Brazil; Pirarucu Lodge – fly fishing for monster arapaima. 2021 season.
Pirarucu Lodge is a unique and ground-breaking model that opens the door to the angling community to access previously unfished water. From its beginnings, each project is developed in complete cooperation with and endorsement by the local communities.
This project purpose is to create a sustainable way to develop new productive alternatives for their life while at the same time, protecting their land and culture and improving they life quality. Pirarucu, is the first and only exclusive fly-fishing only project allowed and supported by Brazilian Government with focus on Arapaima. Environmental Officials worked together with the local Association to create these very first official sport fishing operations in Brazil.
Arapaima can grow to over 400 pounds and most closely resemble a freshwater tarpon. When hooked they explode in aerial displays take off on long runs and surrender only after lengthy battles. The fish are often seen gulping air from the surface thus offering sight casting to singles pairs or even schools of fish. Arapaima is a very resistant fish out of the water that take up to 70% of the oxygen needed to live from the air.
While Arapaima is the main focus there are three other species one can catch on the fly at Pirarucú like Arowana – There´s no other place where you can catch so many Arowanas on the fly. These wonderful fish are also omnivorous and eat almost about any insect or bait fish presented to them. Sight casting delight!
Tambaqui – The mighty Tambaqui is a round fish that is a close relative of the Pacu and can grow up to 100 pounds. At Mamirauá is normally found in the 8 to 24 pound range.
Peacock Bass – Yellow species – These smaller peacock bass range in size from 2 to 8 pounds and act much like their larger cousins found elsewhere in the Amazon.
The season at Pirarucú runs from September to the end of November. The dry season in this part of the Amazon runs from July through January so this season straddles the middle of the dry season when water should be low and fish congregating in the lakes and channels. November 30th marks the end of fishing due to special regulations from the environmental authorities in Brazil who close any kind of fishing for Arapaima throughout the Amazon to protect juvenile fish.
Comfortable and beautiful, the lodge is constructed from local woods following the CAboclos local style it is utilized during other times of year as a eco tourism lodge primarily for birdwatching and wildlife viewing (the area is one of the top five birdwatching areas in the Amazon).
The lodge has ten floating cabins each with two en-suite rooms four of which have been refurbished to accommodate our angling guests. The main lodge building features a dining room living room and kitchen.
Everything is on the water connected with wood platforms. The lodge is located in the heart of the reserve with very short run times to the fishing in fact most days guests will return to the lodge for a well-prepared lunch before returning for an afternoon fishing session. Satellite phone and internet are available.
Please contact us for the current availability as this does change often.
The cost for the 2021 season is US$4,995 per angler for a 5 night / 4.5 day stay, or US$5,995 per angler for a 7 night / 6.5 day stay. Please contact us for single angler basis and for non-angling rates.
These costs include one night hotel stay in Manaus, transfers in Manaus, transfer to/from the lodge.
The cost does not include a return flight from Manaus to Tefe (approximately US$150), or the Indian Community Fee (10% of package cost – US$495 on 5 night stay and US$595 on 7 nights).
For more information please contact Steffan Jones or phone 01980 847 389.