The Peacock Bass is a freshwater fish native to the Amazon and Orinoco Basins in South America. The Brazilian name comes from Tupi, an indigenous language of Brazil, meaning “Friend Of The Tree”, as this best describes the fishes nature of staying close to submerged trees to hunt and protect itself and its nests. The fish are very territorial species, roaming an area of perhaps 100 to 200 yards, attacking anything disturbing their peace, whether they are feeding or not.
There are around 15 species of Peacock Bass, but the three species most common amongst anglers are the Peacock, Butterfly and Spotted. The average size is approximately 6lb to 7lb, but 10lb to 15lb fish are very common, and fish to nearly 30lb have been caught and landed. The fish are ferocious predators with a killer instinct. They are often referred to as the ‘freshwater bully’, preying on any species that catches their eye, including Tilapia, Crayfish, Tadpoles and Guppies. They’ll even turn their attention to their own young when food is scarce. Feeding in groups or packs, they’re a pretty sociable species, with juvenile fish feeding in groups of up to two hundred. Even as they grow, a large, old fish would still have company.
Despite not growing to mammoth proportions, they still provide the angler with a significant challenge due to their brutal nature and the hard fighting pound for pound ability. Fly fishing, with poppers and large streamers, has become an increasingly popular way to catch them.
Below are the top destinations in the world for Peacock Bass Fishing.
Hosted by our CEO Peter Collingsworth, this exclusive trip to the depths of the Brazilian Jungle at Rio Marie Lodge offers travelling anglers the chance to fly fish for some of the largest Peacock Bass found anywhere in the Amazon Basin and the world. This fishing operation is undoubtedly one where anglers can pursue and conquer the dream of a world record on the fly.
Across this spectacular wilderness territory, the protected, mythological Xingu River, flows over granite bedrock, running clear and allowing for sight-fishing opportunities for a wide variety of species. But what sets Xingu apart from anywhere else in the Amazon are the impressive numbers of large Payara - one of the hardest-hitting and strongest fighting fish in the Amazon.
Kendjam Lodge in the Xingu basin, which the Iriri River is part of, is now the first official sport fishing operation in Brazil, located inside an Indigenous Territory. It offers the most intense jungle fishing experience found anywhere in South America and the World, giving freshwater fly anglers the chance to enjoy some truly wild, explosive mixed fishing.
The fishing at the Rio Marie Lodge is some of the best found anywhere in Brazil, and this isn't just a guess; it's a fact. The river holds at least double the quantity of trophy-sized Peacock Bass compared with any other destination in the Rio Negro basin and offers travelling rods the chance to sample some explosive sport.
Visit the best destination in the world to catch Arapaima all exclusively on the fly. Enjoy 6.5 days fishing at Pirarucu Lodge, the largest Arapaima fishing reserve on this planet, all set in the stunning Amazon rainforest. Also, how about, on average, catching 3.5 Arapaima each day, plus many other species all on your fly rod.
Join us on an amazing Amazon adventure where just 6 lucky guests each week will have the daily opportunity to catch Arapaima all exclusively on the fly. With 6.5 days of pure magic ahead of each group, this will be an adventure you will remember for a very long time. This holiday is fully hosted based around single anglers to join like-minded anglers.
Peacock Bass is the most incredible game fish in the Amazon basin; it is the fish that has received the most attention. Their remarkable explosive topwater strike combined with an astonishing ability to break heavy lines and straighten even stout saltwater hooks makes them one of the most sought after species in the world.
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