Amazon Peacock Bass Adventure

Peacock Bass Fishing in the Amazon
The Rio Negro is one of the world’s most renowned destinations for trophy peacock bass fishing, with a vast and varied system of rivers, tributaries, lagoons, channels and flooded jungle margins. During this trip, anglers will fish both the Rio Negro and the remote Arirarrá River, located approximately 105 kilometres upriver from Barcelos. The fishing area includes broad river sections, narrow connecting channels, sheltered lagoons and secluded jungle backwaters, creating a wide range of habitats to explore. This variety allows the guides to adjust each day’s fishing programme according to seasonal water levels, recent fish activity and changing local conditions.

The main target is large temensis peacock bass (Cichla temensis), including the açu and paca colour forms. The temensis is known for explosive topwater strikes, powerful runs and their tendency to fight around submerged timber and shoreline structure. Butterfly peacock bass are also present throughout the system, providing additional action while anglers search for the larger trophy fish.

Most peacock bass fishing is carried out with spinning or baitcasting tackle, although fly fishing is also available. Anglers work surface lures, jerkbaits, jigs and other presentations around sandbanks, fallen trees, submerged structure and likely ambush points. Some days produce explosive surface fishing, while changing conditions may require slower presentations around deeper water or quieter lagoons.

Fishing is typically with two anglers and a professional local guide aboard a purpose-built 17-foot bass boat powered by a 115 hp engine, enabling guides to cover considerable distances in search of favourable water. Support boats positioned in more isolated lakes further extend the fishing range and provide access to areas beyond those reached directly from the lodge.

In addition to peacock bass, anglers can also dedicate time to the Rio Negro’s large Amazonian catfish. Piraíba, one of the region’s largest catfish, and redtail catfish, locally known as pirarara, are targeted using heavier conventional tackle and natural bait in deeper river channels and other suitable areas. These species add a different dimension to the programme, allowing anglers to combine active lure fishing for peacock bass with the opportunity to encounter some of the Amazon’s most powerful freshwater fish.

Lodging is provided at Amazon Xplor Lodge in one of 14 private, air-conditioned chalets, configured for single or double. Each chalet has two double beds, a minibar and a spacious private bathroom with hot, potable water supplied from an artesian well. The rooms provide a comfortable and practical place to rest after a full day of fishing, with daily housekeeping and laundry service included throughout the stay.

The main communal areas include a restaurant, indoor and outdoor seating, a swimming pool, a bar and riverside spaces where anglers can relax between fishing sessions. All breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks and desserts are included, together with drinks and a premium bar service offering a selection of spirits, wines, beers and cocktails. Wi-Fi is available around the property, although occasional interruptions are possible due to its remote Amazon location.

The fishing area is located at the mouth of the Arirarrá River, where it joins the Rio Negro in the Brazilian Amazon. It lies approximately 105 kilometres upriver from Barcelos, in the state of Amazonas. This remote position provides direct access to both the Rio Negro and Arirarrá River fisheries, including the surrounding lagoons, channels and jungle backwaters.

How to get there
The journey begins in Manaus, the main arrival point for international and domestic flights into the region. Anglers spend the first night at a four-star hotel in Manaus before transferring to the airport the following day for a shared charter flight to Barcelos. On arrival in Barcelos, a short road transfer takes the group to the river, where anglers board an express boat for the final journey up the Rio Negro to the lodge. The boat transfer takes approximately one hour and twenty minutes and includes comfortable seating, a restroom, Wi-Fi, waitstaff service and an all-inclusive bar.

Day 1: Arrive in Manaus
Arrive at Eduardo Gomes International Airport, where anglers will be met and transferred to a four-star hotel in Manaus. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing time to rest after the journey, organise fishing equipment and prepare for the onward transfer into the Amazon.

Day 2: Manaus to the Rio Negro
Anglers transfer to the airport for the shared charter flight from Manaus to Barcelos. After landing, the journey continues by road to the river, followed by an express boat transfer of approximately one hour and twenty minutes upriver. On arrival, anglers settle into their accommodation, meet the guides and attend a briefing covering the fishing programme, local conditions and the days ahead.

Days 3 to 8: Six Full Days of Fishing
Enjoy six full days fishing the Rio Negro and Arirarrá River, including the main river channels, connected lagoons, sandbanks, narrow waterways and secluded jungle backwaters. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, refreshments and drinks are included throughout the fishing programme. Lunch may be served on the water or during a break at a suitable riverside location, depending on the day’s fishing plan and the areas being explored.

Day 9: Return to Manaus
Depart by express boat and travel back to Barcelos, followed by the return charter flight to Manaus. On arrival, anglers transfer to Eduardo Gomes International Airport for their onward flight or continue to an independently arranged hotel when an additional night in Manaus is required. Anglers should avoid arranging tight onward connections, as charter flights and river transfers may be affected by weather and local operating conditions.

Rates per angler:
Starting from US$6,250 per angler

What’s Included:

• Six full days of guided fishing
• Private air-conditioned chalet accommodation based on the selected occupancy
• Professional local fishing guides
• Two anglers sharing a 17-foot bass boat with a 115 hp engine
• All breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks and desserts
• Drinks and premium all-inclusive bar service
• Daily housekeeping and laundry service
• One night at a four-star hotel in Manaus based on double occupancy
• Return charter flights between Manaus and Barcelos
• Scheduled ground transfers in Manaus and Barcelos
• Return express boat transfers between Barcelos and the fishing area
• Barcelos municipal tourism fee
• Landing nets, pliers, fish grips and measuring equipment
• Standard safety equipment aboard the fishing boats
• Full coordination throughout the fishing trip

What’s Not Included:

• International and scheduled domestic flights to and from Manaus
• Additional hotel nights, meals or transfers in Manaus
• Fishing licences, including the federal and Amazonas state licences
• Fishing rods, reels, lines, lures and personal tackle
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• Personal purchases and services not specifically listed
• Travel and emergency medical insurance

Limited availability. Rates and dates are subject to confirmation.

When is the best time to fish the Rio Negro for peacock bass?
The fishing season runs from September through February, covering the falling-water, low-water and early rising-water periods. Lower water levels generally concentrate baitfish and peacock bass within defined river channels, lagoons and backwaters, making fish easier to locate. Water levels vary each year, so guides adjust daily plans between the Rio Negro, Arirarrá River and connected lagoons according to current conditions.

What species can anglers target during the trip?
The main target is the giant peacock bass, Cichla temensis, including the açú and paca colour phases. Butterfly peacock bass are also found throughout the system and can provide regular action between encounters with larger fish. Anglers can also dedicate time to piraíba and redtail catfish, which are targeted with heavier conventional tackle in deeper sections of the river.

How are peacock bass targeted on the Rio Negro and Arirarrá River?
Anglers mainly use baitcasting or spinning tackle with artificial lures worked around submerged timber, sandbanks, lagoon entrances, shoreline structure and other likely ambush points. Surface lures can produce explosive visual strikes, while jerkbaits, diving lures and jigs are effective when fish are holding deeper or responding less aggressively. Fly fishing is also available, although repeated casting with large flies or artificial lures can be physically demanding.

What is the IGFA world record for peacock bass?
The current IGFA All-Tackle World Record for peacock bass, Cichla temensis, is 29 lb 1 oz (13.19 kg). The fish was caught by Andrea Zaccherini on the Rio Negro on 3 November 2010. This record highlights the exceptional size potential of giant peacock bass within the system. View the official IGFA world record

How do anglers reach the fishing area?
The journey begins in Manaus, where anglers spend one night at a four-star hotel. The following morning, anglers take a shared charter flight to Barcelos, followed by a short ground transfer to the river. The final journey is an express boat transfer of approximately one hour and twenty minutes to the fishing area at the mouth of the Arirarrá River. Return travel follows the same route at the end of the trip.

What should anglers pack for the trip?
Anglers should bring lightweight, quick-drying fishing clothing, polarized sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a lightweight waterproof jacket. A small waterproof bag is useful for protecting phones, cameras and personal items. Soft-sided luggage and compact rod cases are recommended for the charter flight, with the final baggage allowance confirmed before departure.