I had a day fishing for Pacu with Fabi my guide that day. Another wonderful guide from Argentina. I was lucky to have him all by myself. We fished and mused a lot that day about many things. He taught me how to spot Pacu and some of the rathe large catfish you also found there. I caught one Pacu which Fabi saw but I didn’t. I followed his instructions to the ’t’ and let the fish ‘hook itself’. It made a long powerful run, most unlike the dorado’s. It took a while to subdue. I was lucky enough to catch a second Pacu in a pool behind a rapid. I had made several drifts through there and finally had the lucky cast. Once again a fierce battle ensued and it was very satisfying to land this second fish. Fabi told me that landing two Pacu's in one day was pretty good going. Word went around the lodge unbeknownst to me. Several very capable anglers never managed to land a Pacu. They have a reputation of being like a freshwater Permit.
We only had one day where we couldn't 'heli fish' and this was due to the rain on the previous evenings which made the river levels rise precipitously. We flew to some intended landing spots, but it was clear it would be far too dangerous to fish with the rapidly changing flows.
I was very fortunate to have a diverse group of fly fishermen to share tales with and fish with. The food served us was of a high quality, all the more so given the remoteness of the lodge. I often wondered how in such a remote location they still managed to produce some wonderful deserts including an ice cream desert for us. It was all down to a superb chef.
The negatives: I was without my luggage for the best part of the week thanks to Lufthansa. I was a bit shocked as I upgraded to business class, not just for the creature comforts but the priority baggage handling. I could tell I would never get my bag in time for the charter flight to the lodge as I could see its location by way of an AirTag. Other than the clothes on my back I had no fishing clothes, boots, fly rods etc. I only had my waterproof backpack with camera and meds. Lufthansa wouldn’t have known the inconvenience that the caused me went beyond my bag being a day or two late in Santa Cruz. The bag still had to find its way to the lodge and that meant putting it on a supply charter plane later in the week. I managed to fish only one day with my brand new #9 weight fly rod with brand new jungle taper line. The lodge kindly leant me a fly rod, some boots, some neoprenes, some fishing gloves and a buff. But I had to buy a few clothes like short, tights and a Columbia shirt in Santa Cruz in order to have sun protective clothes to fish in.
Previous to the trip, I was very worried about dealing with the extreme temperatures, dehydration, biting insects ( the 'mariwi') and the rocky terrain and tricky wading. All these things proved to be quite real to me as I’m not particularly fit. Thankfully the lodge manager perceived this and didn't send me to the most adventurous beats. He reminded me many times that he always plays things safe as "Bolivia is no USA"! I am writing this while suffering a fair bit of back pain as a consequence of walking the tricky terrain. This and the luggage issues do make me hesitate a bit about committing to this trip again, but the golden dorados, the lodge, the guides, and the Bolivian people have charmed their way into my heart and I find it difficult to resist."
When one thinks of remote destinations in the heart of a jungle, they probably do not realise that the accommodation on offer can be of a high standard. Guests of Tsimane Fishing will enjoy complete relaxation and comfort during their stays. Pluma Lodge features stylish log cabins which can sleep up to six guests per week in single rooms. You will find a private bathroom with hot water and total electricity in each log cabin. You will find WIFI in the main common area and satellite phone service. The common area will be the place to eat, where you will find they serve delicious international cuisine accompanied by some delightful Argentine Wines.
At Pluma Lodge with Tsimane fishing, you will benefit from mod cons such as spring box beds, hot water, electric lights, complimentary laundry service and even a fly tackle shop.
The main focus of Tsimane Fishing for evening meals is an international menu with lots of fresh meats, vegetables and some stunning wine. Each day the breakfast is cooked to order, and lunches are packed for the day on the water, which you can eat riverside.
The drinks at the lodge are all included in your package. These include all beer, wine and liquor. In general, the food at the lodge is delicious, and the staff will go out of their way to help with any dietary requirements or special requests.
As this is a remote fishing lodge, it is not ideal for non-anglers and would suit people who are there to fish.
