Pluma
The Season Opens with the Sábalo Migration
The 2026 season opened with one of the signs every Pluma guide hopes to see: the arrival of migrating sábalo.
As schools of baitfish pushed upstream through the watershed, dorado followed closely behind, creating consistent action across both the Classic Jungle and the Heli Fishing programs. Despite a week marked by cold temperatures, rain, and changing water conditions, anglers encountered active fish throughout the system and enjoyed an excellent start to the season.
The opening week brought together anglers from the United States, Mexico, Brazil, and Switzerland, all visiting Tsimane for the first time. It included some father-and-son duos, experiencing the Amazon together: Brandon & Mason, Jeff & Gabrielle, and Walter & Manuel.
From topwater eats to memorable encounters in remote rivers, it was a week that reminded us why the beginning of the migration is such a special time in Tsimane.
12 Matt, Josh, Klint, Steve, Brandon, Mason, Jeff, & Gaby (United States); Andre (Brazil); Rodrigo (Mexico); Walter & Manuel (Switzerland).
Cold weather dominated the week, with frequent rain and only one sunny day.
Rivers began in good shape, particularly in the upper sections, before rainfall raised levels and reduced visibility. Fish stayed active thanks to the ongoing sábalo migration.
Catch of the Week
A Beautiful Moturo on the Itirizama
The week's standout catch came from the Heli Fishing program, where Andre, fishing with guide Nehuén on the Itirizama River, landed a beautiful moturo.
While dorado remained the primary focus throughout the week, encounters like this highlight the diversity of species that inhabit the rivers surrounding Pluma Lodge.
Memorable Moments
The Surface Game
If there was one defining characteristic of the opening week, it was surface fishing.
The arrival of migrating sábalo created ideal feeding opportunities for dorado, and anglers enjoyed exciting topwater action throughout the system. While no single fish stood above the rest, the visual nature of the fishing made it one of the most memorable aspects of the week.
When Conditions Get Tough
Heavy rain and turbid water challenged anglers during the second half of the week.
One highlight came when Matt, guided by Alejandro, landed a dorado in completely muddy water using a Puglisi Sabalito pattern. On the very next cast, an even larger fish struck and opened the hook before coming to hand — a reminder that some of the best stories are the ones that get away.
A Glimpse of the Food Chain
One of the most talked-about moments from the Heli Fishing program happened when a dorado cut a hooked yatorana in half.
It was a brief but unforgettable reminder of the aggressive nature of these predators and the role they play in one of South America's most intact freshwater ecosystems.
Looking Ahead
The team is watching weather conditions closely as additional rain remains in the forecast. At the same time, guides are hopeful that more migrating sábalo will continue entering the system in the coming weeks.
If the migration remains strong and river conditions stabilize, prospects for both the Classic and Heli Fishing programs look very promising.
Guides & Staff
Pluma Lodge, 2026
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