Peacock Bass Fishing on the Rio Marie with Untamed Angling

Rio Marie Fly Fishing Destination

Located in northwestern Brazil, the Rio Marie is home to one of the largest concentrations of trophy peacock bass. This medium-sized river flows into the Rio Negro approximately 500 miles upstream of Manaus. The Marie Fishing Reserve encompasses over 500 miles of rarely fished rivers and creeks within a remote and protected tribal preserve. Vast stretches of water are accessed from the Untamed Angling mothership operation in partnership with the region's Indigenous peoples.

The Fish:

Brazil peacock bass are not bass at all; they are members of the large and widespread family of fishes known as Cichlids. Brazil has over a dozen species of peacock bass, with the Cichla temensis being the largest and growing up to 30 pounds. Smaller species are commonly referred to as tucanare or butterfly and are most commonly caught in the 3-7 pound range.

Fly fishing for the giant temensis of the Rio Marie attracts anglers from around the globe. Although not an everyday experience, fish over 20 pounds are routinely caught by anglers every week when conditions are favorable. These giants are typically found in fewer numbers than their smaller relatives and favor the slow-moving water in oxbows and lagoons.

The smaller tucanare are found in good numbers at creek mouths and along the edges of mixed currents. Although smaller in size, they are extremely aggressive and powerful fighters.

The Fishing:

The “Untamed Amazon” mothership spends the Rio Marie season navigating the middle and upper portions of the river, moving anywhere from 10 - 30 miles a day. This mobility keeps angling pressure to a minimum on each river section during their 6-month season, which runs from late August to February.

Anglers fish out of customized skiffs with large front and rear casting decks that allow two anglers to comfortably fly fish simultaneously. The skiffs are outfitted with 90-hp engines, trolling motors, and poling platforms. Their versatility and range enable anglers to fish various water types while covering many miles of river between fishing sessions.

Peacock bass fly fishing on the Rio Maire is a blend of both blind and sight-casting. Covering lots of water is key to finding the giants that are few in numbers and favor the vast lagoon systems of the upper Rio Marie and Turi rivers. Both floating and sink tip lines are recommended for day-in and day-out use on 9 or 10-weight fly rods. Fast sink tip lines with 25-30’ heads should be included in the anglers’ kit as a backup for high water scenarios that can follow heavy rains.

The lead guide is typically a professional Brazilian or Argentine fly-fishing guide who speaks excellent English and is well-versed in all aspects of fly fishing. They are assisted by a local guide from the Indigenous tribe, who is relied on for their intimate knowledge of the complex river system.

Lodge:

The Untamed Amazon is a customized vessel that is purpose-built for exploring the remote wilderness of jungle rivers. It offers the comfort and amenities that traveling anglers expect. Spacious suites are well-appointed, with comfortable beds, air-conditioning, deluxe linens, and private baths. Floor-to-ceiling windows give guests an unobstructed view of the river and jungle.

World-class, personalized service greets anglers upon their arrival from Manaus by the well-trained hospitality staff. The made-to-order breakfasts, lunch buffets, and evening meals are all prepared by the onboard professional chef.

Other amenities include wi-fi, hot tubs, an observation deck, and a spacious common area to unwind in during the evenings.

Travel:

Although the Rio Marie is in a remote and wild part of the Amazon, getting there from the US is rather simple. Most major airlines offer regularly scheduled flights to Manaus. However, it’s worth noting that routes through Rio De Janeiro and Sao Paolo are long.

We recommend looking at mixed airline itineraries that offer more direct routes to Manaus. Copa Airlines, for example, has direct flights from Panama City, Panama, and many airlines fly directly to Panama City from the USA.

International flights typically arrive and depart Manaus very early in the morning, so be sure to plan your itineraries accordingly. We like to arrive in Manaus the day before our departure to the jungle and leave the day after returning from the jungle. Keep in mind that these will be very early morning arrivals and departures!

Internal flights are arranged by Untamed Angling and included in the package rate. A 3-4 hour float plane ride from Manaus directly to the lodge is standard for the August – December dates. Domestic flights to Sao Gabriel on a regional jet or turbo-prop, followed by a 4-6 hour boat transfer to the lodge, are standard with the extended season packages.

Booking Information:

Rio Marie is a world-class Brazil peacock bass fishing destination for intermediate to advanced fly anglers. The jungle and the fish are worth the visit; the attention to detail and personalized service provided by Untamed Angling make it possible to enjoy this amazing ecosystem comfortably.

Reservations and detailed inquiries should be directed to Untamed Angling or your favorite fly fishing travel agency, such as The Fly Shop, Yellow Dog, or Tailwaters Fly Fishing. Feel free to e-mail us any questions regarding our experiences, gear, or peacock bass fly suggestions for Rio Marie.