Golden Dorado Fishing: 10Wt Rods For Bolivian Adventure

Golden dorado fishing is a popular sport in Bolivia, attracting enthusiasts from around the world. The golden dorado, also known as the king of the rivers, is a powerful and aggressive fish with a distinctive golden colour. It is a challenging fish to catch due to its bony mouth and ability to throw hooks, but its strength and beauty make it a coveted catch. When planning a golden dorado fishing trip in Bolivia, it is important to consider the right equipment, techniques, and destinations to maximise your chances of success.

The best places to fish for golden dorado in Bolivia

Golden dorado fishing in Bolivia is an exhilarating experience, with anglers immersing themselves in the majestic Bolivian Amazon and the thrill of the powerful bite of the legendary golden dorado. Here are some of the best places to fish for golden dorado in Bolivia:

Río Iténez

Considered one of the best rivers for golden dorado fishing in Bolivia, the Iténez is a destination widely valued by fishermen. The river offers crystal clear waters teeming with wildlife, providing an exceptional setting for an unforgettable fishing adventure.

Orthon River

This river in northern Bolivia is known for its clear waters and healthy, abundant population of golden dorados. The Orthon River is an ideal spot for anglers seeking a challenging and rewarding fishing experience.

Beni River

The Beni River is renowned for its nutrient-rich waters, making it a prime destination for anglers looking to catch golden dorado. The river's productive waters provide an exciting opportunity to test your skills against these powerful fish.

Laguna Rogaguado

This beautiful lagoon in the department of Beni offers anglers a unique opportunity to fish for dorados in a tranquil setting. Laguna Rogaguado is known for its excellent fishing, with many large and strong specimens ready to put up a fight.

Mamoré River

The Mamoré River is another emblematic river of the Bolivian Amazon. Its extensive floodplains provide an ideal habitat for golden dorado, making it a popular destination for anglers seeking a true wilderness fishing experience.

Secure River

Located in the heart of the Bolivian Amazon, the Secure River is renowned for its abundant dorado population and the natural beauty of its banks. The river offers excellent fishing opportunities and is a favourite among anglers looking for a remote and scenic fishing adventure.

Tsimane Pluma Lodge

Tsimane Pluma Lodge, overlooking the Pluma River, is considered a deluxe and diverse fishing destination. Its strategic location in the middle of the Pluma River, below the confluence of two world-class systems, makes it one of the best places to fly fish for golden dorado.

Agua Negra Lodge Bolivia

Tsimane Agua Negra Camp offers anglers the chance to fish two main river systems, the Secure and the Agua Negra. These rivers see hundreds of thousands of baitfish migrate each season, followed by thousands of aggressively feeding dorado, making it a prime spot for anglers looking for non-stop action.

Secure Lodge Bolivia

Secure Lodge is the perfect destination for anglers seeking a jungle fishing experience. With access to lots of water and an abundant number of golden dorado, Secure Lodge provides anglers with unforgettable fishing experiences and the opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime.

The best time to fish for golden dorado in Bolivia

• Use lures and baits that mimic the dorado's natural prey, such as small fish and shrimp.
• Fish in the early morning and evening when dorados are most active.
• Pay attention to their movement and feeding patterns to anticipate their behaviours.
• Employ gentle, controlled hooking and fighting techniques to prevent the dorados from escaping.
• Be aware of the fishing regulations in force in Bolivia and respect catch limits.
• Use high-quality, sturdy fishing equipment designed specifically for golden dorado fishing, such as powerful rods and reels, high-test lines, sharp hooks, and lures.

The right equipment for golden dorado fishing in Bolivia

Golden dorado fishing in Bolivia is an exhilarating pursuit, but it requires the right equipment to be successful. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for this unique fishing adventure:

Rods and Reels:

• For the Bolivian jungle rivers, opt for stiff, fast-action 9-foot 7 to 9 weight rods. These heavier rods are essential for casting big, bushy flies and fighting strong fish.
• In contrast, for the river deltas of Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, an 8 or 9 weight rod will suffice. Smooth casting is more important here, as you'll be blind-casting towards structure rather than sight fishing.
• Choose large arbor reels with a high-quality, powerful drag system to aid in quick line retrieval and stopping power.

Lines:

• Use tropical/warm water floating fly lines with aggressive front tapers to turn over large weighted flies. Overlining your rod by one line weight can help with quick loading.
• Bring a 300-350 grain integrated sink tip line for deeper presentations.

Leaders and Tippets:

• Pack hard mono leader material in 30 and 40-pound test. This will provide the strength needed to turn over big flies and handle the dorado's powerful strikes.
• Dorado have razor-sharp teeth, so wire bite tippet material is essential. Bring a spool of 30-40-pound stainless steel shock/bite leader to prevent bite-offs.

Flies:

• Dorado often prefer dark-colored streamers that create visible silhouettes, such as black/red, black/purple, and black/orange color combinations.
• Flies should be 4 to 6 inches long, lightly weighted, and tied on stout 2/0 to 4/0 hooks. Popular patterns include Andino Deceivers and EP Streamers.
• For topwater action, try large saltwater poppers or big dry flies. Titanic Sliders, Pole Dancers, and Crease flies are excellent choices.

