The Road to Golden Dorado

There are fishing trips that feel like adventures, and then there are journeys that feel like stepping into another world entirely. Golden Dorado fishing in Bolivia is firmly in the latter category.

It’s not just about the fish – though these golden predators are among the most electrifying you’ll ever hook into – it’s the setting that makes it unforgettable. Dense jungle alive with sound, brilliant birds and butterflies flashing through the canopy, and the slightly unnerving sight of a jaguar track pressed into the soft mud of the riverbank all serve as reminders: this is as wild as it gets.

Golden Dorado themselves are unlike any other freshwater species. Strong, aggressive, and beautifully marked, they embody raw predatory power. Having chased Dorado in both Northern Argentina and Bolivia over several trips, I’ve found an 8 or 9 weight to be the most versatile choice.

The single-hand 7X 990 & 890 is a perfect rod for varied stream fishing. Coupled with the Opti Runner & Speedrunner reels, that are light and retrieve line quickly. You need a set up that will deliver the fly quickly and accurately. On a recent trip to Tsimane, Bolivia, the Scientific Anglers Titan Jungle/Tropical clear tip was the line of choice for quick and easy casting of the big flies.

A Wire Trace is imperative to avoid the sharp teeth, and the SA knottable wire, coupled with a simple leader of 40lb Fluorocarbon, combined to make a 9 foot leader in total is perfect for most situations.

Golden Dorado are the ultimate predator and eat a large range of baitfish-style flies and surface flies including foam poppers and mouse-fly patterns.

As with all fishing, fish handling should be kept to a minimum, and where possible keep the fish in or over the water at all times, avoiding dragging them onto dry rocks. I use barbless hooks or de-barb them to ensure safe and easy release.

You’d be forgiven for thinking the streams in Bolivia closely resemble a gin-clear New Zealand trout stream, only in this case you’re sight fishing big golden bars in shallow runs. Hook up and hold on -there’s no better sight than a 30lbs GD exploding from the water against a jungle backdrop.

But beyond the thrill of the fight, fishing here is a reminder of why we travel to wild places. Golden Dorado in Bolivia aren’t just a challenge – they’re a connection to a raw, untamed world that lingers long after you leave the river.

This is as wild as it gets.