If you want a premium fishing experience in the Amazon, the water levels of the river systems and high fishing pressure are arguably the two biggest issue that can impact your success. Fixed-location lodges may offer added amenities, but they lack the ability to move locations to adapt to ever-changing water levels and fishing conditions. And with wave after wave of weekly anglers, over fishing the same sections of river can be a real problem, often resulting in long boat rides each day and lost fishing time to find less pressured waters. This outfitter, with decades of experience, offers a solution to these problems with a mobile, floating lodge consisting of shallow-draft river trains. This allows them the unique ability to move anglers each week to new, unfished and unspoiled areas based on water levels and fishing conditions, minimizing the possibility of a disappointing trip. And with nine (9) exclusive river systems no other outfitter can access, their anglers have an incredible section of this portion of the Amazon all to themselves with zero outside pressure.
The Operation and Accommodations
Anglers in group sizes up to eight will fly by float plane from Manaus directly to one of six floating lodge river trains, depending on the remote river to be fished. Flight time ranges from 45 minutes to two hours depending on location. This greatly reduces the travel time by avoiding a commercial connection in Barcelos followed by a boat ride to reach a fixed-location lodge.
The floating river trains have all the amenities needed for a safe, comfortable experience. A combination of single cabins with queen beds and double-occupancy cabins with twin beds will accommodate up to eight anglers per week, all with fully functional bathrooms with a pressurized water system and air conditioning.
To reach the most remote and productive areas, this outfitter has abandoned the use of high speed bass boats in favor of tunnel-hulls which can operate in much shallower areas.
Key Benefits to a Mobile River Train with Exclusive/Private Fisheries
• Fish River Plate’s 9 private rivers on an exclusive basis. Zero fishing pressure. Zero human presence.
• Fish just the honey holes and hotspots 1,000 X 600-mile-wide expanse of prime peacock bass territory.
• Fish carefully chosen sections of those Private Rivers at the best possible times, based on constant monitoring of water levels and weather.
• The River Trains unique shallow drafting mobility allows you to fish in areas above natural barriers such as sandbars and rapids where habitat for giant peacocks continues for hundreds of miles. Hotel boats and river yachts can’t even reach these waters much less fish them.
• Fish until your arms give out, thanks to travel times as short as 5 to 20 minutes. While you fish, your River Train will navigate to a different beach close to new, unfished waters.
• Intercept your River Train directly by float plane, with no long riverboat ride, and no time wasted in accessing our Private Rivers.
• Live in the comfort of a 270-square-foot stand-alone single occupancy cabin with all the important amenities.
• Enjoy the warmth and camaraderie of a small camp. Most groups number only 6 to 8 anglers.
• Enjoy the absence of biting insects, thanks to low water levels, high tannin levels, and the continuous mobility of your River Train.
ITINERARY
Day 1 * Depart for international flight to Manaus. After you have cleared customs, our representative will transport you to a four- or five-star hotel. Drive time: 10 to 20 minutes.
Day 2 * Early breakfast before departing at 6:30 a.m. for float plane flight to one of our six fly-in safari floating River Trains.
* Unpack, attend a brief orientation, eat a quick lunch, and fish all afternoon.
Day 3 – Day 8 * Six full fishing days.
* Breakfast is served daily at 7:00 a.m., and your guide will be ready to leave by 7:30 a.m. (See menu below.)
* We suggest but don’t require guests to return to camp for lunch and a nap. Often, you will be fishing only 5 to 15 minutes from your River Train.
Day 9 * If time allows, fish a few hours in the morning.
* Fly back to Manaus.
* Afternoon or night departure for the U.S.
Best Times
With nine exclusive river systems in 10 different fishing zones, the size of the area they operate in is vast, and each region has a different peak season. Because they have the ability to move their operation from one region to another, they can offer quality fishing from July through February, much longer than most other operators, and they can do so without overlapping into high risk fringe periods. Depending on each angler’s preferences for dates of travel, quality of fish, quantity of fish, or a combination of both, we can recommend specific rivers and optimal time periods.
No Biting Insects
It’s a true blessing that these Private Rivers have NO BITING insects, and here’s why:
• We only fish where low water levels which have reduced the habitat for insect larvae and eggs.
• With one or two exceptions, we fish sections of our Private Rivers that are completely devoid of human presence, which is a prerequisite for biting insects in the Amazon during the dry season.
• Our almost daily mobility eliminates any possibility of meaningful encounters with the few biting bugs that might be around.
• All of the waters we fish have high tannin levels (from extensive leaf decay), which discourages the development of biting insects.
• However, if you may wish to visit a jungle community you will encounter biting insects. Indeed, you must put on your deed repellent!
Passport and Visa considerations
A valid U.S. passport is required for entrance into Brazil now until April 10th of 2025. Starting April 10th, 2025, citizens of the United States, Canada and Australia must have a VISA, which can be applied for online with a +/- 30 day application processing time at https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/. Make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months beyond the return date of your trip.
Flight Information
To fly to Manaus, Brazil (MAO airport code), we recommend direct flights from Miami, if available, or to fly on Copa Airlines with a connection in Panama. As an alternative, additional connecting options include Sao Paulo, Brazil or Bogota, Columbia.
Fish Species
Although peacock bass are the main attraction in the Amazon, there are many other jungle species that are equally impressive in beauty and fighting ability. Here are just some of the species we can introduce you to. Inquire ahead of time if you are interested in any particular fish: Pacu, Pirapitinga, Jacunda, Apapa, Tambaqui, Pirarucu, Bicuda, Picua, Piranha, Aruana, and Pescada. Additionally, if you want to tie into a really big catfish, your guide can arrange that. Most clients choose to do this at night, after dinner. We have big rods and reels, and your guide can find you the bait you need. Don’t be surprised if the largest fish you have ever seen grabs your bait and tries to pull you over the side of the boat!
Fishing
Many anglers who fish here do so with conventional spinning or bait casting tackle. Many others prefer to fly fish. You are welcome to fish with either or both kinds of tackle, however only conventional rods, reels and tackle are provided for those who wish not to bring their own.
Every season the stock is renewed and brands and models may change. Guests usually bring along their favorite tackle and we highly recommend bringing three -or four- piece spin, casting, and fly rods that you can carry on the plane. The cumbersome one-piece models often get lost or broken in transport no matter how well they are packed.
Bait-casting and spinning rods should be LONG-HANDLED/medium-heavy action models designed with plenty of backbone for hook setting/pressuring big fish (recommended for 1-3 ounce lures). Bait-casting reels should have a high-speed retrieve ratio, as lures are normally worked at an extremely fast rate. Bring at least two rod and reels, because you might break a rod or strip the gears in one of your reels. Because of this, most anglers prefer to use casting rods instead of spinning models.
Here are a few examples of the most popular tackle combinations:
Rods: 5’6” to 6’6″ with medium heavy to heavy power ratings and fast to extra fast actions depending on technique.
Lines (Spin / Cast)
50 to 65 LB. Braid (ex. Power Pro) with 50lb fluorocarbon leader.
Lure Selection Chart
*There is a tackle store in Manaus that will carry everything you can think of for multi-species fishing in the Amazon. Prices are a bit higher here, but the convenience and selection is quite valuable for those who may not know what to order in advance.
Make sure to bring AT LEAST the minimum number of recommended lures listed in front of each lure type — in a mixture of BOTH light and dark colors/shades (i.e. 10 of the ‘propeller-type’ top water, 8 of the minnow/jerk bait, etc…) Angling conditions will have you going through a lot of tackle. In many cases, there are several brands of lures listed under each classification. Those listed first are the most popular, although the order could be a topic of serious dispute among peacock veterans.
Quantity: 10-12 lures, or one of the PEACOCK KITS
Classification: PROPELLER TYPE (topwater)
Company: HighRoller Fishing Lures
Model: RipRoller Series
Size: 5.25″, 6.25″ or 7.25″ RipRoller
Color: Perch, Halloween, Clown, Peacock, Fire Tiger, Speckled Peacock, Pearl Chartreuse Head, Black/Orange.________________________________________
Quantity: 8
Classification: MINNOW/JERK BAITS (surface)
Company: Cotton ‘Redfin’ Cordell
Size: 7″-1oz
Color: Chrome/black
Company: Bomber
Model: ‘Long A Minnow’
Size: 6″ hvy. dty. hointed 1oz.
Color: Silver Flash________________________________________
Quantity: 8
Classification: Spoons
Company: Tony Aceta Model: # 17 PetSpoon’ Size: 1 oz.
Color: Chrome
FLY TACKLE:
Patterns
Streamers fished on sinking lines seem to be most productive for catching larger-sized fish as well as peacock bass. Popular streamers include 6-inch (5/0) bi-colored, heavily-dressed bucktails in red/yellow, olive/white, black/white, and orange/black. Big Deceivers, Bunnies, Saltwater Zonkers, Clousser Minnows, and other flashy bait-fish imitations all take fish. All patterns should have generous amounts of matching Flashabou or Crystal Flash. Big saltwater poppers are exciting to fish, but can be extremely exhausting to cast and retrieve for prolonged periods.
HINT: TROLLING BIG STREAMERS CAN ALSO BE DEADLY!
Gaines saltwater popper in red/yellow and pearl/olive hold up well and are hard to beat in terms of their ‘action’ in water. ‘Sliders’ are productive in clear water situations. Popovic’s ‘Silicone Mullet’ in olive and white is hard to beat.
Fly Rods
They should be fast action models, because they load sinking lines more efficiently, and they generally have more ‘backbone’ than softer models. Bring at least two fly rods, because they often break under the ‘jungle stress’. Reels don’t need to hold a lot of backing because peacocks don’t make long runs, so a smooth strong drag is essential. It is recommended that you have a ‘heavy’ fly rod & reel combination: A stiff/fast action, 9-foot, nine or ten-weight rod (Sage 990-3RPLX) + Scientific Anglers ‘System 2- 89’ reel.
And recommended ‘med-heavy’ fly rod & reel combination (for smaller fish): A stiff/fast action, 9-foot, seven-weight rod (Sage 790 – 3RPLX) + Scientific Anglers ‘System 2-78’ reel.
Sinking Lines
They are undoubtedly much more effective than floating lines. A Teeny ‘300 T-Series/Sink Tip’ (this line can be fished on anything from a seven to ten weight rod) is our number one choice, followed by a Scientific ‘Uniform Sink V’ full sinker. Also bring a floating line for poppers and sliders. A line with drastic weight-forward taper (like Scientific Anglers ‘Mastery Saltwater Tarpon’) matched to your rod weight will handle the wind-resistant poppers most effectively. A Small Cotton Minnow Seine is a must in order to keep your fly line from tangling in the boat’s seats, floorboards, rods etc.
Peacocks are not the least bit leader shy. Most fly anglers use a straight shot (approximately six feet) of 40-50 pound monofilament leader material. Anything lighter will be snapped off like sewing thread when that fifteen pounder runs you into a tree or rock pile. You will go through a lot of leader material, because of the peacock’s extremely abrasive teeth. We recommend buying a 1/2-pound spool of Ande ‘Tournament’ mono.
WEATHER and CLOTHING
Mid-day temperatures in the Amazon range from 85º – 95ºF. Generally, there is some wind and intense sun during the day, so please be mindful of dehydration and overexposure to the sun. At night the temperature drops to 65º – 75ºF. Although you will be fishing in the dry season, there are occasional heavy rain showers and a high UV index. Covering as much of your exposed skin as possible with UV-resistant fabric is important, is a good Gore-Tex rain shell.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty. Water is best. Beer and soda can actually dehydrate you (alcohol and caffeine are diuretics), so drink these liquids in moderation until you become acclimated. For safety reasons; we limit the beer to 6 cans per angler, per day.
Baggage Packing
There is a strictly-enforced restriction on all their flights as follows:
• Float-plane flight 30 lbs.
All luggage (Carry-on & Check-in) will be weighed at the airport. No over-weight baggage will be allowed on any flight. Any excess baggage may be left in Manaus with our guide. Please do not bring coolers or hard luggage. The camp has daily laundry service, so bringing a lot of clothing is not necessary.
We recommend wearing loose fitting, lightweight, light-colored cottons or synthetics (Tarpon Wear, Patagonia, etc.). Some fabrics allow passage of UV rays, so don’t just bring any old shirt – we’ve seen people severely sunburned right through their clothes! Long pants and sleeves are best to protect from sunburn.
2024/2025 PRICING
(Maximum capacity per camp: 8 anglers)
Full Fishing Week: 6 1⁄2 fishing days
Double Occupancy: U$S 6,490 per angler
Short Fishing Week: 4 1⁄2 fishing days
Double Occupancy: U$S 5,490 per angler
Higher Logistical Cost Rivers: Roçado (+$1,000 per person)
RATE INCLUDES
• All fishing in exclusive remote Private River’s with monitored fishing pressure;
• All community compensations, fees, costs for fishing in the Exclusive Private-Waters leases for the
above mentioned rivers.
• Roundtrip airplane flights between Manaus domestic airport and River Train;
• Guide-operated, 21-foot, fully equipped shallow draft bass boat for every two anglers;
• All meals at fishing destination, including wine, beer, and hard liquor;
• Daily laundry and maid service at fishing destination;
• All necessary local transfers as per itinerary;
• One night in a 4- or 5-star hotel in Manaus on arrival, and a day room on departure day.
• Fishing licenses.
NOT INCLUDED:
• International airfare from Miami to Manaus and return (Appx. $1,000 US).
• Suggested voluntary tips to camp staff ($250) and fishing guides ($250). Fly-fishing tackle (limited flies
available for purchase at camp).
• Full Wifi service on River Train.
• Food and beverages in Manaus.
• Extra hotel nights.
• Special airport transfers when not arriving/departing with the group. Tours, shopping trips, items of a
personal nature.
