- Tyler H. Tigard, Oregon
CALL NOW (509) 933-2300
CALL NOW (509) 933-2300
GOLDEN DORADO IN BOLIVIA
Golden Dorado made their mark on the international fly fishing community about fifteen years ago. Saying they made a big splash is a huge understatement. They have become one of the fish most represented on the bucket list of aspiring anglers, and the jungle of Bolivia is the epicenter of some of the best Dorado fishing in the planet.
Untamed Angling made the foray into this unknown part of the world, and now has three lodges targeting Dorado, all within close proximity to one another. They also have some of the best fishing destinations in Brazil, targeting huge Peacock Bass, Arapaima, and other exotic species of the Amazon basin. They are known to be both ambitious and adventurous, which has lead them to have these amazing destinations in some of the most secluded areas in South America. They are noted as well for their upscale hospitality, first-class service, and elevated food and wine.
2027
- July 29th - August 7th, 2027 // Hosted by Jon Covich
Interested in Other Dates?
No problem. We can set up your trip and make your travel planning stress free. Trust Red's and Jon Covich to plan your big adventure. Send Inquiry.
A Special Destination
Anglers come to Secure mostly in search of Golden Dorado. These fish come in two distinct groups - fish that are considered residents, and those that are migratory. The migratory fish add great numbers of these predators to the fishery. They follow the annual migration of a smaller fish known locally as the Sabalo, and these are the fish both the Dorado and the native villagers prefer to eat.
It is an amazing sight to see several large Dorado corralling Sabalo in the shallow water near the bank, with fish flying out of the water trying to escape, and the noise from the attack heard from around the river bend. Feeding frenzies like these provide unparalleled excitement for anglers. Guests will also cast to fish that guides see holding in likely spots, or will blind cast into structures of larger rocks or logs where Dorado are likely to be waiting in ambush.
Much, if not most of the fishing here is done while wading. Native guides will motor and then poll their long canoes into zones where anglers then wade runs before moving in the canoe to the next spot. This is done both in the main stem of the Secure River, as well as several smaller tributaries. Downstream, anglers will sometimes fish from the boat, as the river here is wider and usually more colored than upstream.
Besides Dorado, there are several other species that anglers will catch by accident, and some that can be targeted. Pacu are present here in some of the bigger pools, and are revered as one of the most powerful of freshwater fish, and a challenge to get them to commit to a fly. Yatorana are also caught by anglers, as is the occasional catfish.
THE SECURE LODGE
All guests will begin their journey by arriving in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, where they’ll stay in a comfortable hotel near the city center and have a bit of time to enjoy this vibrant and interesting city. The following morning, everyone meets at the local airport and boards a small charter aircraft bound for the jungle, landing on a grass airstrip near the native village, just downstream from the lodge. At the end of the fishing week, this travel plan runs in reverse—guests fly back to Santa Cruz, spend one final night in the city, and depart for home the next day.
Once in the jungle, guests settle into Secure Lodge, a beautifully constructed encampment built on elevated platforms of native hardwoods. The guest accommodations are well‑appointed wall‑tent rooms, each equipped with its own private toilet and shower for comfort and convenience in the remote setting. The main social area, built from the same rich hardwoods as the platforms, serves as the gathering point for all meals, drinks, and appetizers after the fishing day wraps up. The food is consistently excellent, and the thoughtful, high‑quality wine pairings add a refined touch to the overall experience.
THE FISHING!
Almost all the fishing near Secure is done on foot, with the exception of some beats on the main river itself. Otherwise, clients are transported in native canoes until they arrive at fishing spots where they wade and cast to both structure and visible fish. Besides Dorado, there are several other species available, most notable of which are Pacu.
