As the eleventh season at Kendjam Lodge in Brazil begins we’re delighted to bring you the fishing reports from this stunning spot. Keep in touch with this page for all the news from 2026 as anglers target a variety of species in the remote crystal clear Amazon waters. Along with fishing at Kendjam 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 2026 Season Fishing Report, Week 9 – on foot under changing skies
The ninth week of the season welcomed four good friends to Kendjam, three of them returning to the Iriri and one experiencing it for the first time after previously fishing at Marié. John, Rodney, and Paulo already knew the rhythm of these waters, while Richard arrived ready to discover a very different side of Amazon fly fishing. Together, they brought the kind of easy camaraderie that carries naturally from days on the river to evenings back at the lodge.
Low river levels opened up excellent opportunities for wading, allowing the group to approach the fishing from a different perspective. Peacock bass were especially aggressive, attacking flies around rocky structure, along sandy banks, and while cruising through shallow water. The combination of visibility and mobility made these encounters intensely visual from the first presentation to the strike.
The diversity of the Iriri remained present throughout the week. Bicuda brought speed, matrinxã added energetic fights, pacu required a different approach, and wolf fish delivered the unmistakable power that makes every encounter memorable. Each species changed the rhythm of the fishing and kept the group adjusting throughout the day.
By the end of the week, the group had landed a total of 124 fish across five species, another reflection of how many different fishing situations the Iriri can offer even as river levels continue to fall.
Fishing Stats
Peacock Bass: 99
Bicuda: 9
Matrinxã: 7
Pacu: 5
Wolf Fish: 4
As the week progressed, the river began to change. Rain arrived toward the final days, unusual for this stage of the season, adding another reminder that conditions in the Amazon can shift quickly and that the natural rhythm of the Iriri always has the final word.
Another seasonal transition was also becoming visible along the riverbanks as the tracajá turtle egg season approached its end. This annual cycle draws wildlife to the sandy margins and remains an important part of life in the territory, connecting the river, the forest, and the Kayapó people through a rhythm that has existed long before fishing brought visitors here.
For four friends, the week became a mix of familiar experiences and new discoveries. Some were returning to a river they already knew. For another, it was the first opportunity to understand why the Iriri offers such a different kind of fishing.
By the final day, the story of this week was not only about aggressive fish or wading through low water. It was about returning, discovering, and watching the river begin to change around them.
Kendjam 2026 Season Fishing Report, Week 8 – two rhythms of the iriri
The eighth week of the season welcomed a distinctive group to Kendjam, with seven women and one man joining Trisha for another chapter on the Iriri. Strong river conditions continued to support consistent fishing, but what defined the week was not simply the action. It was the contrast between completely different ways of experiencing the same river.
At one moment, the fishing was immediate and explosive. Peacock bass attacked streamers presented close to the banks, wolf fish crushed poppers with unmistakable force, and bicuda charged moving flies with the speed that makes every encounter difficult to predict.
Then the rhythm changed.
Rubber pacu and matrinxã showed a quieter side of the Iriri, approaching dry flies and nymphs with far more subtlety. These opportunities asked for accuracy, careful presentations, and an ability to adjust quickly from the aggressive fishing that had defined the previous moments.
That contrast became the story of the week. Anglers could move from powerful surface takes to delicate presentations within the same day, experiencing how differently each species responds to the fly and how much variety the Iriri can offer without ever feeling repetitive.
By the final day, the group had landed 354 fish across six recorded species, with peacock bass accounting for the majority of the action.
Fishing Stats
Peacock Bass: 296
Bicuda: 21
Matrinxã: 15
Rubber Pacu: 11
Wolf Fish: 9
Silver Pacu: 2
More than the final numbers, Week 08 showed how quickly the river can ask anglers to change their approach. Strength and speed mattered in one moment, while accuracy and subtle presentations became essential in the next.
With Trisha and her group sharing those different experiences throughout the week, the Iriri once again proved that its diversity is not only measured by how many species are present. It can also be found in the completely different ways those fish ask to be caught.
Two rhythms, one river, and another week where no single approach told the entire story.
Kendjam 2026 Season Fishing Report, Week 7 – precision and familiarity
The seventh week of the season welcomed six anglers to the Iriri, bringing together returning friends and new stories on the river. Will, a longtime friend and ambassador, came back for another season, while Roger arrived at 77 years old for the first half of a two week fishing journey, beginning at Kendjam before continuing to Marié. The group was completed by four good friends, adding another layer of camaraderie to the week.
