We are delighted to bring you the first season fishing reports from Tariquia, a new destination to our Bolivian portfolio. Fishing the mythical Tarija River in the heart of the Bolivian Yungas, the 2025 opening season offers a wonderful opportunity for adventurous anglers to be one of the first to target trophy golden dorado in a pristine setting. Keep an eye on these pages for all the action.
Tariquia fishing report – 6 to 13 September
Day 1 – Breaking the Ice
Sunday morning, after a night of pure anticipation, our guests hopped on the chopper and minutes later were stepping straight onto rafts, rods ready to roll. Steven and Petr drew first blood with clear-tip lines.
Petr lost a couple early on, which had Fede (his guide) raising an eyebrow at hook size. As Petr swapped flies, Steven got smashed boat-side by a dorado that tore straight into the backing. These fish are different—oversized tails, absurd power, and no quit.
Steven kept his cool, stuck the hook perfectly, and after a wild fight landed season one’s first golden trophy: an 18lb beauty.
Moments later Petr redeemed himself with a true monster—10 cm of gold that looked like it swam straight out of another planet.
Rob and Andrew both added fish to the tally. Granny and Brad had a slower start, but with daily rotations of water and guides, redemption was always around the corner.
Day 2 – Moon Myths
Clear skies Monday morning, but spirits were a little muted thanks to the “bad full moon” superstition. Didn’t matter. The river had too much structure, too many ambush points, too much life. By late afternoon Andrew and Granny were in the spotlight, each landing several beautiful dorado.
Days 3 & 4 – Giants in the Shadows
Tuesday and Wednesday brought identical weather—crisp mornings, sunny afternoons—and crushed the “bad moon” theory. Petr and Brad both landed meter-plus fish.
Brad’s was the stuff of legend. From the stern, he snuck a cast between two rocks. A beast detonated on the fly, felt like a snag, then lit up and ripped into his backing. Fifteen minutes later, Juanchi netted a dorado that made the net look comically small. Epic fight, epic release.
Day 5 – Going Out in Style
Thursday felt like Friday, with most of the crew flying home early. The morning started slow, but the afternoon exploded—Rob and Brad both sticking multiple fish, including two more over a metre. Pure chaos, pure joy.
We closed the week around the fire, feasting on a traditional Tarijeño lamb roasted on the cross by Diego, our chef. Honestly—what more could you want?
Weather
Conditions were kind: chilly nights (43°F / 6°C), hot afternoons (86°F / 30°C), and steady south winds at 8–18 mph. Nothing that slowed fishing—or flying.
Gear Notes
Floating and intermediate clear-tip lines were the ticket. Best flies were big sábalo imitations in green/white, gray/white, and yellow/green, tied on sturdy 3/0 hooks.
us US$1,300 local fees per angler, 7 nights, 6 days fishing
If you you would like further information on the 2025 opening season at Tariquia, or would like more information on fishing in Bolivia in general, please contact Charlotte Chilcott or call us on +44 (0) 1980 847389. Alternatively, click HERE if you would like us to contact you.
