For those who dream of combining angling with adventure, the world’s jungles offer an irresistible lure. With fly rods in hand, we’ve ventured to some of the most remote and breathtaking locations, chasing species as diverse as the landscapes themselves. This past autumn, our journey led us to the heart of the Bolivian rainforest, where we fished the legendary Pluma River. From the thrilling strikes of Golden Dorado to the raw beauty of the jungle teeming with wildlife, this trip was nothing short of extraordinary. Join us as we recount our unforgettable adventure deep in the wilds of South America.
BY María and Óli, https://veidihornid.is
For many winters, we’ve sought adventure in exotic locations, exploring the world with fly rods in hand and targeting a wide variety of fish species beyond trout and salmon. Initially, we focused on saltwater fishing in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, catching species like Giant Trevally, Permit, Milkfish, Triggerfish, Bonefish, and Parrotfish. More recently, we’ve ventured into the rainforests and jungles of Asia, Africa, and South America in search of freshwater predators. So far, we’ve landed Giant Snakehead and Jungle Perch in Thailand, Peacock Bass, Piranha, and Arrowana in Brazil’s Amazon River, and Tigerfish in the Zambezi River on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Our jungle adventures are just beginning, and the world offers endless opportunities to chase new species.
This article recounts our latest jungle trip, to the Pluma River in Bolivia. There, we targeted Golden Dorado, Pacu, and Yatorana.
Journey to Bolivia
After a long flight from Madrid, Spain, we landed in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, meaning “The Holy Cross of the Mountains.” We spent a few days exploring the city and immersing ourselves in Bolivian culture before heading into the jungle. Along with four other anglers, we boarded a small plane and flew an hour and a half to an airstrip near Oromomo, an indigenous village deep in the rainforest. From there, dugout canoes carried us upstream on the Pluma River to our fishing lodge.
The lodge operates in two sections: one accommodating anglers fishing the Pluma River nearby and another for those venturing to the upper Pluma and its tributaries via helicopter. The helicopter option, introduced in 2022, allows access to remote fishing spots in just 20 minutes—compared to a two-day hike. Eighteen fishing areas are mapped for helicopter landings, with anglers rotating between spots to ensure a pristine experience.
Fishing Adventures
Golden Dorado, the highlight of our trip, is one of the most prized freshwater fish for fly anglers. We caught several each day, some weighing up to 20 pounds. Their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights made every catch exhilarating. Using large streamer flies tied on strong hooks, we approached fish from behind to avoid spooking them in the clear mountain streams.
Pacu, another sought-after species, were more selective. These fish often took flies mimicking berries or nuts falling from trees, though they also responded to small black streamers. Pacu are incredibly strong fighters, capable of pulling the line deep into the backing.
Yatorana, though less desirable, were still a fun addition to our catches, often taking streamers intended for Dorado. The largest fish of the trip, however, was a 50-pound catfish caught by María Anna. Spotted lying near a submerged tree, the fish struck immediately and put up a 30-minute fight before being measured, photographed, and released.
Beyond the Fishing
The terrain was as varied as the fishing, with sections ranging from flat and easy to traverse to steep, rocky, and muddy. In some areas, we even swam across rivers to reach our pickup spots before dark. The jungle’s natural beauty was breathtaking, with 300 tree species per hectare, colorful butterflies, and macaws flying overhead. We frequently saw tapirs and jaguar tracks, a reminder of the region’s rich biodiversity.
Essential Gear
For this trip, we used 9-foot single-handed rods with 8-weight lines, paired with reels featuring powerful drag systems. Our lines included floating and slow-sinking options designed for warm water, and we used 20-pound leaders with wire tippets to handle the sharp teeth of Golden Dorado.
A World of Opportunity
This Bolivian adventure reaffirmed our passion for exploring the world with a fly rod. Whether fishing for predatory fish in the jungle or casting in tropical seas, there’s so much more to discover beyond our home waters. We encourage Icelandic anglers to extend their fishing season and explore new horizons. Visit us at Veiðihornið for guidance on planning your next fishing adventure—whether it’s in a jungle, on a remote river, or in the open sea.
