Keep in touch with this page for all the 2023 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 Lodge – End of season round up
We are very proud to have completed our 2023 season, which completes our eighth in Kendjam with our Kayapos native partners.
We had excellent water levels at the beginning of the season which allowed us to work comfortably and safely. From the middle to the end, the conditions changed abruptly and we had low, crystal clear water which gave amazing conditions for fishing but made the logistics a little difficult. Towards the end the effect of “El Niño” arrived and the rains began sporadically but early for the area.
The fishing, as is usual for Iriri, was spectacular most weeks. With the changes in water level and climate already mentioned above, our guides found a way to look for new alternatives and techniques, making each week a success for each of our guests.
We had peacock bass sizes that in the past were sporadic, or taken as records, consistently every week. The matrinxas were shy in the beginning but they become present towards the middle and also in incredible sizes. Rubber pacus were very active in the beginning but the water level and temperature made the production of algae poor, which made it difficult to fish from the middle. On the other hand, the silver pacus were very active, especially after the rains we had towards the end. The wolfish were consistent almost every week except for a few, before the rains, where they became active again.
The wildlife was excellent throughout the season and allowed anglers to meet several jaguars, tapirs, turtles, and birds of varied species. As highlights we had a week in which each of our guests had the chance to see a jaguar.
Interactions with the Kayapo natives, with their ancient knowledge of spotting fish and animals, and body painting and dance, were a great part of the whole trip experience.
Kendjam is a special place, not just because of its pristine and unexplored nature, but for who comes to the lodge. We are delighted to have completed another season with a family atmosphere, to greet old and new friends in untouched nature with incredible fishing.
As a team we want to thank everyone who shared it with us and we invite those who did not have the chance to know this paradise. We are Looking forward to seeing you next season!
Kendjam Lodge, week 13 – 17th to 24th September
The last storm provided relief from the extreme temperatures we were experiencing and the fish were clearly more active. Good sized matrinxas could not resist the work of small streamers like clouser minnow or Lefty’s deceiver. We got the opportunity to fish for silver pacus that were eating flowers and leaves that came from the trees.
The rubber pacu also showed their presence by grabbing dries again and fighting those battles that characterise them so much. Peacock bass and wolf fish were very active too. But these last ones were in a remarkable way. We found them again in pairs or groups at the heads of waterfalls and in the main channel.
For our last week of the season we hosted fishermen from the USA, Poland and Australia. They were a fantastic group who coped brilliantly with the low water conditions, with catches and stories to prove it.
We had several peacock bass over 60cm and matrinxas above 45cm. Mariusz caught a 48cm matrinxa that gave an incredible battle after taking a small Lefty’s deceiver white and blue. His fishing partner, Marek, also got a similar catch a short distance away. Big matrinxas were on fire!
Tony and Scott had an incredible last day of fishing with multiple catches and excellent sizes after a long – but very worthwhile – trip to the upper river.
Our Australian friend, Darren, finished his excellent week with the capture of a 76cm bicuda on his “last cast”.
We couldn’t have finished the last week of the season in a better way.
Congratulations to the fishermen who knew how to overcome extreme situations with technique and good attitude!
Fishing stats:
Group: 5 anglers
Total number of fish landed in the week – 300
Biggest fish landed in the week:
Wolf fish: 80cm
Peacock bass: 62cm
Mantrinxã: 48cm
Pacu borracha: 30cm
Pacu prata: 24cm
Bicuda: 76cm
Kendjam Lodge, week 12 – 10th to 17th September
With extremely low water levels, it didn’t take long for the water temperature to rise. This caused the fish to be less active or only be in specific places. Most of the fishing for peacock bass was in deep pools or currents like runs or waterfalls.
Rubber pacus were not as active this week. We were able to tempt some using nymphs hanging from large dry flies. We got the opportunity to fish for silver pacus that were eating flowers from the trees.
The wolf fish fishery also decreased but we had the chance to catch some excellent sizes.
Having one of the most difficult weeks of the season because of the level and temperature of the water, the fishermen managed to overcome it with catches of excellent trophies.
We had several peacock bass over 50cm and one of 63cm. Emilie got a 5cm matrinxa with a streamer that gave her a pleasant surprise and incredible battle. John came with a clear target to Kendjam, wolf fish. He got it on his second day and it was an incredible 87cm trophy. Well done John!
Congratulations to the fishermen who knew how to overcome extreme situations with technique and good attitude!
