Bolivian Jungle / Bolivia
Tailwaters Fly Fishing TravelBOLIVIA FLY FISHING
This is Tsimane’s newest and most exclusive program. Anglers will stay in newly constructed single rooms at Pluma Lodge and fly out via helicopter every day for short 5–25 minute flights that enjoy a high variety of unspoiled waters. The heli fishing program hosts 8 anglers per week utilizing two helicopters.
The Tsimane lodges are located in a National Park and Indigenous Indian Territory situated in the Sub-Andean strip of the tropical Andes Mountains between Peru and Bolivia. Lodges and camps are only accessible by charter flights to a remote airstrip in the heart of the jungle. In other words, right smack in the middle of nowhere!
Exotic fly fishing destinations like Tsimane don’t come around very often. Rarely is it possible to meld all the essential ingredients to create a true “once in a lifetime” kind of fishing trip. Pristine wilderness, complete remoteness, luxurious lodging, a top-notch outfitter, stunning scenery with abundant wildlife, and absolutely jaw-dropping fishing opportunities for the ultimate bad-ass predatory species. Specifically, Tsimane blends the greatest aspects of fly fishing: sight casting, freestone wading, light-tackle, floating lines, mountain rivers with clear, virgin waters, and four species of exotic gamefish headlined by the aggressive, acrobatic, beautiful, and hard pulling golden dorado. Tsimane has it all.
VIEW BROCHURE for the full Tsimane Destination Description.
Location: Bolivian Jungle, Bolivia
Species: Golden Dorado, Pacu, Surubi, Yatorana
Seasonality: June - October
Rates: from $17,300, $17,300 + $1,250 Indigenous & National Park Fees
Tsimane has a privileged geographical location due to its proximity to the headwaters of most of the rivers in the Moseten mountain chain. With the new Heli Fishing Program, guests will have the opportunity to fish in all these wild, untouched waters - seldom seen by human beings - for large dorado, pacú, and yatorana, in both incomparable quantity and quality. The new program’s capacity is for eight (8) anglers per week per lodge, all in single rooms and double fishing, starting the week on Saturday at Pluma Lodge.
The season starts in late June / early July and finishes in late October. Tsimane operates with two helicopters, both Robinson R44 RAVEN II, with a capacity for a pilot plus three passengers (two anglers + one guide). Each day, the helicopters will take pairs of anglers with their guides to different spots up in the high variety of unspoiled headwaters around Pluma and Secure lodges. Our guides will take lunch and cold beverages for the fishing day in a Yeti cooler backpack, and at approximately 5 PM the helicopters will pick the groups up and return to the lodges. Guides will have satellite communication to ensure permanent contact with the helicopter pilots and the lodges.
Episode 5: David Leake on Bolivia Helicopter Program | Tailwaters Fly Fishing Podcast
New for the 2024 season are 8 new, single occupancy cabins built at the main Pluma lodge ground to accommodate the heli program anglers. The Pluma is a very comfortable lodge built entirely from sustainable wood cut from the nearby jungle. The lodge also has a private dining & living room as well as a massage room. Guests enjoy an open bar and fine international cuisine paired with great Argentinian, Chilean, and Bolivian wines in a well-fashioned living and dining room. The lodge is equipped with wifi and laundry facilities, as well as a small fly shop with a few flies and other essentials.
Despite the logistical challenges due to extreme remoteness, Tsimane guests enjoy incredibly comfortable accommodations and world-class service. Generators provide electricity, 220-volts (be sure to bring the proper adapters). Tsimane management is very conscious about sustainability including a sophisticated solar panel system for hot water production. Electric power is available from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. There are no Tsimane camps with air conditioning, however all rooms are equipped with ceiling fans.
Fly Fishing is the only organized/guided activity from Tsimane. However, the region, the people, the scenery, and wildlife are an explorer’s and photographer’s dream come true.
Before you book
From $17,300 per person. $17,300 + $1,250 Indigenous & National Park Fees
Tailwaters Travel must adhere to the cancellation policies of the guides, outfitters and lodges which it represents. Tsimane Lodge’s policy follows: A non-refundable 50% deposit is due at the time of booking. Final payment is due 90 days prior to arrival. Cancellation will result in full loss of applicable land and commercial air costs- no refund will be made unless replacement clients are found. No refunds or credits are given for fishing time lost due to inclement weather.
Refunds of deposits/payments made on credit cards will be charged a 3.5% service charge to fully compensate Tailwaters Travel for all bank charges incurred. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses.
Given the strict cancellation and refund policies associated with nearly all fishing packages, we cannot stress enough the importance of obtaining travel insurance to protect your investment. Redpoint Travel Protection / Ripcord offers competitive medical/cancellation/interruption coverage to couple with their industry-leading medical evacuation services. Click here to learn more and contact us to generate a quote.
Most U.S. anglers route through Miami and connect on a non-stop flight to Santa Cruz with BoA Airlines (Boliviana de Aviación). Another option is to route through Panama City, and arrive in Santa Cruz late at night on United / Copa Airlines. The overnight option through Miami is preferred, as it allows a full day in Santa Cruz before heading to Tsimane the next morning, mitigating the chance of flight delays or lost luggage derailing the trip. Following an overnight in Santa Cruz, guests head out to the lodge. On the way home, most anglers take an evening overnight flight back to Miami with BoA Airlines arriving super early in Miami for an easy connection onward home.
TSIMANE LODGES ARE OPEN FROM APRIL THROUGH OCTOBER.
June-August: Cooler temperatures are the norm, dictating light jackets and proper waders. Generally higher water levels occur during the mid-season, which can slightly reduce the amount of sight fishing opportunities – but also makes for somewhat less technical and easier fishing.
April/May & September/October: Warm/hot and humid climate is expected in the early and late season. Lower water levels are also traditionally associated with these months. Lower water in certain beats creates more technical (but more rewarding) sight fishing opportunities for spookier fish.
Contact Tailwaters
Contact our travel team to discuss dates, availability and a trip to Tsimane Heli Program.
Trip details and availability are confirmed with the travel team.
In this episode, Neil Turner interviews David Leake, Travel Director of Tailwaters Fly Fishing Co., for an in-depth conversation about one of the most exclusive fly fishing experiences on the planet — helicopter fishing in Tsimane, Bolivia.
There are not very many places on the planet that give a sincere opportunity to visit a truly wild place with zero human footprint.
There are not very many places on the planet that give a sincere opportunity to visit a truly wild place with zero human footprint.
Bolivian Jungle, Bolivia
Our Bolivian Jungle collection of gear, flies, tackle, clothing and accessories is curated by our team of professionals that have spent more time on the water here than anyone in the business. Whether it is in-store, online, or through a virtual outfitting appointment, we would love to lend a hand getting your gear organized for a trip to the Bolivian Jungle.
The Tsimane lodges are located in a National Park and Indigenous Indian Territory situated in the Sub-Andean strip of the tropical Andes Mountains between Peru and Bolivia. Lodges and camps are only accessible by charter flights to a remote airstrip in the heart of the jungle. In other words, right smack in the middle of nowhere!
