For 2023 our partners in Bolivia have combined their two famous lodges, Pluma and Secure, to offer one helicopter package, allowing travelling rods to fish both camps and rivers in just one week. This exciting, adventurous new trip gives anglers a chance to wet a fly in some of the most remote water in the world for the magnificent Golden Dorado. Utilising the camp’s helicopters, the trip provides three days of fishing on the Pluma River at Pluma Lodge and three days on the Secure River at Secure Lodge. In the morning, on each of the six fishing days, the helicopters transport guests and their guides to a range of remote and untouched headwaters of the Tsimane rivers and creeks.
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 fly fishing styles, from throwing a popper into a feeding frenzy to sight casting in a pocket and even spey casting. Thanks to our partners’ unrivalled geographical location and proximity to the headwaters of many rivers in the Moseten mountain chain, we can offer this new tour for giant Golden Dorado, Pacu and Yatorana in incomparable quantity and quality.
If you’re looking for an adventurous fishing holiday, fishing virgin water for fish that have never seen a fly, then this is perfect for you.
The helicopter trip gives visiting anglers a chance to fish for three days at Pluma Lodge and then three days at Secure Lodge, offering an unrivalled, exciting experience, combining two of the most famous Golden Dorado rivers in not just Bolivia but the world in one twelve day holiday. The addition of the helicopters has meant the variety of water on offer is simply mind-blowing, with anglers getting the chance to fish the most remote headwaters of the Pluma and Secure river and a whole host of wild tributaries. On many occasions wetting a line on the water, and for fish which have never seen a human, let alone a fly. Each piece of water varies significantly from deep pools to rugged terraced pocket water.
The Pluma River runs south to north, parallel with the Mostenes Mountains, giving it a slightly broader, more open feel than the other rivers in the region. It’s moderately sized, crystal clear, with a rich and stunning topography, and its smooth gravel and rock riverbanks offer some easier, more accessible wading opportunities. The river is home to the four remaining species Dorado, Yatorana, Surubi and Pirapitinga.
For many who’ve fished the Tsimane programs before, the Itirizama River gets widely regarded as the ‘Jewel In The Crown’ or the ‘Premier’ river in the region for both the numbers and the excellent average size of the fish it produces. Although similar in size to the upper stretches of the Pluma River, it has a different feel and appearance due to its steeper gradient and more rugged terrain. Running from west to east through a selection of stunning canyons, it’s what you’d describe as a typical mountain stream, with a 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 Sécure River features a range of excellent wading opportunities across its broad, flat 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.
If the helicopters cannot fly due to weather or reasons outside the camp’s control, anglers will fish the local waters around the lodges using a combination of walk-wading and dugout canoes. Introducing the helicopter program will decrease pressure on the home waters of the two lodges, ensuring they remain healthy and productive long term.
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 Helicopter, flying anglers daily to some of the most remote parts of the Bolivian jungle. Limited to just a capacity of six 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.
The trip provides travelling rods with three days of fishing on the Pluma River and accommodation at Pluma Lodge and three days on the Secure River and at Secure Lodge. In the morning, on each of the six fishing days, the helicopter will transport you and your guides to a range of remote and untouched headwaters of the Tsimane rivers and creeks. 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 lodges. All the guides will have satellite communication to ensure permanent contact with the helicopter pilots and the lodges.
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.
This Helicopter trip to the Bolivian jungle utilises two accommodations, with anglers spending three days at Pluma Lodge and three days at Secure Lodge. Each offers guests a luxury single room and some of the finest jungle accommodations you will find on the planet.
Pluma Lodge, upgraded for 2024, is a comfortable jungle lodge with stylish log cabins designed to cater for six 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.
Like Pluma, Secure Lodge has also been upgraded for 2024 and offers single rooms with private bathrooms, a queen-size bed, a desk, an armchair, hot water, and electricity. It also features free Wi-Fi, laundry, a fly shop and a 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 UK (alternative routes available)
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: 5 Star Hotel (Twin Room) R/O
In the morning, our staff will pick up the group of 8 anglers around 9:30 am to head to the local airport. The group will then board the charter flight to the Oromomo Indian Community (90-minute flight).
Depart Santa Cruz
Arrive Oromomo Village
On arrival, the guides will welcome the group upon landing and transfer everyone to the Pluma Lodge. This transfer is a boat ride for 1h (Depending on the water level ) to the Pluma Lodge. You will be met by your guides at the lodge, shown to your rooms and get ready for the next week of fishing.
Overnight accommodation: Pluma Lodge Wooden Cabin (Twin Room) F/B
Spend the next 6 days fishing based on 2 anglers to 1 guide. You can also, if you wish, take an option of one or two-night backpacking-style trips on both the Upper Pluma and Itirizama.
Overnight accommodation: Pluma Lodge Wooden Cabin (Twin Room) F/B
In the morning, you will be transferred back to the Oromomo Village via a 70 min motorised dugout canoe ride for your return flight to Santa Cruz.
Depart Oromono Village
Arrive Santa Cruz
On arrival, you will be transferred to your overnight hotel.
Overnight accommodation: 5 Star Hotel (Twin Room) R/O
In the morning you will then be transferred back to the international airport for your return flight.
Depart Santa Cruz Bolivia
Arrive Madrid Depart Madrid
Arrive UK
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
N/A
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.
| Departing | Returning | Days | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06/07/2023 | 17/07/2023 | 12 | £14,934 | Enquire Now |
| 13/07/2023 | 24/07/2023 | 12 | £14,934 | Sold Out |
| 20/07/2023 | 31/07/2023 | 12 | £14,934 | Sold Out |
| 27/07/2023 | 07/08/2023 | 12 | £14,934 | Enquire Now |
| 03/08/2023 | 14/08/2023 | 12 | £14,934 | Sold Out |
| 10/08/2023 | 21/08/2023 | 12 | £14,934 | Sold Out |
| 17/08/2023 | 28/08/2023 | 12 | £14,934 | Sold Out |
| 24/08/2023 | 04/09/2023 | 12 | £14,934 | Sold Out |
| 31/08/2023 | 11/09/2023 | 12 | £14,934 | Sold Out |
| 07/09/2023 | 18/09/2023 | 12 | £14,934 | Sold Out |
| 14/09/2023 | 25/09/2023 | 12 | £14,934 | Enquire Now |
| 21/09/2023 | 02/10/2023 | 12 | £14,934 | Sold Out |
| 28/09/2023 | 09/10/2023 | 12 | £14,934 | Sold Out |
| 05/10/2023 | 16/10/2023 | 12 | £14,934 | Sold Out |
| 12/10/2023 | 23/10/2023 | 12 | £14,934 | Enquire Now |
| 04/07/2024 | 15/07/2024 | 12 | £15,616 | Enquire Now |
| 11/07/2024 | 22/07/2024 | 12 | £15,616 | Enquire Now |
| 18/07/2024 | 29/07/2024 | 12 | £15,616 | Enquire Now |
| 25/07/2024 | 05/08/2024 | 12 | £15,616 | Enquire Now |
| 01/08/2024 | 12/08/2024 | 12 | £15,616 | Enquire Now |
| 08/08/2024 | 19/08/2024 | 12 | £15,616 | Enquire Now |
| 15/08/2024 | 26/08/2024 | 12 | £15,616 | Enquire Now |
| 22/08/2024 | 02/09/2024 | 12 | £15,616 | Enquire Now |
| 29/08/2024 | 09/09/2024 | 12 | £15,616 | Enquire Now |
| 05/09/2024 | 16/09/2024 | 12 | £15,616 | Enquire Now |
| 12/09/2024 | 23/09/2024 | 12 | £15,616 | Enquire Now |
| 19/09/2024 | 30/09/2024 | 12 | £15,616 | Enquire Now |
| 26/09/2024 | 07/10/2024 | 12 | £15,616 | Enquire Now |
| 03/10/2024 | 14/10/2024 | 12 | £15,616 | Enquire Now |
| 10/10/2024 | 21/10/2024 | 12 | £15,616 | Enquire Now |
Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, fishing and accommodation in twin rooms at Pluma Lodge (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 surcharge.
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
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.
For 2024 we're excited to introduce to you a brand new helicopter fishing trip, allowing adventurous travelling rods the opportunity to fish some of the most remote, untouched waters in Bolivia and the whole of the South American continent for the hard-fighting Golden Dorado. If you're looking for a first-class, fly fishing adventure, then this is perfect for you.
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.
