Colombia Afloat is a mobile floating fishing camp specializing in targeting large peacock bass on the remote Tomo River in eastern Colombia. The Tomo is an exceptional river with good numbers of large fish that are targeted by both fly and conventional anglers. With three species of peacock bass, the largest of which tickle the 20-pound mark, and additional species, this is an exotic jungle adventure well suited to anglers of all skill levels. Moreover, this is a well-rounded travel adventure that begins with an enriching overnight in the appealing city of Medellin followed by a flight, four wheeling and ultimately a boat ride into camp.

Accommodations are simple, yet comfortable, floating cabins. Anglers sleep two per cabin, each equipped with a flush toilet, cool water shower, and fans over each bed. Hearty, simple meals are served by a very friendly local staff in an outdoor dining tent. Anglers have lunch either on the river, where they are met by a camp hand who brings them a warm lunch, or back in their cabins if they are fishing close to camp. The fishing days are generous, and guests should expect many encounters with peacock bass across a broad range of sizes.

There are several different species of fish in these remote rivers, but most prevalent are three species of peacock bass. The largest and most sought after is the temensis. Each day anglers leave the front porch of their floating cabins in skiffs and travel to the fishing grounds. Some days anglers will fish very close to camp, and on others they will explore areas much further away. There are two rivers here, and both offer excellent opportunities. The camp is located on the banks of the Tomo River. This will be the main water that guest fish throughout their week. Further downstream, the Gavilan joins the Tomo, and skiffs will turn upstream to explore it as well. Besides fishing the rivers, guests will often fish small lakes or lagoons which have been separated as the water recedes over the season. These are usually accessed by a short walk along a jungle trail, to a skiff that has been previously drug in by lodge staff.

This fishing requires a lot of casting, as most often the fish are not sighted. Instead, anglers search for fish through casting to likely looking holds in the rocks along the banks, or around deadfall in the river or lagoons. Generally, sink tips lines are the most productive, although floating lines see great success as well.

This is a high-quality fishery. Anglers who want high numbers of hooks ups in a day will be very satisfied. Other anglers looking for trophy fish are generally happy as well, as there are good numbers of peacocks reaching double digits, with most boats landing fish in the 15-pound range each day.

Each season, Afloat tows floating cabins up the Tomo River, until they find a large sand bar that is just right for setting up their seasonal camp.

And to be clear, this is a camp. For guests truly needing ultimate creature comforts and pampering, this is probably a destination to skip. All that said, the Afloat camp is well-equipped, and comfortable. There are five cabins, each of which sleeps two guests. The cabins do not have air conditioning, but with fans over each bed and much of the cabin open to the outside, we found heat to not be much of an issue. Each cabin also has a flush toilet, as well as a cold shower. 

The staff at the camp is incredible, always willing to help and with a smile on their face. Coffee is available at dawn, set up on a table in the sand mere steps from the cabins. When breakfast is ready, guests join each other under an awning set up where the beach meets the canopy of the jungle for eggs to order, sausage and bacon, fruit, and arepas. Lunch is usually delivered to a sand bar where workers have set up a table under the jungle canopy, and most guests then can share the meal together as well as stories about the morning’s catch. Lunch is usually a warm cooked meal, and very hearty. After arriving back at camp, guests receive a visit from one of the lovely camp hostesses with appetizers and a drink while they spend some time relaxing before dinner. Again, served under the dining tent, dinner is hearty and plentiful, although not fancy. All drinks, outside of hard spirits, are included in the price of the trip and in plentiful supply.

Colombia is a fascinating country, and Medellin a beautiful city. If time allows, we do recommend guests to add a few days to their trips to tour the nearby countryside. We can help with activities like the Pablo Escobar tour in Medellin, as well as visits to the nearby mountains where Colombia grows both coffee and orchids.

On the river, clients who appreciate nature will be fascinated. There are a lot of wading birds here, as well as monkeys in the trees. Each week there are usually multiple tapirs spotted, and sighting a jaguar is not unusual.

Day 1: Arrive Medellin. Transfer to hotel. Night on town on own.

Day 2: Breakfast at the hotel. Pickup and shuttle to domestic airport for short charter flight to the town of Primavera Vichada. Lunch in town, and then drive via 4-wheel drive SUV’s to Tomo River (approx. 3.5hours). Transfer by boat to Colombia Afloat camp (15 minutes). Get organized for fishing. Appetizers and dinner at the camp.

Day 3-8: Full day of fishing. Lunch on the river. Return to camp for appetizers and dinner.

Day 9: Breakfast at camp before early departure by boat to waiting SUV’s. Return to Primavera Vichada for charter flight to Medellin. Arrive in Medellin by mid-afternoon and check in to hotel. Night on the town on own.

Day 10: Breakfast at hotel and check out. Pick up for shuttle to international airport for flights home.

2025 Rate: Per person based on double occupancy

• 10 night/6 day package: $4,400 plus $400 native fees

Included: Accommodations, meals and beverages including wine and beer, in-country transfers between airport and hotel and hotel and fishing camp, two hotel nights in Medellin, fishing license, guided fishing.

