Tsimane - Agua Negra Lodge
Tsimane, Bolivia
Tsimane’s Agua Negra River is a premier destination for golden dorado fly fishing in Bolivia, forming a vital tributary of the Secure River within the renowned Tsimane fishery. Known for its clear, shallow flows and easy wading conditions, the Agua Negra offers ideal water for sight-fishing and technical fly casting. Divided into productive upper and lower sectors, the river consistently produces aggressive golden dorado, including trophy fish exceeding 30 pounds, making it one of South America’s top fly fishing destinations.
-
Agua Negra Lodge offers professional English-speaking fly fishing guides in Bolivia, with one expert guide for every two anglers, supported by experienced local Tsimane boatmen. Together, they provide personalized instruction, deep knowledge of the Agua Negra and surrounding rivers, and expert support for targeting trophy golden dorado in one of South America’s premier fly fishing destinations.
-
Fly Fishing Only
Tsimane – Agua Negra Lodge is a premier destination for fly fishing in Bolivia, with a program centered on sight casting and wade fishing in the clear jungle waters of the Agua Negra, Secure, and Chimoro rivers. Anglers spend most of the day wading and stalking fish along shallow runs, pools, and riverbanks, creating an immersive fly fishing experience tailored to targeting golden dorado in pristine South American waters.
-
The fishery is best known for its trophy golden dorado, but the variety of species creates a dynamic, multi-species fly fishing experience in the clear jungle rivers of the Tsimane watershed.
Golden dorado – the main attraction and top predator, known for explosive strikes and trophy size
Pacu – hard-fighting, technical fish often compared to freshwater permit
Yatorana (matrinxã) – fast, acrobatic surface feeders that love dry flies and streamers
Surubi catfish – occasionally caught in deeper runs and pools
-
Agua Negra Lodge is a remote fly fishing lodge in Bolivia’s jungle, offering an exclusive, immersive experience for anglers. Accommodations include elevated wooden cabins or safari-style tents with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, hot water, and electricity. The lodge features a central dining area, open bar, and on-site fly shop, with out-camp options for overnight stays near prime fishing waters. Guests access the lodge via charter flight and canoe,
-
The fishing season runs from May through October, when river levels are low and waters are clear—perfect for wade fishing and sight casting.
Peak fishing occurs from June to September, with golden dorado actively feeding and on the move, offering the best opportunity for trophy catches.
-
2026 Rates
Note: Native Communities Fee = NCF
Rates (per person):
• Shared Guide & Private Tent
(2 anglers per guide):
• 2026: $8,000 + 670 (NCF) = $8,670
• Private Guide & Private Tent
(1 angler per guide):
$12,540 + $670 NCF = $13,210
• Non-Angler Companion:
$5,000 + $670 NCF = $5,670Trip Length: 9 nights / 6 days guided fishing
• 7 nights at the Lodge
• 2 hotel nights in Santa Cruz -
Fly Rods:
Use 8‑weight to 9‑weight single‑handed rods for golden dorado. An 8‑weight works well for most water, while a 9‑weight is ideal for larger streamers and stronger currents. Rods around 9 ft provide the perfect balance of casting distance and control.Reels:
Select high-quality reels with smooth, strong drag systems, preferably saltwater-rated, to handle dorado runs and powerful head‑shakes.Lines:
Tropical weight-forward floating lines are essential for large streamers, with an intermediate or clear-tip line useful for sub-surface presentations.Tackle Tips:
Bring multiple rods rigged with different lines or flies—one for big streamers, another for topwater or intermediate patterns—to adapt quickly on the river.
Use strong leaders and wire bite tippet (30–40 lb+) to withstand dorado’s sharp teeth.
This setup prepares you for the powerful golden dorado, pacu, and other game fish that make Agua Negra Lodge a top jungle fly fishing destination.
-
Agua Negra Lodge is an intimate, exclusive fly fishing destination, hosting a maximum of four anglers per week in single‑occupancy cabins to provide a highly personalized and immersive fishing experience.
-
Traditional dugout canoes, sometimes equipped with small outboard motors or poling by guides and boatmen, primarily to transport anglers and gear between fishing beats on the Secure River and Chimoro Stream and to reach more remote waters. While occasional fishing from the boat occurs in deeper, slower sections, most casting is done wading or from the riverbank in the shallow, clear jungle rivers.
-
Getting to Agua Negra Lodge
Arrival in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Most journeys begin with a flight into Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, served by daily international and domestic flights from major hubs.Santa Cruz Transfers
A lodge representative meets you at the airport and transfers you to a five‑star hotel in Santa Cruz for your first night (included in the standard package).Charter Flight to the Jungle
The following morning, you board a charter flight from Santa Cruz to a small airstrip near the Oromomo Indian Community in the jungle, a flight of approximately 70–90 minutes.River Transfer to the Lodge
From the airstrip, guides transport you by boat (dugout canoe with motor or poling) for about two hours along the river to reach Agua Negra Lodge, located deep in indigenous territory and national park land.Luggage & Preparation
Small aircraft impose baggage weight limits (around 25 kg / 55 lbs), so non-essential luggage is typically left at the Santa Cruz hotel for the return trip.Return Travel
At the end of your fishing week, you return by river boat to the airstrip, take the charter flight back to Santa Cruz, stay another night at the hotel, and then continue to Viru Viru International Airport for your international flight home. -
The Package Includes:
• Airport reception in Santa Cruz
• Two hotel nights (first and last)
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Ground transfers in Santa Cruz
• All domestic charter flights inside Bolivia
• 6 days of guided fishing
• 7 nights at the Lodge
• All meals at the Lodge
• All beverages at the Lodge or Camps
Soft drinks, beer, wine, and spirits
• Daily laundry service
• Wi-Fi Access at the LodgeThe Packages Do Not Include:
• International airfare to and from Santa Cruz, Bolivia
• Native Community Tax
• Meals and beverages in Santa Cruz, except for hotel breakfast
• Gratuities to guides and Lodge staff
• $25 departure tax
• Fishing tackle and flies
• Excess baggage charges
• Transportation not included in the itinerary
• Optional side trips
• Satellite calls - $5 per minute.
• Items or accommodations not explicitly listed
• Global Rescue coverage
• Travel insurance
• Any items not listed under inclusions.
Tsimane fishery, Agua Negra, Chimoro Stream and Secure River,
The Agua Negra River, meaning “Black Water,” is an important tributary of the Secure River within the Tsimane watershed. Carrying nearly half the water volume of the Secure, it splits into upper and lower sectors. Flowing clear and shallow from east to west, the river offers easy wading and excellent access to its waters. The Agua Negra is famous for strong golden dorado, with trophy fish reaching up to 30 pounds.
The Chimoro Stream is a small, clear tributary from the same mountains as the Agua Negra River. Light tackle, like a 5‑weight rod with small streamers or dry flies, works well for yatoranas and dorado. Access is a 15-minute canoe ride along the Secure River from the lodge.
The middle Secure River, from Ushwea Village to the Chimoro confluence, features shallow sandy flats and gradually stained waters. Anglers travel by wading or dugout canoe, casting near submerged logs and structures where trophy dorado often hold.
Guests describe Tsimane – Agua Negra Lodge as a world-class fishing destination, with consistent action on the Secure, Agua Negra, and Chimoro rivers
Anglers catch numerous golden dorado, often in double figures, along with pacu and yatorana. Big dorado can reach 24 lb or more.
Fishing varies by week, but even in tougher conditions, trophy fish still appear, making every catch satisfying.
A Typical Fishing Day at Agua Negra Lodge
7:00 a.m. – Breakfast at the lodge.
8:00 a.m. – Depart with your guide for a full day on the rivers.
Midday – Enjoy lunch on the riverbank.
4:00–5:00 p.m. – Return to the lodge for dinner.
Each day, teams of two anglers fish beats on the middle Secure River, Chimoro Creek, or Agua Negra River, exploring mountainous, pristine rainforest and a variety of waters that require different techniques for an engaging and dynamic fly fishing experience.
About the lodge
Agua Negra Lodge is a comfortable jungle retreat built from sustainably sourced wood, offering double rooms with private bathrooms, hot water, electricity, and free Wi-Fi, plus daily laundry and a small fly shop.
Meals include hearty breakfasts, packed lunches for river outings, and dinners featuring meats, pasta, desserts, and fine wines. An open bar with wine, beer, and spirits is included. Generator-powered electricity runs morning and evening, and satellite phone service is available.
For a more remote experience, 2–4 anglers can stay at the Out-Camp near the river headwaters. Access involves a short hike and canoe ride upstream. The camp features double wall tents, solar showers, chair toilets, a mosquito-netted gazebo, and a generator, with fresh meals prepared on-site to keep anglers fueled for fishing.
