Fly fishing the Amazon
The fishing is not easily compared to any previous fishing experience. The river São Benedito is a black water river with a variety of water types. It is only fished by clients at the lodge, and only catch and release is practiced. The 18 ft jon boats have 25 Hp outboard to get you up and down the river quickly. They provide comfortable swivel seats and dry storage areas, along with a cooler where a variety of drinks and food are kept cold. Two anglers per boat give you ample room to practice whatever fishing technique you select. The guides are locals with incredible knowledge about the local fish, fish habits and fishing techniques. They are certain to help you 
berry and bamboo rod (we affectionately call this the “Huck Finn adventure.”) They speak very little English, mostly fishing terms, but communication generally comes as you get used to each other. You will mostly be fishing from the boat, so it is not a problem to bring a tackle bag, lure boxes, extra rods, etc. Some days you will fish all day and take lunch with you, other days you will return to Thaimaçu for lunch and enjoy a mid-afternoon siesta. You will want to make sure you pack rain gear, insect clothing and repellant, and lots of sunscreen.
This river São Benedito is only part of your fishing adventure. Your guide will also take you for an overnight adventure to one of three fishing outcamps on the river Cururu. This river was fished only by the local indigenous tribe until about a year ago. At this point, they allowed Thaimaçu to come and fish, catch and release only. This is a virgin river with fantastic fishing opportunities. You will spend the night in the fishing outcamp, which is a bit more rustic than the lodge. The outcamp provides wall tents, all with private bathrooms and hot showers. You will enjoy the food at the outcamps which is similar to the meals served at the lodge.
The combination of the two rivers and the wonderful accommodations make this trip an exciting adventure with plenty of different water types, fish species, and exhilarating surface takes. This would be a great adventure for everyone. Call us with any questions you may have about the lodge or the fishing.
The Fish Species
The Amazon basin, although famous for its Peacock Bass fishing, is home to numerous species of fish. Anything that has survived here has to be extremely tough and resilient in order to fend off the attacks of other ferocious predators on itself, its young and its eggs. This area has given adventurous fly fishers a new challenge in fighting exotic species. Many can be caught on a fly, while others are more likely to take lures or bait. All provide a great fight and some exciting, explosive takes.
Peacock Bass (Tucunaré): Contrary to its name, the peacock bass is not a member of the bass family, but instead, a member of the Cichlid family, a diverse family of tropical fish found throughout Africa, Central and South America. Many species of peacock bass can be found in this area of the Amazon – all are identified most predominantly by a large black eyespot on the tail. They feed on shri mp and actively pursued fish, and explode out of the water savagely to destroy your fly. Peacock bass accumulate in the lagoons during dry season, and scatter into the flood plains during rainy season.
Matrincha (Matrinxa): This is a species very sought after by anglers due to its exciting fight. It’s surface strike is amazing, and can be compared to that of the Peacock Bass. It looks like a giant, silvery shad, and can grow up to 12 lbs. It is a carnivore that eats small fish, grasshoppers, etc. in the dry season, and fruit during the floods.
Pacu: This is a bluegill-like fish that runs up to 20 pounds . It is located both in rapid water, where it feeds on weeds and algae, and slower water where it feeds on fallen fruit and berries. The Pacu does not explode on the surface as the others mentioned above, but jump 3-5 feet in the air while taking off a significant amount of line. These fish demonstrate an impressive fight, and give you the opportunity to fish some faster moving water.
Payara: This is the most unusual trophy you may see with its two long fangs on the bottom mouth that fit into slots in the upper mouth, and the tips stick out of the top of the head. They can grow to about 30 pounds, and are most easily taken on lures and bait. They are a strong fish with a good fight.
Piranha: This infamous fish is known mostly for its carnivorous
appetite and its razor sharp teeth. Contrary to popular lore that piranha will chomp off your foot if it dangles in the water, the Amazon piranha is not considered dangerous to people (although it would probably be a good idea to let your guide release it!) The piranhas can get up to 5 pounds, and feed on injured animals and fish. You wil notice that many fish you bring in will be missing parts of their tail or dorsal fin as they have been gnawed on by a piranha. Although it can be a menace to many other fish that you are reeling in, the piranha itself can put up a great fight, and is certainly an unusual catch.
Traíra: This is an interesting fish with its cylindrical body and round fins. It ranges in color from gray to brown. The canine-like teeth indicate that its food source is fish, frogs and insects. It lives in still waters, and prefers grassy and muddy habitats where it stalks its prey. The most successful traira fishing is at dusk and later.
These are the most frequently caught fish, and they all provide a great strike and fight. In addition, you will most likely encounter several species of catfish (Pirarara, Jaú, Piraíba) who may spool you before you know it, and freshwater barracuda (bicuda), with incidental smaller bait fish.
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