Tsimane – Pluma Lodge

The overwhelming beauty of the region around Pluma Lodge ensures an incredible angling and travel experience, undoubtedly one of the most exciting in fly fishing. The abundant opportunities to target golden dorado, pacu, and yatorana are reasons alone to visit, but the scenery, wildlife and native culture are also breathtaking.

Jungle fly fishing for dorado, pacu and yatorana

Pluma Lodge is set high atop a cliff on the banks of the Pluma River, just above its confluence with the Sécure River. The lodge gives access to the Pluma, the Upper Pluma, the Itirizama, and the Sécure Rivers. These small and clear freestone rivers allow sight fishing for some huge golden dorado, and the area has built a reputation as one of the ultimate freshwater experiences for the adventurous angler. 

The Pluma is more open than many other rivers in the area. Its banks of smooth gravel and rock make for relatively easy wading. To maintain this virgin environment, motors have been restricted in all areas but the confluence with the Sécure. All fishing on the Pluma is either by wading or poling in aluminium skiffs or dugout canoes.

Many anglers consider the Itirizama tributary the “jewel in the crown” of all the Tsimané programmes. The Itirizama is similar in size to the headwaters of the Pluma, but its steeper gradient and more rugged terrain give it a very different look and feel. The Itirizama runs from west to east through a rugged canyon and has the characteristics of a typical mountain stream, fast runs, rapids, waterfalls, and large boulders. This is one of the most physically demanding areas to fish at Tsimané, but the scenery is stunning, and the waters hold some of the largest golden dorado. The Itirizama offers quality over quantity and is a true trophy fishery.

Amazing comfort in a beautiful lodge constructed from local materials

The Pluma Lodge experience is based around one very comfortable jungle lodge, built entirely from sustainable wood cut from the nearby jungle. There’s also the option to visit the headwater out-camps for one night on either the Upper Pluma River or the Upper Itirizama River, which is one of the main tributaries of the Pluma River.

Pluma Lodge features six log cabins for those fishing the regular programme and eight log cabins for those fishing the helicopter programme.  For 2024, each cabin provides single accommodation, with private bathrooms with hot water and electric light. Every evening guests will enjoy delicious international cuisine in a well appointed living and dining room. Satellite internet wireless connection and phone service is available.

In the middle of the jungle, where the Andes and the rainforest meet…

Nestled between the Andes and the rainforest these crystal clear streams teem with life and are  seemingly untouched by man. Within these fish-rich waters lurk marauding dorado, which will test both angler and tackle to their limits.

Tsimané is in a remote area of the Bolivian Amazon, around 200km from La Paz and 470km from Santa Cruz de la Sierra and is within an Indigenous Territory as well as the TIPNIS (Isiboro-Secure Indigenous Territory and National Park). The rivers fished are the headwaters of some tributaries of the Amazon River running downstream through the mountains and across the rainforest. 

This raw and natural environment is a memorable fly-fishers’ playground and a must visit location for the adventurous angler.