Tsimane Bolivia Fishing

The Agua Negra

Agua Negra Base Program:  The base program for Agua Negra includes fishing all waters of the Agua Negra, the waters of the Secure medium sector, and an optional day trip to the Chimoro Stream—a 15-minute canoe ride from the Lodge.
The Agua Negra holds the best waters for sight casting to big dorados in shallow water, and the medium sector of the Secure River offers plenty of fish on subsurface structure.

Group Size:  Four anglers plus one host. For the 2024 season, from early July through the end of October, the Lodge will host six anglers.
Wade Fishing:  99% of the fishing is done wading or fishing from the bank. The river structures vary in every section of the river—from sandy and small gravel beaches to sharp volcanic rocks passing through all kinds of freestones. Wading is not difficult or risky, but there is a lot of it.

Fishing Facts:

2023 Season:  From late May through October, the Lodge hosts four anglers per week.
2024 Season:  From late May through June, Agua Negra hosts four anglers plus one host; from July through October, the Lodge hosts up to six anglers.
Species:  Two different species of dorado are available, plus other Amazon basin fish such as pacus and yatorana. Strict catch-and-release.
Boats:  Dugout canoes with small outboard motors are used for transport. Guides often pole the boat. In slow deep sections of the river, you'll occasionally fish from the boat. You'll mainly be bank or wade fishing. Two anglers and two guides per boat.
Guides:  There is one English-speaking professional fly fishing guide per boat and a native boatman.
Equipment:  No equipment is provided. Flies are $10.00 each; you will need about two dozen for the week. A comprehensive tackle-and-gear list is included in our confirmation.
Fishing License:  Fishing licenses are not required.
Native Community Fee:  Tsimane packages require a $670.00 Native Community Fee which helps support the conservancy program and local community. The fee is payable in cash upon arrival at the Lodge.

Typical Fishing Day:
At 7:00 a.m., you’ll have breakfast at the Lodge.
At 8:00 a.m., you’ll head out with your guide to fish.
Midday, you’ll enjoy lunch on the riverbank.
Between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m., you’ll return to the Lodge for dinner.
Each day, angling teams of two will fish the beats in the medium Secure River, the Chimoro Creek, or the Agua Negra River. You’ll walk through a mountainous virgin rainforest and fish a wide variety of waters with varying techniques. Depending on the fishing, weather, and river conditions, two or four anglers will have the option to stay overnight at an outcamp on the Agua Negra. The outcamp option provides extended fishing time and access to some of the best fishing sectors near the headwaters.

The Agua Negra River

The Lower Agua Negra, with its low gradient, is similar to a floodplain river, slowly and with clarity, it meanders through the valley. Numerous sandy beaches, deep runs, and cover that holds strong populations of golden dorado and yatorana. The Upper Agua Negra is one of Tsimane's jewels, with excellent number of dorado, pacu, and yatorana. With its shallow clear water and rocky bottom, the Upper section is ideal for sightcasting. You'll walk upstream and sightcast in low waters, plus prospect for fish in runs and deep pools. For success, use a floating line, long leaders, and a delicate presentation.

Chimoro Stream

The Chimoro, a small crystal-clear stream, descends from the same mountain range as the Agua Negra River. Fish with light gear, a 5-weight rod, small streamers, and even dry flies to catch good-sized yatoranas. A 15 pound dorado on a 5-weight rod on the Chimoro is an unforgettable fight. You'll travel from the Lodge to the mouth of the Chimoro by canoe on the Secure River, about a 15-minute boat ride.

The Secure River - Middle Section

The Middle Section of the Secure River runs from Ushwea Village to the confluence of the Chimoro and Secure Rivers. You'll wade downstream, traveling in dugout canoes that are poled or engine-powered. The river is shallow and open in the middle section, with sandy flats. The clear waters gradually become stained due to sediments in the high plateau. Cast toward sunken logs, trees, and subsurface structure, hangouts for big dorado.

Angler with Yatorana

Large Black Pacu

Golden Dorado and Baitfish

Agua Negra Lodge

Agua Negra is a very comfortable jungle lodge built entirely from sustainable wood cut from the nearby jungle. The Lodge has six cabin-style tents with boxspring beds, hot water, and electricity. The Lodge has free laundry service and a small fly shop.
Communications:  Free Wi-Fi is provided in camp. Satellite phone service is $5.00 per minute.
Power:  Generator-powered electricity is available from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to midnight. The electricity is 220 volts. (U.S. voltage is 120.) If you’re a U.S. resident, you’ll need a power plug adapter and a two-prong plug.

Cabin-Style Tents

Six tents with boxspring beds. The Camp has toilets and solar-powered showers.

Meals and Beverages

Meals:  Hearty breakfasts. You'll take a packed lunch of sandwiches and fruit. Delicious appetizers in the evening. Dinners feature chicken, steaks, and pasta dishes... with great wines and delectable desserts.
Alcohol:  An open bar with fine wines, beer, and regular spirits is included in the package.