Fishing remained strong as river levels continued their gradual seasonal drop. Peacock bass stayed active throughout the week, while bicuda produced explosive surface takes and matrinxã responded confidently to dry flies, giving anglers different opportunities and requiring constant adjustments throughout each day.
The most technical fishing of the week came from rubber pacu. Holding in faster moving water, they demanded accurate presentations and careful fly selection, responding to algae imitations as well as dry dropper setups with cricket and stonefly nymph patterns. These encounters combined visual fishing with the precision that makes this species such a rewarding challenge on fly.
By the end of the week, the group had landed 356 fish across 10 different species, another reflection of the remarkable diversity that shaped each day on the river.
Fishing Stats
Peacock Bass: 252
Bicuda: 41
Matrinxã: 24
Rubber pacu: 21
Wolf fish: 12
Redtail catfish: 2
Silver pacu: 1
Pacu de cinta: 1
Payara: 1
Barbudo: 1
Multiple peacock bass surpassed 60cm, with Roger landing the largest at an impressive 64cm. Several rubber pacu also exceeded 50cm, reinforcing just how productive the technical approach had been throughout the week.
Another standout was a remarkable 54cm matrinxã, one of the largest seen at Kendjam. Known for speed and powerful runs, a fish of this size added another memorable chapter to an already diverse week.
Water levels continue to fall slowly, while good flow should maintain strong fishing opportunities as the season progresses. These evolving conditions continue to create different situations for anglers willing to adjust their presentations and read the river carefully.
Between technical takes, quality fish, returning friends, and new challenges, week 7 showed another side of the Iriri. This was a week defined not by a single moment, but by the many different ways the river rewarded experience, precision, and adaptability.
Kendjam 2026 Season Fishing Report, Week 6 – New Memories
The sixth week of the season continued under stable conditions on the Iriri, with exceptional visibility creating excellent opportunities for sight fishing. The river remained productive throughout the week, giving anglers consistent action across different species and presentations.
By the end of the week, the group had landed 577 fish. Peacock bass remained particularly active, while matrinxã, bicuda, jaú, rubber pacu, and silver pacu added the diversity that keeps each day on the Iriri changing from one fishing situation to the next.
One fish, however, gave the week a story of its own.
Matt landed an impressive 66cm peacock bass, the largest of the species recorded at Kendjam so far this season. The catch came alongside Rafael Costa, Kendjam’s manager, who occasionally leaves lodge operations behind and returns to the guiding boat for a special day on the river.
This was one of those days. Drawing on years of experience and a deep knowledge of the Iriri, Rafael helped turn the opportunity into the standout catch of the week. It was a reminder that while techniques and equipment continue to evolve, experience on the river still carries its own kind of precision.
The week also welcomed a family of five, parents and their three sons sharing the Kendjam experience together. For the younger generation, the journey offered much more than an introduction to fishing. It was also an opportunity to experience the wildlife, landscape, culture, and clear rivers of this part of Brazil alongside their parents.
For a family discovering the Amazon together, each day brought something different. Fishing created the connection to the river, while everything surrounding it added another layer to the experience.
Week six ultimately brought two generations into the same story. One through years of knowledge returning to the guiding boat, and another through three sons beginning to discover the Iriri with their parents.
A season-best peacock bass, an old-school return to guiding, and a family experiencing the river together gave this week a character all its own
Kendjam 2026 Season Fishing Report, Week 5 – When the wild takes over
Week five found the Iriri in excellent condition once again, with stable river levels and exceptional clarity creating strong opportunities for sight fishing. Anglers were able to spot fish before making their presentations, following the entire sequence from the first cast to the take. Shallow water, submerged structure, and visible feeding activity made accuracy especially important and kept the fishing highly engaging throughout the week.
The diversity of the Iriri continued to shape each day. Peacock bass remained aggressive, while matrinxã, bicuda, wolf fish, redtail catfish, rubber pacu, and silver pacu brought different speeds, behaviours, and technical challenges to the experience. Rather than one species or one particular moment defining the fishing, consistency was the real story, with steady opportunities allowing the group to experience different approaches and presentations throughout the week.
