Keep an eye on this page for the Rio Marié 2023/2024 fishing reports which include highlights and statistics from the season. This incredible fishery in the Brazilian Amazon comprises more than 500 miles of exclusive access to the country’s only catch-and-release, “fly fishing only” river. With more than 15 species of peacock bass, regular encounters with fish over ten pounds and a realistic change of a trophy peacock bass of 20lb, the Rio Marié is a great choice for some exciting fishing. We will update the page with all the weekly news from the guides on the ground.
Rio Marie 2023 Monthly Fishing Report – January 6th to February 3rd
As we made our way back to the Marié River following the Christmas break, we were greeted by a sight that took us by surprise – the river had undergone a remarkable transformation in our absence. Within a brief interval, it had surged to its highest level of the season. Fortunately, luck was on our side as the water steadily receded throughout the remainder of the season. We had mostly sunny days during the whole month.
The elevated waters presented a formidable challenge, requiring a strategic shift from both our guides and anglers. Sight casting was swiftly rendered impractical, necessitating the use of heavy sinking lines in pursuit of the larger fish. Yet, buoyed by the unwavering determination of our anglers and the gradual decline of the water levels over the month, we managed to secure some truly impressive catches, proving that under any conditions Rio Marié still is the River of Giants!
Highlights of the weeks:
Week 17: Guilhermo Arauz from Brazil embarked on his second expedition to the Rio Marié. His perseverance paid off as the first fish finally struck, a peacock bass weighing over 20lb. The triumph continued the following day when Guilhermo achieved the remarkable feat of landing another even larger 20lb+ peacock bass. Finishing the week with a combination that few anglers could boast, congratulations are in order for Guilhermo!
Week 18: Rodolfo ventured into the Amazon for the very first time, ready to tackle the challenge of peacock bass fishing in uncharted waters. We all know how daunting it can be for any angler, seasoned or not, to dive into a new fishing spot with unpredictable conditions. Undeterred, Rodolfo pressed on, and his determination paid off in spectacular fashion – he hooked an astounding 85cm long, 22lb giant Peacock Bass from the Marié! This legendary catch marked his inaugural encounter with a Peacock Bass, and what an entrance it was!
Week 19: Thiago, a self-taught fly fisherman with a rich history exploring various corners of the Amazon, honed his skills in peacock bass fly fishing on each expedition. However, the Marié River marked his first venture into a destination dedicated specifically to fly fishing for sizable peacock bass. The fusion of Thiago’s natural prowess and the accumulated expertise of the guides over the years yielded an inevitable outcome. Soon enough, Thiago found himself in a thrilling battle with a colossal catch. Thiago wasted no time plunging into the water, accompanied by his native guide. After an intense chase and navigating through the thick vegetation, Thiago triumphantly secured his coveted 23lb Giant Peacock Bass of the Marié River.
Week 20: Like his fellow anglers in the group, Scott was also a newcomer to the art of fishing. Little did he anticipate that he would hook and reel in the largest catch of the trip. His inaugural peacock bass turned out to be a staggering 80cm long!
Fishing Stats:
Peacock bass caught: 303
Temensis over 10lb: 5
Temensis over 15lb: 11
Temensis over 20lb: 5
Temensis over 80cm length: 10
Rio Marie 2023 Fishing Report Week 16 – December 10th to 17th
A mixture of sunshine and rain led the river to rise by the end of week. As is often the case, the rising waters slowed down the fish activity. However, the anglers’ hard work throughout the week eventually paid off, and the big fish began to appear. Among highlights was Guilhermo Arauz from Brazil who was on his second expedition to the Rio Marié. His perseverance paid off as the first fish finally struck, a peacock bass weighing over 20lb. The triumph continued the following day when Guilhermo achieved the remarkable feat of landing another even larger 20lb+ peacock bass. Finishing the week with a combination that few anglers could boast, congratulations are in order for Guilhermo!
Rio Marie 2023 Fishing Report Week 15 – December 3rd to 10th
We have had another really good fishing week, with slowly increasing water levels improving the fishing in the lagoons as the fish moved back to spots they couldn’t reach when the water was really low. This week’s highlight was a remarkable 89cm peacock bass landed by Marcelo Machado. Casting his line with anticipation, a lightning-fast strike from a peacock bass ensued the moment his fly touched the water. Skillfully battling the powerful fish, Marcelo navigated the river’s twists and turns, landing a truly remarkable specimen.
Fishing stats:
Group: 8 anglers
Peacock bass caught: 251
Temensis over 10lb: 5
Temensis over 15lb: 8
Temensis over 20lb: 4
Temensis over 80cm length: 10
Rio Marie 2023 Fishing Report Week 14 – November 26th December 3rd
We had another mixed week of sunshine and rain. The water is in great condition in terms of level and temperature, with the level rising slightly towards the end of the week. The rising waters made the fish a little slower but the anglers still had lots of opportunity to hook nice fish as they started to concentrate at the lagoon spots that have been dry for most of the season.
One of this week’s highlights was Daniel, who, accompanied by guide Rafael landed his much dreamed of 20lb peacock bass. This prized catch was a real testament to both angler and guide’s relentless pursuit of glory on the untamed waters of the Marie River.
Fishing stats:
Group: 8 anglers
Peacock bass caught: 226
Temensis over 10lb: 11
Temensis over 15lb: 7
Temensis over 20lb: 1
Temensis over 80cm length: 6
Rio Marie 2023 Fishing Report Week 12 – November 12th to 19th
With a mix of sunny and wet days the river has started to drop again, leading to near perfect fishing conditions. This has ignited a surge in fish activity and produced one of the season’s finest weeks for anglers with the thrilling capture of 10 fish over 20lb.
Gabriel, who was visiting from Argentina, certainly had a fishing adventure to remember. Despite elusive catches, his persistence paid off on the morning of the last day. The 90cm-long peacock bass put up a fierce fight, taking all the fly line and another 20m of backing. With skill and determination, Gabriel reeled in the monstrous catch. This ultimate triumph became a vivid memory of perseverance for the Argentine angler and a testament to the giant fish that inhabit the Marié River’s waters.
Fishing stats:
Group: 11 anglers
Peacock Bass Caught: 445
Temensis over 10lb: 13
Temensis over 15lb: 17
Temensis over 20lb: 10
Temensis over 80cm length: 19
Temensis over 90cm length: 1
Rio Marie 2023 Fishing Report Week 11 – November 5th to 12th
With a few rainy days, the river has been rising very slowing and the water flowing back into the lagoons has certainly been very desirable. We had a fun week with a group of mostly Brazilian anglers who were delighted to find the fishing even better than expected.
Among highlights this week was Michael Martinz, an avid fly angler with an insatiable thirst for adventure, finding himself deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest at the Marié River. Determined to conquer the elusive peacock bass, he enlisted the expertise of his seasoned guide, Lucas. As the sun cast dappled shadows on the tranquil water of the lagoon, Michael felt the powerful tug of his line, only to be met with disappointment as a massive fish slipped away. Undeterred, he cast again, guided by Lucas’s unwavering confidence. Suddenly, the water erupted in a flurry of energy as Michael grappled with a monstrous 20-pound peacock bass. The jungle echoed with cheers, a testament to the untamed beauty and the beasts of the Marié River.
Fishing stats:
Group: 11 anglers
Peacock Bass Caught: 296
Temensis over 10lb: 23
Temensis over 15lb: 16
Temensis over 20lb: 5
Temensis over 80cm length: 11
Rio Marie 2023 Fishing Report Week ten – October 29th to November 5th
We enjoyed a mostly sunny week with a couple of rainy days. The river is still very low with shallow waters inside the lagoons. As the water seems to have stabilised at a low level, the fish became more active with big peacock bass aggressively attacking both inside the lagoons and sand bars in the river. This allowed anglers to both sight fish and use top water flies.
It was one of the very best weeks of the season with an incredible number of giant peacocks over 15lb landed! Vinicius pursued his dream of catching giant peacock bass in the remote waters of the Marié River. He was really persistent, fishing all good spots with guides every day. He landed several good fish but one was very special. The battle was fierce, but when he reeled in the colossal 90cm peacock bass, its vibrant colours glistened in the sunlight. Overwhelmed with exhilaration and gratitude, Vinicius released the magnificent fish back into the river, forever cherishing the connection he had formed with the Amazon, a journey of both a dream realised and a newfound reverence for the untouched paradise that is the Marié River.
