We are delighted to bring you the second season fishing reports from Tariquia. Fishing the mythical Tarija River in the heart of the Bolivian Yungas, offers a wonderful opportunity for adventurous anglers to target trophy golden dorado in a pristine setting. Keep an eye on these pages for all the action.
Tariquia fishing report – 10th to 17th October
Last week, the river was blown out, but fortunately, we had alternatives within the company for the anglers we were hosting. You’ll hear more about them later in the season.
Our Week 8 group brought together experienced anglers from Australia, South Africa and Argentina, many of them with years of fishing travel behind them, particularly in permit fishing. Tariquía, however, had its own terms for the week.
A cold front moved in from the south, bringing low clouds, drizzle and temperatures ranging from 9°C to 17°C. Far from ideal dorado conditions, but there was still water worth exploring.
In a remote river system like this, the first question is not simply where the fish are. It is which water is worth fishing, when conditions are safe to operate, and how the river is changing from one day to the next.
The first morning opened with fog and unusual cold for mid-October. Based on the water conditions, the guides concentrated the operation in the upper reaches of the main river, positioning three rafts as high as the authorized fishing area allowed.
Everyone had at least one opportunity. In particular, James connected with a large dorado, only to watch the beast launch completely clear of the water on its first jump, shake its head violently and send the fly sailing into the air. This time, the fish won the battle. Better luck next time, James.
Hernán also lost a couple of early chances before finding his rhythm with Fidel. A long cast, immediate line control and short, fast strips produced another opportunity.
Then the fish ate. This time, everything stayed connected. A violent strike, a solid hook-set and constant pressure. What followed was an epic fight, complete with acrobatic jumps, until the fish finally surrendered to Fidel’s net.
A quick photo and back to the river. One good opportunity converted. That was enough to change the day.
Conditions remained cold on the second morning, although temperatures improved slightly. The objective was clear: work the cleanest water available.
The guides repositioned three rafts in upper sections that had not been fished the previous day, concentrating the operation where water quality offered the best chance.
As temperatures edged upward, opportunities began to appear. Mark connected with a very large fish and brought it all the way alongside the raft before it found a way free. Close. Very close.
The moment will be burned into the team’s memory for a long time.
Edgard made the most of his own chances and landed two dorado. The fish were there, but nothing was coming easily.
The third morning looked much like the first two: low clouds, cool air and a delayed departure. But unlike the noise of the city, with its buses and blaring horns, we have the privilege of waking up to the sounds of nature. That morning, a pair of chuñas, local ground-dwelling birds, were there to greet us with their own version of good morning.
Once conditions allowed, the teams headed out.
After plenty of casting, the river began to respond. Mark landed a fish. Then Hernán. Then James. Carlos followed after losing a few opportunities of his own.
One of the most interesting fish of the day came with Fidel, Edgard and Nico. Following Fidel’s instructions, Edgard made a long cast across a relatively shallow riffle and allowed the fly to swing while maintaining control and tension.
The strike came hard. So hard it nearly injured his finger. Edgard set the hook immediately and stayed connected through a powerful run. Unlike some of the fish earlier in the week, this one stayed mostly in the water and used the current instead. Edgard kept control until Fidel finally brought the fish to the net. A beautiful trophy. A quick photo, a safe release and a few well-earned celebratory hugs.
By Day 4, persistent drizzle and severely reduced visibility made helicopter flights unsafe. The same conditions held through the following day. Two consecutive days grounded at the lodge.
There was no fishing decision to make until flying conditions improved, so the group settled into a different rhythm: cards, mate, fishing stories and an Argentine asado.
To help shorten the wait, we also squeezed in some pacú fishing at a nearby pond. It turned out to be great fun, especially with the ultralight tackle. Sometimes, a little change of pace is exactly what you need.
The final morning brought more fog, drizzle and cold. After two days without flying, a small window of safe conditions finally appeared around 11 a.m. The team was ready, and the flight gave us the first real opportunity to assess the river directly.
What we found was clear. High water. Heavy colour. Cold temperatures. The river was not in fishing condition. There was no reason to force it. The decision was simple: turn around and head back to the lodge.
In Tariquía, experience is not only about knowing where to fish. It is also about understanding when conditions are right, when they are not, and how to operate safely in between.
At least we could look forward to enjoying the art and magic of Gonza, our culinary wizard. What a legend!
Tariquia fishing report – 26th september to 3rd october
Some weeks are about finding fish. Others are about finding the water where they can still be caught. Week seven brought both.
We had the pleasure, and the privilege, of welcoming a wonderfully diverse group of anglers who were, at the same time, incredibly close-knit and a whole lot of fun.
The group was led by our good friend Cameron from South Africa, and was joined by Pete and Rod from the United States, Tom from the United Kingdom, Dave from Canada and an old friend and fellow adventurer, the great Chantal, from France.
They arrived on Saturday without a hitch. With rain in the forecast for the middle of the week, we decided to make the most of the good conditions while they lasted. Briefings, gear checks and breakfast schedules were all moved forward. The goal was simple: get on the river early, fish hard and use every available hour.
On top of the rain forecast, the full moon added another layer of uncertainty.
Sunday, our first day of fishing, greeted us with perfectly clear skies and the promise of extreme heat. Uncomfortable for humans, perhaps, but exactly what we need for dorado fishing.
Pairs were organized, flight rotations were set, and we headed out with our hopes sky-high, the kind of hopes that build over many months and finally begin to become reality.
Fede was fishing with Chantal and Cameron. Cameron covered water relentlessly, while Chantal, dealing with a sore back, picked her shots carefully. The effort began to pay off: Cameron landed the first dorado of the week, with barely any instruction needed.
In the Canyon, Juanchi was guiding Tom and Dave through a very different type of water: a spectacular piece of river, beautiful not only to look at, but productive as well.
Apart from the occasional trout-set, which, of course, is a guaranteed way not to land a dorado, a few technical adjustments made all the difference. By the end of the day, they had brought three hard-fighting dorado to hand.
For the second day, we followed the same strategy: start early and maximize our time on the river before the weather changed.
A flawless sunrise gave us the energy to take on another long day, and the anglers truly gave it everything. Under a brutal 40°C, they never gave up.
Opportunities began to show up, perhaps fewer than their effort deserved, but enough to keep things moving. Rod came through with two fish, while Pete, Cameron and Chantal also converted opportunities, putting fish in the net and adding their names to the board. With rain still approaching, every one of them mattered.
By the third morning, the forecast had caught up with us.
It became a lodge day, with great gourmet food and a very different kind of fishing.
A true angler rarely needs much of an excuse to fish, and the nearby pond gave us an alternative.
Improvised light tackle, pacú and a very different pace replaced the rafts and the river for the day.
Sometimes the best fishing days are not the ones you planned.
After a night of intermittent rain, low clouds delayed departure. The priority was simple: wait until flying conditions were safe. By 9:30am we had a window.
For the first flight, we had several plans in mind. We simply didn’t know what had happened to the main river, or what we were going to find 25km from the lodge.
The river was dirty in some sections. So we changed plans.
We moved boats toward areas where the water was still clearer, while Fidel, Tom and Dave headed out to wade a tributary that remained fishable, Lapacho Creek. That decision paid off with a beautiful dorado.
Elsewhere, Juanchi, Chantal and Cameron found a few opportunities before the water began to deteriorate again. Cameron converted two of them.
By the end of the day, everyone knew what was coming. The clean water was disappearing.
Hoping for the weather to clear and temperatures to rise as quickly as possible, we returned to the lodge, where Gonza treated us to some outstanding French cuisine.
On the fifth day, we went back to the river to fight it out.
And, exactly as we had expected, with no miracle having taken place overnight, the river was dirty. Painfully dirty. But the warriors still gave it everything they had. Poppers. Black streamers. White streamers. Shallow water. Deep water. Everything within our reach.
And the refusal to quit, and the faith to keep fishing when conditions are working against you, paid off, and paid off big time, for Fede’s team with Chantal and Cameron. They found a small constriction in the river where a tributary was bringing in slightly clearer water. It was not much, but it was enough.
Fede held the boat perfectly in the fishable water and gave them precise instructions. They took turns. And then it happened. Chantal worked a piece of structure beautifully and moved a giant fish that simply could not resist. A violent eat. A solid strip-set. And a masterful fight that took her into the backing more than once.
After several long minutes, the giant finally surrendered to Fede’s hands.
Cameron wasn’t about to be outdone. He landed two beautiful fish of his own.
We headed back to the lodge early to rest and unwind with a cornhole and table-tennis competition, while waiting for the Thursday classic: lechón a la cruz.
Rain continued through the night. By the final morning, there was no realistic fishing option left. The river was out.
That is part of operating in a place like Tariquia. You can prepare, adapt, reposition boats, change water and make the most of every available opportunity. But eventually, the river gets the final word.
The final day became another lodge day, with Gonza taking care of the group until anglers and staff came together that evening for dinner, stories and a few well-earned toasts.
Tariquia fishing report – 19th to 26th september
Week six of our second season in Tariquía brought a very different river from the one we had seen just days before. Temperatures were rising. Fish were moving. Opportunities were increasing.
But easier conditions did not mean easy fishing.
Our group arrived on Saturday from several corners of the world. A Brazilian family of three, a father travelling with his daughter and son. Big Fish Bill from the United States, an expert angler, an old friend and a familiar face from previous adventures. And Oleg from Russia, together with Vicente from Argentina, manager of Pluma Lodge at Tsimane, our sister destination.
The afternoon was spent recovering from the journey, preparing gear and getting ready for six days in the Yungas, and, of course, enjoying some of the incredible food coming out of Gonza’s kitchen.
The first morning opened under clear skies, with the Yungas stretching ahead and temperatures already beginning to climb. After the helicopter and river safety briefings, the teams headed out. As the day warmed, the fish began to show.
Fede was fishing with Oleg and Vicente, both experienced golden dorado anglers. Oleg had arrived with an injured wrist, hardly ideal in a fishery where casting is such a fundamental part of the game. Working around the injury and following Fede’s instructions, both anglers found fish, with Oleg landing one of the better dorado of the day.
On another section of river, Juanchi was guiding Catarina and her father. For Catarina, this was her first encounter with golden dorado. It became a memorable one. She connected solidly with her first fish and stayed calm throughout the fight, following Juanchi’s instructions until a 92cm golden dorado finally reached the net.
Conditions continued to improve, and the increase in fish activity was immediately noticeable. In a single day, we landed more fish than during the entire previous week. But the river was far from easy. It was technical.
Every extra foot of casting distance mattered. Line control was critical. Retrieve speed could make the difference. And when a dorado finally committed, a solid strip-set often separated a fish in the net from another missed opportunity.
Oleg and Vicente kept finding fish, adding a couple more to their growing tally. But once again, the day belonged to Catarina. She connected with another dorado measuring over 90cm. This fish took her deep into the backing twice and cleared the water several times during the fight.
What stood out most was not the size of the fish. It was Catarina’s composure. She listened to Juanchi, never rushed the fight and kept control until the fish finally came to hand.
Late in the afternoon, however, the week took an unexpected turn. A strong southern wind arrived quickly, making the helicopter pickup unsafe. Two of the three teams would spend the night on the river.
Our guides are used to operating in remote sections of the Yungas, and the teams settled in for the night with the rafts as mattresses and a wood fire for warmth. The only real hardship: missing Gonza’s cooking.
After an uncomfortable night on the river and a significant drop in temperature, the team decided to spend the day at the lodge. The Yungas would still be there tomorrow.
By Day 4, conditions looked almost ideal again. Clear skies. Comfortable temperatures. A warming afternoon ahead. Oleg was now fishing with Juanchi, who adjusted the approach around his injured wrist. Short instructions. Minimal unnecessary movement. Maximum efficiency.
The idea was simple: use as little effort as possible in an environment that demands plenty of it, and make each opportunity count. Oleg landed two beautiful dorado.
Over with Fidel’s team, Big Fish Bill would have his moment. He put a beautiful fish on the board, along with a couple of mistakes that he would pay dearly for. In this fishery, lifting the rod at the wrong moment when the fish eats is something the river charges you for, every single time.
On the Brazilian team, Catarina was now fishing with Fede. Different guide, same approach: listen carefully, stay composed and execute when the opportunity appears. The result was another powerful dorado brought cleanly to the net.
The fifth day brought conditions almost identical to the previous one. Temperatures continued to rise and the sky was completely clear. Perfect on paper.
But clear skies also meant greater visibility underwater. The fish could see better, casts needed to be longer and clean presentations became increasingly important. The margin for error was getting smaller.
Fede’s team started with several opportunities that did not convert before Fabio finally put one in the net. One fish was enough to change the mood of the whole boat.
With Fidel, Oleg experienced just how fine that margin could be. He had seven eats during the day, and three became fish in the net. One of them was big enough to make him forget about his wrist for a while. That one definitely earned its place on the board.
A useful reminder that in Tariquía, finding the fish is only part of the equation.
That evening, guides, staff and guests gathered for our traditional empanada and pizza night, moved forward by one evening because two of our guests would be leaving early the following day.
By the final morning, six days in the Yungas were beginning to show. Conditions still looked good, and everyone headed back to the river with whatever energy remained.
Then a familiar pattern began to emerge. The fish were following the flies, but they were not committing. Some tracked the fly for a considerable distance, only to turn away at the last moment.
There were fewer real eats, which made each one more important. Oleg and José made the most of theirs and turned those limited opportunities into fish.