By the final day, the group had landed 432 fish, reflecting another productive week under favourable conditions. But this time, some of the most remarkable moments happened far from the end of a fly line.
Two jaguars were spotted during the week, offering the group a rare encounter with one of the most elusive animals in the rainforest. Seeing them within the Kayapó Indigenous Territory added an entirely different dimension to the experience and served as a powerful reminder that every day on the Iriri is shaped as much by the surrounding environment as by the fishing itself.
There was another meaningful return this week as Mike came back to Kendjam, this time accompanied by his family. Experiencing a place for the first time is one thing, but choosing to return and share it with the people closest to you tells a different story. For Mike, this trip became an opportunity to introduce his family to a river and an experience that had already become important to him.
The knowledge of the Kayapó guides remained essential throughout the week, connecting guests with the fishing, wildlife, and landscape in ways that go far beyond simply moving from one fishing opportunity to the next. Their understanding of the territory gives every day a deeper sense of place and makes unexpected moments, such as a jaguar sighting, part of a much larger experience.
Week five ultimately became a reminder of how unpredictable Kendjam can be in the best possible way. Excellent sight fishing kept anglers engaged on the water, two jaguars appeared when nobody could have planned for them, and a returning guest discovered the experience again through the eyes of his family.
Sometimes the fishing defines the week. This time, the wild had an equally important story to tell.
Kendjam 2026 Season Fishing Report, Week 4 – New anglers, steady action
The fourth week of the season welcomed anglers from the United States, Colombia, and Mexico to the Iriri River. Stable river levels and exceptional clarity continued throughout their stay, creating excellent conditions for visual fishing within the Kayapó Indigenous Territory.
Among the guests was a group of young Mexican anglers experiencing fly fishing for the first time. Their excitement grew with every catch as they discovered the variety of species, techniques, and visual encounters found along the Iriri.
Matrinxã maintained a fast pace with powerful runs, while bicuda attacked moving flies with remarkable speed. Giant wolf fish delivered intense battles around submerged timber. Redtail catfish, rubber pacu, and silver pacu added even more variety to the fishing.
By the end of the week, the group had landed 583 fish. The total reflected the consistency found each day, with opportunities across different species and a combination of sight fishing, moving flies, surface presentations, and technical casts around structure. Among the most notable catches were a 60cm peacock bass and an impressive 85cm wolf fish.
The experience extended beyond each encounter with a fish. Clear water, protected rainforest, wildlife, and sunsets surrounded the anglers throughout their time on the river, while the knowledge of the Kayapó guides helped connect every fishing day to the territory itself.
Kayapó guides, professional guides, lodge staff, and the support team worked together throughout the week, contributing their knowledge and experience both on and off the water.
The group departed with the river still stable, visibility remaining exceptional, and fish responding aggressively. More than a week of consistent fishing, it marked the beginning of a new relationship with fly fishing for a young generation of anglers.
Kendjam 2026 Season Fishing Report, Week 3 – Clear Water, Consistent Action
Week three brought a smaller group of six anglers to the Iriri following last-minute travel changes. With improving water clarity and stable river levels, the conditions were ideal for an unforgettable week on the water.
As conditions improved, the fishing became more visual. Fish could be spotted moving through shallow sandy stretches and around submerged structure, creating opportunities for accurate presentations and exciting encounters throughout the week.
Peacock bass attacked flies in shallow water with explosive aggression, keeping anglers alert from the moment the fly landed. Their vibrant coloration made each encounter even more striking, with intense yellow, emerald, and black patterns standing out beneath the clear surface.
Matrinxã stayed highly active, delivering fast takes and strong runs. Bicuda struck moving streamers with speed, while wolf fish produced forceful battles around structure. Several payara added intensity, and redtail catfish further highlighted the diversity of the Iriri.
More than any single catch, consistency defined the week. Strong numbers, aggressive fish, and repeated sight fishing opportunities created steady action across different species and techniques.
This week also marked the return of Breno, who has visited Kendjam every season since 2015. After more than a decade of uninterrupted returns to the Iriri, he has become part of the Kendjam family and has already secured his place for the 2027 season.
Another major highlight of his week came with the capture of a true monster wolf fish, the biggest of his life and one of the largest ever recorded in Kendjam history. A rare and unforgettable encounter, it stood out as one of the defining moments of the season, adding yet another chapter to Breno’s long relationship with the Iriri.
