Weather Check:
The Amazon delivered consistent warmth this week, with daytime temperatures holding steady between 30°C and 32°C (86°F to 90°F) and dipping to a refreshing 26°C (78°F) at night. Intermittent overnight showers spurred vibrant Ant and Fly hatches, creating prime conditions for topwater Pacu action.
River Conditions:
As water levels rise, the Xingu is now primed for its famed toothy residents, setting ideal conditions for Payara. The higher waters, while perfect for Payara, have kept the Peacock Bass and Wolffish quieter this week, as these species favour lower, warmer, and more stable conditions.
Fishing Rundown:
The rising water conditions presented a thrilling mix of challenges and opportunities. We’re seeing more chances to fish lighter and on top for Payara, though sinking lines and big double-hook flies are still essential for targeting them in deeper pools. Guides continued to recommend 10- and 11-weight rods with fast-sinking lines; the custom 462-grain tip remains a top choice. Dark flies in Peacock Bass colors, always with trailer hooks, were highly effective, though topwater poppers also proved essential.
For anglers seeking variety, 7-weight rods were ideal for targeting Matrinxãs, Pacus, Peacock Bass, and even Wolffish throughout the day.
Catch Stats:
- Anglers: 7 anglers (5 from US and 2 from Italy)
- Total Fish Landed: 100
- Total Payaras Landed: 35
Epic Moments:
While Wolffish are usually known as stealthy ambushers, Kyle had a heart-stopping encounter when a massive Wolffish smashed his big popper as he was just stripping out line, giving him a surprise strike he won’t soon forget. Later in the week, Kyle and Aaron capped things off with a thrilling session, landing two doubles back-to-back, showing off the diverse fly fishing techniques the Xingu demands.
The Kayapo Youth Forest Guardians added to the excitement by capturing rare footage of a Black Panther moving through the jungle near the lodge—a reminder of the untamed wilderness that defines the Xingu experience. Meanwhile, Zach took a different approach, targeting the river’s massive Catfish with the expertise of Christian and the Kayapo team. Together, they landed impressive Jaú (Muturu Catfish) and Pirarara (Red-Tailed Catfish), proving once again that the Xingu is a multi-species paradise, with more than just the legendary “River King.”
What’s Next:
As river conditions continue to rise, anglers can look forward to increasingly optimal settings for Payara in the coming weeks. The Xingu Lodge remains the ultimate frontier, where each cast is guided by the Kayapo’s deep knowledge and every catch is steeped in the Amazon’s raw adventure.
Marcos and the Xingu Team
CONTACT US
If you would like to learn more about our Xingu River tour, you can visit the full tour page here. Alternatively, you can contact our fly fishing expert, Peter Collingsworth, on 01603 407596 or by email at peter@sportquestholidays.com.