Pluma Lodge is unarguably the best Golden Dorado fishery on the planet and, in the opinion of most experts, one of the top 10 fly-fishing destinations worldwide. Located in a remote indigenous territory of Bolivia where the Andes meet the upper Amazon, the Freestone Rivers each season sees hundreds of thousands of baitfish migrate up the river system, and with them come thousands of large, aggressively feeding Golden Dorado.
Tsimane Fishing has three distinct operations, Pluma Lodge, Agua Negra Camp and Secure Camp, all located within a 25-mile radius in Bolivia’s watershed. Pluma Lodge, which overlooks the Pluma River, is considered the most deluxe and diverse of the Tsimane fishing lodges—strategically located in the middle of the Pluma River below the confluence of two world-class systems, the upper Pluma and the Itirizama.
The fishing at Pluma Lodge is a perfect mix of the small crystal clear streams. It’s the ideal destination to try all the fly fishing styles, even spey casting, throwing a popper into a feeding frenzy, to a sight cast in a pocket; Pluma Lodge offers the whole Tsimane experience.
Over on our YouTube channel, we have some fantastic freshwater fly fishing videos; why not head over and take a look?
The fishing in Bolivia, based at the luxurious Pluma Lodge, gives many advantages from fishing the headwaters out-camps, having access to three different rivers that are all unique, and offering different fishing styles from the Pluma River, Itirizama River and the lower Sécure River. Each piece of water varies from deep pools to rugged terraced pocket water.
Pluma River: The river is moderately sized and is crystal clear with a rich and stunning topography. It runs from south to north, parallel to the Mostenes Mountains, which gives this river a slightly broader and more open feel than some other rivers. The Pluma River is more suited to easier wading due to its vast banks and is covered in smooth gravel and rock. This river is home to the four main species you will be targeting from the Dorado, Yatorana, Surubi and Pirapitinga.
Itirizama River: Is the ‘Jewel in the crown.’ Many anglers consider her the premier system by many who have visited the Tsimane programs. The size of the river is very similar to the upper stretches of the Pluma River; the main difference is a steeper gradient and more rugged terrain giving it a different feel and appearance. The Itirizama River runs from west to east through some stunning canyons, making it a typical mountain stream with many runs, rapids, waterfalls and large boulders. This is the most physically demanding section of the river to hike, wade, and fish, but the rewards are incredible for those who choose to fish it.
Sécure River (Lower section): The lower areas of the Sécure River offer anglers easy wading in broad, flat and expansive sandbars and shallow flats. The river’s bottom is lined with fine sediment and dotted along the shoreline are many sunken logs. When the Sabalos (baitfish) are here in numbers, the Dorados go on a mass-feeding frenzy and hunt their prey in significant numbers. When this happens, the preferred style of fishing is to use flies such as poppers, Pole dancers or Titanic sliders. Below the Delta region is one of the most active fishing beats in Tsimane, called Coruya, due to the large number and the size of dorados that live and migrate through here.
As previously mentioned, the fishing styles with Tsimane fishing vary on all these river systems, but one thing is consistent: the size of the flies recommended. Many anglers are not accustomed to using these, and we strongly recommend you pay attention to the pro guides at all times, as they will give you some of the best advice if you are not used to fishing these big flies.
The fishing is carried out during the dry season, from May up to and including October. This period is when the incredible migration of Sabalos and Dorado in South America occurs. These fish arrive in their millions each year, seeking their spawning grounds, from December to January.
Tsimane fishing is 90% wet wading either in the river or from the banks.
Being stable on your feet while wading will benefit many anglers. The river structure varies tremendously from one river to the next. From sandy and small gravel beaches to sharp volcanic rock, the wading isn’t complicated or dangerous, but there is a considerable amount of wading.
Rods: #7, #8, or #9 are the most recommended rods. #8 is standard for Tsimane, but a #9 may be necessary on certain occasions, especially in the lower Sécure River, where it’s frequent to catch large Golden Dorado in powerful currents. It is best to carry two fully assembled rods on the boat, one with a streamer for Dorados and the other with a popper in case a hunt takes place.
Reels: The recommended reels are more designed for saltwater fishing as these tend to have smoother brakes and hold more line. The Dorado or Pacu can quickly have you down to your backing, so high-quality reels will stand you in good stead to accomplish the capture.
Lines: You will do most fishing in the upper layers of the water, so it is essential to take weight forward floating lines for tropical waters. The lines should exceed the rod by at least one number; for example, the #8 rod should be loaded with a #9 floating line. This is due to the size of the flies cast and the importance of the angler not tiring themselves out too much during casting.
I fished at Pluma Lodge last year and enjoyed it so much that I re-booked for this year and once again I wasn't let down, it was fantastic. Last year the fishing was a little slow because of the weather, but this time around it was fantastic. My previous Golden Dorado PB was just over 10lb, but I smashed it this year with a cracking fish a few ounces over 18lb. My guide (apologies I can't remember his name) was absolutely first class and an expert in his field! Thanks to everyone involved in making my trip so memorable.
I absolutely loved my week in Bolivia. It was my first time targeting Golden Dorado, but it certainly won't be my last... what a fish! The staff and guides at Pluma Lodge were exceptionally accommodating and done everything they could to make sure I had the best week possible. Considering how remote the lodge is, the food and drink was first class too - some of the Argentinian wine was out of this world!
If you've never caught a Golden Dorado then you need to! They have to be one of the best sporting fish in the world and targeting them on a balanced fly fishing set-up was so much fun. I'd just like to say thank you to everyone who made my trip possible, everything from start to finish ran so smoothly.
I'd been on a few freshwater fly fishing holidays in and around Europe but this trip to Bolivia was by far the furthest afield I'd ever travelled. However, from the moment I left my front door to the moment I returned home, everything went brilliantly. I think I was extra lucky with the weather and the fishing, but everything just clicked. I had a fantastic week and landed tonnes of Golden Dorado (I think my biggest was a few ounces over 15lb). The guides were brilliant and the lodge was very smart, comfortable and relaxing.
This was my third trip to Bolivia and my third time fishing for the Golden Dorado, but my first time at Pluma Lodge. What a place - I think it's probably my most enjoyable trip yet. The fishing, guides, lodge and staff were all first class and without a doubt, I'll be back.
Glad to see that you have added these programs to your website. We have been here a few times and can only say good things. Great fishing, great guides perfection.
We have used Sportquest also a few times and happy to see that they are expanding to cover more destinations with their 1st class service.
Tom
Thank you so much for your comments, I did not know you guys had been there. Will catch up on the phone soon.
Again thanks for the comments people will think I am paying you.
Love to see some of your pictures from the trips buddy.
Regards Peter
Peter just to let you know I had a great time, the lodge and staff made the trip. I caught lots of Golden Dorado and on my best i even managed 5 fish in 1 hour all in the same pool.
We found the best fishing where the dirty water joined the clear streams as it made perfect ambush points.
I have sent you a few pictures to share
Peter it was great talking to you and you have made me even more excited for next year now.
Thanks fir the pictures it certainly looks like you had a great time. I hope I can be of a assistance in the future and one-day even have you on one of my hosted trips.
Thanks again for your customRegards Peter
I can highly recommend the The Pluma Lodge operation and not just for the amazing fishing but also for the surroundings and the amenities. I miss the oropendola birds in the trees in front of the lodge that greet you every morning. Their unique hanging nests are truly a sight to behold. Breakfast and dinner were very tasty and bookended the days beautifully. The rooms were very comfortable and although only equipped with fans, nights typically cooled down quite a bit for it not to feel too sticky. There was mosquito netting around the bed to prevent you from being surprised from any bugs active at night. One one night I opened the front doors and was amazed to find a bat flying straight into my room! The drinking water provided was made via reverse osmosis and although the tap water in the bathroom wasn’t filtered that way, I didn’t get into difficulties with teeth brushing. Showers had warm and cold water with plenty of water pressure. One thing to have to get used to was to put the used toilet paper in the bin rather than the toilet. Toilet paper upsets the septic tank. Each room had a table and chair outside and most anglers draped their wet clothes on the railings. The entire lodge building is raised on stakes. I cannot imagine the river rising as far up the cliff to touch the lodge, but apparently this is exactly what happened some time ago.