Beyond the fishing, the Kayapó Indigenous Territory remained present in every part of the experience. Wildlife, clear water, forest views, and sunsets gave each day a rhythm that extended far beyond the final cast. The work of the Kayapó guides, professional guides, camp staff, and support team once again made the week possible. Their knowledge, dedication, and care continue to shape every experience at Kendjam.
Fishing stats:
Total number of fish landed this week: 457
Standout catches:
Wolf Fish 88cm
Peacock bass 63cm
Bicuda 83cm
Silver pacu 39cm
Rubber Pacu 49cm
Kendjam 2026 Season Fishing Report, Week 2 – Topwater Action and Shared traditions
The second week of the season brought six anglers to Kendjam, with five guests travelling from the United States and one from Canada.
The Iriri continued to clear throughout the week, creating increasingly favourable conditions for visual fishing. Water levels were slightly lower than usual for this point in the season, while sunny days brought temperatures ranging from 25°C to 33°C.
From the first sessions, the river delivered consistent action.
Peacock bass responded aggressively on the surface, producing explosive strikes that became one of the defining elements of the week. Watching these fish rise and attack in clear water brought speed, anticipation, and excitement to every presentation.
The dry fly fishing also stood out.
Rubber pacu were particularly active, with anglers landing strong numbers on dry flies. Their selective behaviour demanded accurate casts, while each take offered another reminder of the technical variety found throughout the Iriri.
Beyond the fishing, the surrounding environment remained an essential part of each day. Colourful birds were present throughout the journey, while a rare tapir sighting along the riverbank offered the group a memorable glimpse of the wildlife that inhabits this region.
Fishing stats:
Total number of fish landed this week: 319
Standout catches:
Wolf Fish 86cm
Peacock bass 62cm
Bicuda 63cm
Silver pacu 38cm
Rubber Pacu 48cm
Kendjam 2026 Season Fishing Report, Week 1 – A clear beginning on the Iriri
The 2026 season is officially underway and the Iriri River welcomed its first anglers with exactly what makes Kendjam unlike anywhere else in the Amazon: crystal-clear water flowing over ancient granite formations, endless jungle, remarkable wildlife and an extraordinary diversity of gamefish.
Before the first cast, the river was already putting on a show.
Blue-and-yellow macaws crossed overhead. Giant river otters patrolled the channels. Fresh tapir and jaguar tracks appeared along the riverbanks each morning, reminders that this is still one of the wildest landscapes left in South America.
Then came the fishing.
From the opening day, anglers experienced the visual fly fishing that has become Kendjam’s signature. Peacock bass could be spotted moving through shallow channels and along structure before charging a perfectly presented fly with explosive aggression.
The Iriri once again demonstrated why diversity is its greatest strength.
Matrinxã delivered relentless action with explosive takes. Bicuda launched airborne attacks on fast-moving streamers. Wolf fish lived up to their reputation with crushing strikes and powerful fights around submerged structures. Pacu demanded precision and strong presentations, while impressive payara added another level of excitement to an already spectacular week.
One angler achieved something truly special, landing 11 different species during the expedition—nearly all of them trophy-quality fish. It was a remarkable demonstration of the Kendjam biodiversity and one of those accomplishments that can only happen in a river like Iriri.
By the end of the week, the group had landed an outstanding 472 fish, including exceptional specimens across several of the river’s iconic species.
Perhaps the greatest highlight, however, was the condition of the fish themselves.
The peacock bass were in exceptional shape, displaying the intense yellow, emerald and jet-black coloration for which the Iriri has become famous. Aggressive, healthy and immensely powerful, they provided the kind of visual, heart-stopping encounters that define Kendjam.
None of this would be possible without the Kayapó people.
For generations, they have protected these rivers and the surrounding forest, preserving an ecosystem where fish populations continue to thrive and biodiversity remains extraordinary. Fishing Kendjam is not simply about catching fish—it’s about experiencing a river that is still governed by nature’s own rhythms and cared for by the people who know it best.
If Week One is any indication, the 2026 season is shaping up to be something very special.
Fishing stats:
Total number of fish landed this week: 472
Standout catches:
Wolf Fish 84cm
Peacock bass 62cm
Mantrinxã 53cm
Silver pacu 37cm
Pacu 43cm
Payara 86cm
If you have enjoyed reading the 2026 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:
