Fishing in the Amazon
The Amazon rainforest is a fisherman’s paradise. Over 2000 different species of fish inhabit these waters, with many new species being discovered every year. This is more than double the amount of species found in all of the Atlantic Ocean. Can you imagine casting lures or flies into these remote waters searching for that prized peacock bass? Perhaps you may want to go after the legendary giant catfish from the depths? Maybe you would like to try your skill with a hand spear under nothing but the moonlight? You can do all that and much more; join us on the remote Tahuayo River for the ultimate fishing adventure.
Fishing in our region
The rainforest is a dynamic ecosystem, constantly changing due to the yearly influx of water from the Andes Mountains. At times water levels can rise more than a foot in one day. Generally, the best season for fishing is August to November. This is when we would recommend more serious fisherman to visit the Tahuayo. During this time water levels are at their lowest and fish are concentrated into the main river channels.
Species
The Tahuayo is home to some of the most prized game fish in the Amazon. Some of the most popular of which include the peacock bass (butterfly), arowana, catfish (many varieties, some which grow over 200lbs), piranha, pacu, oscar, and vampire fish (payara). Whether you are a professional or just an amateur you never know what you will find when you cast a lure into the river.
Fishing Gear
We do provide basic gear and tackle only for simple piranha fishing. This includes a cane fishing pole or for those interested, a fishing spear. For those with a more serious interest in fishing it will be necessary to bring your own gear and tackle. Please take a look at our full itinerary which includes a detailed bait and tackle list.
Fishing Tour 8 days / 7 nights
Bait & Tackle Recommendations
Suggested Gear and Tackle for Butterfly Peacock Bass and Aruauna
You will want to bring a bass fishing rod of about 6 feet with a medium to fast taper. The taper is how quickly the rod becomes stiff and resistant from the tip of the rod. A fast taper rod will have a flexible tip, which is good for casting, but it becomes stiff very quickly as you move down the rod. It also has some backbone to it so you can apply some real pressure to the fish, which will probably be necessary when you see your peacock bass running straight for some trees or other structure which could snag or cut your line. If you are not experienced with casting a conventional real (like a Daiwa or Shimano bait-caster), then you’ll probably want a spinning rod and reel – those are the reels you have to pull back the round wire thing to open up the spool for casting. The good thing about spinning reels and rods
This is what you’ll need to bring to Peru:
- 1 Medium to fast taper
6 foot fishing rod appropriate for fish of to 10 pounds – spinning rod would be best. - 1 Spool of 10-pound Berkley monofilament
- 1 Spool of 12-pound Berkley monofilament
- 1 Spool of 15 pound Berkley monofilament
- 10 6-inch steel leaders (20-pound rated)
- An assortment of 10 bass plugs or poppers
- A few “Rattle Traps” – this is a relatively new lure which many fishermen swear by
- 1 package of 20 bass fishing hooks for 5 to
10 pound bass.
- The Amazon rainforest is a fisherman’s paradise. Over 2000 different species of fish inhabit these waters, with many new species being discovered every year. This is more than double the amount of species found in all of the Atlantic Ocean.
- (Recommended 10 days / 9 nights but shorter or longer trips available)
- Includes all in Amazon (all transfers, lodging, meals, private guide, excursions customized to your liking, gear such as jungle boots, wifi, entrance fees, conservation fees, port taxes, etc.).
- Optional expenses only: cola or beer drinks, souvenirs, tips, and laundry
Day 1 (trip starts after
Trip starts afterarrival of people on LA 2240, scheduled to arrive just past noon- Transfer in from airport or hotel
- If airport: Look for our booth in the baggage area of Iquitos Airport, by the
restrooms, with our logo (head of a hoatzin bird on a diamond shape) - If hotel: please let us know the address for where to pick you up.
- If airport: Look for our booth in the baggage area of Iquitos Airport, by the
- Speedboat transfer (note–is 4 hours) up the Amazon, then the Tahuayo
tributary to our lodge. - Evening excursion
Lunch, Dinner
Day 2-4
At the Tahuayo Lodge
Guided fishing with a private boat or other excursions in and around the TamshiyacuTahuayo
Reserve. Every day your native guide will discuss a selection of activities or
fishing sites that you can choose to do. There is no extra cost for a private guide or
customizing your itinerary to your needs and interests.
Some fishing sites from the main lodge:
- Quebrada Palmichal, an inlet from the Tahuayo that is very productive in
peacock butterfly bass and other fish - Lake Tabano – a permanently flooded forest and fish breeding ground
- Lake Tapaje and Lake Charo
- Tahuayo River
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5-7
At Amazon Research Center Peru Lodge, ARC
The Research Center is more remote, many miles away from any native inhabitation,
and thus there is no competition from the native fisherman. You will most likely be fishing
in sites where no one has fished before. Fishing sites include large and small lakes,
the Tahuayo River and the Tangarana River. At the Tahuayo Lodge
Full day birding in the islands near the mouth of the Tahuayo, a great place for sandpipers, herons, terns, skimmers, stilts, plovers and others. The evening will be spent looking for nocturnally active species along the river
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
At Amazon Research Center Peru Lodge, ARC
Before breakfast will be the last fishing outing. After breakfast you will be returned to the main lodge for lunch. After lunch return to Iquitos, arriving about 4pm.
Breakfast, Lunch
A note on our two lodges
The Tahuayo Lodge (main lodge)
- Cabins have private bathrooms
- A greater variety of activities
The Research Center Peru Lodge (ARC)
- Cabins have shared bathrooms
- Better hiking, over 50 miles of trails through a variety of ecosystems
- More wildlife
- The lodge is more remote, in more pristine forest
Erika
Our time in the jungle was an absolute highlight on our trip to Peru! Truly amazing! …Again, we had the most wonderful time. Almost more than words can say. The jungle and the Tahuayo Lodge hold very special places in our hearts and CAN NOT WAIT to return. Thank you again for offering such an amazing trip.
Renee
Our trip was INCREDIBLE. The lodge was great, the food was amazing, and the staff were all so friendly. We loved our stays at the B&B, the main lodge, and the ARC.
Tia & Paula
It was incredible and a trip of a lifetime Paul! My sister Paula and I had an amazing time and loved everything — your facilities and staff are top notch and I want to come back with my husband and daughters!!