🎣 Fishing Spot: Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve – Central Amazon, Brazil

🏞️ About Mamirauá Reserve

The Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve is a 1.124 million hectare (2.78 million acre) protected flooded forest ecosystem in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon — and quite simply, the world's premier destination for arapaima fishing. Located 600km west of Manaus between the mighty Solimões and Japurá Rivers, this pristine várzea (flooded forest) represents one of Earth's most biodiverse regions and the largest protected arapaima habitat on the planet.

Created in 1996 as Brazil's first Sustainable Development Reserve, Mamirauá balances strict conservation with sustainable use by local indigenous communities. The reserve's unique geography — a vast network of shallow lagoons, oxbow lakes, channels, and seasonally flooded forests — creates perfect habitat for arapaima (Arapaima gigas), the largest scaled freshwater fish in the world. Here, these prehistoric leviathans can reach over 400 pounds and 9+ feet in length, offering fly fishers a true bucket-list adventure that combines sight fishing, explosive strikes, and battles that rival saltwater tarpon.

But Mamirauá offers far more than just arapaima. The flooded forest teems with arowana, tambaqui, peacock bass, piranha, and dozens of other Amazonian species, while the surrounding jungle hosts pink river dolphins, howler monkeys, jaguars, caimans, and over 1,300 bird species. This is wilderness fishing at its most pristine — where anglers cast from professional flats skiffs in crystal-clear lagoons surrounded by towering cecropia trees and the symphonic sounds of the rainforest.

🌟 Why Mamirauá Is Special

• World's Best Arapaima Fishing
  The highest density of arapaima on Earth, with average catches of 3.8 fish per angler per day and regular encounters with specimens exceeding 200 pounds (90kg). The reserve's conservation success has created a thriving population.

• Sight Fishing Paradise
  Arapaima must surface every 15-20 minutes to breathe air — watching for these rolling "ghosts" and casting to visible fish in shallow lagoons is pure adrenaline. Similar to stalking tarpon on the flats, but in the Amazon jungle.

• Trophy Fish Over 200 Pounds
  Multiple fish exceeding 200lbs are caught each season, with the largest recorded at 290cm (9.5 feet) and 381 pounds (173kg). The average arapaima hooked is an astounding 60+ pounds.

• Strict Fly-Fishing-Only Conservation
  Mamirauá's sustainable management allows only catch-and-release fly fishing under strict permits, ensuring the fishery's future. This is eco-tourism done right — benefiting both fish populations and local communities.

• Incredible Species Diversity
  Beyond arapaima, target acrobatic arowana (2-8lbs), hard-fighting tambaqui (8-30lbs), yellow peacock bass, red-bellied piranha, oscars, and more. The "Mamirauá Slam" challenges anglers to land arapaima, arowana, and tambaqui in one day.

• Remote Wilderness Experience
  Fish from a floating lodge deep in protected rainforest with minimal human impact. Short boat rides to fishing spots mean maximum time on the water and lunch back at the lodge.

• World-Class Wildlife Viewing
  427 mammal species, 1,300 bird species, 378 reptiles — Mamirauá ranks among the Amazon's top biodiversity hotspots. Non-fishing companions have extraordinary ecotourism opportunities.

🐟 Fish Species of Mamirauá Reserve

🌤️ Seasonal Fishing Overview

🌧️ Rainy Season (January – June)

• High water floods the jungle 30+ feet deep, dispersing fish into vast flooded forests
• Season CLOSED — arapaima spawn during high water (December-January)
• Fish spread throughout inaccessible flooded areas
• No fishing pressure; critical breeding period

☀️ Dry Season Begins (July – August)

• Waters begin receding, concentrating fish into lagoons and channels
• Fishing still closed until mid-September
• Water levels dropping rapidly
• Fish begin migrating back to permanent water bodies

🔥 PRIME SEASON (Mid-September – November)

• Peak fishing window — waters at ideal low levels
• Fish concentrated in shallow lagoons (3-10 feet deep) with clear water
• Arapaima rolling continuously to breathe — excellent sight fishing
• Warm temperatures (75-95°F) and high humidity
• Average catch rate: 3.8 arapaima per angler per day
• September: Season opener, eager fish, lower angler numbers
• October: Peak conditions, trophy fish, optimal water levels
• November: Last chance before closure, big fish feeding heavily
• Season closes November 30 by Brazilian law to protect juveniles

❄️ Closed Season (December – Mid-September)

• Entire Amazon closed to arapaima fishing
• Protects spawning and juvenile recruitment
• Critical for conservation success

Best Time to Visit: October is considered prime — water levels perfect, fish concentrated, weather stable, and anglers have learned the patterns from early season.

🪶 Fishing Techniques at Mamirauá

PRIMARY TECHNIQUE: Sight Fishing for Rolling Arapaima

The arapaima fishing technique at Mamirauá is unique and physically demanding:

1. Spotting Rolling Fish: Arapaima must surface every 15-20 minutes to gulp air. Guides and anglers scan lagoons for the distinctive rolling "porpoise" — often the head and tail breaking surface simultaneously.

2. The Cast: When a fish rolls, cast immediately to where it disappeared. Arapaima often feed mid-water or on bottom, so the fish that rolls isn't always the one that strikes.

3. The Retrieve: Cast as far as possible (60-80 feet), let the heavy sinking line take the fly to the bottom, then strip extremely slowly — almost painfully slow, like dredging. This imitates wounded baitfish or small catfish.

4. The Take: Often subtle — like hitting bottom. Arapaima inhale the fly. Do NOT strike immediately. Let the fish turn and feel weight before a powerful strip-strike.

5. The Hook-Set: This is the hardest part. Arapaima have rock-hard, bony mouths. Multiple firm strip-strikes are required to drive the heavy hook home. Many fish are lost at this stage.

6. The Fight: Once hooked, prepare for war. Arapaima make blistering runs, explosive jumps, violent head-shakes, and powerful surges. Fights can last 30-60 minutes in extreme heat. Keep constant pressure — these fish are escape artists.

🎣 Tackle Recommendations

Rod & Reel Setup:

For Trophy Arapaima (100-400 lbs):

• 12-14 weight rods with extended fighting grips
• 9-10 feet minimum
• Fast action for casting heavy lines
• Saltwater-grade reels with exceptional drag
• Minimum 300 yards of 30-50lb backing
• Reels must handle blistering runs and extreme heat

For Smaller Arapaima (20-60 lbs):

• 9-10 weight rods
• Intermediate or floating lines
• Still heavy battles but more fun on lighter gear

For Arowana, Tambaqui, Peacock Bass:

• 6-8 weight rods
• Floating lines
• Standard saltwater reels
• Lighter, more enjoyable fishing between arapaima sessions

Lines:

Giant Arapaima:

• 400-600 grain full sinking lines (Type VI-VII)
• 80lb+ core lines (Scientific Anglers Sonar Titan Big Water Taper recommended)
• Warm-water tropical lines — cold water lines turn gummy

Small Arapaima:

• Intermediate sink or sink-tip lines
• 250-350 grain

Other Species:

• Floating warm-water tropical lines
• Scientific Anglers Jungle Taper or Grand Slam Taper

Leaders & Tippet:

Arapaima:

• 5-7 foot straight leaders — no tapered leaders needed
• 80-100lb fluorocarbon for giant fish
• 30-40lb fluorocarbon for smaller specimens
• Short leaders minimize tangles and maximize power transfer

Arowana, Tambaqui, Peacock Bass:

• 8-9 foot tapered leaders
• 12-20lb tippet
• Standard freshwater leaders

Flies:

Large Arapaima:

• 4-10 inch baitfish streamers on 6/0-8/0 hooks
• Black/white, solid black with flash tail, black/purple, black/red
• Heavily dressed with synthetic materials
• Puglisi Streamers, Lefty's Deceivers, Half-and-Halfs
• Must be barbless per regulations
• Tiemco 600SP or Owner Aki Twist hooks recommended

Small Arapaima:

• Same patterns on 3/0-6/0 hooks

Arowana, Peacock Bass:

• Large foam poppers and divers
• Big rubber-leg dry flies (Chernobyl Ants, beetles, cockroaches)
• Small baitfish (Puglisi Peanut Butter, Clousers, small Deceivers)

Tambaqui:

• Fruit/berry fly imitations
• Slow-sinking seed patterns
• Large beetle patterns

Flies available for purchase at lodge ($5-10 each), but bring your own selection.

⚖️ Regulations & Permits

Mamirauá operates under strict conservation regulations:

Critical Regulations:

• Fly fishing only — no spinning, bait fishing, or other methods
• Catch and release mandatory — all fish returned alive
• Barbless hooks required — flatten barbs or use barbless
• Season: Mid-September to November 30 only — closed rest of year
• Limited angler capacity — maximum 8 anglers at lodge
• No fishing at lodge — designated fishing zones only
• Guide required — 2 anglers per professional guide maximum

⚠️ Conservation Success: Between 1999-2007, community-based management increased adult arapaima populations from 4,500 to 12,000 individuals in managed lakes. This sustainable model proves conservation and tourism can coexist.

🏨 Pirarucu Lodge & Logistics

The Lodge:

• Floating lodge constructed from local woods in traditional caboclo style
• 10 floating cabins (4 dedicated to anglers) with 2 en-suite rooms each
• Air conditioning and ceiling fans
• Main lodge: dining room, living room, kitchen
• All structures connected by wooden platforms
• Satellite phone and Wi-Fi available
• Daily laundry service
• Located in reserve heart — short boat rides to fishing (15-30 minutes)
• Return to lodge for lunch between sessions

The Boats:

• 20-foot professional flats skiffs
• Two large casting platforms
• Electric trolling motors with remote control for silent approaches
• 60-HP four-stroke outboards
• Push-poling platform
• GPS and VHF radios for safety
• 2 anglers per boat/guide

The Guides:

• Mix of professional English-speaking guides (Rafael Costa, Guilherme Manzione, Alain Pereira) and native community guides
• Natives excel at spotting rolling arapaima and tambaqui rises
• Guides rotate but provide expert instruction
• Operated by Untamed Angling

🗺️ Getting There

International Travel:

• Fly to Manaus (MAO), Brazil — major gateway city
• Most US travelers connect through Miami (American Airlines, TAM)
• Overnight in Manaus upon arrival

Domestic Flight:

• Manaus to Tefé (TFF) — 70 minute commercial jet flight
• Azul Airlines operates 3x weekly
• Cost: ~$150 USD round-trip
• Lodge can book for you

Final Transfer:

• Tefé to Pirarucu Lodge — 50 minute fast boat ride
• Through stunning Amazon scenery
• Lodge provides transfer

Total Travel Time from US: 24-30 hours including connections and overnight

Season: Mid-September through November 30

💰 Pricing (2025 Approximate)

Included:

• Manaus hotel (1 night)
• All ground transfers
• Tefé-Lodge boat transfers
• Guided fishing (2 anglers/guide)
• All meals and lodging
• Wine, beer, spirits
• Fishing license and permits
• Fly fishing equipment (available if needed)
• Wi-Fi and satellite phone
• Daily laundry service

NOT Included:

• International flights
• Manaus-Tefé domestic flights (~$150)
• Native community fee ($490-630)
• Fly fishing gear and flies (rentals available)
• Tips for guides and staff
• Travel insurance
• Visa and vaccination costs

🧭 Summary

Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve represents the pinnacle of jungle fly fishing — a conservation success story where anglers can chase the world's largest scaled freshwater fish in their pristine natural habitat. This is sight fishing for 200+ pound prehistoric monsters that must surface to breathe, offering heart-stopping visual takes and battles that will test every ounce of strength and skill.

The fishing is physically demanding: casting 12-weight rods in 90°F heat, fighting fish that can weigh more than you do, and maintaining focus during long, slow retrieves. But the rewards are unmatched: explosive strikes, aerial displays, and the satisfaction of landing one of Earth's most impressive freshwater predators — then watching it swim away strong thanks to conservation-minded catch-and-release.

Beyond arapaima, the diversity is staggering: acrobatic arowana leaping for poppers, wary tambaqui cruising like Amazonian permit, colorful peacock bass, and toothy piranha. The "Mamirauá Slam" — landing arapaima, arowana, and tambaqui in one day — ranks among fly fishing's greatest challenges.

Combined with world-class wildlife viewing (pink dolphins, jaguars, howler monkeys, macaws), comfortable floating lodge accommodations, and the knowledge that your visit directly supports local indigenous communities and conservation efforts, Mamirauá offers an Amazon adventure that's both epic and ethical.

This is the fishing trip of a lifetime — where ancient fish meet modern conservation in Earth's greatest rainforest.

📍 Quick Reference

Location: Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve, Amazonas, Brazil
Nearest City: Tefé (70-min flight from Manaus)
Reserve Size: 1.124 million hectares (largest protected flooded forest on Earth)
Season: Mid-September through November 30 only
Prime Time: October (optimal water levels and conditions)
Main Species: Arapaima (60-400+ lbs), Arowana (2-8 lbs), Tambaqui (8-30 lbs)
Methods: Fly fishing only (sight fishing, streamers, poppers)
Regulations: Catch & release, barbless hooks, fly-only, guided fishing required
Capacity: Maximum 8 anglers per week
Special Features: World's best arapaima fishing, 3.8 fish/day average, sight fishing to rolling giants, pristine wilderness, wildlife paradise, conservation model
Requirements: Brazilian visa (US citizens), Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, moderate-high physical fitness