The day finished slower than expected for the conditions. Perhaps the full moon had something to do with it. Or perhaps the river was simply reminding us, once again, who gets the final say.
Tariquia fishing report – 12th to 19th september 29th
Our fifth week is now in the books, and this time we had the privilege of hosting our friends from the United States, the renowned Tom Morgan and his group: a great bunch of guys, incredibly easygoing and a pleasure to have around. Their arrival in Tariquía was a bit of an adventure in itself, with a few flight delays along the way and one or two bags still somewhere between here and civilization.
Early in the morning, together with the guides and anglers, we got the team moving. Rods and reels were selected, fly boxes organized, the right river clothing checked and final recommendations discussed. Everything was ready for launch. Everything, that is, except the Yungas. The jungle had other plans.
Heavy fog and a persistent drizzle made flying unsafe, so the first day became a lodge day instead. Stories, relaxation, plenty of laughs and, as always, Gonza, our star chef, stepped up to the plate and made sure everyone could enjoy a cold, wet day from the warmth of the lodge while he worked his magic in the kitchen.
By the second morning, anticipation was running high. Everyone was ready for a rematch.
After breakfast, we gathered the entire team for the safety briefing: a quick refresher on helicopter procedures and a few important reminders about river safety. The Tariquía is a powerful river, with plenty of rocks and several rapids that should never be underestimated.
The fog finally lifted. Pairs were assigned, lunches packed, waders on. Waders… in mid-September? Could this really be El Niño? It sounds almost unbelievable that we were wearing them this time of year, but it was another clear sign that conditions were still far from normal.
As expected, fish activity remained limited through the day.
Mike was the first to find a serious fish. He moved a big dorado tight to structure. The fish tracked the streamer, then ate halfway through the retrieve. Mike set the hook and immediately tried to stand up.
Big mistake. He lost tension, and just like that, the fish was gone. That’s dorado fishing. There is no room for hesitation, and sometimes the river gives you only one chance.
That evening, we needed to replace a few of the calories burned on the river, and once again Gonza was assigned the mission.
The following morning, the sun came out. It looked like El Niño was finally going to give us a break, and for the first time all week, we had a day that felt much closer to normal.
The pairs were mixed up today, and as the water temperature began to climb, the opportunities started to appear. Pat, fishing with Clay, made the most of his chances. Three fish attacked his fly solidly, and following Fidel’s precise instructions throughout the sequence, Pat brought two beautiful dorado to the net.
Meanwhile, in another boat working a middle section of the river, Fede’s team refused to leave a single piece of structure unexplored. Tom and Mike were relentless casters, methodically working every likely lie and following Fede’s instructions to the letter. Both anglers found success, but without question, the day belonged to Mike.
Fishing from the front of the boat, working a small piece of structure, he felt his line come tight with incredible violence. There was no mistaking it: a serious fish had just crushed the black streamer.
Two blistering runs straight into the backing. Several spectacular jumps completely clear of the water. The kind of moments that seem to slow time down while they are happening, and then stay burned into your memory forever. After an epic battle, the fish finally came to hand: a beautiful dorado measuring well over a meter.
Day four dawned much like the previous one, sending expectations and spirits through the roof.
Fresh anglers. Well-rested guides. New energy. And once again, we headed out in search of the trophy.
But the clouds and a persistent southern wind had other ideas. They kept the temperature from rising, and the river stayed cold from the night before. The opportunities were slow to develop. A few chances finally appeared, but some slipped away.
Clay was the one to capitalize, turning one of his two opportunities into a hard-fighting dorado shortly after midday. A well-deserved reward for effort and perseverance.
The fifth morning looked promising again, with temperatures expected to rise through the day.
It turned into the kind of day that tests patience more than technique. The guides kept searching. The anglers kept casting.
That evening, the team returned to the lodge for our traditional lechón a la cruz, slowly roasted over the fire, while anglers and guides talked through the day and what they could adjust for the final morning.
The final morning arrived with rain threatening in the distance.
At departure time, conditions were still safe to fly, so the teams headed out while everyone kept a close eye on the weather. By mid-morning, clouds were beginning to drop into the valley and a light rain had started.
There was only one responsible decision to make: bring the anglers back before conditions deteriorated.
Before the helicopter arrived, Pat and Clay still managed to create two opportunities. Both fish were hooked. Both cleared the water. Both eventually came free.
A fitting end to a week in which opportunities were never guaranteed and each one had to be earned.
Tariquia fishing report – 5th to 12th september 29th
Week four of our second season brought us the privilege of hosting six experienced anglers. A truly cosmopolitan crew: four anglers from the United States, one from the Netherlands and one from the UK, all seasoned fishermen who have spent plenty of time chasing fish around the world.
With some of them, we had already shared adventures in other destinations, and there is always something special about reconnecting when a fly rod is involved. The passion is the same, no matter where you come from. Stories are exchanged, old memories come back to life, and new adventures begin before the first cast is ever made.
Saturday was all about preparation. We went through gear, fine-tuned lines and leaders, and selected the flies that would hopefully find their way into the jaws of a Tariquía dorado the following day. And, inevitably, we traded stories about fish caught and fish lost.
A perfect combination of relaxation and concentration before facing another demanding week on the river.
Sunday, our first fishing day, surprised us with unusually cold temperatures for this time of year.
The morning started at just 38°F, cold enough that most of the anglers needed waders (and waders and dorado fishing don’t go well together). The exceptions were Jay D and Jay C, who would be floating a section with a significant amount of whitewater. For safety reasons, we strongly recommend not wearing waders in those conditions.
As always, the day began with our helicopter safety briefing, followed by a river safety and rescue briefing. Both are essential when fishing such a remote and demanding destination.
The fishing was tough, just as we expected. The cold had clearly slowed the fish down, and temperatures never climbed above 60°F. But it was the first day of the trip, and everyone’s energy bar was still sitting at 100%.
Jay C, Bill and Matt all put their first fish on the board. For Jay C, it was his very first dorado, a moment that, of course, meant going through the mandatory rookie rituals.
The second morning was just as cold, once again hovering around 38°F. The difference was the clear sky, which let temperatures slowly climb through the day, although they never went past 62°F.
The fishing remained slow and opportunities were limited, but Hans and Bill, who had become a remarkably well-matched team, made the most of the few chances they had. Each of them landed a very respectable dorado.
Meanwhile, Matt and Doug floated the Canyon with Fidel.
The Canyon is an incredible place, a section that almost feels like a completely different river: fast water, dramatic terrain and a whole new set of structures to read.
Fidel had them focused on one type of water: pocket water. Small areas of softer water surrounded by faster current, where a dorado can hold, conserve energy and wait.
Matt followed the instructions perfectly. Then, in one of the countless pockets, something big woke up. A giant dorado exploded on the fly.
Matt came tight with a solid strip-set, and the fish immediately turned the encounter into a beautiful battle through low, fast-moving water.
Minutes later, the team reached the next pool, where they finally brought the big-tailed dorado to hand. A quick photo. Then back into the current.
Day 3 brought more of the same.
Another cold morning. Frost-covered grass. Definitely not what you would call ideal dorado conditions.
After a relaxed breakfast, almost as if everyone was deliberately giving the sun a little more time to warm things up, the waders went on, rods were assembled, and anglers and guides were ready to leave everything on the river.
Jay C delivered the surprise of the day late in the afternoon, landing two fish back-to-back. The second was a truly worthy Tariquía dorado, the kind of fish anglers travel here hoping to find: a hard fight with several spectacular jumps completely out of the water.
The biggest celebration of the day, however, belonged to Doug, Matt’s fishing partner.
Doug had already put a nice dorado on the board earlier in the week, but fishing from the back of the raft, he never stopped casting, and that persistence paid off. Working through fast water, Fede positioned and controlled the raft masterfully, giving Doug the exact swing he needed.
An absolutely violent strike came out of nowhere.
The line came tight instantly, and Doug delivered a solid strip-set, driving that 6/0 hook home. What followed was an epic battle that took them downstream and finally ended in the next pool.
The fourth day delivered what looked like perfect fishing conditions. Unfortunately, the fish didn’t receive the memo.
It was the slowest day of the week. Anglers and guides gave everything they had, but that’s part of this game. The only ones who managed to save the day, and give everyone a little hope heading into the next morning, were Bill and Hans with one beast each.
Back on the river, day five brought very different fortunes to different teams.
Jay D and Jay C enjoyed an action-packed morning, generating several opportunities and eventually putting one fish each on the board.
But the loudest applause of the day would go to Fidel’s team.
Fidel never stopped encouraging, giving instructions and, when necessary, asking for just a little more. He was fishing with Doug and Matt, and their afternoon became extremely productive, with opportunities coming from nearly every structure they covered.
Matt, fishing from the back of the raft, received a violent strike and handled it perfectly. After an intense fight, the beautiful female finally surrendered into Fidel’s hands.
That evening, we returned to one of the great traditions of the lodge: a whole pig cooked a la cruz, Argentine-style, over an open fire. Simply delicious.
The sixth and final fishing day started with heavy fog. Fortunately, it quickly burned off, leaving us a clear morning before clouds and wind moved in during the afternoon.
Fishing remained slow, although the Jays still managed to create a few opportunities.
Hans, meanwhile, made sure not to waste his final opportunities of the week, putting another beautiful dorado on the board from the back of the raft.
Matt, on the other hand, had what can only be described as a close encounter of the third kind, with the biggest giant we have seen so far this season. A fish so massive it almost seemed to belong to another world rather than this river.
Fede spotted it holding just below the surface and pointed it out. Matt made a short, precise cast, a presentation the beast simply couldn’t resist.
The fish attacked the fly violently, close to the raft. Matt reacted instantly with an aggressive strip-set, determined to make sure the hook found its mark.
But sometimes the Yungas have other plans.
The fish broke the 50lb leader, and just like that, the giant disappeared.
That’s fishing. There are always unfinished stories, and sometimes those unfinished stories are the best reason to come back.
That evening brought our traditional Argentine-style farewell dinner.
A night of camaraderie between anglers and staff. Toasts. Stories. The exchange of photographs. Promises to return next year.
Tariquia fishing report – 29th August to 5th September
This week we welcomed a group led by Tom: six American friends, some of them old school friends, who seventy years later are still sharing fishing trips and adventures together. One of them came with another passion besides fly fishing: photography. And for some, this would be their first trip to South America.
On arrival day, we did our homework.
We went through the helicopter and river safety briefings. Together with the guides, we checked the equipment, finalized the fishing pairs, assigned guides and prepared the flight plan for the following morning.
Everything was ready. Or so we thought. Unfortunately the Yungas had other plans for us. Dense fog settled in, making it impossible for the helicopter to fly.
So we spent the day at the lodge where, Gonza, our blessed chef, once again put on a ten-point performance.
The second day dawned completely closed in, just like the previous one, and spirits were understandably low. But by mid-morning, the fog began to dissipate. Finally, the captain gave us the green light to fly.
As the day progressed, opportunities began to appear. There was action. The fish were willing, but fishing Tariquía takes some getting used to.
Casting from a raft, sitting on a high seat, stripping with very little room to move, maintaining constant tension and then, when a dorado decides to attack the fly, being ready to deliver a solid strip-set. None of this is easy.
The first to put it all together was Hillard. After losing a couple of opportunities, he finally connected with his first dorado, setting the hook solidly and fighting the fish all the way to the net.
Minutes later, Don found himself in almost exactly the same situation, fishing from the front of the raft. After a violent take and a hard fight the fish finally came to Fede’s net, with Don following his guide’s instructions throughout the fight.
The third day looked like it was going to be a carbon copy of the previous one: heavy morning fog slowly dissipating, finally allowing us to fly around mid-morning.
But when you have a photographer in the group, time is never wasted. So we went looking for birds. And we certainly found them. While we waited for the river to open its doors, the Yungas gave us another reason to keep looking around.
By the time we reached the water, temperatures were improving and everyone still had plenty of energy for the afternoon, something worth having here. As the water warmed, more and more action began to appear.
Thomas and Hillard had a busy afternoon, losing a few fish but eventually landing one each.
Tom, meanwhile, was clearly making the most of his previous experience fishing for dorado. He adapted quickly to the conditions and to the particular techniques Tariquía demands. Among his fish was a beautiful female of around 90cm. Bob also had his moment, landing a medium-sized but hard-fighting dorado.
By the fourth day, the weather had finally settled. Clear skies and pleasant afternoon temperatures gave us the combination we had been waiting for, and the dorado responded. This time, everyone in the group connected with fish.
Don and Hillard had particularly good moments, each landing a beautiful dorado after the kind of demanding fights this river is becoming known for.
The fifth day followed the same pattern: clear skies, good afternoon temperatures and plenty of action. Hillard, Bob and Thomas all connected with strong fish, and opportunities continued throughout the day.
By the sixth and final fishing day, everyone was feeling the week. Countless casts. Long days on the water. Hard fights. And perhaps a few late nights thrown into the mix. Still, there was enough energy left for one more day.
Tom finished strongly, landing three dorado in shallow water, while Frank closed his week with two beautiful fish, including one that gave him a fight he won’t forget anytime soon.
Then came our final evening together with the inevitable promise that we would meet again somewhere in the world, fly rod in hand, chasing another fish in another river.
For a group of friends who have been doing exactly that for decades, you tend to believe them.
Tariquia fishing report – 22nd to 29th Auust
Now, the real beginning of our second season here in Tariquía has finally arrived.
We are still only scratching the surface of this place. There is so much water left to test, so much left to understand, and so much still to discover. And what better way to begin than surrounded by old friends?
This week welcomed a solid and close-knit group of anglers who have already shared adventures with us across some of our destinations: the legendary Joel Silverman group. Great fishermen, great friends, and without question, some of the most entertaining people you could ever spend a week with.
With the final operational details in place and the rafts properly distributed throughout more than 70 miles of licensed water inside Tariquía National Park, we were ready to get the season underway.
Seventy miles is a lot of river. And after only one season here, we are still learning it.
Our first day began under the lingering effects of the powerful storm that had passed through the previous week. The river was still slightly off-colour and cold, but that wasn’t about to stop six warriors from swinging rods in search of Tariquía’s dorado.
The fishing started slowly overall, but as the day progressed and temperatures began to rise, the first opportunities started appearing.
Everyone moved fish. Some anglers found more success than others, while a few were still dialing in the all-important strip-set. But without question, the honours of the day went to Matt and Tyler, fishing together and each landing a very good dorado.
A solid start considering the conditions.
That evening, as always, Gonza, our pro chef, was waiting back at the lodge. After a long first day on the water, a table filled with grilled meats was exactly what the group needed.
The second day greeted us with heavy fog, delaying our departure for a while. Eventually, when the sky appeared to open up, we took off. But as often happens in the Yungas, things looked very different once we reached the river. The weather wasn’t quite as clear as it had appeared from the lodge, and our pilot carefully found a safe opening to get us down. Still, we all know that sometimes a difficult beginning makes for a very good ending.
Joel landed three good dorado, including one standout fish close to 90cm that delivered a fight worth remembering, launching itself completely out of the water three times.
That was the moment when he truly experienced what makes fishing Tariquía different.
It’s not just the way we fish here, from the rafts, making countless demanding casts, constantly reading the structure and working the fly, but what can happen when everything comes together.
Meanwhile, Tyler made the most of his opportunities and put two very good fish on the board, each delivering a solid fight of its own.
At the end of the day, just as the helicopter was coming into view, a rock in the middle of a rapid played a nasty trick on the crew. The result was a couple of wet soldiers. Fortunately, Fede handled the situation perfectly and professionally, making sure it remained nothing more than an unexpected swim.
By the third day, the river was nearly back to normal.
The mornings remained somewhat cold, but temperatures improved toward the afternoon, giving us a beautiful and complete day on the water. Nate and Matt had the standout fish of day three, each landing a spectacular dorado.
Matt’s was particularly memorable. After a slow day, he finally connected while wading in low water toward the end of the afternoon. A perfect example of why you never quit casting in Tariquía.
Day four gave us one of those experiences that remind you just how wild this place really is.
Allen hooked a small dorado of around five pounds. In the middle of the fight, however, a beast came up from the depths and attacked it. The giant held the smaller fish in its mouth for a long time while Allen kept the pressure on. They actually managed to bring it close to the boat, but just as the guide stood ready with the net, the monster seemed to work out what was happening.
Somehow, it found another gear. With an explosive burst of power, it made a spectacular run underneath the boat and disappeared.
The final score? One monster dorado lost. One small dorado severely injured. And one fly rod broken into three pieces. Welcome to Tariquía!
The fifth day greeted us with clear skies and the promise of higher afternoon temperatures.
With that came the hope that the big fish would become more active. Our instincts were right.
Despite a large moon, never exactly the best friend of fishermen, we had a very good day. Matt added a couple more fish to the board, and the fishing was productive for most of the group.
But for Tyler and Joel, everything came together. Multiple fish. Action throughout the day. Some large dorado. And then the fish we had been waiting for appeared. Over one metre.
Fede read the situation and guided Tyler through it, giving precise instructions that Tyler executed perfectly. After the cast, the take and the fight, a metre-plus golden dorado finally came to the net.
A fish like that needs very little explanation.
By the sixth and final day everyone was feeling the effects of the week but the fishing day didn’t disappoint. One final push landed several fish from the many opportunities they had throughout the day.
A fitting close to the week for the first group of the season to come to Tariquía.
One of the most productive techniques of the week was mending the line to allow the fly to sink deeper and stay in the strike zone longer. And, of course, proper hook-setting technique remains absolutely critical. Keeping the rod low and pointed directly at the fly, while maintaining solid tension throughout the retrieve, is essential for achieving a strong strip-set and converting strikes into solid hookups.
Six days. More than 70 miles of licensed water. Rafts, helicopters, countless casts, good friends, and the kind of dorado that can turn an ordinary moment into something you will talk about long after leaving the Yungas.
But perhaps the most exciting part is knowing how much we still don’t know.
We are only in our second season here. There is still water to test, structures to understand, and stretches of river we are only beginning to read.
This week gave us a metre-plus dorado. It gave us a fish big enough to attack another dorado during the fight and break a 9-weight rod in three pieces. And it gave us six days with old friends who already know what a proper fly fishing adventure is about.
Tariquia fishing report – 15th to 22nd August
And just like that, we were back in the Yungas. Here we are, beginning the second season of Tariquía’s life, making adjustments, fine-tuning the operation, and getting everything ready to welcome the anglers who have placed their trust in us.
Tariquía may be hidden away in one of the most remote and inaccessible corners of the world, but even here, weather and river conditions leave their mark. More intense events and increasingly severe conditions have reshaped the river since our first season.
On our initial reconnaissance flight, we found a totally different river. New obstacles. Different structures. Changed channels. New places to land the helicopter and, most importantly, a completely different puzzle to solve.
That ever-changing dynamic is part of what makes this place so special and, frankly, part of the reason we chose this profession in the first place.
For our first scouting week, we welcomed Marcelo Perez, CEO of Untamed Angling, and his wife, Michela. Together with the team, they would be the first to fish Tariquía again and help us understand what the river had become after months away.
Once the programme was designed, new helicopter landing zones identified, and the rafts positioned throughout the river, we were ready for our first day on the water.
And, as always at Tariquía, we had plenty of questions and very few answers about what that blessed river was going to throw at us.
Our first morning started with cold water (we arrived a couple of weeks earlier this season) and absolutely no signs of fish. As the morning progressed without a single take, the doubts began to grow.
Then, close to midday, a solid eat finally came out of nowhere. A firm take was enough to put our souls back into our bodies, especially Juanchi’s, one of our highly qualified guides. The first golden dorado of the 2026 season went onto the board.
Marcelo officially opened the season with one of the fish we affectionately call “the small ones.” Anywhere else, that fish would be more than enough reason to stop everything and raise a glass.
As the water warmed, the activity increased. A few missed opportunities, a couple more fish landed, and we had made it through the first test. On the other raft, Michela had her own opportunity, and she certainly did not waste it. A take, a solid hookset, an endless run, a hard fight.
And after several minutes, the fish finally surrendered to Fede’s net. Fede had guided her beautifully, giving her the right instructions at exactly the right moments. A photograph, a few big smiles, and the fish went back into the river.
Day two began under a blanket of fog, which quickly burned off and gave us another spectacular day in the Yungas.
With guides and beats rotated, everyone was back on the water, searching for those big-tailed predators that make this river so addictive. Michela quickly added the first of her two fish of the day.
Fede gave her very precise instructions on where to place the fly and, more importantly, how to work the streamer once it was in the zone.
The result was another beautiful dorado that put up the kind of fight worth remembering.
Meanwhile, on the other raft, Fidel was guiding Marcelo. Every cast came with precise instructions, while both angler and guide kept a close eye on the rocks and structure constantly sliding past the boat.
Marcelo never stopped fishing the bank. Not for a minute. Tariquía demands a lot from an angler. Lots of casts. Physical effort. Constant concentration. And very little room for mistakes. After landing a couple of “small ones,” the reward finally came.
A long cast, a couple of strips to straighten and load the line, a mend. Then the fly was worked quickly, aggressively, just the way a big dorado likes it. The fish attacked violently. Marcelo delivered a hard strip-set to drive the hook home.
Then came the real fight. After several intense minutes, Fidel finally got the fish into the net.
A few hugs and smiles followed. We were beginning to find the rhythm again, not only with the fish, but with a river we were still learning to read.
Everything was going according to plan.
We were rediscovering the river, learning its new structures and beginning to understand the changes.
Then Tariquía reminded us how little plans can matter out here. Day three arrived with low fog and a completely overcast sky. Flying the helicopter safely was simply impossible. So instead of heading to the river, we had a lodge day and our chef, Gonzalo, took over.
He treated everyone to his latest culinary creations, combining international cuisine with his own Argentine style and technique.
But apparently, even that wasn’t enough to convince the weather to cooperate. That same night, torrential rain arrived together with a cold front.
And just like that, the fishing week was over. The river rose, turned cold and became heavily stained. Cold, dirty water, a lethal combination for golden dorado.
We had come back to Tariquía expecting to rediscover the river. In two days of fishing, it had already given us a few answers: new structures, new water, and the first dorado of the season.
And, once again, the unmistakable feeling that we are fishing somewhere truly wild.
Hidden deep within the heart of Parque Nacional Tariquía, Tariquía remains a place where the river writes the rules, and where every fish has to be earned.
If you you would like further information 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.