Wading Gear:

• Felt-soled wading boots are a must for the varied river structures, from gravel beaches to slippery volcanic rocks and freestone boulders. They provide the necessary traction to move confidently without spooking the fish.
• Bring fast-drying pants or shorts, preferably worn over a lightweight base layer. Compression-fitting running tights are ideal for comfort and efficiency.
• Don't forget a pair of sturdy, felt-soled wading boots to navigate the rocky freestone rivers.
• Other essentials include two pairs of polarized sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, lightweight rain gear, insect repellent, and sunscreen.

Boats and Engines:

Reliable boats and engines are crucial for navigating the rivers and lagoons of the Bolivian Amazon.

Clothing and Footwear:

• The climate in the Bolivian Amazon can be hot and humid. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, sun gloves, a hat, and a buff to protect yourself from the elements.
• Constant water consumption is essential, so bring a water bottle and electrolyte tablets or packets.
• For cooler days, a lightweight synthetic fleece top will provide warmth.

Other Accessories:

• A wading staff can be invaluable for navigating the rivers and maintaining stability.
• A headlamp will come in handy for streamside activities and camp lighting.
• A waterproof day pack or fanny pack will keep your gear dry and easily accessible.

Remember to practice your casting before the trip, as golden dorado fishing requires accurate presentations and quick reactions. The right gear, combined with skill and patience, will greatly enhance your chances of landing these powerful and elusive fish.

The best techniques for catching golden dorado in Bolivia

Golden dorado fishing in Bolivia is an exciting activity for anglers and nature lovers alike. Here are some of the best techniques for catching golden dorado in Bolivia:

• Use the right equipment: A fast action rod, typically a 7-9 weight rod, is ideal for casting large and heavy flies. Choose a large arbor reel with a powerful drag system. Use tropical/warm water floating fly lines with aggressive front tapers, and consider overlining your rod for easier loading. Don't forget the wire bite-tippet to protect your line from the dorado's sharp teeth!
• Mimic natural prey: Dorado feed on smaller baitfish, so use lures and baits that mimic their natural prey. Streamers in black/red, black/purple, and black/orange are popular choices. Flies should be 4-8 inches long, lightly weighted, and tied on 2/0 to 4/0 hooks.
• Time your fishing: In the summer, dorado are more active and aggressive due to warmer waters and greater food availability. In winter, they can be more elusive, so focus on deeper and calmer areas of rivers and lagoons.
• Choose the right location: Bolivia is home to some of the best golden dorado fishing spots in the Amazon. Rivers like the Iténez, Orthon, Beni, and Secure are renowned for their healthy dorado populations. The clear waters of these rivers also make them ideal for fly fishing.
• Be stealthy: Dorado are ambush predators with incredible speed and power. When sight fishing, approach crystal-clear runs with caution to avoid spooking the fish. Cast upstream, keeping the rod tip down and maintaining tension on the line. Start stripping as soon as the fly hits the water, as dorado often strike within the first two strips.
• Practice makes perfect: Golden dorado fishing requires adjustments to your normal fishing techniques. Practice casting and presenting your flies or lures in local parks or ponds to improve your accuracy and comfort.
• Stay comfortable: Bolivia's jungles can be hot and humid. Wear lightweight, quick-drying clothing, and don't forget to stay hydrated with electrolyte-rich drinks. Polarized sunglasses will also help protect your eyes and improve your ability to spot fish in the water.

What makes golden dorado fishing in Bolivia a unique experience

Golden dorado fishing in Bolivia is a unique experience for a number of reasons. Firstly, the location is incredibly remote and wild, with anglers needing to take a small plane and then a boat to reach the fishing spots in the middle of the jungle. This adventure is not for the faint-hearted, with some people even chartering a private plane to get there. The journey is part of the experience, and the sense of being in an untouched, natural environment is enhanced by the difficulty in reaching it.

The fishing itself is also a unique challenge. The golden dorado is an aggressive, powerful, and unpredictable fish, with a voracious appetite. It is a mean, nasty fish with razor-sharp teeth, and it will take a chunk out of you if you turn your back. Anglers need to be prepared for anything when fishing for dorado, and the experience is both thrilling and demanding. The dorado's eating style is fast and powerful, and anglers must be ready to strip set as soon as the fish takes the fly. It is a physically demanding style of fishing, requiring anglers to wade through challenging river conditions and cast large, heavy flies all day. The dorado's fighting style is impressive, with the fish often leaping out of the water multiple times during the battle.

The other unique aspect of golden dorado fishing in Bolivia is the opportunity to target other exotic species, such as Pacu and Yatorana. Pacu can be found in dark, deep pools, and they put up a strong fight when hooked. Yatorana, on the other hand, is a beautiful, quick, and strong fish that is often found in riverine vegetation.

The overall experience of golden dorado fishing in Bolivia is one of adventure, challenge, and the chance to encounter unique and powerful fish in a wild and remote environment. It is a fishing trip that offers a true sense of exploration and discovery, which is rare in today's world.

Frequently asked questions