Xingu Xingu - Untamed Angling

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Fishing & Gear

Fishing & Gear

The Xingu basin offers the most prolific multispecies fishery in the Amazon and probably of all freshwater rivers on earth. This high fish species diversity can be attributed to the nutrients and food entering the river from the forest combined with minerals in the river that support prolific plankton growth. 
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The clearwater transmits sunlight to support podostemaceae plant development further contributes to lower levels of the food chain. Several fish species eat these plants and are then consumed by other fish species higher up the food chain. The Xingu offers many different habitats for fish: meanders, pools, channels, lakes, lagoons, riffles, rapids and waterfalls. The consequence is unparalleled fish species diversity. 
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The waters of the Xingu and Iriri are impressively clear because they drain ancient Brazilian shield granite, in contrast to most large Amazon rivers which are laden with sediment; e.g., the Madeira, Purus, Solimões and Amazon Rivers.The geological structure of the Xingu river basin forms a high diversity of sub habitat that is used by more than 700 species of fish. Anglers can target various species using different techniques all in the same stretch of river. 
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When Untamed Angling scouted the waters of Xingu River and its tributaries, we found a magnificent clear water system with many fish species, especially for big Payaras on the fly. Below a list of species an angler can experience in Xingu. 
Imagine yourself in a clear water jungle river with the opportunity to hook a variety of amazing and powerful Amazon species -all caught only in the Amazon and most experienced only in the Xingu basin sport fishery. In the humid hot air of the Amazon morning, anglers will see fish sipping and rolling on the surface like trout. Impressive sized Pacu eat insects and anglers can fish them with dried and wet flies! Anglers can fish big hoppers for Matrinxas (2-8lbs) in a run or the crazy Curupete Pacu (3-12lbs) which also attacks insect imitations and algae flies in fast waters of the rapids. Exploring runs and flats areas for Tucunare peacock bass (3-15lbs) is also fun using big streamers and poppers, but watch out for the fast powerful barracuda- like freshwater predator (pikecharacid) Bicudas, that once hooked will burn your fingers in a second. And there are more... Being that we all like aggressive big fish, the Payaras and the prehistoric Wolfish are also found in the Xingu waters. Anglers will experience sight casting for 10-25 pounds Wolfish in shallow water and tributaries. They act like hungry wolves chasing meat, when you cast a popper or a big fly. A defining feature of the Xingu sport fishery is abundant large schools of Payara and the opportunity to fish them consistently during the end of the dry season, when they stay deep in large pools, mixed with larger catfishes and other species like freshwater drums and pacus.

Fishing Season

The fishing season runs during the dry season from late May through late November in the Xingu and Iriri region. The dry season is characterized by lack of rain, low water levels and clear water that allows for great fishing throughout the entire river system, including its numerous tributaries. We operate the Xingu project during the lowest water months when Payara fishing is best as this species prefers the deepest parts of the river bed; at other times of high water the fish spread into flooded forest and became difficult to find. The best fishing season for Payara in the Xingu runs from September to November.

Rainy season in the southeastern Amazon begins in late November/early December and the rivers reach their highest levels in March. After the rainy season ends, water clarity improves and river levels start to drop. Millions of fish begin their migration upstream to find food (trophics migration) in the most oxygenated waters on granite base, riffles and rapids. Predatory fish follow this migration and the pulse of life comes back to the headwater system. The dry season is characterized by hot and breezy days, cool nights and very few mosquitoes and blackflies. This is a pleasant time of year that the Kayapó refer to simply as “nice”. In contrast, the rainy season is characterized by torrential rain, the inundation of rivers and creeks and annoying clouds of biting insects.

CATCH & RELEASE RULES

All fish caught should be released without exception and please avoid unnecessary handling of the fish. Single hooks are mandatory. Handling these fish requires precaution, not only to avoid hurting them but also to prevent injuries to you. Follow your fishing guide's instructions.

Fishing Gear

6 to 10 weight single handed rods are the norm. It is best to have two or maybe three rods rigged with different lines and/or flies in the boat. Please plan on bringing extra backup rods. Powerful rods with a strong butt section are recommended. All of the saltwater series of the top rod brands are considered good choices. Your favorite big Saltwater rod in 8-10wt will do great. We recommend rigging one 6 or 7 weight saltwater rod for Matrinxãs, Peacock Bass, Pacu and Bicudas with floating line and two 9-10wt with sinking and intermediate (clear) sinking line for Payara. Bring one 5 or 6 weight for the amazing dry fly fishing for pacus and Matrinchas in runs.
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Our recommendations are Thomas & Thomas Rods - Exocett SS160 to 350, these models excel in the jungle in many aspects from big streamers with sinking lines or poppers/wind resistance flies.

As with rods, reels that have been designed for saltwater fly-fishing are the best choice. These jungle fish will test your stripping fingers more than your reel, but in the event youcan get them on the reel before they get into the snares, reels with strong smooth drags are recommended. Bring trusted reels that you feel comfortable with as you will be casting a good bit. 50lbs Gel Spun backing is recommended.

The Nautilus reels are our choice for fishing in Xingu.

Most of the payara fishing is done on surface to deep water levels. They are aggressive predators and we need to be prepared for all situations. Weight Forward lines designed specifically for the tropics and saltwater are what you want. Scientific Anglers Jungle Custom Sink tips are great lines for Payara. You will need a fast sinking sink tip for some specific spots. For this we recommend a 24 foot 300 to 450 grain sink-tip fly line. Another amazing line is the Scientific Anglers Jungle Taper clear intermediate tip line. Full floating Jungle Tapers are excellent for effortlessly throwing giant wind resistant poppers. For Dry fly fishing for Pacus and Matrinchas bring the specific Bonefish taper fly lines. Do not bring cold waterfloating lines, as the hot weather makes these lines "soft and gummy". We strongly suggest you bring at least one backup sinking tip fly line.

Most fish are not really leader shy but the very clear water situation can spook some big fish so fluorocarbon leaders make line invisible underwater. Leaders should be strong and heavy enough to turn over big wind resistant fly, so heavy-strong butt leaders are important. Spools of Fluorocarbon should include 16, 20, 30, and 50 pounds. 20lbs Mono, which often floats better than Fluoro can be used for those dry fly situations.

Leaders will vary in size depending on the species from Trahira with 6’ leaders to Matrincha at 9’-10’. Also bring at least 3 spools of 40-50 lbs knottable wire leader for the toothy Payara.

Our best choice are the Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon leaders

For the payara, good action and heavily dressed flies in lengths from 5 to 12 inches in barbless 3/0 to 6/0 (high quality hooks) are required. As for payara patterns, the most typical flies used are synthetic material streamers in wide different colors. From light combinations  to dark colors patterns all have proved to work for the big payaras (white/black, all black, black/red, black/purple, black/orange, black/chartreuse).Many baitfishimitations have proved to be very successful. For the Payaras it is very important to use a Trailer Hook on these flies, because this fish is a ''tail bitter'' species. Tube Flies also work really well because you have the option to switch the hook distance for different rigs. Big Foam Poppers or Umpqua’s Red/White Saltwater Popper and Divers are great for the Peacocks and Wolf Fish. Terrestrial Foam Flies like Chernobyl Ants, Umpqua’s PoolToy (#6 hook size) or larger should be included for the Matrinxã and Pacu. Fishing is done using a wide baitfish, big insects, and some fruit imitations. Baitfish patterns in White, Yellow, Chartreuse and combinations of these colors are very effective.

Flies are available for sale at the lodge for $7 to $15 each, but be sure to show up with a good selection as well. You can order in advance with us fully packaged selections for Xingu species (recommended). Please if you tie flies bring your material. We will discover a lot of new effective patterns during the trip. Ask us for more flies patterns details.

  • Two Pair of Polarized Sunglasses (in case you lose or break a pair).
  • Waterproof Sunscreen SPF 30+ (UVA) (UVB) (waterproof and unscented).
  • Buff Face Mask, (light in color)
  • Fishing Hat w/Brim for Sun
  • Fly Rods 6 to 10 Weights (no less than 3)
  • Reels With Minimum 50 pound Backing
  • Saltwater Jungle Fly Lines (extra lines for backup)
  • Leaders, Fluorocarbon Tippet and wire tippet
  • Flies and Fly Box
  • Long Sturdy Pliers (debarbing and hook removal)
  • Hook Sharpener
  • Stripping Fingers or Finger Tape
  • Fishing Sun Protection Gloves
  • Line clippers
  • Light Weight Gore-Tex®
  • Rain Jacket
  • Light Weight Synthetic Fleece Top
  • 4 Long Sleeve Fishing Shirts
  • 3 Pair of Fast Drying Pants
  • 1 Pair of Fast Drying Shorts or swimsuit
  • 3 Pair of White Cotton Socks (for wearing on the boat deck while casting)
  • Boat Sandals
  • Lightweight sturdy Wading Boots (felt is best)
  • Waterproof Camera, Memory Cards, Batteries and Charger
  • Smart Phone or Tablet with Charger
  • Insect repellent and "anti-itch" cream
  • Flashlight/Headlamp
  • Water Bottle & Dry Gatorade Mix or EmergenC Packets
  • Lip Balm with sunscreen (highest SPF you can get)
  • Dry Bag, Day Pack, boat bag or Fanny Pack (100% Waterproof)
  • Waterproof Bags or Zip-Loc Bags (to carry camera, other gear while in the boat)
  • Passport with at least 6 months of validity
  • 2 Copies of passport (*packed separately in zip-lock bag*)
  • Airline tickets and itinerary
  • Cash (Indian Fee, lodge gratuities, small bills for tip, gift shopping, etc.)
  • Credit card (call company, inform of travel plans)
  • Notebook and pen
  • Emergency Telephone Numbers
  • Toiletries (Toothbrush, toothpaste, hand lotion)
  • Aspirin, other over-the-counter medications like antacids
  • GoldBond Medicated Powder
  • Prescription Medications (packed in your carry-on bag)
  • Prescription Glasses
  • Universal Electrical Adaptor