Blood Knot Magazine

Home Waters – Oregon

High Time for Steelhead in the Desert

December 2010/January 2011
by Dave McCoy

Golden Dorado and Bolivia, until recently have not necessarily been on fly anglers’ radar at the same time, but they are now. The reason for this recent unification are few but considerable. For those who have ventured here, it has changed their lives and for all others, it will.

Golden Dorado are without question one of the majestic species on the planet to pursue with a fly rod. Every quality they possess of those instilled in us as virtues to cherish and dream of – even become obsessed about in our piscatorial pursuits.

These fish are utter killing machines and they approach (if you want to call it that) their prey knowing they are the kings in their waters. Nothing threatens the Golden Dorado and therefore the reckless abandon with which they attack their food and the ensuing fly chosen to throw at them is astounding.

Macaws screeching overhead deep in the jungle as you step from behind a boulder, slowly scanning the small pool upstream. You glimpse several creatures of golden hue jostling, waiting for your fly. Swallow hard, make the cast and hold on because these 20+ pounds of fish and teeth are going airborne – NOW!

Lakes, spring creeks and rivers, flats and blue water all hold true to one commonality, our desire to be present for the entire dance, the fly angling version of the tango. The fly is chosen, delivered and then taken by whatever swims there.

In Bolivia, it is simply that the partner happens to be one of if not the most magnificent dancers on the planet.

See Images Here