Golden Dorado fishing does not come better than a weeks stay at Secure Lodge Bolivia. It’s situated within a National Park and Indigenous Territory, where the Amazon jungle meets the Andes mountain chain. The landscape is incredible; its rivers and streams are clear water gems cascading through the jungle and rugged mountain canyons. Secure Lodge is a first-class destination and operation for wading and sight casting to feeding Dorado.
Based on only six anglers each week each morning, you will set out in locally constructed dugout canoes, specially developed for this environment and led by an expert Dorado fly-fishing guide and two native assistants from the local Tsimane tribes. During your stay, you will get to fish the headwaters of the Sécure River, and downstream you will see the ‘Cachuelas’ area, famed for its line of rapids and rocks that extend along 3km of river home to some pretty big Dorados always. You will also get the chance to fish upstream on the upper parts of the Sécure River and stay overnight camped out on the riverbank. During your stay there’s also the opportunity to try the two tributaries of the area; Maniquisito and Ashahana where we always find big Dorado and Pacu
You will be staying in the beautiful main Secure Lodge Bolivia during your week and will be presented with many different fishing opportunities. The chance to fish the headwaters out-camps and three separate sections will be the weekly plan. The wide variety of waters and pools allow groups to fish in fresh water every day and rarely repeat the same fishing beat.
The rivers on offer include the Rio Sécure-high sector, the Sécure River-medium sector, and the streams called Maniquicito and Ashahana. This is one of the principal rivers of the TIPNIS and the most important tributary of the Isiboro River, Madeira River and the Amazon itself, one with the world’s most comprehensive biodiversity. Along with its first sectors, this river goes from north to south; moreover, between the Mosetenes Range and the Eva Eva Mountain Range, it is wedged among peaks that range from 900 to 2,000 meters above sea level. The river length is 497 km until it reaches the Isiboro River.
High Sécure River: This is the sector of the Sécure River that is found upstream from the Sécure Lodge. The river here is magnificent with crystal clear water, wedged among mountains and allows anglers an extraordinarily close and exciting contact with the jungle. The means of transportation are handmade Chiman wood dugout canoes (coambas) powered by pushing poles or engines.
Sécure River: The Sécure River runs from Secure Lodge Bolivia to the Ushwea Village. The fishing here is carried out by fishing downstream, and the means of transportation is with dugout canoes, poled or engine powered. The middle section of the Sécure River is shallow and open, similar to the rivers further down on them in plain regions. Its clear waters gradually become coloured due to tributaries that sweep sediments from the high plateau. More and more logs and fallen trees found in the typical stone structure of the Sécure River. The logs, sunken trees and subsurface structure are the perfect ambush points for large numbers of dorados.
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 takes place. These fish arrive in their millions each year, seeking their spawning grounds, from December to January.
Each river features a large variety of fishing situations. There are long runs, “flats” with sandy riverbanks, and fords with ditches and deep pools. Dorados are undoubtedly the kings in this sector of the river; however, very large Pacues can be caught in the deep pools, where food brought by the current gets jammed. Combine all this amazing fly fishing with Tsimane’s 1st class guiding and a luxury tented camp in the middle of nowhere and you are in for a real fishing adventure and one that will stick with you for a very long time.
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, however, the wading isn’t complicated or dangerous, but there is a considerable amount of wading.
Fly fishing is either stalking and casting at fish, sometimes we come across feeding frenzies where the water can turn to foam as shoals of Dorado hammer the baitfish right to the shoreline. In these circumstances, it can be so exciting to cast your fly in the middle of the commotion. Alternatively, on slight coloured sections of the river you cast to structure, dead trees and snags that the Dorado just loves to hide under ready to ambush any fly that should dare to pass close by. One thing for sure and why Golden Dorado fly fishing is so addictive is the action is just so exciting.
Over on our Youtube channel, we have lots of really great videos from many freshwater fly fishing destinations around the world.
Rods need to be #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 Dorados in powerful currents. It’s advised to carry a #6 or #7 rod to attempt dry-fishing Yatoranas in small streams and nearby tributaries. It is best to bring 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. Another valid option is to carry one with a streamer and the other with a fruit imitation or shorter streamer to lure the Pacu. Winston designed a line of rods (Boron III Plus Jungle) specially made for the jungle, in numbers #8 and #9. This is probably the best option for fishing in Tsimane. Fast action rods are the ones required here. In general terms, saltwater rods fulfil most conditions at Secure Lodge Bolivia.
Most of the fishing done near the surface, so weight forward floating lines for tropical waters are the most recommended. The lines need to exceed the rod for at least one number. A number #8 rod should be charged with a #9 line. Due to the size of the flies, we must cast and avoid that you get too tired during casting or that casting itself becomes an unpleasant experience. On the other hand, in hunting situations or when a Pacu passes us by in shallow waters, we need a line able to cast a heavy fly in one attempt.
We mainly use imitations of fish at the Secure Lodge Bolivia, large insects, fruits, and popper, sliders and divers. Black-coloured streamers or deceivers with red, yellow, orange, green or violet tails are best. The par excellence pattern is the Andino Deceiver (created by Carlos Ingrasia from Argentina), black-coloured with different tails, 4 to 8 inches long, with 3/0 or 4/0 barbless hooks. The strength of the fish in Tsimane requires high-quality saltwater hooks. The Andino Deceiver is similar to other deceivers except for its muddler head and chain or bronze eyes depending on how deep it’s intended to work. However, other fish imitations have also proven to be genuinely efficient.
Secure Lodge is located within the National Park of Isiboro Secure and an Indigenous Territory, where the Amazon jungle meets the foothills of the Andes Mountains. The location is an Indigenous Territory and a National Park where the catch and release fly fishing activity is solely allowed for Tsimane projects.
The landscape is incredibly wild and remote. The rivers where we fish are the headwaters of some Amazon tributaries. Its gin-clear currents run through jungle and mountains—making for one of the most pristine environments in the world.
The six-person Secure Lodge Bolivia is the furthest upstream of the three camps and focuses on the uppermost reaches of the Secure River. It is accessed from an airstrip in the tiny village of Asunta, where it is common for many community members to come out and look at the new arrivals, their clean quick-dry clothing, and their big bags of gear and tackle. From there, it is about a 10-minute boat ride upstream to the deluxe six-person tent camp.
The camp was carved out of the jungle and built using site-milled hardwood and material shipped up the river. The camp is in a spectacular setting and is best described as both rustic and elegant. The camp features a handsome hardwood lodge with an open bar and WiFi. The seasoned chefs at Sécure prepare delicious International Cuisine, paired with great Argentine wines in a well-fashioned living and dining room.
Sleeping accommodation is three spacious double occupancy safari-style tents with comfortable beds, full linens and private bathrooms with hot showers. Generators provide electricity, 220-volts, so be sure to bring the proper adapters depending on your electronic device and country of origin. You can charge batteries and use electric shavers or hair dryers. Solar panels are also incorporated into the electronic grid for increased efficiency and sustainability. Electric power is available from 6:00 am to 10:00 am, and again from 5:00 pm to 12:00 am.
Satellite Internet wireless connection and phone service are included for all guests.
Laundry service is provided at no additional cost. Just leave your clothes on the floor, and they will be returned washed and folded.
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 overnight hotel.
Overnight accommodation: 5 Star Hotel (Twin Room) R/O
In the morning, our staff will pick up the group of 6 anglers around 9:30 am to head to the local airport. The group will then board the charter flight to the Asunta Indian Community (90-minute flight).
Depart Santa Cruz
Arrive Asunta Indian Community
On arrival, the guides will welcome the group upon landing and transfer everyone to the Secure Lodge. This transfer is a boat ride for 10 mins (Depending on the water level ) to the Secure Lodge. You will be met by your guides at the camp, shown to your rooms and get ready for the next week of fishing.
Overnight accommodation: Secure Lodge Twin Tents / Cabins (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 the upper systems.
Overnight accommodation: Secure Lodge Twin Tents / Cabins (Twin Room) F/B
In the morning, you will be transferred back to the Asunta Indian Community via a 10 mins motorised dugout canoe ride for your return flight to Santa Cruz.
Depart Asunta Indian Community
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03/05/2023 | 14/05/2023 | 12 | £7,176 | Sold Out |
| 10/05/2023 | 21/05/2023 | 12 | £7,176 | Enquire Now |
| 17/05/2023 | 28/05/2023 | 12 | £7,176 | Sold Out |
| 24/05/2023 | 04/06/2023 | 12 | £7,176 | Enquire Now |
| 31/05/2023 | 11/06/2023 | 12 | £7,176 | Sold Out |
| 07/06/2023 | 18/06/2023 | 12 | £7,176 | Sold Out |
| 14/06/2023 | 25/06/2023 | 12 | £7,176 | Enquire Now |
| 01/05/2024 | 12/05/2024 | 12 | £7,471 | Sold Out |
| 08/05/2024 | 19/05/2024 | 12 | £7,471 | Sold Out |
| 15/05/2024 | 26/05/2024 | 12 | £7,471 | Enquire Now |
| 22/05/2024 | 02/06/2024 | 12 | £7,471 | Enquire Now |
| 29/05/2024 | 09/06/2024 | 12 | £7,471 | Sold Out |
| 05/06/2024 | 16/06/2024 | 12 | £7,471 | Sold Out |
| 12/06/2024 | 23/06/2024 | 12 | £7,471 | Enquire Now |
| 19/06/2024 | 30/06/2024 | 12 | £7,471 | Sold Out |
Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, fishing and accommodation in twin rooms at Secure 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.
This was my second time in Bolivia and my second time at Secure Lodge. I visited back in 2019, but I wasn't blessed with great weather or river conditions and the fishing was hard, so I felt like the destination owed me one! This time around fortunately the fishing gods were on my side and it was brilliant. I landed loads of fish every day with many over double figures. I need to have a look at the website and choose my next fishing adventure!
Fishing for the Golden Dorado at the Secure Lodge was the best fishing experience ever! I landed good numbers of fish every day including a handful of real monsters to over 15lb, it's something I'd thoroughly recommend and am already looking to book again next year.
The journey was long, the lodge was remote and slightly basic, BUT the fishing was INSANE! The Golden Dorado are super aggressive and fight dirty and were certainly different from the Trout I catch on my local streams! The guides and camp staff were incredibly knowledgeable and done everything in their power to ensure I had the best time. On to the next adventure now...
A big thanks to everyone who made my trip possible! I had a fantastic week at Secure Lodge, the fishing was fantastic and I landed so many Golden Dorado I pretty much lost count! The accommodation was a little basic, but that was to be expected. The staff and guides at the lodge were first class.
I had a thoroughly enjoyable week, the weather was brilliant, the fishing was off the scale and the camp, guides, staff and accommodation were fantastic. I'd certainly like to return one day! A big thank you to all the staff in Bolivia and the guys at Sportquest, I'll be in-touch again soon!
The Golden Dorado was a fish that had been on my bucket list for many years and finally, with the help of Sportquest, my dreams came true! I had a brilliant week and landed a stack of fish, with a good selection of fish over 10lb. I'd just like to thank everyone at Secure Lodge as all the guides and staff were brilliant.
I'd never been away fishing before, so I'm not going to lie I was a little apprehensive perhaps even nervous, but from the moment I left to the moment, I returned everything ran so smoothly. The jungle setting was amazing and so was the fishing! The Golden Dorado have to be the hardest fighting fish I've ever caught! I big thanks to everyone at Secure Lodge and in the offices in the UK who made my trip happen.
The camp was a little basic, but I guess that's to be expected with somewhere so remote. The fishing was very good though and the Golden Dorado were very obliging. The guides and staff were all very professional and done everything to make me feel very welcome.
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.
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.
This exciting, adventurous helicopter trip ventures deep into the Bolivian jungle, providing travelling rods with the chance to fish some of the most remote waters in the world for the beautiful Golden Dorado, staying and fishing for three days at both Pluma and Secure Lodge. If you’re looking for an adventurous holiday, fishing virgin water, this is perfect for you.
The famous Pintis Lodge that is right on the banks of the Rio Parana River, offers you the perfect opportunity to present flies to hungry Golden Dorado. A great benefit of this lodge it sits right on the best water of the river. Just make sure you ready for this action-packed holiday?