“Sight‑casting to Golden Dorado in knee‑deep, wild, tannin‑stained water was such an unreal rush, the kind of thing that gets your hands shaking in the best way, and this whole trip just felt like a raw, honest fishing adventure where every day gave me something to laugh about, learn from, and replay in my head on the flight home,”
Cost & Trip Details
Cost:
- $9,795 per angler (includes indigenous fee)
Trip Includes:
- 9 Total Nights and 6 Full Days of Guided Fishing
- (2) Nights in Single Room in Santa Cruz including breakfast
- All meals at the Lodge
- Charter Flight from Santa Cruz to the Lodge
- Fishing License
- Wi/Fi and Laundry Service at Lodge
- Beer, Wine, Beverages
Not Included:
- Airfare (flight to Santa Cruz, Bolivia)
- Gratuities
- Overweight Baggage (if applicable)
- Flies, Leader, Tippet
- Misc. Expenses in Santa Cruz
- Bolivian Visa (for US Citizens)
The Jon Covich Hosted Experience
Partnering with Jon Covich as your trip host means traveling with one of the most experienced and respected figures in international fly‑fishing travel, a professional who has spent over 35 years immersed in the industry and built a reputation for deep destination knowledge, problem‑solving, and exceptional guest care. As your Red’s host, Jon will work directly with the lodge to coordinate ground transfers, manage guide assignments, help set clear expectations, and ensure every angler receives thoughtful, personalized support throughout the week. Drawing on his extensive background hosting trips across Cuba and South America—and his longstanding philosophy that true hosting requires intimate familiarity with the people, culture, and logistics of a destination—Jon will collaborate closely with the lodge’s head guide to organize smart pairings, mentor as needed, and make group‑wide decisions that best serve all Red’s customers.
In short, with Jon Covich as your on‑site Red’s host, you’re traveling with someone who knows the rhythms of international fishing travel inside and out, ensuring your experience is efficient, smooth, rewarding, and fully supported from start to finish.
TRAVEL LOGISTICS
All guests will first arrive in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, where they’ll check into a comfortable hotel and have some time to explore this fascinating city. The following morning, the group meets at the local airport and boards a small charter aircraft bound for the jungle, touching down on a grass airstrip near the native village, just downstream from the lodge. At the end of the fishing week, the travel flow runs in reverse: guests fly back out of the jungle, spend one more night in Santa Cruz, and then catch their international flights home the next day.
SINGLE ANGLERS WELCOME
Single anglers are always welcome on our worldwide hosted fly fishing trips, and we take great care in pairing guests to ensure a fun and rewarding experience. We’ll match you with a roommate and assign you a fishing partner for each day on the water, sometimes keeping pairs consistent and other times rotating to give everyone a well-rounded experience. Many solo travelers join our trips because we have a strong track record of fostering a great group dynamic, mixing anglers and guides to create an enjoyable atmosphere for all. While we strive to accommodate individual preferences, flexibility is key, as our primary goal is to rotate guide assignments and maximize opportunities for every guest. We simply ask our single anglers to embrace the adventure, go with the flow, and enjoy the incredible fishing!
Testimonials For Secure Lodge Bolivia
“I’ve traveled for fishing for years, but this experience stood out immediately. The combination of great hosts, organized days, and honest‑to‑goodness adventure made every moment count. I’m already recommending it to my closest fishing buddies.”
Brian S.
“From day one, the operation ran smoother than any trip I’ve been on. The guides, the schedule, and the vibe all created an atmosphere where I could actually relax and focus on fishing. I left feeling both refreshed and fired up for the next one.”
Kevin D.
"As a woman who travels to fish, I felt welcomed, supported, and totally comfortable the entire week. The hosts and staff created an atmosphere that was fun, professional, and incredibly well run. I’d go back in a heartbeat and wouldn’t change a thing.”
Megan L.
“This was one of those rare trips where every day brought a new highlight. Even when the fishing slowed down, the guides kept us laughing and learning. I came home with great photos, better skills, and even better stories.”
Chris P.
Deposit and Cancellation Policy
We understand that unexpected circumstances can arise, and we want to be as flexible as possible while ensuring our trips run smoothly. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking, with final payment due 90 days before departure. For trips scheduled within 90 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking. If you need to cancel, we will do everything in our power to rebook the trip to full capacity. If we are successful, we will gladly issue you a refund minus a $100 administrative fee. Additionally, if your plans change more than 90 days before departure, you have the option to reschedule your trip for a future date, subject to a $100 administrative fee. Our goal is to make your experience as stress-free as possible, and we’ll do our very best to assist you in the event of any changes.
Liability & Responsibility
- Red’s Fly Shop and the destination outfitter are not responsible for the loss of fishing days due to missed flights, illness, injury, weather delays, or any other unforeseen circumstances.
- Red’s Fly Shop reserves the right to make necessary itinerary changes, even if additional costs are incurred by the guest.
- Guests are responsible for any additional expenses resulting from delays or situations beyond the control of Red’s Fly Shop.
- Lost baggage, gear, rods, or personal items are not the responsibility of Red’s Fly Shop or the destination outfitter.
- Initial payment serves as acknowledgment that the guest has read and agrees to these policies.
- We strongly encourage anglers to purchase travel insurance and a medical evacuation plan to protect their trip investment. Guests should research policy requirements and coverage details to ensure they are adequately protected. A good starting point is Global Rescue.