We are delighted to share the Bolivia 2026 season fishing reports from the Tsimane Bolivian jungle lodges Sécure, Pluma (including heli-fishing) and Agua Negra. These three superb, remote lodges offer exciting fishing in the Bolivian Amazon rainforest for dorado, pacú and yatornana. Keep checking back to this page for all the latest updates from the guides on the river.
SÉCURE LODGE
Week 8 – July 31st to August 7th – A week written in the jungle
Once again, the unwavering pulse of the jungle witnessed faster heartbeats throughout the week, in a sequence of fishing situations and stories that came together to write a chapter each of our guests will remember for years to come.
For Week 8, this exceptional ecosystem welcomed six first-time guests from the United States, who became the protagonists of the week at Sécure. With the Amazon rainforest as their backdrop, everything seemed to conspire toward an unparalleled fly fishing adventure, shaped day after day by countless small, brief moments that linked together, like beads on a rosary, along an ever-present and powerful thread.
Among these moments were a simultaneous double hookup of beautiful 12 and 16lb dorado, along with several other offerings.
This week’s highlights
In a small bay of very shallow water, Mike and Fionn made a careful approach, using the vegetation as a screen until the last possible moment. The cast their flies simultaneously into a chaotic frenzy of broken water and sábalo fleeing in every direction.
The result was a remarkable double hookup, with two dorado of 16 and 12lb brought to the bank.
Chris landed a pacú after presenting a fly specifically designed for the species on a dead drift. A precise and technical encounter that added another dimension to an already varied day on the river.
James connected with an exceptional 20lb dorado, adding one of the week’s most impressive fish to a day already filled with memorable encounters.
The final encounter was perhaps the most unexpected. A giant yellow predator attacked a roughly nine pound dorado that had taken a fly only seconds earlier.
The encounter ended with only half the fish recovered, its head the sole evidence of a moment that revealed just how aggressive these predators can be under the right circumstances.
All three events happened on the same day, connected by a long hike through the jungle and along the Upper Sécure. Together, they speak clearly to the potential and the offerings that await day after day in this incomparable corner of the Amazon.
Week 7 – July 24th to July 31st – Screenwriters of an epic week
This week at Sécure Lodge was, in the words of the lodge team, almost cinematic.
Six friends became both the writers and actors of an epic film, one shaped by shared experiences, an exceptional number of opportunities and fish landed, and an energy that seemed to build throughout the week.
Their first visit to Tsimane was one of those weeks when every individual adds something to the group, creating an atmosphere that flows with the same endless rhythm as these remote waters.
This week’s highlights
On Sunday, the second fishing day, Peter connected with a dorado that literally took his rod apart.
As Peter battled the fish, his guide reacted instinctively, holding the line with one hand to maintain tension while recovering the broken section of the rod and reconnecting it.
The team eventually brought the fish to the beach: a magnificent 21lb dorado, or lingote amarillo, and a capture that required both fish-fighting skill and a little improvisation.
When human beings form deep connections around something they are passionate about, especially in an extraordinary environment, it becomes difficult to summarize everything that happens.
That was the feeling the lodge team struggled to put into words this week: a trip filled, almost without interruption, with laughter, amazement, gratitude, and enjoyment.
The tributaries Maniquicito and Ashahana became central to that story. Their pristine, untouched character provided the setting for some of the week’s most memorable encounters and revealed the intricate, almost chess-like nature of fly fishing.
A pacú sucking down a surface fly in slow motion. A 20lb dorado landed by Andrew on the same day. And countless situations in which the river, the fish, the anglers, and the guides seemed to fall into perfect rhythm.
Perhaps that is what the manager meant by a “magical, incomparable combo,” the combination of extraordinary water, wild fish, shared experiences, and the unpredictable human excitement that makes this kind of fishing so difficult to replicate anywhere else.
Week 6 – July 17th to July 24th – fishing through the rain
The sixth week of the season brought six anglers to Sécure Lodge — four from the United States and two from Europe — for a week that challenged expectations from the very beginning.
Persistent rain, soaked rain jackets, and rapidly changing river conditions became part of the experience, yet none of it prevented exceptional fishing.
Instead, the week proved once again that understanding the river often matters more than waiting for perfect weather.
This week’s highlights
Sight-fishing a shallow run upstream from the lodge, Matt found himself in one of those moments every fly angler hopes for. It took five precise casts before everything finally came together.
The reward was a flawless 22lb female dorado, landed after a pure adrenaline-filled encounter that captured everything this fishery is known for: careful observation, accurate presentation, and the unforgettable visual eat.
Some feeding frenzies last only seconds. Others seem to suspend time.
Working a shallow flat where schools of dorado regularly ambush migrating sábalo, Rob landed two dorado of approximately seven and nine pounds within just a couple of minutes, taking full advantage of a prolonged hunting frenzy that unfolded right in front of him.
Later in the week, with rising water and reduced visibility, Carsten connected with a powerful 20lb “yellow torpedo.” The strike came on a surface fly, adding one more unforgettable visual eat to a week already filled with memorable moments.
Week 5 – July 10th to July 17th – When everything comes together
Week six welcomed four anglers from France and two from Switzerland, all experiencing Amazonian dorado and pacú fishing for the very first time.
The adventure began under cool, overcast skies before a powerful storm struck the headwaters overnight, dramatically changing the river.
Yet despite rapidly shifting conditions, Sécure once again demonstrated why understanding the river matters more than waiting for perfect weather.
As the week progressed, opportunities steadily increased, leading to exceptional sight-fishing and unforgettable encounters with dorado of every size.
This week’s highlights
Fishing upstream from the lodge, Christopher noticed the back of a dorado rolling on the surface only a short distance from where he was casting.
Moments later, the take came. After a demanding fight and the challenge of finally beaching the fish on a narrow sandbar, Christopher landed an exceptional 26lb female dorado, a capture defined not only by its size, but by the circumstances surrounding it. In his own words, it became one of the most important fish of his fly-fishing life.
As river conditions stabilized through the second half of the week, water color became ideal for careful approaches, one of the most important elements of this fishery.
Guests repeatedly encountered large dorado feeding aggressively in shallow water, tearing apart migrating sábalo within casting distance. Some fish were feeding so close that the explosions happened little farther away than the length of a fly rod.
Pure adrenaline.
Shaking knees. Tangled fly lines. Racing hearts.
Those unforgettable moments when instinct takes over and every cast feels like it could connect with another yellow ingot.
It’s a combination unlike any other, and one of the experiences that defines fly fishing at Sécure Lodge.
Week 4 – July 3rd to july 10th – opportunities in changing water
Six anglers joined us this week at Sécure Lodge, four guests from the United States and a father-and-son team from South Africa.
Variable weather and changing river conditions shaped the week, yet fishing remained consistently productive.
Early-season rains in the headwaters temporarily colored the river, concentrating dorado into shallow water and tailouts, where anglers enjoyed steady action and memorable sight-fishing opportunities despite far-from-perfect conditions.
This week’s highlights
On the very first day, sixteen-year-old South African angler Alexander landed a beautifully proportioned 15lb dorado in the clear, shallow water of one of Sécure’s tributaries.
The setting was as memorable as the fish itself, a perfect Amazon scene that will likely live as vividly in memory as it does in the photographs.
Father and son, Kenneth and Alexander spent the week sharing every challenge side by side. One unforgettable day on the crystal-clear waters of the Maniquicito brought sight-fishing opportunities, aggressive hunting dorado, multiple double hook-ups, and several medium and large fish beached together after exhilarating fights.
Some trophy fish won their battles by breaking the line off, but the memories created between father and son will undoubtedly outlast any landed fish.
Week 3 – June 26th to July 3rd – Double hook-ups everywhere
While changing temperatures and shifting river conditions kept guides adapting throughout the trip, Sécure produced something rarely seen in such frequency: double hook-ups.
Throughout the week, anglers repeatedly experienced simultaneous dorado eats, creating some of the most exciting fishing moments of the season so far.
Sécure welcomed four guests this week: two anglers from England and two from the United States; all first time visitors. Changing conditions throughout the week exposed them to a remarkable variety of fishing situations, rewarded with unforgettable moments on the river.