There was a helipad with two Robinson helicopters standing there. One was a piston engine the other was a turbine engine. They both sounded quite different. The ride in the piston engined version was far more shaky. It’s an impressive sight just to see these in action. Of course the views from the helicopter as you flew around were pretty spectacular. As I’ve always been keen on flying and grew up speaking Spanish, I had many chats with the helicopter pilots on their off times. They were both ex Bolivian air force and had plenty of tales to tell of the scrapes they had to go through in their careers.
The rivers we fished were all heaving with sabalo this year, and wherever there’s sabalo in quantity there’s golden dorado. I found my first encounters with the dorados very exciting. Dorados attack the fly very aggressively and make some spectacular jumps. Strip striking is the only real way of ensuring a solid hook up. It took me some days to perfect the casting, stripping, and striking techniques. The stripping has to occur the minute the fly hits the water. Many casts required considerable distances, and stripping like this meant always having the line in your left hand at the ready. You learned to spot the signs of the fish in front of the rocks and also behind. Amazingly they were often in water barely able to cover their back. I learned a lot from the Argentinian guides Alvaro and Nico, and also from the Chilean Martin. The guides were amazingly considerate in helping me with some of the tricky wading situations in rocky bottoms with fast currents.
I had a day fishing for Pacu with Fabi my guide that day. Another wonderful guide from Argentina. I was lucky to have him all by myself. We fished and mused a lot that day about many things. He taught me how to spot Pacu and some of the rathe large catfish you also found there. I caught one Pacu which Fabi saw but I didn’t. I followed his instructions to the ’t’ and let the fish ‘hook itself’. It made a long powerful run, most unlike the dorado’s. It took a while to subdue. I was lucky enough to catch a second Pacu in a pool behind a rapid. I had made several drifts through there and finally had the lucky cast. Once again a fierce battle ensued and it was very satisfying to land this second fish. Fabi told me that landing two Pacu's in one day was pretty good going. Word went around the lodge unbeknownst to me. Several very capable anglers never managed to land a Pacu. They have a reputation of being like a freshwater Permit.
We only had one day where we couldn't 'heli fish' and this was due to the rain on the previous evenings which made the river levels rise precipitously. We flew to some intended landing spots, but it was clear it would be far too dangerous to fish with the rapidly changing flows.
I was very fortunate to have a diverse group of fly fishermen to share tales with and fish with. The food served us was of a high quality, all the more so given the remoteness of the lodge. I often wondered how in such a remote location they still managed to produce some wonderful deserts including an ice cream desert for us. It was all down to a superb chef.
The negatives: I was without my luggage for the best part of the week thanks to Lufthansa. I was a bit shocked as I upgraded to business class, not just for the creature comforts but the priority baggage handling. I could tell I would never get my bag in time for the charter flight to the lodge as I could see its location by way of an AirTag. Other than the clothes on my back I had no fishing clothes, boots, fly rods etc. I only had my waterproof backpack with camera and meds. Lufthansa wouldn’t have known the inconvenience that the caused me went beyond my bag being a day or two late in Santa Cruz. The bag still had to find its way to the lodge and that meant putting it on a supply charter plane later in the week. I managed to fish only one day with my brand new #9 weight fly rod with brand new jungle taper line. The lodge kindly leant me a fly rod, some boots, some neoprenes, some fishing gloves and a buff. But I had to buy a few clothes like short, tights and a Columbia shirt in Santa Cruz in order to have sun protective clothes to fish in.
Previous to the trip, I was very worried about dealing with the extreme temperatures, dehydration, biting insects ( the 'mariwi') and the rocky terrain and tricky wading. All these things proved to be quite real to me as I’m not particularly fit. Thankfully the lodge manager perceived this and didn't send me to the most adventurous beats. He reminded me many times that he always plays things safe as "Bolivia is no USA"! I am writing this while suffering a fair bit of back pain as a consequence of walking the tricky terrain. This and the luggage issues do make me hesitate a bit about committing to this trip again, but the golden dorados, the lodge, the guides, and the Bolivian people have charmed their way into my heart and I find it difficult to resist.
Hi Hans,
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such fantastic feedback - I'm so glad you enjoyed a brilliant trip, it certainly is an amazing part of the globe.
Sorry to hear about your bags (and your aches and pains), but I'm glad the lodge could help.
Regards Peter
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