Fishing stats:
Group: 7 anglers
Total number of fish landed in the week – 120
Biggest fish landed in the week:
Wolf fish: 86cm
Peacock bass: 63cm
Mantrinxã: 50cm
Pacu borracha: 36cm
Pacu prata: 35cm
Bicuda: 70cm
Kendjam Lodge, week 11 – 3rd to 10th September
The rain is still helping to keep the water level and temperature stable. Fishing conditions continue to be ideal for wading, and you can try almost all of the great variety of species that characterise this river.
Rubber pacus were not as active this week. On the other hand we had silver pacu action with imitations of fruits and nymphs. Peacock bass and wolf fish fishing continues excellent with streamers. Large sizes continue to appear that never cease to amaze us. We had some action with poppers, which added an excellent attraction to the fishing.
We had a great week of fishing, but Dan and Landon stood out with two 62cm peacock bass.
It was lovely to host Sandra, our Sales and Marketing manager, and Pablo from Argentina. They had their first fly fishing lessons in front of the lodge and their week was full of catches and great moments. Nothing better than Kendjam to get hooked on this fantastic sport.
Our old friend Jeff Kriznoski came to Kendjam with two requests: wolf fish and the chance to see a panther. Wolf fish wasn’t difficult but neither was panther! We couldn’t be happier for him and Dan who managed to see one crossing the waters of the Iriri River.
One more week with a family atmosphere , old and new friends, pure nature, first class food and of course unbeatable fishing.
Fishing stats:
Group: 8 anglers
Total number of fish landed in the week – 360
Biggest fish landed in the week:
Wolf fish: 82cm
Peacock bass: 63cm
Mantrinxã: 43cm
Pacu borracha: 40cm
Pacu prata: 35cm
Bicuda: 70cm
Kendjam Lodge, week 10 – 27th August to 3rd September
The rains help to keep the water level and temperature stable and fishing conditions continue to be ideal for wading, attempting the challenging matrinxas and pacus with dries.
Once again, and thanks to the rains, we had the pleasant chance of being able to fish for pacus and matrinxas eating on the surface, looking for insects and fruits. This gave us the opportunity to fish them with terrestrials, nymphs and fruits in calm waters, opening the possibility of a different type of fishing.
Peacock bass fishing continues excellently with streamers. Large sizes continue to appear that never cease to amaze us.
Wolffish were active this week also. We found them in standing water that forms on the side of the main cause. We had action mainly with streamers but also with poppers, which added an excellent attraction to the fishing of this opponent!
The group of anglers could not be happier with the number and size of fish landed.
All the guests had the indescribable experience of seeing a Jaguar during one of their days of fishing… something that for some places is a highlight and for Kendjam is becoming normal! One more week with a family atmosphere with old and new friends, pure nature, first class food and of course unbeatable fishing.
Fishing stats:
Eight anglers
Total number of fish landed in the week – 420
Biggest fish landed in the week:
Wolf fish: 80cm
Peacock bass: 61cm
Mantrinxã: 47cm
Pacu borracha: 41cm
Pacu prata: 40cm
Bicuda: 77cm
Kendjam Lodge, week nine – 20th to 27th August
With the water going down at a rapid rate, the storm at the end of the week brought some relief. Fishing conditions continue to be ideal for wading, attempting the challenging matrinxas and peacock bass on runs and waterfalls.
We found silver pacus eating leaves and insects that the rain washed away. This gave us the opportunity to fish them with terrestrials, nymphs and fruits in calm waters, opening the possibility of a different type of fishing.
We had a lot of action on the surface, especially with large bicudas that gave extra fun to an excellent week of fishing.
The group of anglers could not be happier with the number and size of fish landed.
Fishing stats:
Eight anglers
Total number of fish landed in the week – 480
Biggest fish landed in the week:
Wolf fish: 80 cm
Peacock bass: 62cm
Mantrinxã: 47cm
Pacu borracha: 37cm
Pacu frata: 39cm
Bicuda: 82cm
Kendjam Lodge, week eight – 13th to 20th August
We were blessed with perfect water during the eighth week of the season – perfect for sight casting in all sectors.
We hosted four couples and all anglers put in the work and went home with lots of new species checked on their bucket list. The girls did an awesome job, giving no chance to the big matrinxas and bicudas.
Highlights of the week were Rachel and Kate landing some huge peacocks; and Ray Malone, who landed a 22lb plus wolfish, probably one the biggest we have ever seen in Kendjam waters.
Fishing stats:
Eight anglers
Total number of fish landed in the week: 512
Biggest fish landed in the week:
Wolf fish: 92cm
Peacock bass: 64cm
Mantrinxã: 51cm
Pacu borracha: 44cm
Bicuda: 87cm
Kendjam Lodge, week seven – 6th to 13th August
This week we hosted a great group of anglers and friends from UK, for some of whom it was the first time fly fishing in the jungle. The water was perfect for wading, and we had a great time fishing dry fly and poppers. All anglers landed a wide variety of nice species all over the week.
Highlights of the week were the amazing sight fishing dry fly action and coming across the giant black jaguar again. Kendjam is probably the only place on earth where you can cast a dry fly and look at a black jaguar at the same time.
Fishing stats:
Nine anglers
Total number of fish landed this week: 496
Biggest fish landed this week:
Wolf fish: 87cm
Peacock bass: 64cm
Mantrinxã: 53cm
Pacu borracha: 43cm
Bicuda: 78cm
Kendjam Lodge, week six – 30th July to 6th August
The water has reached the perfect level for wading in most spots and we had a great time with an amazing group of anglers who caught lots of big fish in all sectors. Good anglers in good water and weather conditions. A perfect combo.
One of the highlights of the week was the huge black Jaguar spotted by our pro guide Guilherme with two guests. Mother nature doesn’t give this gift very often. Congrats guys.
In terms of fishing it was really impressive the numbers and big sizes of wolfish and peacock bass.
Fishing stats:
Nine anglers
Total number of fish landed this week: 418
Biggest fish landed this week:
Wolf Fish: 89cm
Peacock Bass: 66cm
Mantrinxã: 53cm
Pacu Borracha: 42cm
Bicuda: 89cm
Kendjam Lodge, 2023 season, week five – 23rd to 30th July
The fifth week of the season got us some amazing fishing results. The water is just getting perfect for wading. Anglers and guides put their best efforts and we caught really lots of fish.
The matrinxas are now very hungry and they just can’t resist to the dry flies.
The highlights of the week were accomplished by two of our returning guests. The first one was a huge bicuda caught by our friend Alexandre; the other one, a 94cm monster payara landed by Kenneth.
Fishing stats:
Nine anglers
Total number of fish landed this week: 458
Biggest fish landed this week:
Wolf Fish: 82cm
Peacock Bass: 64cm
Mantrinxã: 53cm
Pacu Borracha: 40cm
Bicuda: 89cm
Payara: 94cm
Kendjam Lodge, 2023 season, week four – 16th to 23rd July
In our fourth week of the season we hosted anglers from Europe and they had an amazing week with lots of multi variety species caught every day.
The highlights of the week were the high number of pacus and matrinxas sight fishing on dry flies, a huge wolf fish caught by Helmut and another giant peacock bass caught by Marco.
Fishing stats:
Seven anglers
Total number of fish landed this week: 402
Biggest fish landed this week:
Wolf fish: 80cm
Peacock bass: 67cm
Mantrinxã: 53cm
Pacu borracha: 42cm
Bicuda: 80cm
Kendjam Lodge, 2023 season, week two – 2nd to 9th July
Second week of the season with the water still a little high for the usual, the group of anglers could not be happier with the number and size of fish landed. We had a stronger rainy season this past year in comparison with previous years, and because of that the fish are healthy and well fed from all the food they find inside the jungle.
We came very close to beating our peacock bass record (again this week) with a fish 67cm long the same weight as the previous record. We are almost sure the Melaniae peacock bass record is going to be broken this season.
The water is starting to get cleaner every day so we are expecting a amazing third week.
Highlights of the week included the monster red tail catfish cuaght by Bruno, probably the biggest one we’ve ever seen here. And also the two jaguars spotted at the river shore during the week.
Fishing stats:
Eight anglers
Total number of fish landed this week: 437
Biggest fish landed this week:
Wolf fish: 82cm
Peacock bass: 67cm
Mantrinxã : 51cm
Pacu borracha : 43cm
Pacu prata: 39cm
Bicuda: 81cm
Kendjam Lodge, 2023 season, week one – 23rd June to 2nd July
We couldn’t ask for a better week to start our 2023 fishing season! We kickoff Kendjam season hosting an incredible fly fishing family from USA, and the best, all great anglers and fun people to spend the week. Ladies had some amazing time also with some non-fishing activities in the jungle. It’s also so cool to see a new young generation of fly anglers starting to discover the jungle fishing. This week we could say we guided 3 generations of fly anglers and they all did an amazing job catching lots of nice fish.
The river still little high for the season standards, but is dropping every day and we expecting to be able to do more wading in the next couple weeks.
Fishing stats:
Eight anglers
Total number of fish landed this week: 387
Biggest fish landed this week:
Wolf Fish 81cm
Peacock Bass 67cm
Mantrinxã 47cm
Pacu Borracha 43cm
Pacu Prata 39cm
Bicuda 82 cm
If you would you have enjoyed reading these 2023 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: