Keep an eye on this page for the Xingu River 2024 season fishing reports which include highlights and statistics from the season. The Xingu River is the best payara destination on the planet and an amazing environment with lots of runs, rapids and pools with very consistent fishing. As well as payara there are more than ten other species anglers can target on the fly such as peacock bass, wolfish, matrincha, pacu, bicuda, and surubí.
Xingu – Week 4: 23 to 30 November
The Xingu came alive this week, offering some of the best payara fishing we’ve seen. Rising waters courtesy of the first big storm of the season set the stage for a thrilling week. Whether on sinking lines, poppers, or varied retrieval techniques, the payaras were absolutely on fire. Matrinxas, schooling near the shore, provided exciting action with fruit and dry flies, surprising anglers with their impressive sizes. While peacock bass and wolf fish began their migration to streams due to rising waters, the focus on payara made the week unforgettable. Our Kayapo guides, with their unmatched knowledge of the river, ensured every angler experienced the thrill of the Xingu.
Highlights this week included legendary angler Jeff Currier adding five species to his ever growing list – a payara machete and a rare pucu. It was also great to see native Kayapo guide Akamot learning the basics of fly casting under Joe and Sebastian’s patient guidance. Within minuets, he mastered the technique and landed his first peacock bass on the fly – a testament to the teamwork and enduring bond between cultures.
As we bid farewell to this incredible season, we look ahead with excitement to the ever evolving challenges of the Xingu River in 2025.
Fishing stats:
Anglers: 4
Total number of fish landed in the week – Over 200
Total payaras landed: 59
Xingu – Week 3: 16 to 23 November
This week was a masterclass in perseverance. The elusive Payara proved their name by retreating to deeper waters, but the Xingu rewarded persistence with epic moments. The Xingu River roared into life this week with the onset of the rainy season. The rising waters altered the fishing game, presenting fresh challengers for our anglers. The clarity shifted, revealing an ever-changing tapestry of deep pools and shallow runs. These conditions demanded sharp instincts and adaptability, making every cast a calculated risk in this untouched Amazonian frontier.
An unexpected migration of baitfish ignited a frenzy near the lodge, with bicudas and payara crashing the surface in shallow pools—turning the water into a chaotic battlefield. Matrinxã brought their own excitement, schooling near the shores and striking fruit and dry flies with vigour. Meanwhile, Peacock Bass and wolffish remained less active, as they transitioned into the rising waters of nearby streams—a hallmark of the season.
Highlights this week included John catching a massive 86cm payara, some stunning wildlife encounters and Kayapo elder, Takaknhotire leading a captivating forest hike showcasing the secrets of Brazil nuts, wild cacao and traditional medicines.
Fishing stats:
Total number of fish landed in the week – Over 350
Total payaras landed: 51
If you have found these Xingu River Lodge 2024 fishing reports interesting and would like more information then please do not hesitate to contact us by EMAIL or call our office on +44(0)1980 847 389