With one of the highest concentrations of large Peacock Bass in the world, the Colombian El Tuparro Reserve National Park region has been kept well off the radar by fly fishermen until 2016 when the Colombian Government and rebel groups signed a peace agreement treaty after decades of conflict.
The peace agreement, earning then-President Juan Manuel Santos the Nobel Peace Prize has resulted in many safety concerns being alleviated with Colombia now a very popular destination for travellers. The city of Medellin – recently praised by the Urban Land Institute as the most innovative city in the world, has beautiful parks, colonial architecture, museums, nightlife, restaurants and fine coffee, and is the access point to La Primavera and the Tomo River catchment.
Virgin and unexplored, the the Tomo River is home to over 280 fish species, including Vampire Fish, Arowana, several species of Catfish and Piranha. However it’s the Temensis Peacock Bass which average over 10lb’s in weight, including fish around 15lb’s encountered daily, and Bass up-to 26lb’s landed that is the real appeal. Throw-in brilliant bird-life, caiman, iguana and orinoco pink dolphins from the comfort of a floating river camp and you have a fascinating fly fishing adventure.
Located on a huge sandy beach, the Akuani floating camp consists of 5 floating twin-share cabins with ensuite, deck, mains power, mosquito net, fan, power, full kitchen and camp restaurant, 15 staff with great meals all amongst one of the most virgin, and remote places on earth.
Three meals are served daily, with an exceptional range of meats, salads, and traditional Paisa dishes with dedicated dining area, while table dining for lunch by the river is the main meal of the day. Relaxing in hammocks under the trees after lunch allows you to hit the reset button before resuming the afternoon fishing session. Including fine wines and unlimited beers, the open fire on the beach in the evenings under the stars ensures a great stay.
Professionally run with great hospitality, all trips include an additional three nights accommodation at premier accommodation Medellin, which will allow you time to explore this vibrant and energetic city, otherwise known as “The City of Eternal Spring”.
The camp leaves no trace at seasons end, while also supporting local community conservation programs which we are always very supportive of.
Located near The Tuparro Natural Reserve, The Tomo River is one of Colombia’s most virgin ecosystems; As one of the main tributaries of the Orinoco River, this river is immensely rich in wildlife, and a paradise for anyone seeking the majestic Peacock Bass on fly.
The largest of all Peacock Bass species, the 3-Barred Temensis Peacock Bass average over 10lb’s in weight in this region, and represent around half of the Bass caught each day with the smaller Speckled Temensis, Butterfly and Electra Peacock Bass also common. Including fish around 15lb’s encountered daily, and Bass up-to 28lb’s landed, the condition of this fishery is the real appeal.
With violent takes and aerial acrobatics, the Temensis are a striking challenge on fly, located in the main rivers, snags, sand flats and lagoons which hold good numbers of fish. Fishing days are from 6:30 am to 5 pm, spread out over 100km’s of river networks and tributaries.
The river camp is moved throughout the season to ensure different waters are fished including the untouched networks of lagoons and flooded trees surrounding the area, which makes it the perfect home for over 280 species of fish and the favourite hunting ground for many other mammals, reptiles and birds.
Other species available include the Payara or Vampire fish, several species of Pacu, Arowana, Piranha and several species of Catfish. Fishing days are from sunrise to sunset in 14ft aluminium skiffs, with electrics fitted and small casting deck using streamers and poppers which provide exhilarating top water action, with 6 full days of fly fishing available each week.
Medellin Colombia is easily accessible with international flights daily from South America or a short three and a half hour flight direct from Miami, Florida.
On arrival, you will spend two nights (or more) to adjust to the time-zone and explore Medellin before the Saturday to Saturday fishing program. A domestic flight to La Primavera takes 1.5 hours and a 4-hour private transfer through private ranches to the remote La Primavera National park and the Tomo River.
Riverboat transfers are then made to the river camp for the week, before returning to Medellin the following Saturday.
Visas are not required, with fishing licences arranged prior to your arrival. Yellow fever vaccinations are required, and an ability to demonstrate this before re-entry by customs into Australia.
Let us do the groundwork for you.
Our tailored fly fishing and accommodation itineraries are designed with you in mind to suit your preferences. They are also quoted in your local currency with very favourable exchange rates.
Fly Odyssey has access to the best guiding and lodging rates, suitable tides and updated availability to this destination which can vary throughout the season.
This includes flight bookings, transit accommodation, transfers and a host of non-angling activities and experiences.
We specialise in group stays to the region, and our long involvement with our partners on the ground in Colombia will ensure you are well looked after both on and off the water.
This includes extended stays in Miami, Medellin and throughout South America.
Please enquire for the latest rates and availability, including information on any applicable special offers.
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Creating and sharing memorable travel experiences with our clients and friends provides us with genuine satisfaction. All of our trips are bespoke, tailored to your needs, and we always love hearing all about the adventure on your return.
Our knowledge of travel logistics saves you time, and our highly experienced team is here to ensure it’s spent on the water and not at the desk or on a long flight connection that you didn’t require. Since 2006 we have developed a valued client-base that has travelled to all corners of the globe.
We are a fully-accredited travel agency, where all of our flights, accommodation and associated travel bookings are made in-house, which means that you pay less. We have access to a huge range of specials, deals, great volume pricing and excellent currency exchange rates, allowing us to pass these benefits directly onto you.
On the fishing front, our extensive expertise and experience around prime seasons, species, moon-phases, tides and personalised customer service is centred around one principal – preparation. This includes detailed gear and equipment lists, the fly patterns, transfer details, up-to-date fishing reports and some of the finer aspects that can often be overlooked.
We travel extensively and understand that your free-time is important. Just as we all understand from experience, that the key to a successful trip is pre-trip preparation.
Our highly experienced team has fly fished the world for the last 25 years, and we understand the considerations and gear needed to turn a good fly fishing trip into a great one.
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Season: January to March
Species: Temensis Peacock Bass, Vampire Fish, Arowana, Catfish, Piranha
Location: Ex. Medellin, Colombia
Fly Fishing: Rivers, sand flats, rock bars, snags and lagoons
Temperature: Warm and tropical ~ 30+ degrees