This week’s highlights
Midway through the week, Neil and Alexander began one unforgettable morning at the legendary Home Pool. Within moments, both anglers simultaneously landed what guides affectionately call yellow offerings: two dorado weighing 11 and 14 pounds that ended their fight beached together along the shoreline.
It was one of those rare double hook-ups that the anglers will remember as one of the most adrenaline-filled moments of their Tsimane experience.
Rather than a single memorable moment, this week will be remembered for something much more unusual.
Throughout the week, anglers experienced an exceptional number of double hook-ups, simultaneous dorado caught at the same time and in the same location.
The frequency of these moments was well above average, turning nearly every day into another opportunity to celebrate together.
Looking ahead, conditions remain highly encouraging. Water levels are holding well across both the main river and the smaller creeks, creating a strong foundation for the weeks to come. If this pattern continues, we can expect excellent fishing opportunities as we move into the middle part of the season, with good flows, active fish, and plenty of promising water to explore.
Week 2 – June 19th to 26th: When cold water doesn’t matter
Conventional wisdom suggests cold water slows dorado down. This week, Sécure proved otherwise.
Despite cool air temperatures and cold water throughout the week, anglers witnessed extraordinary feeding activity across the watershed, with dorado of every size hunting continuously in shallow water. Combined with excellent river levels and improving clarity, conditions produced one of the most visually exciting weeks of the young season, with great sight-fishing opportunities.
Sécure welcomed three first-time visitors this week: two from the United States (Joe and Chris) and one from Argentina (Tuqui). Together they experienced one of the Amazon’s greatest spectacles: watching wild dorado hunt in water barely deep enough to cover their backs.
This week’s highlights
Moving quietly well away from the shoreline before making a careful approach, Carlos “Tuqui” delivered what guides affectionately call a yellow offering. His fly landed in the middle of complete chaos. Several large dorado were tearing apart migrating sábalo in barely six inches (15 cm) of water — completely shallow — their backs breaking the surface as they attacked only a few feet from shore. Moments later, a magnificent 16-pound dorado inhaled the fly. It was the kind of visual encounter that defines Tsimane’s wild Amazon fly fishing.
During one unforgettable encounter, guide and angler stopped fishing altogether. Instead, they reached for their phones. Two dorado fought violently over the very same sábalo, behaving more like a pair of wild attack dogs than fish. It was one of those rare moments that perfectly explains why golden dorado rank among the most exciting species in the world to pursue with a fly rod.
In another remarkable hunting sequence, three dorado weighing 5, 9 and 14 pounds were landed from the exact same location.
The feeding activity lasted unusually long, allowing anglers to witness — and fish through — one extended frenzy after another as migrating baitfish kept pouring through the shallows.
Week 1 – June 12th to 19th: The river always found its shape
Sécure Lodge welcomed its first guests of the 2026 season under cool air and cooler water — and an opening week defined by excellent river levels and an abundant stock of fish.
The healthy population of dorado reflected the abundant rainfall that nourished the watershed throughout the summer, creating the ideal foundation for the season ahead.
This week welcomed a family of anglers, most of them from Utah, USA, who were experiencing this fascinating jungle fishing game for the very first time. Despite being new to these waters, they quickly found themselves immersed in the rhythm of the jungle, enjoying memorable moments and connecting with dorado of all sizes at the end of their lines.
From fly lines repaired right on the water to pacú converging at an angler’s feet, the lodge’s first week set an encouraging tone for everything still to come.
The week’s highlights
The week’s standout fish was a beautiful 20-pound female dorado, landed only moments after repairing a damaged fly line on the river. A perfect example that sometimes the best fish come immediately after the unexpected.
One of the week’s defining stories was a succession of epic moments on the water. Several medium and large dorado were successfully landed using fly lines that had been repaired right on the river during the session. This proves that determination and quick thinking often become part of the experience.
Clear water often reveals moments that happen too quickly.
Cole presented a seed imitation only a short distance away. Within seconds, four pacú converged on the fly at his feet! Each pacú tried their best to steal what looked like an easy meal, but one finally won “lunch” and took the fly. Everything happened in crystal clear water at his close sight. Moments later Cole was holding one of the week’s most memorable fish.
Pluma Lodge
Week 9 – August 1st to August 8th: Crystal clear water, wild encounters
Week 9 brought exceptional weather and consistently good fishing from beginning to end.
