Skip to content
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST & ENTER OUR FREE PRIZE DRAW

Golden Dorado Helicopter Fishing Bolivia Heli Fishing Program

Tour Code BOL005

Bolivian Gold

If you’re looking for an exclusive, adventurous freshwater fly fishing holiday, with the chance to wet a fly in some of the most remote water in the world, this trip is perfect for you. New for 2023, we’re very excited to announce our helicopter fishing trip, venturing to the deepest depths of the Bolivian jungle for the hard-fighting, beautiful Golden Dorado. This trip offers adventurous travelling rods the chance to fish some of the most untouched waters in Bolivia and the whole of the South American continent.

Our partners Tsimane, have an unrivalled geographical location, thanks to their proximity to the headwaters of many rivers in the Moseten mountain chain, enabling them and us to offer this new tour for giant Golden Dorado, Pacu and Yatorana, in incomparable quantity and quality. The rivers and tributaries where the fishing is based are wild, and the waters are untouched, seldom seen by humans, let alone anglers. Moderately sized and crystal clear, with stunning topography, they’re the ideal waterway for all the freshwater fly fishing styles, from throwing a popper into a feeding frenzy to sight casting in a pocket and even spey casting.

If you’re looking for a first-class, all-inclusive fishing adventure, fishing virgin water, for fish that have never seen a fly, then this is perfect for you.

Best Golden Dorado Rivers

The fishing at Pluma Lodge on our exciting helicopter fishing trip has the advantage of fishing three different rivers, the Pluma River itself, the Itirizama and the lower Sécure River. Each piece of water varies from deep pools to rugged terraced pocket water.

PLUMA RIVER

The Pluma is moderately sized and crystal clear with a rich and stunning topography. It runs from south to north, parallel to the Mostenes Mountains, which gives it a slightly broader and more open feel than some of the other rivers available. However, the Pluma is more suited to easier wading due to its vast banks, covered in smooth gravel and rock.

ITIRIZAMA RIVER

The Itirizama, known as the ‘Jewel In the Crown’, is considered by those who have fished in Bolivia as the premier river system of the Tsimane programs. The size of the river is very similar to the upper stretches of the Pluma River, with the main difference being a steeper gradient and more rugged terrain, which gives it a different feel and appearance. The Itirizama River runs from west to east through a selection of stunning canyons, making it a typical mountain stream with a whole host of runs, rapids, waterfalls and large boulders. This waterway is the most physically demanding section 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 offers travelling rods a range of easy wading opportunities 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 Dorado go on a mass feeding frenzy and hunt their prey in significant numbers.

Fishing For Golden Dorado

The main species travelling rods target on this heli fly fishing trip is the Golden Dorado, also known as the ‘River Tiger’, ‘Jaw Characin’ and the ‘Steel-Jawed Hunters’. In the river systems of Bolivia, they’re a true apex predator with a diet consisting of a wide variety of fish and small vertebrates, such as rodents, lizards, and birds. The size of Dorado typically ranges from 8lb to 35lb, with an excellent average of around 15lb.

The fish are highly sought-after by anglers and a true challenge. Their sharp teeth and powerful jaws will bend hooks and cut wire, and their highly aggressive nature attracts travelling rods from all corners of the globe. From the early 2000s onwards, they have been recognised as a fly-fishing species. Their initiative in taking flies, paired with excellent fight energy, frequently going airborne to loosen themselves from the hook, make them a true gamefish.

As well as Golden Dorado, it’s also possible to target and catch an array of other jungle species, as the remote rivers are home to Pacu, Yatorana, Surubi and Pirapitinga, to name just a few.

To learn more about the Golden Dorado and this helicopter fishing trip, visit our YouTube channel.

Helicopter Fishing Trips

This exciting new jungle fishing holiday utilizes the camps Robinson R44 Raven II Helicopters, flying anglers daily to some of the most remote parts of the Bolivian jungle. Limited to just a capacity of eight rods per week, with a professional guide assisting each pair of anglers, it offers the opportunity to explore areas where no other anglers and, in some cases, humans have ever stepped foot.

In the morning on each of the six fishing days, the helicopter will transport you, your fishing partner and a guide to a range of remote and untouched headwaters of the Tsimane rivers and creeks, a flight of which will be approximately five to twenty minutes depending on the location. The guides will pack lunch and beverages for the fishing day, and at 5 p.m. (approximately), the helicopter will pick you up and return you to the lodge. All the guides will have satellite communication to ensure permanent contact with the helicopter pilots and the lodge.

The helicopter used has no incidents on its record and meets the Bolivian Air Regulations part 135, Aerial Operator requirements. Piloted by highly experienced crewmembers who are former Bolivian Air Force pilots, formed in the model of the U.S. Army and under its safety culture and doctrine, you will be in incredibly safe hands. Crewmembers have an average of 6,000 flight hours in single and twin-engine helicopters, and most of the crewmembers’ experience is in the jungle environment.