Not Included: Airfare, expenses while in Medellin outside of hotel, staff and guide gratuities, fishing tackle.

Species: Three species of peacock bass, pacu, catfish, piranha

Season: January-March

Capacity: 10 anglers

Who is best suited to this destination? Colombia Afloat is best suited to anglers looking for a true fly fishing adventure without excessive creature comforts, and wanting to explore seldom fished waters for large peacock bass.

Where is the lodge? The Colombia Afloat Camp is situated on the banks of the Tomo River in eastern Colombia.

How do I get there? Arriving guests land in Medellin. After overnighting there, guests will take a one-hour charter flight east followed by a 3.5-hour drive in SUV’s. The final leg of the journey is a 15-minute boat ride to camp.

When should I go? The Afloat camp season is short and only open from January through the end of March. The earlier season has higher water and a few more bugs, while the later season sees lower water and less insects.

How will I fish? Almost all angling will be done from a comfortable fishing skiff, with two anglers per boat. Anglers will fish a variety of fly lines, ranging from heavy sinking to floating. Casting to structure along the shoreline and stripping is the primary technique.

Is there wade fishing? It can be done, but it is not the prevalent method of fishing.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? Run times from camp vary greatly, with the close beats being only a ten-minute ride by boat, while the longest can be just over an hour.

What types of fish will I catch? There are three species of peacock bass in these river systems, temensis, paca and butterflies. They are, by far, the dominant species, and anglers should not count on catching an abundance of other species. That said, there are pacu, piranha, and catfish here that are caught by anglers.

How many fish will I catch? This is a high-quality and high quantity fishery. Each skiff of two anglers should expect to hook between 20 and 50 fish per boat per day.

Will I see other anglers? More than likely you will not see any other anglers during your week of fishing.

What are the guides like? The fishing guides come from villages in this remote part of Colombia. They are very knowledgeable, friendly, and shy. Their knowledge of English is limited.

What are the physical demands? The greatest demands are long days of fishing, in what can be hot and humid conditions. There is very little walking but lots of casting and stripping. While not overly physical, these days can sap a person’s energy.

Are there any special skills required? No but anglers who are more skilled at casting long and quickly will have more success than others.

Does the lodge provide equipment? No. Anglers need to arrive with all their own tackle. The lodge will make flies available. They must be pre-ordered, and then paid for in cash by guests upon arrival at the camp.

What is your favorite set up for the trip? Rods should be powerful, and with faster actions. A 9-foot 8- or 9-weight is ideal. Anglers should have at least one sinking tip, and one reel with a floating line.

What are the top flies? Larger streamers advertised for jungle fish will all work. Flies should be between two and four inches long, and anglers should have a variety of colors ranging from chartreuse, to olive, orange, yellow and white, or combinations thereof. 2/0 and 3/0 hooks are most popular.

What are the options if water conditions become challenging? The fishing season at Afloat is during Colombia’s dry season. This does not mean it will not rain, but days on end of deluges are very rare. As such these rivers tend to stay in shape and fishable. If they somehow were not, guides would bring clients to lakes and lagoons separated from the rivers.

What is the typical day like? Anglers are usually up and having coffee early. Breakfast starts at 7:00AM, and anglers will be off to fishing before 8:00AM. Lunch is usually served along the riverbank, and guests can choose to take a siesta in hammocks slung between trees under the jungle canopy. Skiffs return to camp between 5:00 and 5:30PM.

What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the lodge? The style of the Colombia Afloat Camp is casual, fun, and friendly.

Is there an on-site manager, or other point person at the lodge? Yes. Colombia Afloat always sends a manager to accompany each fishing group. They are there to explain things guests need to know, and to solve any issue that might arise.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? While in camp, meals are served under a dining tent, set up where the beach meets the canopy of the jungle. Lunches are most often set up and served in nice locations within one’s daily beat. When fishing a beat close to camp, guests will likely return for lunch. The food is not fancy, but tasty, and hearty.

What is the alcohol policy? Beer and wine are provided in camp and included in the weekly rate. Guests are welcome to bring spirits for themselves, which they will generally purchase in Medellin.

Is there internet or cell service? No. There are two satellite phones on hand at the camp in case of emergencies.

Are there other activities? Guests who enjoy bird watching and viewing wildlife will have a great experience at Colombia Afloat. Monkeys, Tapirs, Jaguars, and a plethora of wading birds all call the Tomo River home. With that said this is a trip for serious anglers.

Are there any other expenses? Guests will have some miscellaneous expenses in Medellin, such as taxis, drinks, meals, and spirits if they choose to bring them to the camp. Otherwise, staff and guide tips are the only other expenses to expect.

Do I need a visa? No.

Are there any health concerns, dangers, or annoyances? Guests susceptible to heat need to take some care as the days are long and can be hot. There are some biting insects most prevalent around dusk or when there is no wind.

We recommend that guests always consult with the U.S. Department of State and the Center For Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines.