Olly Thompson spent a week heli fishing in Tsimané in Bolivia last autumn. His full trip report will feature in the Spring edition of H20 Magazine (out mid-to-late April), but it’s too good not to have a little preview now:

I’d heard stories from friends who had ventured into Bolivia, claiming that this fishing experience is something totally different. Imagine, they said, crystal-clear rivers resembling the trout streams of New Zealand, winding their way through the thick jungle, holding a plethora of hard fighting and colourful species.

While Pluma Lodge’s regular programme concentrates on exploring the River Pluma (which is where Charlotte Chilcott is hosting a trip in July) and the lower sections of its main tributary, the Itirisama, the helicopter programme unveils opportunities to explore an abundance of remote water.

Describing the heli fishing at Tsimané would be better suited to a book rather than a brief account, as capturing such an extraordinary week in a few words is almost impossible. It’s more than targeting dorado, pacu, it’s about being in a land so few get to see. A place where you walk through clouds of multi-coloured butterflies beside clear waters, enveloped in a canopy of green dense jungle, a jungle alive with noise, teeming with life and pulsating with energy.

Fishing aside, this is an experience like no other. The flora and fauna of this remote part of Bolivia is rich and diverse. Make sure that, alongside your tackle and many flies, you room for a good pair of binoculars. Working with the local communities to preserve and conserve this unique habitat is key, and without the interest of travelling anglers the chances of this remaining wild and untouched diminish greatly. 

If you are keen to fish this part of the world but would rather enjoy the experience via a traditional lodge-based holiday that’s possible too. Charlotte Chilcott will be hosting a trip to Agua Negra Lodge in Tsimané in July 2024. Full details can be found here. With only four anglers plus Charlotte, this will be a fabulous trip, just pack a sense of adventure along with your fishing tackle. Space is limited so please get in touch as soon as possible if you would like to join her.

If you would like more information 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.