Keep in touch with this page for all the 2024 season fishing reports from Kendjam Lodge on Brazil’s Iriri River. It’s a stunning spot where anglers can target a variety of species in the remote crystal clear Amazon waters. Along with fishing you’ll find fascinating indigenous culture, fabulous wildlife, birdlife, and scenery. All told, a fly fishing holiday in Brazil is a truly memorable experience and so much more than just an angling expedition. Scroll down to the bottom the blog for a great video which brings to life the fishing here.
Kendjam Fishing Report, Week 12 – September 1 to 8
As we closed out the 2024 season at Kendjam, there was an undeniable sense of pride in the air. The week was not merely about fishing; it was about camaraderie, memories, and a kind of connection that only the wilderness of the Amazon can forge. Returning guests mingled with fresh faces, and despite the less-than-ideal water conditions, the energy was electric. Conditions were far from perfect—water levels were punishingly low—but our guests, with their youthful energy and indomitable spirits, rose to the challenge. It’s moments like these that define a trip: not the easy fish, but the fight for each hard-earned catch.
But it wasn’t just about the numbers—it was about the thrill of the fight, the joy of perseverance. Chris, a master with a fly rod, took on the challenge of catching matrinxã on dry flies, despite the tough conditions. His patience paid off, and the reward? A breathtakingly coloured 64cm peacock bass, a true trophy fish.
Will and Oliver, our younger adventurers, had their own share of excitement, especially when they wrangled some massive redtail catfish. Meanwhile, William found himself locked in an unforgettable battle with an 85cm bicuda—one for the storybooks.
As the sun set on our final week of the 2024 season, the jungle stood as a silent witness to moments that will live on in the hearts of all who were here. The bonds forged, the challenges faced, and the fish landed—this was a week where the spirit of adventure triumphed. And as the last lines were reeled in, one thing was clear: Kendjam will always call you back, no matter how far you wander.
Fishing stats:
Eight anglers
Total number of fish landed this week: 323
Biggest fish landed this week:
Wolf fish 80cm
Peacock bass 64cm
Mantrinxã 42cm
Borracha pacu 46cm
Silver pacu 32cm
Wolf fish 80cm
Bicuda 85cm
Kendjam Fishing Report, Week 11 – August 25 to September 1
We welcomed a lively crew from the U.S., along with our dear friend Peter from Austria. Peter arrived with a hunger for adventure—and an even greater appetite for new species. From the moment his line hit the water, it was clear he was on a mission. But it wasn’t just Peter who made the week memorable. Ed, our perennial ray of sunshine, returned, bringing his infectious laughter and a bottomless bag of jokes. His energy was the kind that made even the fish smile—if they could. The camaraderie between Ed, the guides, and the group was palpable, turning each day on the water into a tapestry of unforgettable moments. The crown jewel of the week? Watching Peter finally land his first payara. After a few missed attempts early on, he turned the tide, delivering a performance that left us all in awe. It was the kind of moment that reminds you why we fish—not just for the catch, but for the triumph over the challenges, the camaraderie, and the stories we carry with us long after the lines are reeled in.
Fishing stats:
Seven anglers
Total number of fish landed this week: 352
Biggest fish landed this week:
Wolf fish 89cm
Peacock bass 62cm
Mantrinxã 51cm
Borracha pacu 48cm
Silver pacu 42cm
Payara 81cm
Bicuda 91cm
Kendjam Fishing Report, Week 11 – August 18 to 25
This week, Kendjam played host to an extraordinary group—Science on the Fly. These dedicated anglers are not just chasing fish; they’re committed to contributing to science and the preservation of rivers worldwide. Founded in 2019 as a project between the Woodwell Climate Research Centereand Fishpond, Science on the Fly strategically engages the passionate fly fishing community to serve as community scientists, collecting monthly river data and observations.
The low water levels this week provided an angler’s dream—a bounty of dry fly action. The elusive pacu and matrinxã rose eagerly to the surface, offering the kind of thrilling, visual strikes that fly anglers live for. Peacock bass, too, made their presence known, striking with the ferocity and flair that these waters are famous for. The result? Another week of exceptional fishing in this hidden gem of the Amazon.
The true highlight this week wasn’t just the fish—it was the spirit of collaboration that filled the air. Anglers, guides, and Kayapo natives worked side by side, driven by a shared passion to protect the Iriri River. This sense of unity was palpable, a testament to what can be achieved when we come together with a common purpose.
