Agua Boa
Agua Boa River • Amazon Jungle, Brazil

The Rio Agua Boa is, by Amazonian standards, a small feeder river that empties into the much larger Rio Branco which in turn joins the River Negro. The Rio Negro joins the Rio Solimoes at Manaus to form 'The Amazon' proper.

Situated almost 200 miles North of Manaus in deep jungle, this river region is almost entirely uninhabited. This has meant that a large population of top quality fish has been allowed to develop over the years without pressure from local net fishermen. Furthermore, the river is regularly patrolled by the official Amazon River police and our own rangers to ensure that unauthorized fishing is simply not allowed.

Many fly fishermen consider bass fishing a still-water sport that in no way compares to trout, steelhead, or salmon fishing. However, Peacock Bass are not a bass at all. In fact, they are a cichlid and not at all similar to their stout American counterpart, the Largemouth bass. They undoubtedly have a large mouth, but this is the only similarity. Imagine, if you will, casting to a pack of six, 10-18 pound peacocks bright green in color, with stripes, red eyes and orange gills, all while moving at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour up the shallow end of a white sand beach, driving one-pound baitfish onto the dry land! You can see these brutes from 50 yards away on the Agua Boa. In fact, it often seems more like flats fishing, except your quarry are not a gentle crab-eating bonefish or permit, but a rod breaking predator with a strike that can break the heaviest of tippets. These fish are bad-ass!

Agua Boa Amazon Lodge is situated high on a bank overlooking the Agua Boa River with the Amazon Rainforest on one bank and a natural savannah on the other. The lodge is very comfortable, with a Brazilian atmosphere, and utterly enchanting. The lodge has every amenity imaginable including phone/fax line, satellite TV, well furnished library, 24-hour electricity, game room, swimming pool, full bar, and a wonderful indoor and outdoor dinning room. Guest rooms are air-conditioned and well appointed with views of the adjacent white beach where you can easily catch a glimpse of the eighteen-foot long pet black caiman, Rex, awaiting a meal of piranha thrown to him by the guides. What a sight it is! The lodge accommodates eight guests and allows fly fishermen immediate access to over 100 miles of the Agua Boa River and lagoons. Because the Agua Boa is an ecotourism preserve, only one licensed sport-fishing operator is allowed on the entire watershed. Absolutely no commercial fishing is allowed or has been allowed for the last 10 years.

On the Agua Boa, the fishery revolves around the lagoons, inland lakes and river channel. The lagoons and inland lakes offer solid fishing for butterfly peacocks (the smallest of the peacock family) up to 8 pounds. Butterfly peacocks are numerous and take poppers and streamers greedily. These fish fight hard and jump often. The problem is, after you have witnessed the power of the spotted peacock or the Temensis peacock, the enjoyable security of catching twenty to thirty 8-pound butterflies on poppers, will be ditched to chase these larger varieties of peacocks. Truly large peacock bass are one of the toughest freshwater, or saltwater, game fish in the world. The fishing in the river channel is the greatest surprise of all. Typically, the river fishing is done by poling down through the shallow stretches of the river and sight casting to peacocks, aruwana, and other jungle species. The fly-fishing for aruwana is remarkably similar to Florida Key's tarpon. The aruwana are a spooky fish that move in schools throughout the river, working edges and currents. Fly presentation is key. A head-on shot with a tarpon fly, worked in short strips, works best. The fish average 6-10 pounds and fight hard. The peacock bass in the river are a different story all together. Smaller peacocks are in the shallow water and respond well to any quickly stripped baitfish pattern. The Temensis and Spotted peacocks roam throughout the river in search of food. If they are actively eating (there is rarely any question as the water is exploding with colorful baitfish), any cast will do. In other cases, 10-20 pound singles or doubles are spooky and require good casts. These are exciting shots, as in most cases; you can see the fish coming from a long way off.

The food at the lodge is prepared by a professional Brazilian chef and is delectable. Additionally, the Agua Boa is the perfect place for anyone to experience the Amazon. The wildlife and bird life is abundant. You'll have a chance to see tapir, giant Amazon River otter, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, soldier storks, macaws, parrots, toucans, etc. This is a spectacular jungle experience - the river itself is an aquarium. You will see huge catfish, piranhas and pacu daily. It is truly a wild trip that none should miss.

Frequently asked questions:
Do I need to change U.S. dollars?   No. Most places in Manaus except dollars or credit cards. You may want to bring smaller bills for tipping purposes.

Is there a weight limitation for luggage on the charter flight?   No. However, please remember that we have daily laundry service. It is picked up in the morning and is done by you return at the end of the days fishing. Packing reasonably is always appreciated as it allows us to bring in much needed camp supplies.

Should I bring flies or buy from the camp?   Bring the flies you have that look like they might work. The rest you are welcome to buy from the lodge. Unused and packaged flies can be returned so you don’t return with flies for peacocks.

Should I bring a 10 weight?   Not unless you enjoy casting one.

Are spey rods appropriate?   There is a lot of stripping and fast casting required so a spey rod is not a great tool for peacocks.

Are there non-fishing activities or is it a good trip for a beginner?   Yes and yes. There is great birding, hiking and wildlife viewing. There is also a pool and plenty of wonderful places to visit. Even non-fishermen will catch plenty of fish. The Agua Boa is a perfect place to start a fishing career.

Is the Agua Boa a small fish river?   If someone tells you this, please ask if they have fished it. We have landed peacocks to 25 pounds. The only difference in terms of the size of the fish is that that the Agua Boa has a healthy population of all age classes.