Fishing Report, Tariquía Lodge | The Terms of the River

After a week away from the river, we’re finally back in the game.

Last week, the river was blown out, but fortunately, we had alternatives within the company for the anglers we were hosting. You’ll hear more about them in the Tsimane week 18 fishing report.

Our Week 8 group brought together experienced anglers from Australia, South Africa and Argentina, many of them with years of fishing travel behind them, particularly in permit fishing. Tariquía, however, had its own terms for the week.

Flying over the Yungas toward the river on the first day

A cold front moved in from the south, bringing low clouds, drizzle and temperatures ranging from 48°F to 63°F (9°C to 17°C). Far from ideal dorado conditions, but there was still water worth exploring.

In a remote river system like this, the first question is not simply where the fish are. It is which water is worth fishing, when conditions are safe to operate, and how the river is changing from one day to the next.

Day 01 | A Cold Start

Hernán with his dorado from the first day

The first morning opened with fog and unusual cold for mid-October. Based on the water conditions, the guides concentrated the operation in the upper reaches of the main river, positioning three rafts as high as the authorized fishing area allowed.

Everyone had at least one opportunity. In particular, James connected with a large dorado, only to watch the beast launch completely clear of the water on its first jump, shake its head violently and send the fly sailing into the air. This time, the fish won the battle. Better luck next time, James.

Hernán also lost a couple of early chances before finding his rhythm with Fidel. A long cast, immediate line control and short, fast strips produced another opportunity.

Then the fish ate.
This time, everything stayed connected.

A violent strike, a solid hook-set and constant pressure. What followed was an epic fight, complete with acrobatic jumps, until the fish finally surrendered to Fidel’s net.

A quick photo and back to the river. One good opportunity converted. That was enough to change the day.
Congratulations, guys!

Day 02 | Finding Clear Water

Edgard celebrating one of his two dorado on the raft

Conditions remained cold on the second morning, although temperatures improved slightly. The objective was clear: work the cleanest water available.

The guides repositioned three rafts in upper sections that had not been fished the previous day, concentrating the operation where water quality offered the best chance.

As temperatures edged upward, opportunities began to appear. Mark connected with a very large fish and brought it all the way alongside the raft before it found a way free.

Close. Very close.
The moment will be burned into the team’s memory for a long time. Nothing to reproach yourself for, Mark!

Edgard made the most of his own chances and landed two dorado. The fish were there, but nothing was coming easily.
Well done, Cacho!

Day 03 | The Best Fishing of the Week

The third morning looked much like the first two: low clouds, cool air and a delayed departure.

But unlike the noise of the city, with its buses and blaring horns, we have the privilege of waking up to the sounds of nature. That morning, a pair of chuñas, local ground-dwelling birds, were there to greet us with their own version of good morning.

Once conditions allowed, the teams headed out.

Nico with his dorado in the shallow riffle

After plenty of casting, the river began to respond. Mark landed a fish. Then Hernán. Then James. Carlos followed after losing a few opportunities of his own.

One of the most interesting fish of the day came with Fidel, Edgard and Nico.

Edgard with his dorado on the raft on the third day

Following Fidel’s instructions, Edgard made a long cast across a relatively shallow riffle and allowed the fly to swing while maintaining control and tension.

The strike came hard. So hard it nearly injured his finger.

Edgard set the hook immediately and stayed connected through a powerful run. Unlike some of the fish earlier in the week, this one stayed mostly in the water and used the current instead.

Edgard kept control until Fidel finally brought the fish to the net.

A beautiful trophy. A quick photo, a safe release and a few well-earned celebratory hugs.
Outstanding teamwork!

Days 04 & 05 | Grounded

Anglers and guides at the lodge, waiting for the fog to lift

By Day 4, persistent drizzle and severely reduced visibility made helicopter flights unsafe.

The same conditions held through the following day.

Two consecutive days grounded at the lodge.

There was no fishing decision to make until flying conditions improved, so the group settled into a different rhythm: cards, mate, fishing stories and an Argentine asado.

James with a pacú from the neighboring pond

Carlos with another pacú on ultralight tackle

To help shorten the wait, we also squeezed in some pacú fishing at a nearby pond. It turned out to be great fun, especially with the ultralight tackle.

Sometimes, a little change of pace is exactly what you need.

Day 06 | One Last Attempt

The river high and muddy, seen from the helicopter on the last day

The final morning brought more fog, drizzle and cold.

After two days without flying, a small window of safe conditions finally appeared around 11 a.m. The team was ready, and the flight gave us the first real opportunity to assess the river directly.

What we found was clear.

High water. Heavy color. Cold temperatures.
The river was not in fishing condition.

There was no reason to force it. The decision was simple: turn around and head back to the lodge.

In Tariquía, experience is not only about knowing where to fish. It is also about understanding when conditions are right, when they are not, and how to operate safely in between.

At least we could look forward to enjoying the art and magic of Gonza, our culinary wizard. What a legend!

Weather

Cold and unstable conditions dominated the week. A strong southerly system brought low clouds, drizzle and temperatures between approximately 48°F and 63°F (9°C and 17°C), unusually cold for this point in the Tariquía season.

The broader season is unfolding under a strong El Niño, adding another layer of variability to an already unpredictable mountain climate. That does not explain every individual front or rainfall event, but it provides useful context for a season that has repeatedly moved between extremes.

Fishing Technique

Even under difficult conditions, the technical fundamentals remained the same.

Long casts when needed. Immediate line control. Short, fast strips. Constant tension. A solid strip-set when the fish committed.

Hernán’s fish on Day 1 and Edgard’s fish on Day 3 both showed how important that sequence can be. Once the right water and the right opportunity are found, execution still decides what happens next.

The Terms of the River

The group arrived prepared to fish six days. The weather allowed three meaningful ones.

Two days were lost to unsafe flying conditions. On the final morning, a narrow weather window allowed the team to reach the river, only to find it high, muddy and cold.

There was no final fish to chase. No miracle waiting around the next bend. Just the right decision: turn around.

In Tariquía, the river sets the terms. Experience lies in understanding them: where to fish, when to move, when it is safe to operate and when conditions no longer justify pushing further.

That may not make the most dramatic fishing story, but in a remote mountain environment, it is part of the work.

The river did not give us the week we wanted. The group gave us everything we could have asked for: patience, humor, perspective and the willingness to take Tariquía exactly as it came.

Thank you for your good attitude, your camaraderie, and for making the best of a difficult week. We truly appreciate it!

And thanks to everyone who followed the report all the way to the end.