Accommodation

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, upgraded for 2023, is a comfortable jungle lodge with stylish log cabins designed to cater for eight guests per week. It offers travelling rods on this first-class helicopter programme, single rooms with private bathrooms, a queen-size bed, a desk, an armchair, hot water, and electricity. As well as this, there’s a private dining and living room, exclusive to anglers on this trip, a small spa, jacuzzi and massage room. Free Wi-Fi, laundry, fly shop and heliport.

FOOD & DRINK

As well as upgrading the living quarters, the food and drink menus have also been revamped, with Pluma and Secure offering a range of international cuisine paired with great Argentinean/Chilean/Bolivian varietals in a well-fashioned living and dining room. There’s also an all-inclusive bar with a wide variety of liquor, spirits, and special drinks. So if you’re looking for the best in jungle accommodation, amenities, food and beverages, this tour has it all.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

As these are remote fishing lodges, they are not ideal for non-anglers and would only suit people who are there to sample the excellent jungle fishing on offer.

Book with confidence

We have worked hard to be able to provide you with the best prices possible. If you are quoted a lower price we will endeavour to beat it.
>
We take the stress out of the holiday planning process. All of our holidays include flights, transfer and accommodation making booking a holiday simple.
All our destinations our meticulously researched by our expert team, who take pride in planning and tailoring your holiday to your exact needs.
We are ATOL protected. This means you have the financial security on your holiday when booking through Sportquest Holidays.
When your trip benefits others, you gain too. All our trips support communities and preserve nature - which helps you get closer to both. So when you travel with us, everyone wins.
Covid-19 Promise
We recognise that flexibility is important when booking a holiday. Our Covid-19 promise provides an unprecedented level of flexibility.

Itinerary

Tailor-made Holidays

Although the fishing days are fixed, the below itinerary is still flexible should you require additional free days to explore at the beginning or end of your holiday; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.

Day 1: (THURSDAY)

Depart Any international Airport (See Details)

Arrive Madrid Depart Madrid

Day 2: (FRIDAY)

Arrive Santa Cruz, Bolivia

On arrival in Bolivia, you will be met by a member of the Tsimane team and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight accommodation: Santa Cruz 5-Star Hotel (Breakfast included.)

Day 3: (SATURDAY)

After breakfast at the hotel, your representative from Tsimane will pick you up and transfer you to El Trompillo domestic Airport. You will then board the charter flight to the Oromomo Indian Community airstrip.

Depart Santa Cruz

The flight from Santa Cruz to Oromomo Village is around 90 minutes.

Arrive Oromomo Village

On arrival at the Oromomo Indian Community airstrip, the lodge team will be waiting for you. From there you’ll take a dugout canoe ride from Oromomo to the lodge, which is around one hour. Once you arrive at Pluma Lodge, the guides will help prepare tackle and give you a brief orientation about the fishing week.

Overnight accommodation: Pluma Lodge Cabins (Single Room) F/B all-inclusive.

DAYS 4 T0 9: FISHING DAYS (SUNDAY TO FRIDAY)

Over the next six days, on this helicopter fishing trip, you’ll be fishing the remote, untouched waters of the Bolivian Jungle. Each morning you’ll be transported via helicopter to a range of different waterways, approximately a 5 to 20-minute flight away, depending on the location.

Overnight accommodation: Pluma Lodge Cabins (Single Room) F/B all-inclusive.

DAY 10: (SATURDAY)

After breakfast, you will take a dugout canoe ride from Pluma Lodge back to Oromomo, a journey which is around one hour.

Once there you’ll take the chartered flight back to Santa Cruz.

Depart Oromomo Village

The flight from Oromomo Indian Community airstrip to Santa Cruz is around 90 minutes.

Arrive Santa Cruz

Once you land in Santa Cruz a representative from Tsimane will transfer you to the five-star hotel where you’ll spend the last night in Bolivia.

Overnight accommodation: Santa Cruz 5-Star Hotel (Breakfast included.)

Day 11: (SUNDAY)

In the morning your representative from Tsimane will pick you up from the five-star hotel and transfer you to the Viru Viru International Airport for your return flight back home.

Depart Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Day 12: (MONDAY)

Arrive Madrid Depart Madrid

Arrive UK

FISHING Seasons

The season runs from August, September,and October.

Golden Dorado

Season: May to October
Peak: June
Weight: 8lb to 35lb
Average Weight: 15lb

Pacu

Season: May to October
Peak: June
Weight: 1lb to 30lb
Average Weight: 8lb

Package Details

Prices from
£16,209
per person

Included

  • All international flights
  • Internal flights to Oromomo Village
  • 2 nights in the Santa Cruz 5-star hotel (single room, with breakfast)
  • Transfers to and from Santa Cruz
  • Boat transfers from Oromomo Village
  • Single-room accommodation at Pluma
  • All meals and drinks
  • 6 days of fully guided fishing, transported by helicopter
  • Laundry
  • WiFi
  • Indigenous and National Park Fees $1,250

Excluded

  • Personal holiday insurance
  • Airport Taxes
  • Visas
  • All Tips

Optional extras

  • Flight upgrades
  • Additional nights in Bolivia

Price Supplements

View Latest Availability

Dates, Prices & Availability

Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.

From To Duration Price Availability
29/05/2025 09/06/2025 12 £16,209 Sold Out
05/06/2025 26/06/2025 12 £16,209 Sold Out
12/06/2025 23/06/2025 12 £16,209 Sold Out
19/06/2025 30/06/2025 12 £16,209 Sold Out
26/06/2025 07/07/2025 12 £16,209 Sold Out
03/07/2025 14/07/2025 12 £16,209 Sold Out
10/07/2025 21/07/2025 12 £16,209 Sold Out
17/07/2025 28/07/2025 12 £16,209 Sold Out
24/07/2025 04/08/2025 12 £16,209 Sold Out
31/07/2025 11/08/2025 12 £16,209 Enquire Now
2 Rods 2 Rods
07/08/2025 18/08/2025 12 £16,209 Sold Out
14/08/2025 25/08/2025 12 £16,209 Enquire Now
2 Rods 2 Rods
21/08/2025 01/09/2025 12 £16,209 Sold Out
28/08/2025 08/09/2025 12 £16,209 Enquire Now
1 Rod 1 Rod
04/09/2025 15/09/2025 12 £16,209 Sold Out
11/09/2025 22/09/2025 12 £16,209 Sold Out
18/09/2025 29/09/2025 12 £16,209 Sold Out
25/09/2025 06/10/2025 12 £16,209 Enquire Now
2 Rods 2 Rods
02/10/2025 13/10/2025 12 £16,209 Sold Out
09/10/2025 20/10/2025 12 £16,209 Sold Out
16/10/2025 27/10/2025 12 £16,209 Sold Out
23/10/2025 03/11/2025 12 £16,209 Sold Out
30/10/2025 10/11/2025 12 £16,209 Sold Out
06/11/2025 17/11/2025 12 £16,209 Sold Out
13/11/2025 24/11/2025 12 £16,209 Sold Out
20/11/2025 01/12/2025 12 £16,209 Sold Out
27/11/2025 08/12/2025 12 £16,209 Sold Out

Price Notes

Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers and fishing, all based on single rooms (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharges.

Make an Enquiry

To speak to an expert or receive more information about when is the best time to travel? What can you expect from your holiday? Who are the tour guides? Will someone be there to meet me? Plus, many more questions. Either call our offices, e-mail us or fill in the form, and we will get back to you asap.
+44 (0)1603 407596
sales@sportquestholidays.com
16 Alston Road
Hellesdon Park
Norwich
Norfolk
NR6 5DS

Alternative destinations

Delta Eco Lodge Argentina

Delta Eco Lodge is the perfect ‘add-on trip’ for anglers visiting or passing through Argentina and looking for a couple of extra days of Golden Dorado fishing at the start or end of their holiday. Situated in an ideal location, less than an hour from downtown Buenos Aires, it’s the perfect stop for travelling rods before the flight back home.

Suindá Lodge Argentina

Suindá Lodge is a Golden Dorado anglers dream and is a first-class program for those searching for exciting freshwater fly fishing opportunities combined with some of the most technical yet rewarding fishing out there; it’s also a destination where double-figure Dorados are a possibility all season long.

Hosted Secure Lodge Bolivia

If you have ever wished to go and experience some of the best Golden Dorado fishing on this planet? These hosted trips are for just 6 people each week, so perfect for single anglers. This is one of the most pristine environments in the world. Combine the stunning wildlife and amazing fishing. This will be a holiday you talk about for a very long time.

Secure Lodge Bolivia

Secure Lodge is the perfect destination for fly anglers looking for the jungle experience, with access to lots of water, giving all anglers many opportunities for fly fishing with heavy and light fly rods. The rivers contain an abundant number of Golden Dorado and provides an experience you'll remember forever.

Agua Negra Lodge Bolivia

Tsimane Agua Negra Camp is designed for just 4 anglers who will fish two main river systems, the Secure and the Agua Negra. Each season hundreds of thousands of baitfish migrate up the greater Secure system, and with them come thousands of large, aggressively feeding Dorado, all of which love taking anglers flies.

Latest Reports

Tsimane Fishing Report Week 12 2024

HELI FISHING During the tenth week of the season in the heli fishing program, we had excellent catches of resident Dorado ranging from 15-18 pounds. These were caught using mouse patterns and streamers. The temperature...

Tsimane Fishing Report Week 11 2024

HELI FISHING During the ninth week of the season in the heli-fishing program, we caught resident Dorado ranging from 10-14 pounds. These catches were made using mouse patterns and Titanic Sliders. We also landed some...

Tsimane Fishing Report Week 10 2024

HELI FISHING The eighth week of the heli fishing program season, we saw catches of large resident dorado weighing up to 17 and even 20 pounds, as well as large pacú up to 15 pounds....
Enquire