And as if in approval of our efforts, Mother Nature herself offered us a rare and magical moment. As the week drew to a close and we made our way back to the airstrip, Allie, the manager of Science on the Fly, was graced by the sight of a majestic jaguar—a guardian of these lands—just as we were bidding farewell to Kendjam. It was a fitting end to a week that will be remembered not just for the fish caught, but for the bonds forged and the wild beauty of this extraordinary place.
Fishing stats:
Eight anglers
Total number of fish landed this week: 278
Biggest fish landed this week:
Wolf fish 88cm
Peacock bass 63cm
Mantrinxã 52cm
Borracha pacu 47cm
Silver pacu 43cm
Payara 63cm
Bicuda 89cm
Kendjam Fishing Report, Week 10 – August 11 to 18
We had the pleasure of hosting a family of five alongside three highly experienced anglers who demonstrated their expertise with every cast. The combination of youthful excitement and seasoned skill made for an unforgettable week. This highlights are the kind that make stories to be told around campfires for years to come. First and foremost, the young anglers, Lolla and Tilly, stole the show, catching a variety of species with a skill and enthusiasm that left everyone impressed. Kendjam has once again proven to be an ideal destination for families, where both young and old can create memories that will last a lifetime. Our seasoned friend Bob delivered a masterclass in jungle fishing, demonstrating his expertise by landing some truly magnificent fish, reminding us all of the magic that lies beneath these waters.
And then, as if the week could get any better, our guests were treated to a rare and breathtaking encounter—a jaguar sighting. Such moments are rare and fleeting, yet they remain etched in memory, a reminder of the untamed beauty of this place.
Fishing stats:
Eight anglers
Total number of fish landed this week: 493
Biggest fish landed this week:
Wolf fish 90cm
Peacock bass 65cm
Mantrinxã 51cm
Borracha pacu 48cm
Silver pacu 41cm
Payara 83cm
Bicuda 87cm
Kendjam Fishing Report, Week 9 – August 4 to 11
As we dive into week nine, it’s hard to believe how swiftly time has flown. Perhaps that’s the magic of Kendjam, where every moment is an unforgettable experience. This week, we welcomed a blend of familiar faces and new adventurers, turning strangers into friends and friends into legends. Ale and Diego, veterans of these waters, returned for their third journey, each casting their lines with the finesse that only experience brings. And then there was Will, bringing his saltwater swagger to the jungle, landing a payara that left us all in awe—seriously, Will, a payara in these water levels? Impressive. But it wasn’t just the seasoned anglers who made waves. Our new guests quickly proved that they, too, were here to make memories. The camaraderie was palpable, the laughter infectious, and the sheer joy of being in such a remote paradise was felt by all. Swimming, casting, and conquering—this week was nothing short of a blessing.
Fishing stats:
Eight anglers
Total number of fish landed this week: 517
Biggest fish landed this week:
Wolf fish 91cm
Peacock bass 66cm
Mantrinxã 53cm
Borracha pacu 48cm
Silver pacu 38cm
Payara 87cm
Bicuda 88cm
Kendjam Fishing Report, Week 8 – July 28 to August 4
This week we hosted nine intrepid anglers including two seasoned Argentinian trout guides, friends from Italy and a father-son duo from San Francisco. They all bought their A-game and extensive knowledge to the jungle, ensuring the fish had nowhere to hide. The water was crystal clear, dropping slightly and we enjoyed radiant sun drenched days. This week’s highlights included Veronica’s magnificent payara, Ryo’s capture of a red tail catfish and the appearance of tapirs whose gentle presence is a joy to observe. All told it was a remarkable week, with some great catches in this enchanting jungle location.
Fishing stats:
Eight anglers
Total number of fish landed this week: 497
Biggest fish landed this week:
Wolf fish 87cm
Peacock bass 65cm
Mantrinxã 52cm
Borracha pacu 48cm
Silver pacu 38cm
Payara 85cm
Bicuda 87cm
Kendjam Fishing Report, Week 7 – July 21 to 28
The Kendjam jungle resonated with the thrill of adventure and the elegance of nature this week. A full house of European anglers, well-versed in the art of salmon and trout fishing, brought their expertise to the Amazon’s untamed waters. Their skills were put to the test, and the results were nothing short of extraordinary. Among the many impressive catches, Niall’s 64cm peacock bass stood out, showcasing the sheer size and strength of the fish lurking in these waters. A breathtaking highlight was the sighting of a majestic jaguar, allowing guests to capture stunning photographs of this elusive predator in its natural habitat.
On the cultural front, the jungle came alive with sounds of Irish music inter-twined with the traditional dances of the Kayapo people during our festive jungle party. The night was a whirlwind of music, dance, and unbridled joy, creating memories that will be cherished forever.
