Gold Rush

Tsiname | Bolivia

Helicopter
Fishing

In 2022, Tsimane began an exploratory tour with a helicopter. The aim was to find new tributaries to set up a unique flyout fly fishing programme. In a unique ecosystem in the Bolivian rainforest, where the Amazon meets the Andes. In the Serrania Moseten region there are so many rivers that are totally unspoilt and that probably no human has ever set foot on. The helicopter is a game changer - because it allows you to reach rivers that possibly no human has ever seen and that have never been fished before. A real dream for every fly fisherman - to be the first in this unspeakably beautiful area and to be the first to cast a fly to a fish there. I had the honour of taking part in one of these exploratory tours last September. Together with my friend and filmmaker Vaidas Uselis, I shot the film „Gold Fever“ on this trip, which was shown worldwide at the „International Fly Fishing Film Festival“ in 2023. After being so impressed by the Helicopter programme, we were very happy to accept an invitation from Marcelo Perez - CEO of Untamed Angling - to come back this year in July and work with him on his big film project.

Tsiname | Bolivia

04. - 14. July 2023

Starting an Adventure

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As a passionate fly fisherman, the beauty of nature and the clear green rivers in the Amazon never cease to amaze me. An exciting experience - the tapirs, the birds, jaguar tracks every day.
It is unique when an impressive tapir - one of the largest mammals in the region - appears next to you in the river. With its trunk - a cross between an elephant‘s trunk and a pig‘s nose - it is very easy to recognise. These shy animals are known for their reclusive lifestyle and are often nocturnal. More proof of how unspoilt these areas are when you come across them anyway. They are probably taking the opportunity to escape their enemy, the jaguar, which is lurking in the dense forest near the water sources for prey. Despite their strength, the big cats are rather shy and avoid contact with humans. However, we were still able to see one of them - definitely their pawprints. The sounds you hear every day are also difficult to put into words. A very special place.

With the helicopter program, Untamed Angling has put together a very unique program. You can admire the spectacular and beautiful landscape from above and at the same time have the great opportunity to reach unspoilt waters and discover new places for fly fishing. A completely new and spectacular experience in the Bolivian jungle. Vaidas and I were able to collect some extraordinary film material for Marcelo‘s project and hope to find ourselves in his film soon. We are already looking forward to it!

Gold Fever
wonder of nature
New discoveries
Colorful butterflies
On the way
in the middle of nature
cautiously prickly
whim of nature
Building their home
big buddy
inhale nature
suprising nature
footprints in the sand
always in focus
in details
caution

THE LODGE

The 5-10 minute helicopter flights depart daily from Pluma Lodge - a very comfortable new jungle lodge built entirely from sustainable timber from the nearby jungle. Up to eight fishermen and one host can stay in the cosy double rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Pure luxury in the middle of the jungle - electricity, WiFi, an all-inclusive bar with various spirits and even a small spa area with a jacuzzi are available here. The stay is rounded off by international cuisine with local Argentinian, Chilean and Bolivian wines, which we were able to enjoy every evening in the separate dining and living room.

Gold

Fever

The Fishing

This year we fished at the beginning of the season, in July. The water level was slightly higher and the sabalos rose 4-5 weeks later than usual at this time of year. The sabalos - the fish that are hunted and eaten by the dorados - had already arrived in the lower regions of the rivers. However, in the side arms and especially in the upper reaches of the rivers, we found hardly any sabalos and therefore almost no golden dorados.
Nevertheless, we had a plan that worked out perfectly. This time we fished mainly the lower reaches of the rivers. Although we didn‘t catch quite as many this year as last year in autumn, the fishing on some rivers was once again simply awesome. We were able to cast to and hook many golden dorados on sight. On some stretches of the river we also found schools of large pacus, which we were able to outwit with the dry fly.

Many of the fish had yet to see a fly and behaved aggressively and wildly. As we had a whole 10 days at our disposal this time, we had no time pressure. I stopped counting the Golden Dorados and Pacus on the third or fourth day. We were also lucky with the weather, apart from two short thunderstorms. Apart from one afternoon, we were always able to fly out and fish in clear water.

Our Equipment
Little break
Great catch
best way to travel in bolivia
teamwork
in detail
dinner time
julio an his friend the beatle
do what you love
helicopter trip
but first: cigars
one more catch
fun time
our lodge
fresh beer on the way
a big one
impression
working hard
fishing time
golden hour
proud
moments
f***ing flies
what a landscape
chasing memories
take a walk

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Gallery

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