The target was payara — what most people call the “vampire fish.” They’ve earned that name. Long teeth. Hard takes. Zero forgiveness.
This isn’t a casual trip. Travel takes a couple of days each way, and the fishing is physical. Most of the work is done with 10- and 11-weight rods throwing flies from 6 to 13 inches. If you can cast an 8- or 9-weight 50–60 feet with confidence, you’ll be prepared for most of our hosted trips. For Colombia, the better your casting, the more you’ll enjoy it.
There are moments on this river that remind you why preparation matters. A 25-pound payara took me nearly half a mile downstream before we landed him. Catfish will grab your fly and head through rapids before you’ve had time to think about what’s happening. Everything seems to have teeth. This is big water and heavy current. It demands respect.
What It Takes
We fished 10–11 weight rods like the Winston Air 2 Max and Lamson Cobalt, paired with large-arbor reels capable of holding at least 250 yards of backing — reels such as the Lamson Litespeed M 10 and Redington Grande 9/10/11.
Fast-sinking lines like the RIO Elite Leviathan and Scientific Anglers Sonar Titan Tropical/Jungle Clear Tip helped us get flies down quickly in strong current.
Wire leaders are mandatory. We use Scientific Anglers Absolute Predator 7x7 Knottable Wire 40 lb, paired with 3–4 feet of 50-pound Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon Shock Tippet 50 lb. Even then, fish will find ways to break you off.
When fish follow but won’t commit, quick changes matter. Scientific Anglers Locking Snaps make that easy. Small details add up on this river.
I also relied heavily on Simms Pursuit Shoe — easy to slip off in the boat and secure enough when stepping into current or climbing onto a rock to make a cast. Over the last 12 months, I’ve spent 27 days in Colombia. That shoe has been with me most of that time.
Travel & Access
Flights to Bogotá were around $600 roundtrip last month. The trip itself was $2,500, including in-country flights. We rented an Airbnb for $75 to shower and rest on the way in and did the same on the way out.
Bogotá is a modern city with excellent restaurants and nightlife, especially in the northern neighborhoods. Like any large city, there are areas to avoid at night, but it’s well worth spending an extra night or two to break up the travel.
Access to this river is strictly limited. I am allowed to bring only five additional anglers each year. Dates for 2027 are not set, but we’re building the interest list now.
Next Up: Southern Belize Saltwater Adventure
Hosted Fly Fishing Trip | May 3–10, 2026
While Colombia is about heavy current and large freshwater predators, Southern Belize is about saltwater precision — permit, tarpon, and bonefish on the flats.
If you can comfortably cast 60 feet with accuracy and handle an 8–10 weight rod, you’ll be ready. Belize is technical in a different way. Shots matter. Presentation matters. The right gear matters.
We are finalizing our roster now for:
Southern Belize Saltwater Adventure
May 3–10, 2026
Spots are limited.
If you’re interested in Colombia 2027 or want details on Belize 2026, call the shop or stop in. We’ll make sure you’re prepared — from rods and reels to the details that matter when the fish of a lifetime eats.
Some trips are about numbers.
Some are about experience.
Colombia is about commitment.
Belize is about opportunity.