Fishing stats:
Eight anglers
Total number of fish landed this week: 387
Biggest fish landed this week:
Wolf Fish 88cm
Peacock bass 64cm
Mantrinxã 52cm
Borracha pacu 47cm
Silver pacu 39cm
Piau 36cm
Bicuda 74 cm
Kendjam Fishing Report, Week 6 – July 14 to 21
A last minute cancellation left us with just four adults and two adventurous children this week. Witnessing the children’s wide-eyed wonder as they bonded with the Kayapo kids was a sight to behold. Their laughter and curiosity bridged worlds, offering a unique view of the river and its secrets. On the fishing front Luca’s 84cm bicuda was nothing short of a spectacle, a sleek torpedo of raw power and grace. With fewer guests, our guides had some rare downtime and took to the waters themselves landing some impressive catches.
Fishing stats:
Four anglers
Total number of fish landed this week: 132
Biggest fish landed this week:
Wolf Fish 86cm
Peacock bass 61cm
Mantrinxã 50cm
Bicuda 84 cm
Kendjam Fishing Report, Week 5 – July 7 to 14
We had perfect conditions during week 5 here at Kendjam, with clear and inviting waters. Fishing in general was fantastic and perfect for sight fishing with topwater flies, from dries to poppers. We enjoyed hosting a seasoned group of anglers from Italy who brought with them a wealth of experience and enthusiasm. Their prowess was evident as they reeled in an impressive number of beautiful fish. At 85, the legendary angler and fly tier, Steve Duckett, graced us with is presence once again. His special fly worked its magic, landing a magnificent 92cm wolf fish – a real highlight for all of us this week.
Fishing stats:
Eight anglers
Total number of fish landed this week: 412
Biggest fish landed this week:
Wolf Fish 92cm
Peacock bass 63cm
Mantrinxã 51cm
Pacu borracha 37cm
Pacu prata 40cm
Bicuda 87 cm
Kendjam Fishing Report, Week 4 – June 30 to July 7
Week four at Kendjam greeted us with pristine, clean waters, offering our guests the perfect canvas for an unforgettable fishing adventure. We hosted good friends, three couples and one grandchild and his grandfather. Mother-daughter duo Rosa and Aline stole the spotlight with their impressive double red tail catches, showing the fun of fishing together. Our loyal friend Breno landed plenty of magnificent fish, but his wife Caca outshone him with her astounding peacock bass – it seems she holds the crown for another year!
Kendjam Fishing Report, Week 3 – June 23 to 30
We had a lovely week hosting a family who had taken the lodge on an exclusive basis. The family enjoyed a variety of activities including swimming, BBQs, bird watching, hiking and, of course, fishing. A lively party with the native community added to the unforgettable experience. We spotted another beautiful jaguar which was one of the highlights of a great week. The weather was sunny with the river slightly green and low for this time of year.
Fishing stats:
Eight anglers
Total number of fish landed this week: numerous
Biggest fish landed this week:
A massive red tail caught by Eustaquio
Kendjam Fishing Report, Week 2 – June 16 to 23
The second week proved challenging. The full moon caused the peacock bass to be less active, and with the water levels dropping rapidly, fish were constantly relocating. Both guides and anglers had to exert extra effort to secure some impressive catches. Fortunately, our exceptional team of guides rose to the challenge, delivering a fantastic week of fishing. The highlight of the week was the remarkable number of wolf fish caught, featuring acrobatic strikes and epic battles that thrilled our anglers.
Fishing stats:
Eight anglers
Total number of fish landed this week: 317
Biggest fish landed this week:
Wolf Fish 86cm
Peacock bass 62cm
Mantrinxã 52cm
Rubber pacu 37cm
Silver pacu 40cm
Bicuda 92 cm
Kendjam Fishing Report, Week 1 – June 9 to 16
The ninth Kendjam fishing season kicked off with a group of seasoned female anglers who have been fishing together for over 24 years. Despite the water level being a little below average for this time of year, the fish were active and hungry. This week’s highlight was an incredible sighting of a black jaguar by the river (unfortunately no photos were captured). Generally, the size of the matrinxas and peacock bass continues to impress, improving year on year.
Fishing stats:
Eight anglers
Total number of fish landed this week: 363
Biggest fish landed this week:
Wolf Fish 80cm
Peacock bass 62cm
Mantrinxã 51cm
Pacu borracha 37cm
Pacu prata 42cm
Bicuda 92 cm
If you would you have enjoyed reading these 2024 season fishing reports from Kendjam Lodge and would like more information on fishing in Brazil please do not hesitate to contact Peter McLeod or Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847 389.
Learn more about fishing at Kendjam in the video below: