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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive Madrid Depart Madrid
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.)
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.
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.
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.)
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
Arrive Madrid Depart Madrid
Arrive UK
The season runs from August, September,and 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: 8lb
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30/05/2024 | 10/06/2024 | 12 | £17,411 | Sold Out | ||
| 06/06/2024 | 27/06/2024 | 12 | £17,411 | Sold Out | ||
| 13/06/2024 | 24/06/2024 | 12 | £17,411 | Sold Out | ||
| 20/06/2024 | 01/07/2024 | 12 | £17,411 | Sold Out | ||
| 27/06/2024 | 08/07/2024 | 12 | £17,411 | Sold Out | ||
| 04/07/2024 | 15/07/2024 | 12 | £17,411 | Sold Out | ||
| 11/07/2024 | 22/07/2024 | 12 | £17,411 | Sold Out | ||
| 18/07/2024 | 29/07/2024 | 12 | £17,411 | Sold Out | ||
| 25/07/2024 | 05/08/2024 | 12 | £17,411 | Sold Out | ||
| 01/08/2024 | 12/08/2024 | 12 | £17,411 | Sold Out | ||
| 08/08/2024 | 19/08/2024 | 12 | £17,411 | Sold Out | ||
| 15/08/2024 | 26/08/2024 | 12 | £17,411 | Sold Out | ||
| 22/08/2024 | 02/09/2024 | 12 | £17,411 | Sold Out | ||
| 29/08/2024 | 09/09/2024 | 12 | £17,411 | Sold Out | ||
| 05/09/2024 | 16/09/2024 | 12 | £17,411 | Sold Out | ||
| 12/09/2024 | 23/09/2024 | 12 | £17,411 | Sold Out | ||
| 19/09/2024 | 30/09/2024 | 12 | £17,411 | Sold Out | ||
| 26/09/2024 | 07/10/2024 | 12 | £17,411 | Sold Out | ||
| 03/10/2024 | 14/10/2024 | 12 | £17,411 | Sold Out | ||
| 10/10/2024 | 21/10/2024 | 12 | £17,411 | Sold Out | ||
| 17/10/2024 | 28/10/2024 | 12 | £17,411 | Enquire Now | ||
| 1 spaces available | 1 spaces available | |||||
| 29/05/2025 | 09/06/2025 | 12 | £17,411 | Enquire Now | ||
| 05/06/2025 | 26/06/2025 | 12 | £17,411 | Enquire Now | ||
| 12/06/2025 | 23/06/2025 | 12 | £17,411 | Enquire Now | ||
| 19/06/2025 | 30/06/2025 | 12 | £17,411 | Enquire Now | ||
| 26/06/2025 | 07/07/2025 | 12 | £17,411 | Enquire Now | ||
| 03/07/2025 | 14/07/2025 | 12 | £17,411 | Enquire Now | ||
| 10/07/2025 | 21/07/2025 | 12 | £17,411 | Enquire Now | ||
| 17/07/2025 | 28/07/2025 | 12 | £17,411 | Enquire Now | ||
| 24/07/2025 | 04/08/2025 | 12 | £17,411 | Enquire Now | ||
| 31/07/2025 | 11/08/2025 | 12 | £17,411 | Enquire Now | ||
| 07/08/2025 | 18/08/2025 | 12 | £17,411 | Enquire Now | ||
| 14/08/2025 | 25/08/2025 | 12 | £17,411 | Enquire Now | ||
| 21/08/2025 | 02/09/2025 | 12 | £17,411 | Enquire Now | ||
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
