Where We Fish for Amazon Peacock Bass

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There are numerous descriptions of Amazon peacock bass fishing locations that are designed more to sell a trip than to give accurate guidance to the prospective angler. For this reason we offer this unbiased and accurate summary of Where We Fish and Why? It will help you make a very informed decision about where to go and when.

Travel time from Manaus by direct float plane flight will vary from 1+hr. to the southern fisheries and up to 2+hrs. to the farthest reaches of the northern fisheries. Many parts of the fisheries are within Amazon Indian Reservations and as such only allow limited access to anglers. Acute Angling trips have this access, so the fishing pressure in these areas is extremely low – you can fish a whole day without seeing another angler!!

The single most critical factor in successful & productive peacock bass fishing in the Amazon watershed is river water levels!! Trips that do not follow the rising and falling water levels will be frustrating for the angler and not very productive. Acute Angling trips are all designed with this critical factor as priority #1, which dictates where the best fishing locations are throughout the September to March season. Peacock bass fishing is simply at its best in dropping water conditions!!

RIO MADEIRA BASIN: Located to the south of Manaus, the Madeira River itself is not a good peacock bass habitat due to the heavy concentration of suspended particulate matter in the water. However, the lower tributaries, like Igapo Acu, Matupiri and Marmelos, offer excellent peacock habitat and this is where we fish in September & October when the water levels are perfect. These tributaries vary from clear to lightly stained black water and are excellent for both fly, as well as conventional fishing. Catches can vary from 15 to 50 peacocks per day per angler with a concentration in the medium weight range, although high “teens” and 20 pounders are frequently found – a great balance between quantity and size is provided in these waters.

RIO NEGRO BASIN: Located northwest of Manaus, the dozen or so Rio Negro tributaries, such as the Unini, Caures and Urubaxi, represent the famous tannin-stained black water habitat of the Amazon peacock bass and hold the world’s largest peacocks!! Catches of 10 to 20 per day per angler are normal with several in the “teens” and peacocks in the low to mid 20 lb class frequently caught. We fish the Rio Negro Basin from late October thru February and frequently move within the basin as water level conditions change. If you want a shot at the current IGFA World Record of 27 lb, then this is the fishery you want to test.

RIO BRANCO BASIN: Also located to the north of Manaus, the fishing in this basin normally begins in late November and can continue to end of March. The Rio Branco itself is not a peacock fishery. However, its clear water tributaries, like the Xeriuini and Tapera, produce the greatest quantity of peacocks than anywhere else in the Amazon basin. Peacocks in the 20 lb class are not very common, but midsize fish are prolific with enough in the “teens” to satisfy any angler. Catches of 20 to 100 fish per day per angler are common, while the clear black waters offer the opportunity to sight fish with fly or conventional tackle. The region has exceptional beauty with small rivers, white sand beaches and a looming rainforest backdrop.

All Acute Angling trips to these three prime peacock fisheries are guided and will have maximum two anglers per boat. The 18’-20’ aluminum, flat bottomed skiffs are powered by 30-40 HP outboards, are equipped with an electric trolling motor, pedestal seats and two fishing platforms – just what is needed to fish in comfort yet have access to the very shallow entrances to hidden lagoons. The Guides are all native to the region of the fisheries, are highly experienced in the peacock habitat and will speak basic fishing English -- be patient when communicating with them and follow their hand signals if words don’t work. They know what they are doing!!