Mamirauá, the largest Arapaima fishing reserve in the world!
Mamirauá was the first Sustainable Development Reserve in Brazil, legislated by the Government of Amazonas in 1996, and remains the largest arapaima reserve in the world. This Reserve is a state protected area with an extension of 1.124.000 ha, located between Solimões, Japurá and Auti-Paraná rivers. It’s the biggest protected flooded forest in the world.
Arapaima or Pirarucú (its indigenous name) can grow to over 400 pounds and most closely resemble a freshwater tarpon. When hooked they explode in aerial displays take off on long runs and surrender only after lengthy battles. The fish are often seen gulping air from the surface thus offering sight casting to singles pairs or even schools of fish. Arapaima is a very resistant fish out of the water that take up to 70% of the oxygen needed to live from the air.
While Arapaima is the main focus there are three other species on a can catch on the fly at Pirarucú like:
Arowana – There´s no other place where you can catch so many Arowanas on the fly. These wonderful fish are also omnivorous and eat almost about any insect or bait fish presented to them. Sight casting delight!
Tambaqui – The mighty Tambaqui is a round fish that is a close relative of the Pacu and can grow up to 100 pounds. At Mamirauá is normally found in the 8 to 24 pound range.
Peacock Bass – Yellow species – These smaller peacock bass range in size from 2 to 8 pounds and act much like their larger cousins found elsewhere in the Amazon.
UACARI, the floating Lodge simply unique!
Comfortable and beautiful it is constructed of local woods following the Caboclos local style. It is utilized during other times of the year as an Ecoturism Lodge primarily for birdwatching and wildlife viewing (the area is one of the top five birdwatching areas in the Amazon).
The lodge has ten floating cabins each with two ensuite rooms four of which have been refurbished to accommodate our angling guests. The main lodge building features a dining room living room and kitchen. Everything is on the water connected with wood platforms. The lodge is located in the heart of the reserve with very short run times to the fishing in fact most days guests will return to the lodge for a well-prepared lunch before returning for an afternoon fishing session. Satellite phone and internet are available.
The fishing season at Pirarucú runs from September to the end of November. The dry season in this part of the Amazon runs from July through January so this season straddles the middle of the dry season when water should be low and fish congregating in the lakes and channels. November 30th marks the end of fishing due to special regulations from the environmental authorities in Brazil who close any kind of fishing for Arapaima throughout the Amazon to protect juvenile fish.
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