Fishing stats:
Group: 9 anglers
Peacock Bass Caught: 437
Temensis Over 10lb: 14
Temensis Over 15lb: 29
Temensis Over 20lb: 6
Temensis Over 80cm length: 21
Temensis Over 90cm length: 1
Rio Marie 2023 Fishing Report Week nine – October 22nd to 29th
Another mostly sunny week with water levels low and starting to drop again.
With the increased water level of the past week, the mothership had a little more freedom to move. And that’s exactly what it did, giving the anglers access to well rested waters before the river started to drop again. For most anglers in the group this trip was their very first experience with peacock bass and we had some great highlights to celebrate. Among these was Richard fishing a sandbar on the last day when his guide spotted a giant fish cruising the river bank. He made the cast, the fish followed the fly, hit it once, then it hit one more time, and finally at the third time it managed to eat it and chaos began, taking the fly line all the way into the backing. Richard took his time and calmly brought 20lb+ of peacock bass into the net. Congratulations Richard!
Fishing stats:
Group: 12 anglers
Peacock Bass Caught: 522
Temensis over 10lb: 4
Temensis over 15lb: 5
Temensis over 20lb: 1
Temensis over 80cm length: 5
Rio Marie 2023 Fishing Report Week eight – October 15th to 22nd
The week was mostly sunny, but a couple of rainy days meant the water rose 30cm which has been great for the fishing conditions. With water flowing back into the lagoons, some of the fish have already started to move back to their usual spots.
Among highlights this week was hosting Jerry Saltzberger, an 87 year old angler who’d come with a mission to catch a monster peacock bass. Jerry knew that the Marié River was the best place to do it. And, of course, he was right! After a fierce fight, he landed a trophy 20lb peacock bass. Mission accomplished Jerry! But it’s not over yet. Now Jerry is already set for a new objective: giant arapaima at Pirarucu Lodge. Good Luck over there, Jerry.
Fishing stats:
Group: 12 anglers
Butterflies caught: 252
Temensis caught: 37
Temensis over 10lb: 15
Temensis over 15lb: 5
Temensis over 20lb: 1
Temensis over 80cm length: 4
Rio Marie 2023 Fishing Report Week seven – October 8th to 15th
We enjoyed mostly sunny days with water levels dropping but stabilising by the end of the week. With the current water level, fishing the river sandbars and banks as well as the lagoons that still hold a decent amount of water is still the best strategy. Intermediate and floating lines are the best suited for these fishing condition and the anglers made good use of them.
Among the highlights were Steven Stiloski spotting a nice fish cruising around the bank while drifting along a sandbar. Not being able to cast in time, Steven jumped from the boat and started to chase the fish from the bank, setting up the perfect ambush. After the fish got close he put his fly right where it needed to be and the fish swallowed it immediately.
Fishing stats:
Group: 12 anglers
Butterflies caught: 286
Temensis caught: 52
Temensis over 10lb: 6
Temensis over 15lb: 12
Temensis over 80cm length: 7
Rio Marie 2023 Fishing Week six – October 1st to 8th
Week six of our our Rio Marie 2023 fishing reports saw a good sunny week with water levels dropping and a fun group of medics from the USA enjoying a great week of fishing.
The water level has actually been super low, maybe in the lowest level we ever experienced in October, but that means new ways of fishing with lots of sight fishing and stalking big peacocks in the sand bars.
One of the party, Hector Pope, had been dreaming of fishing in the Marié River for the past two years. He’d been practising his casting skills for six months before the trip and all his efforts paid off with, on the last day, his dream fish – a 20lb peacock bass from the Rio Marié! Congratulations, Hector!
Fishing stats:
Group: 12 anglers
Butterflies caught: 425
Temensis caught: 78
Temensis over 10lb: 18
Temensis over 15lb: 14
Temensis over 20lb: 2
Temensis over 80cm length: 9
Rio Marie 2023 Fishing Week five – September 24th to October 1st
Another mostly sunny week with stable water levels.
We hosted a great group of friends from the US, fishing the jungle for the first time. With the low waters, the usual sight fishing from the sandbars earned the anglers a fishing week they will never forget.
Jeff caught butterfly peacock bass one after another. His highlight was, out of nowhere, a bigger mouth opening and swallowing his fly which resulted in a 20lb+ fish on the end of his line. Jason encountered some big fish but hadn’t managed to land one until the last day when, not only did he land one, but landed a 20lb+ fish of a lifetime. Great work!
Fishing stats:
Group: 12 anglers
Butterflies caught: 626
Temensis caught: 66
Temensis over 10lb: 9
Temensis over 15lb: 10
Temensis over 20lb: 3
Temensis over 80cm length: 9
Rio Marie 2023 Fishing Week four – September 17th to 24th
We had a mostly sunny week and the water level stayed stable. We hosted an experienced group of anglers from Europe.
Helmut Zaderer came for the first time to the Marié River and decided to catch and record the giants that inhabit these waters. Unfortunately for him, on the first day, a giant peacock showed how strong those fish can be and won the battle by breaking the hook he was using. But Helmut didn’t give up, and on the last day of the fishing week he made his comeback landing a 20lb+ monster peacock bass! Congratulations, Helmut.
But that’s not the end. We also hosted Shyanne Orvis with his one year old son Colter. Both had an amazing time in Rio Marié proving that a mother and baby can travel alone, with confidence, to Rio Marié and catch a trophy peacock bass!
Fishing Stats:
Group: 12 anglers
Butterflies caught: 686
Temensis caught: 81
Temensis over 10lb: 11
Temensis over 15lb: 14
Temensis over 20lb: 4
Temensis over 80cm length: 13
Rio Marie Fishing Week three – September 10th to 17th
We had a sunny week, a little rain on our last day, and stable water levels. Week three saw the visit of the globetrotter fly fisherman and guide Jako Lucas. It was his first experience with the giant peacock bass. His first impression of these beasts was giving them the nickname of “Freshwater GTs”. Jako felt in person how strong those mean fish can be when hooked.
Paul Ridgway was fishing on a sandbar when he noticed a big fish there. Thinking it was a big peacock bass he made a perfect cast and the fight was on. To his surprise it wasn’t a peacock bass, but a big stripped catfish called “surubim”. Not an easy fish to catch on the fly. Congratulations Paul!
Fishing stats:
Group: 12 anglers
Butterflies caught: 518
Temensis caught: 70
Temensis over 10lb: 18
Temensis over 15lb: 14
Temensis over 20lb: 6
Temensis over 80cm length: 14
Rio Marie 2023 Fishing Report Week two
This week saw our first outing of the new season to our headwaters camp, in parallel to the regular fishing from our mothership. Water was low and our guides had to adapt to find the fish on the river, as many of the regular fishing spots were nearly dry.
That said, the Rio Marié is not known by “Rio de gigantes” for nothing. In fact anglers are naming it River of Records. Collecting several world records during the years, it has earned the well deserved fame of being the river with the biggest peacock bass in the world. But the record output is far from over. The Marié river keeps living up to its name.
Brent Van Niekerk and Pamela W. Salles know that. Respective anglers broke the previous All Tackle Length and 16lb Class Leader World Records for Temensis Peacock Bass. What a week! What a river! Congratulations Pam and Brent. What more surprises do the waters of the Marié still hold for us? We can’t wait to find out.
Fishing stats:
Group: 12 anglers
Butterflies caught: 645
Temensis caught: 75
Temensis over 10lb: 16
Temensis over 15lb: 23
Temensis over 20lb: 12
Temensis over 80cm length: 16
Temensis over 90cm length: 01
Rio Marie 2023 Fishing Report Week one
We started the season with a sunny week and no rain. The water was really low which made conditions perfect for sight casting to big peacock bass on the Rio Marié sandbars. The fishing was excellent with lots of fish caught.
Every angler coming to the Amazon dreams of catching a big peacock bass over 20lb. So imagine how thrilled Steve and his partner Michael were when they saw two monsters slowly cruising the shallows.
With precise casts and perfect sight fishing conditions, both anglers put the flies where they needed to be, resulting in a historic double. Two monster fish over 20lbs of the Marie River.
What a perfect way to start our 2023 season. Congratulations Michael and Steve!
Fishing stats:
Group: 10 anglers
Butterflies caught: 437
Temensis caught: 58
Temensis over 10lb: 16
Temensis over 15lb: 11
Temensis over 20lb: 7
Temensis Over 80cm length: 12
MORE INFORMATION ON RIO MARIE?
If you have enjoyed reading the Rio Marié 2023 fishing reports and would like more information on this wonderful spot in the Brazilian Amazon then please do not hesitate to contact us by EMAIL or call our office on +44(0)1980 847 389