Xingu River, Brazil

The Xingu River is the best payara destination on the planet. Located inside the Kayapo native land, the river is an amazing environment with lots of runs, rapids and pools with very consistent payara fishing. As well as payara there are more than ten other species that anglers can target on the fly such as peacock bass, wolfish, matrincha, pacu, bicuda, and surubí.

Fish for the ultimate jungle predator in protected clear waters 

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, and anglers can target various species using different techniques all in the same stretch of river. Payara, one of the ultimate jungle predators, are known largely for their sizable teeth and aggressive behaviour and in Xingu are known to reach more than 20lb. 

The “Butire” as it is known in the Kayapo language and means the River King is a protected clear water fly fishing and conventional fishing paradise, ideal for anglers who want to target payara with a range of techniques and also target additional amazing jungle species such as peacock bass, wolf fish, bicuda, matrinchas and red tail catfish.

Anglers can access a wide variety of water including runs, rapids, deep pools, flats and jungle creeks from  specially designed aluminium skiffs.  Fisherman are accompanied by one experienced English speaking professional guide and a Kayapos native guide who has the benefit of ancient local knowledge.  This combination brings to the Xingu a superior fishing experience.

The fishing season runs during the dry season from late May through late November, with peak fishing from September to November. The dry season is characterised by lack of rain, low water levels, and clear water that allows for great fishing throughout the entire river system, including the numerous tributaries. Payara fishing is best in the lowest water months as payara prefer the deepest parts of the river bed and at times of high water, the fish spread into the flooded forest and became difficult to find.

Riverside Lodge

The Xingu Lodge accommodates guests in four comfortable rooms with spring box beds, bathroom, hot water, electricity and satellite Wi-Fi internet.

The camp is located on the bank of the Xingu River overlooking a gorgeous rapid and home pool. Every evening guests will be delighted by Untamed Angling chef’s delicious gourmet cuisine in a dining room.

Unspoiled and protected Amazon forest

Xingu River is located a three hour flight south-east of Manaus, Brazil and is a tributary of the mighty Amazon. The location and river is unique in that it offers clear water in an otherwise sediment heavy system.

The river is located within the Mekragnoti Indigenous Territory; an area of some five million hectares of pure, unspoiled and protected Amazon forest. Just 700 Indians live within this enormous area, one of the most isolated tropical jungles on earth.