Pirarucu Lodge is a haven for passionate fly fishing enthusiasts seeking the ultimate challenge: chasing the giant arapaima on a fly rod. This unparalleled journey into the heart of Brazil’s Amazon basin promises not only an angler’s dream but also an encounter with one of the world’s most remarkable and prehistoric aquatic giants. The pursuit of the arapaima at Pirarucu Lodge is a testament to the intersection of nature, sport, and adrenaline, set against the backdrop of a pristine paradise that few have the privilege to explore. This video gives a taste of what the fishing is like in this extraordinary setting.
Keep an eye on this page for the Pirarucu Lodge 2024 season fishing reports which include highlights and statistics from the season. Pirarucú is an extraordinary jungle lodge set in the largest arapaima reserve in the world. It’s the perfect spot from which to target these ancient fish which can grow to over 400lb and most closely resemble a freshwater tarpon. We will update the page with all the weekly news from the guides on the ground.
Pirarucu Lodge 2024 Season Fishing Reports – Week 6: October 13 to 20
This week brought together a dedicated group of five anglers—four from the US and one from France—ready to put in the hard work that Pirarucu demands. The reward? Some of the most impressive arapaima catches seen this season. Pirarucu is not just a destination; it’s a test of both skill and perseverance and for those willing to put in the effort, the results can be monumental.
Father-and-son duo Brandon and Bridger embodied this spirit perfectly, landing a massive 2.20m arapaima together—a moment that will surely be etched in their memories for years to come. The sense of camaraderie and triumph was palpable on the water, as the group continued to reel in impressive catches.
One of the week’s standout moments belonged to Quentin, who not only landed a solid 1.80m arapaima but also indulged in an unexpected highlight—his discovery of Brazil’s beloved yuca fries. In a delightful twist, even the Frenchman admitted that yuca fries might just outshine the famous French fries, a testament to the cultural exchange that makes Pirarucu such a special experience.
With water levels continuing to drop, the next weeks hold great potential for even more outstanding catches. As conditions stabilise, the anticipation builds for more record-breaking arapaima and unforgettable moments on the water. Stay tuned for the next chapter of the Pirarucu adventure, where every cast carries the promise of an extraordinary encounter.
Fishing Stats:
Anglers: 5
Total number of Arapaima landed in the week – 16
Biggest fish landed in the week: A stunning specimen of 2.20m and another of 1.8m
Additional catches: Several notable tambaqui to add to the week’s variety and thrill.
Pirarucu Lodge 2024 Season Fishing Reports – Week 5: October 5 to 12
Week five saw the return of a group of eight anglers from Kazakhstan, here for their second trip—and in their words, it was “very niiice.” The conditions, though extreme, only amplified the adventure. With the arapaima concentrated in smaller areas, the opportunities for big catches were endless, and the group made the most of every cast. The week’s standout moment came when one of the anglers hooked into a 237cm monster, a fish that required all the skill, consistency, and determination the group could muster. After a battle full of jumps and tense moments, the group celebrated the victory with classic Kazakh enthusiasm. The water levels continue to reach historic lows, with the current level being the lowest in 60 years. While this made navigation a bit more challenging, it also concentrated the arapaima in the deep pockets of water, turning Pirarucu into a treasure trove for those in search of the ultimate trophy.
Fishing Stats:
Anglers: 8
Total number of Arapaima landed in the week – 16
Biggest fish landed in the week: A stunning specimen of 2.37 metres
Pirarucu Lodge 2024 Season Fishing Reports – Week 4: September 29 to October 5
This week, Pirarucu delivered incredible moments on the water, as well as on land. With six guests joining us, the balance between epic fishing and immersive wildlife experiences made for a week to remember. The arapaima were active. The highlight of the week came from Noa, who broke the season’s record by landing an arapaima monster measuring a jaw-dropping 2.38metres. It was a fight for the books, and Noa’s excitement was felt across the lagoon. The wildlife this week was nothing short of spectacular. With birds filling the skies and the lagoon alive with arapaima, it was hard to know where to look next. For the anglers, it wasn’t just about the fish landed but the sheer number of arapaima spotted near the boats—an unbelievable sight that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Fishing Stats:
Anglers: 6
Total number of Arapaima landed in the week – 22
Biggest fish landed in the week: A stunning specimen of 2.38 metres
Pirarucu Lodge 2024 Season Fishing Reports – Week 3: September 20 to 26
Week three at Pirarucu Lodge brought a group of highly skilled anglers—self-dubbed “The Italian Fishing Mafia”—who turned this week into a masterclass of technique and persistence. The Pirarucu Lodge, home to the largest reserve of arapaimas on the planet, once again delivered unforgettable moments, showcasing its exclusivity as the ultimate destination for targeting these freshwater giants.
The skill level displayed by our Italian friends, including the legendary angler and friend Paolo proved that Italy isn’t just famous for its cuisine—it’s home to some of the finest anglers. Paolo’s expertise with wiggle tail flies was unparalleled, as the arapaimas simply couldn’t resist. Each cast seemed to command the water, culminating in a week that demonstrated the unyielding determination and passion for landing the true giants of the Amazon.
While the arapaimas rightfully take centre stage at Pirarucu, the unexpected appearance of the elusive tambaqui was a highlight in itself. Pound for pound, these fighters may just be the strongest fish in the jungle, a hidden treasure that many anglers across the globe have yet to discover. This week, several of our guests were fortunate enough to experience the raw power of the tambaqui, giving them a new appreciation for this often-overlooked Amazonian heavyweight. The photos from the week are a testament to the bond between angler and fish, showcasing both tambaqui and arapaima in all their glory.
With the water levels at a record low, the upcoming weeks are sure to offer even more extraordinary opportunities for landing monster arapaimas. The concentrated fishing grounds, paired with the arrival of experienced anglers, promise a continuation of intense and rewarding action. The Pirarucu season is just beginning, and with the river revealing its secrets, the anticipation for the next week is palpable. The adventure continues, and we are poised to witness the kind of moments that define an angler’s career.
Fishing Stats:
Anglers: 7
Total number of Arapaima landed in the week – 38
Biggest fish landed in the week: A stunning specimen of 2.18 metres
Pirarucu Lodge 2024 Season Fishing Reports – Week 1: September 9 to 12
Pirarucú Lodge welcomed five intrepid anglers for the first week, four of whom embarked on a dream combo trip from Rio Marié. Each angler crossed the arapaima off their bucket list, an accomplishment worthy of the season’s opening chapter. The experience of landing arapaima—some stretching close to two metres—reinforced why Pirarucú is the premier destination for those pursuing the ultimate jungle fishing adventure.
Fishing at Pirarucú Lodge is not for the faint-hearted. It demands patience, skill, and respect for the wild. Here, anglers are rewarded with the opportunity to fight fish that challenge the very limits of fly-fishing.
The first week of the season greeted us with warm, consistent temperatures averaging 33°C (91°F), providing an almost perfect setting for targeting arapaima. With bright, sunny days and just one brief rain shower, conditions were favourable for both anglers and wildlife.
The water levels were exceptionally low this week, creating ideal fishing conditions for those seeking the elusive giants of Pirarucú. The slightly coloured water added a touch of complexity to the experience, challenging even seasoned anglers. The drop in water levels brought the wildlife closer to the waterline, creating vivid scenes around every turn.
Fishing Stats:
Anglers: 5
Total number of Arapaima landed in the week – 14
Biggest fish landed in the week: Two arapaima reaching 2 metres
If you have found these Pirarucu Lodge 2024 fishing reports interesting and would like more information then please do not hesitate to contact Peter by EMAIL or call our office on +44(0)1980 847 389