Based out of the comforts of the main Pluma Lodge and the two headwater out-camps, anglers have access to three different rivers, each different and unique: the Pluma River, Itirizama River, and the lower Secure River. This broad variety of waters and pools allow groups to fish fresh water every day, and rarely, if ever, repeat the same fishing beat. The water types very from deep pools to rugged terraced pocket water. In order to keep the Pluma River as untouchable and virgin as it is possible, motors are restricted – except for a small sector where the Pluma joins the Secure River – and all fishing is done either by wading or poling in the new aluminum skiffs or dugout canoes. The Pluma River is a moderately-sized crystal clear freestone river, with an incredibly rich and beautiful topography. It is easier to wade due to its wide banks, mostly composed of round smooth gravel and rock. Further upstream, it does get steeper and more rugged. This river is home to all four of them main species targeted in Tsimane: Dorado, pirapitinga, yatorana and surubí. Omnivorous species such as yatoranas and pirapitingas are more and more frequent in the high sectors, the super-aggressive, carnivorous dorados are the kings of the lower section. The high section is upstream from the confluence of the Pluma and Itirizama Rivers. It is reminiscent of many familiar trout freestone rivers, as it is full of boulders, shallow runs and riffles, and well-defined deep pools, all characterized by gin-clear water. Here the fishing is done almost entirely on foot, walking and wading upstream. A Chiman canoe is used to carry additional gear and coolers and is very useful to row/pole back down to the Lodge at the end of the day. This part of the river is home to large number of resident dorado. These powerful fish are seen holding in most of the pools and pocket water, and are caught by sight casting using surface flies such as Titanic Slider, Poppers, Divers or using mice imitations (an exclusive bite for Salminus). The further upstream one goes, the more pirapitingas and bigger yatoranas are seen. The type of water here gives anglers better chance to get a Grand Slam or Super Gland Slam, landing all of the primary Tsimane species. The lower Pluma of river extends from the confluence with the Itirizama River to its mouth in the Secure River. The structure of this sector is similar to the upper sector, but the water volume is 50 or 60% higher making for wider, deeper pools in general, and more powerful runs. With more water to work in, the fish have more room to fight and aerial acrobatics are commonplace events whenever a large dorado is hooked. The jungle is less dense, and the shorelines can at times be marshy. Fishing is carried out on canoes (without engines) running downstream. Anglers come back to the Lodge traveling by land on 4x4 vehicles through a jungle path. This section has a wide variety of water types, steep dropoffs, long runs, sand-covered flats, islands with braided channels, and deep pools. Dorado are the undisputed kings in this section of river; however, very large pirapitingas can be caught fishing the deep pools, which are natural food traps. These fish are often seen slurping nuts and fruit from the river’s surface. There are basically four types of fishing strategies when hunting dorado: 1. Prospect for fish in runs (sight casting and blind casting) 2. Precise casts to ambush points such as logs or submerged trees 3. Sight cast into feeding frenzies in the pools where dorado hunt the sable . 4. Sight cast in pocket water behind rocks or in shallow pools, runs and flats. The biggest pools, which are near the confluence with the Secure River, have low sandy areas where one can sight cast to cruising and feeding dorado, similar to bonefishing on the shallow saltwater flats. The largest dorado landed at Tsimane came from this section of river, a 38 pound beast landed (and released) in Ramiro’s pool. The Itirizama is considered by many anglers “the jewel in the crown” of the Tsimane programs. It is similar in size and volume to the high sector of the Pluma River, but it has a steeper gradient and more rugged terrain, giving it a very different look and feel. The Itirizama runs from west to east through rugged canyons, making it a typical mountain stream with many runs, rapids, waterfalls and large boulders. Cascading boulder gardens give way to deep pools flanked by exposed canyon walls. This is the most physically intense section of river to hike, wade and fish, but the rewards of incredibly scenic beauty – and some of the largest dorado anywhere – makes it worth the extra effort. These sections are only recommended for anglers in very good physical condition. The water is the coldest and the clearest in all of Tsimane, so the fishing is more technical, and often more rewarding. Anglers are less likely to catch large number of dorado, but they are very likely to catch the best dorado of their trip here. It is a true trophy fishery. In fact, some of them are really huge but tricking them in the small clear water can at times be extremely demanding. Fish are often caught drifting smaller flies to individual fish in the deep pools, or stripping streamers in the faster pocket water and runs. Sometimes using big dry flies can even attract these sometimes selective fish. To see a 20 pound dorado and take a surface pattern as gently as a trout eating a mayfly is a truly amazing moment. In some of the far upstream pools, we also find large numbers of big pirapitingas, which can be caught using fruits imitations, streamers and big dry flies. The Agua Negra River is an important tributary of the Secure River and it is the newest addition to the Tsimane fishery. This river, which has its own lodge for 4 rods, and a new headwaters out-camp. It has approximately half of Secure’s water volume and it is divided into the high and low Agua Negra. The Lower Agua Negra has features similar to a flood plain river (low gradient) but its water is clear and runs slow. The river meanders through river valley with numerous sandy beaches, deep runs and cover to hold strong populations of dorado and yatoranas. The latter can be tempted using lightweight fly rods, dry flies and/or small streamers. The lower Agua Negra is the perfect spot to sight-cast to dorado during feeding frenzy activity - an adrenaline infused angling moment never forgotten. The high section of the Agua Negra River is one of Tsimane’s special places, due to its excellent number of dorado and pirapitingas. Moreover, the largest number of surubí atigrado (South American striped catfish) are found in this river. This is an ideal place for those anglers that want to trick these powerful catfish using flies. Due to the fact that fish move in schools, doubles hook ups are frequent. Fishing is done by walking upstream and sight fishing in low waters and prospecting for fish in runs and deep pools. To be successful on these waters you must use a floating line, long leader and delicate presentation.