Fishing in La Paz, Bolivia: trout rivers

Trout fishing in Bolivia © Augustin Beirnaert

Around La Paz (Bolivia), many rivers are home to large populations of trout. In these rivers, catches can follow one another at an impressive rate, and it's quite possible to exceed 100 catches in a single day.

The rivers of Bolivia's Altiplano offer great opportunities for anglers. Access to them is sometimes difficult and requires careful preparation. I can only advise you to contact a local to help you with your preparations. Once you've done that, you'll be able to enjoy breathtaking scenery and an exceptional fishing experience.

Watersheds

The relief of the Andes mountain range provides a major hydrographic network. This network is divided into three major watersheds.

The first basin descends to the Amazon plains. The rivers in this region are generally highly protected, sometimes difficult to access, but home to the largest salmonid populations. Thanks to their isolation, these rivers are home to unique strains of rainbow trout. For example, the strain in one of the rivers I fish is almost black.

The second watershed flows into Lake Titicaca. Only three rivers on the Bolivian side flow into this lake. These rivers are easier to access and are used for commercial fishing, which weakens fish populations. However, some of the trout in these rivers are migratory, moving easily from lake to river and vice versa. In the 50s, this river system was renowned for its giant trout, attracting trophy anglers from all over the world. Unfortunately, commercial fishing and the expansion of local populations have decimated stocks, and it's not uncommon to catch nothing for several days.

The third watershed ends with evaporation in the Uyuni salar. The rivers in this basin, with their low gradient, resemble lowland rivers. In my opinion, they offer the best bite-to-catch ratio. However, they can be difficult to tackle due to the region's seismic and volcanic activity. This activity creates geysers, making the water in some tributaries too hot (sometimes over 50°C) and loaded with mineral salts. Even when the water cools, it remains salty and exceeds the biological limits of salmonids. A river can therefore be very productive for several hundred meters, then suddenly become sterile due to a warm, salty tributary.

Unique ecosystems

The watersheds of the Bolivian Altiplano offer ecosystems that are unique in the world. Fishing here is generally easy, but it's important to choose the right river for your needs. Not all rivers are home to fish, and populations vary greatly from one to another. What's more, it's essential to take into account the high mountain environment, which can be relatively hostile. A local guide will help you make the most of your fishing trip.

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