With guests from the United States and Wales, the week combined crystal-clear water, strong sunshine, and active fish with a remarkable amount of wildlife along the river.
From tapirs to jaguars and other species encountered along the way, the river offered plenty of reasons to stop, look around, and take in the surroundings.
This week’s highlights
Ryan landed a large dorado using a rat imitation. Standing on a rock, he cast toward a pocket on the opposite side of the river. Out of nowhere, a beautiful dorado appeared and took the fly, turning an apparently simple presentation into one of the week’s standout moments.
The exceptional weather made it possible to spend long days on the water with clear visibility and plenty of activity along the river.
Among the week’s memorable encounters were sightings of tapirs, jaguars, and several other species, each offering a chance to stop fishing for a moment and simply share the river with the wildlife that surrounds it.
Week 8 – July 25th to August 1st: a week made for sight fishing
Week 8 brought warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and excellent water clarity to Pluma Lodge.
With guests from South Africa and the United States, conditions remained favorable throughout the week and allowed anglers to take advantage of some of the most productive visual fishing situations the river had to offer.
This week’s highlights
A large dorado was spotted hunting in shallow water, creating the opportunity for a precise presentation and a memorable visual take.
A large pacú in fast water provided another highlight of the week.
The fish took a dry fly with an impressive surface eat, adding a different kind of challenge to the week’s dorado fishing and demonstrating the variety these waters can offer when conditions are right.
Week 7 – July 18th to July 25th: making the most of tough conditions
This week came with challenging weather: Heavy rain arrived during its second half and rivers rose quickly, but that was no obstacle: anglers continued finding opportunities, proving that productive fishing often comes from adapting rather than waiting for perfect conditions.
This weeks highlights
Watching a school of migrating sábalo moving through the current, Dave delivered a cast expecting a large dorado to appear.
Instead, the take came from something far less common.
The fish turned out to be a beautiful surubí, an unexpected reward that transformed an ordinary blind cast into one of the week’s most memorable captures.
Despite difficult water conditions, anglers enjoyed memorable encounters throughout the week, landing several quality pacú, large dorado, and the week’s unexpected surubí, highlighting the remarkable diversity these rivers can offer even under challenging conditions.
Week 6 – July 11th to July 18th: When the jungle takes centre stage
The week began with a “turbión” (downpour) that temporarily stained the rivers, but as the days progressed, sunshine, warmer temperatures, and steadily improving water clarity transformed the fishing conditions.
Guests from South Africa, Germany, Switzerland, England, France, and the United States experienced a week that combined productive fishing with remarkable wildlife encounters, reminding us that every day in the Amazon offers something unexpected.
This week’s highlights
The week’s standout fish came from the Coruya, where an outstanding dorado was caught after the river began clearing, rewarding persistence through changing conditions.
Fishing wasn’t the only highlight this week.
Guests were rewarded with exceptional wildlife encounters, including an incredible jaguar sighting, “tropero” (white-lipped peccary), and “guaso” (brocket deer) quietly crossing the riverbanks, reminders that every day on these rivers offers far more than what happens at the end of a fly line.
Week 5 – July 4th to July 11th: waiting for the sun
Variable weather defined Week 5 at Pluma Lodge. River conditions continued to evolve throughout the week, and by the final days, clearer water provided excellent opportunities across the system, with consistently active fish.
This week’s guests included a returning group from the United States, back after visiting Pluma two years ago, joined by Emily Rodgers.
We also a group of first-time visitors for the Classic Jungle programme.
Across both the Classic and Heli Fishing programmes, changing conditions rewarded anglers who stayed patient and adapted as the rivers evolved.
This week’s highlights
Guest Doug, guided by Alejandro, connected with a large dorado while fishing with a streamer. Returning angler Joe added another memorable catch to his second visit, continuing a tradition that keeps bringing anglers back to Pluma.
One of the week’s most unforgettable moments came when a tapir and its calf quietly crossed the river in front of the boats, a reminder that exploring Pluma means experiencing far more than remarkable fishing.
Week 4 – June 27th to July 4th: Good fishing doesn’t wait for perfect weather
Weather remained unpredictable throughout the week, bringing periods of rain, cold temperatures and only a single day of sunshine.
None of it stopped the fishing.
Relatively clear rivers continued producing consistent opportunities, with dorado, pacú and an unexpected surubí highlighting another rewarding week in Pluma’s remote heli fishing waters.
We were delighted to welcome several first-time guests from the United States and Spain. A large group of anglers also enjoyed another week exploring Pluma through the Heli Fishing programme, embracing changing weather and making the most of every opportunity the rivers offered.
This week’s highlights
The week offered memorable encounters with several of the Amazon’s most iconic species. Most anglers landed pacú, several large dorado came to hand, and the trip concluded with Scott’s unexpected surubí just before the helicopter pickup; a fitting reminder that in Pluma, every last cast has the potential to become the highlight of the week.
Memorable moments came from the variety of species encountered throughout the week. Nearly every angler connected with pacú, several quality dorado were landed, and the trip closed with Scott’s unexpected surubí, an uncommon catch that perfectly capped another productive week on Pluma’s rivers.
With cool temperatures and more unsettled weather in the forecast, conditions will continue to evolve. If the rivers hold their clarity, another week of diverse fishing opportunities is expected.
Week 3 – June 20th to 27th: Crystal water, active fish
Pluma ended the week with something every fly angler hopes to see: crystal-clear water.
Although water temperatures remained low throughout the week, the steady upstream migration of sábalo kept bringing life into the system. As visibility improved day after day, anglers found dorado actively hunting despite the cold, proving once again that there are no perfect temperatures.
This week’s highlights
Our friend Bob had the opportunity to hook a beautiful surubí — a species encountered far less frequently on the fly than its golden dorado counterpart. What made it even more memorable was how it happened: a blind cast into a large run where everyone expected a dorado. Instead, Bob came tight to a powerful surubí and landed it — a rewarding surprise, and one of the week’s true highlights.
Despite the cold water, the steady sábalo migration kept pushing predators into feeding mode, producing consistent encounters with aggressive dorado throughout the week. After losing two pacú earlier in the trip, Julia finally brought a beautiful specimen to hand, closing the week with one more memorable victory.
Week 2 – June 13th to 20th: Following the migration
The sábalo migration didn’t stop after opening week, it simply kept moving.
Although rivers remained high and slightly stained, stable weather allowed anglers to make the most of each day on the water. Sábalos continue their migration, and golden dorado spread throughout the system, creating consistent opportunities across both programmes: Classic Jungle and Heli Fishing. Pacú also became increasingly active, adding another exciting dimension to the week.
From powerful dorado in deep runs to aggressive pacú willing to chase streamers, our guests experienced everything from technical sight-fishing to memorable dorado frenzies in remote Amazonian waters, proving once again that productive fishing in Tsimane happen when you flow with its rivers.
We welcomed 12 anglers from the United States across both the Classic and Heli Fishing programmes.
The week’s highlights
Hunter landed the week’s largest dorado. A beautifully conditioned 90cm fish that ate after the second strip in a deep run. Although the migration of sábalo and dorado continued upstream, pacú provided some of the week’s most exciting moments. Both Brian and Hal were both lucky enough to experience the raw power of Amazonian pacú, aggressively taking streamers. Brian’s fish fought fiercely, tearing into his backing twice!
After days of overcast skies, helicopter flights finally revealed the first clear sunshine of the season.The break in the weather offered spectacular views of Pluma’s rivers as the migration continued moving through the watershed. George and Nick, a father-and-son duo, shared a memorable day on the water. Together, they cast into an intense dorado hunt, and both were rewarded with a memory of a lifetime.
Week 1 – June 6th to 13th: The season opens with sábalo migration
The 2026 season opened with one of the signs every Pluma guide hopes to see: the arrival of migrating sábalo.
As schools of baitfish pushed upstream through the watershed, dorado followed closely behind, creating consistent action across both the Classic Jungle and the Heli Fishing programmes. Despite a week marked by cold temperatures, rain, and changing water conditions, anglers encountered active fish throughout the system and enjoyed an excellent start to the season.
The opening week brought together a dozen anglers from the United States, Mexico, Brazil, and Switzerland, all visiting Tsimane for the first time. It included some father-and-son duos, experiencing the Amazon together: Brandon and Mason, Jeff and Gabrielle, and Walter and Manuel.
From topwater eats to memorable encounters in remote rivers, it was a week that reminded us why the beginning of the migration is such a special time in Tsimane.
The week’s highlights
The week’s standout catch came from the Heli Fishing programme, where Andre, fishing with guide Nehuén on the Itirizama River, landed a beautiful moturo.
While dorado remained the primary focus throughout the week, encounters like this highlight the diversity of species that inhabit the rivers surrounding Pluma Lodge.
Other memorable moments included the arrival of migrating sábalo which created ideal feeding opportunities for dorado, and anglers enjoyed exciting topwater action throughout the system. While no single fish stood above the rest, the visual nature of the fishing made it one of the most memorable aspects of the week.
Heavy rain and turbid water challenged anglers during the second half of the week.
One highlight came when Matt, guided by Alejandro, landed a dorado in completely muddy water using a Puglisi Sabalito pattern. On the very next cast, an even larger fish struck and opened the hook before coming to hand — a reminder that some of the best stories are the ones that get away.
Agua Negra Lodge
Week 9 – July 31st to August 7th: Friends, fish and a lot of fun
Week 9 brought five longtime friends from the United States to Agua Negra: Glenn, Blue, Mike, Tom, and Eric. It was a week defined by plenty of fishing, plenty of opportunities, and, above all, plenty of fun.
Many dorado were landed, while some of the larger fish were lost to broken tippets or simply managing to shake free.
This week’s highlights
Eric had already lost a much larger dorado to a break before finally connecting with another excellent fish. The second opportunity came good, turning a week that had already included plenty of near misses into a memorable success.
On a very small river, in the final pool of the day, Eric and the team found a dorado feeding on a riffle. After losing several large fish earlier in the week, they finally got the chance to approach and present to one at sight. The fish ate, and they landed it. A perfect way to close the day.
On the way to camp, Glenn spotted and landed a dorado at sight on the Lago Negra. It was a highly visual encounter and one of the week’s standout memories.
And then there was Blue’s endless series of falls. They became a joke throughout the week, making the entire group laugh and adding another layer to an already memorable trip. Blue took every fall with great humor, contributing as much to the group’s atmosphere as he did to the fishing.
With clear tributaries, low water, plenty of dorado, and a group of longtime friends enjoying every opportunity, this was a week where the fishing and the people around it were equally important.
If current weather patterns continue, the Sécure should gradually finish clearing, opening up more productive fishing around its woody structure. The tributaries are already responding very well, and warmer water should bring increasing pacú activity.
Week 8 – July 24th to July 31st: A friendship forged on the water
This week, we welcomed two highly experienced anglers to Agua Negra: Lawrence “Larry” Zwissler and David Sartwell, both 82 years old.
Although they had never met before, their shared passion for fly fishing became the bridge through which a friendship naturally took shape, leading them to share great moments both on and off the river. David, in particular, surprised us day after day with stories from an extraordinary life: from his experience as a professional skier and racing sailboat pilot to his work as a writer.
On the water, the activity was constant. We had plenty of fishing opportunities across our different rivers, including the Sécure, Chinito, and Agua Negra, with low-water hunts, active dorado, and several opportunities for pacú that, although we were not always able to convert, kept us focused throughout each day. And as night fell, both anglers experienced the unforgettable opportunity to spend a night camping deep in the Amazon rainforest.
This week’s highlights
The largest fish of the week went to Larry, on the Agua Negra River.
During a day of intense activity, after several hunting situations, we finally connected with a very good dorado that was feeding in extremely shallow water.
A capture that crowned a week marked by constant activity and numerous fishing opportunities.
Without a doubt, one of the most special moments of the week was the overnight camp we shared on the Agua Negra.
Two people who had never met before arriving at Agua Negra ended up sharing a week of fishing, camping, and conversations that left memories extending well beyond the fish they caught.
Week 7 – July 17th to July 24th: Recovering rivers, outstanding fish
It was a fantastic week with a great group of anglers who enjoyed every opportunity the rivers had to offer.
Stable weather the first days gave way to a midweek rain, but the fishing stayed consistently productive — and as conditions improved, the final day and a half delivered excellent fishing.
This week’s highlights
During one of the days when the river was high and slightly off-colour, Steve and guide Santi spotted a large dorado hunting in a shallow run.
A perfectly presented topwater fly triggered an explosive strike, resulting in the biggest dorado of the week; and a memorable reminder that changing conditions often create unique opportunities.
Fishing together on the Sécure River, Steve and Rodrigo enjoyed an outstanding opening day that ended with 12 dorado landed, including Rodrigo’s very first dorado on fly and a beautiful trophy fish.
At 80 years old, Peter demonstrated that experience never goes out of style, landing several memorable dorado throughout the week and adding another remarkable chapter to a lifetime of fly fishing.
Having fished many renowned destinations around the world, Darren connected with an impressive 18lb dorado in the fast water of the Sécure, a fish that quickly became one of the defining moments of his trip.
Week 6 – July 10th to July 17th: Reading the rise
Week 6 delivered excellent fishing despite a significant rise in river levels early in the trip.
A strong group of anglers experienced changing conditions firsthand: excellent water on opening day, a major overnight rise after heavy rain, and then a rapid return to productive fishing as the rivers gradually dropped and cleared.
By the second half of the week, conditions had improved enough to complete Agua Negra’s traditional overnight camps.
This week’s highlights
Mike landed an outstanding pacú on the Sécure river after watching the fish follow his fly before finally committing to the eat, a classic visual take that made the capture every bit as rewarding as the fish itself.
Long walks along the Chimoro rewarded Chipp and Jim with exceptional sight-fishing and topwater fly opportunities. Active dorado, large yatorana, and explosive topwater eats produced one of the week’s most enjoyable sessions.
After hooking and losing several big fish through the week, Chipp finally landed the largest dorado of the trip. In the middle of a spectacular feeding frenzy, one of the group’s true giants came to hand, a fitting reward after days of persistence.
During Derek and Mike’s overnight camp, rivers had just begun clearing after the rise, and dorado were aggressively hunting migrating sábalo throughout the system. Derek and Mike’s overnight camp came at the perfect time. The water had only just begun to clear after the rise, and the fish were extremely active, hunting sábalo everywhere throughout the system.
Week 5 – July 3rd to July 10th: Three friends, endless memories
Week 5 brought three experienced anglers from New Zealand and Australia to Agua Negra Lodge, Tony, Ben, and Chris, longtime friends who have spent years traveling the world together in search of exceptional fishing.
With low, clear rivers and consistently productive conditions throughout the week, they enjoyed quality dorado fishing across the system.
But beyond the fish, what made this trip truly memorable was an overnight camp deep in the Amazon, where fishing, friendship, and wilderness came together to create an unforgettable experience.
With consistently clear rivers and active fish throughout the system, the week produced several outstanding dorado.
Quality fish were landed across multiple beats, rewarding careful presentations and allowing anglers to take full advantage of the favorable river conditions.
This week’s highlights
One of the week’s highlights came during Chris’s overnight camp, where time on the river extended well beyond the fishing itself. Sharing a night deep in the Amazon added another dimension to the trip, creating memories that will last long after the season.
Meanwhile, Ben and Tony enjoyed exceptional dorado fishing on the Sécure River, landing several beautiful fish while Chris was at camp.
Another standout day came after hiking deep into the Chimoro River, where the effort was rewarded with outstanding fishing in one of the smallest and most intimate rivers in the Tsimane system.
Week 4 – June 26th to July 3rd: When big fish win, and sometimes you do
The fourth week of the season brought another reminder of why Agua Negra is defined by opportunity.
Stable weather, excellent river conditions and two successful overnight camps created countless chances throughout the week. Dorado and pacú were active across the system, and although some of the biggest fish managed to escape, every day delivered the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back.
Sometimes the river rewards you. Sometimes it leaves you wanting one more cast.
This week Agua Negra welcomed returning guest Chris, back for his second visit and introducing his friend John to the river. Joining them were David and his son Mac, first-time visitors who experienced an unforgettable introduction to Tsimane, filled with opportunities, excitement and memories that will stay with them long after leaving the jungle.
This week’s highlights
After losing one of the biggest dorado the guide could remember, everyone thought the opportunity had slipped away.
But the river wasn’t finished. Only moments later, another outstanding dorado was landed from the very same pool, becoming the biggest fish Chris has landed in his two visits to Agua Negra.
Sometimes the river gives you a second chance.
One of the week’s goals was accomplished twice.
Both Chris and John, as well as David and Mac, experienced double hook-ups, landing simultaneous dorado after chasing those opportunities throughout the week.
Those shared moments often become the memories anglers remember most.
Week 2 – June 12th to 19th: Sábalos are still arriving
The second week of the season continued with schools of migrating sábalo arriving throughout the watershed and dorado actively hunting across every river in the system.
Cool weather, with a few particularly cold days, accompanied the week. Although the rivers remained slightly stained after the previous rise, the fishing stayed consistently excellent, proving once again that active fish matter far more than “perfect” weather.
Agua Negra welcomed two father-and-son duos for the second week of the season.
Returning guest Donald returned alongside his son Vernon , while Charles experienced the lodge for the first time together with his son Colter.
Sharing six days on the river together made the week about far more than fishing, creating many memorable moments that all of them will carry from their experience in the Amazon rainforest.
The week’s highlights
Returning guest Donald finally achieved a goal that had eluded him during his previous visit: landing a beautiful pacú at the end of the fourth day, after several missed opportunities over the years. Both fishing groups were made up of fathers and sons, creating a week filled with shared memories that extended well beyond the fishing itself. Charles and Colter spent a night camping on the Upper Agua Negra, where they landed a large pacú along with several quality dorado. This experience that captured the spirit of remote Amazon fishing.
On the final day, Vernon landed the largest dorado of his life while fishing rocky structure on the Lower Sécure.After a long and demanding fight, guide and angler finally brought the fish to hand, ending the week on a memorable note.
Week 1 – June 5th to 12th: A perfect start to the season
Some seasons begin with uncertainty. This one began with the arrival of the fish.
The first week of the 2026 season arrived at exactly the right moment. Large numbers of migrating sábalo entered the system, bringing dorado with them and creating outstanding fishing throughout the Agua Negra system.
Anglers encountered fish of all sizes feeding along riverbanks, structure, and migration corridors, making for an exceptional start to the season. Even as weather conditions changed later in the week, the fishing remained consistently productive.
This week’s group included first-time visitors Leslie (“Les”) and Lisa from Canada, along with Steve and Jared (“JR”) from the United States, all experiencing Agua Negra for the first time.
The week’s highlights
We had to wait until the last day for the catch of the week – a triple on the Sécure. On this final day, following rain and rising water, the team launched two boats on the Sécure River. The group encountered actively feeding dorado at a confluence of the river. Golden dorado appeared in numbers.
What followed was a “party”: In a brief but unforgettable window, three dorado were hooked and landed at the same time, a fitting way to close the week.
Other memorable moments included an an overnight camp in the Upper Agua Negra, when both Lisa and Les landed pacú on the surface. Wind and rain had pushed large numbers of leaves onto the water, creating ideal feeding conditions. With fish actively rising, both anglers connected with one of the Amazon’s most challenging and rewarding species on the fly.
Lisa’s pacú from the canoe also gets a mention. After several frustrating encounters with fish that inspected the fly but refused to commit, Lisa finally connected.
Fishing from a small canoe in a deep pool of the Upper Agua Negra, she watched another pacú rise and take the fly. What followed was a powerful fight in tight quarters — and one of the most rewarding moments of the week.
We also enjoyed some fine sight fishing on the Chimoré. As JR and the guides pushed deep into the river they were rewarded by outstanding sight fishing in a small river full of structure and pocket water. After several frustrating encounters with fish that inspected the fly but refused to commit, Lisa finally connected.
Fishing from a small canoe in a deep pool of the Upper Agua Negra, she watched another pacú rise and take the fly. What followed was a powerful fight in tight quarters — and one of the most rewarding moments of the week.
If you have enjoyed reading the Bolivia 2026 season fishing reports and would like more information on fishing in Bolivia, please contact Charlotte Chilcott or Olly Thompson or call us on +44 (0) 1980 847389. Alternatively, click HERE if you would like us to contact you.
