THE RIO MARIÉ — THE RIVER OF GIANTS
Deep in the Brazilian Amazon, more than 500 air miles northwest of Manaus and hard against the Colombian border, the Rio Marié winds through one of the last truly untouched corners of the jungle. No roads reach it. The only way in is by floatplane. That remoteness is precisely why the fish are extraordinary.
The Rio Marié holds the highest concentration of trophy peacock bass of any river on earth. Brazilian government research confirms it holds at least twice the trophy-sized fish of any other destination in the Rio Negro basin. The average size of the speckled peacock here — 10 pounds — makes every other peacock bass fishery look ordinary. It is a fly fishing-only, catch-and-release operation, managed in partnership with local indigenous communities and the Brazilian government — the first government-sanctioned fly fishing operation of its kind in Brazil.
“When a 20-pound peacock bass blows up on a popper in a jungle lagoon, the world stops. I’ve fished for big fish on every continent. Nothing quite prepares you for the Rio Marié.”
— Frank Gadea
🏆 World records: Since 2014 the Rio Marié has broken 15 IGFA world records for peacock bass. The all-tackle length record was broken in three consecutive years from 2021–2023 — all on fly gear. A 94cm peacock bass set the current all-tackle length record in September 2023, on the angler’s very first catch of the week.
THE SPECIES — WHAT YOU’RE FISHING FOR
Speckled peacock bass
The main event. Average 10lb, fish over 20lb regularly. Pure aggression on topwater. 15+ IGFA world records.
Butterfly peacock bass
2–6lb, brilliantly coloured and hyperaggressive. Spectacular aerial fighters. Relentless sport between trophy shots.
Black arowana
A prehistoric surface predator. One of the Amazon’s most spectacular fish — leaps to take flies off the top.
Other jungle species
Traíras, striped surubí, giant piraíba catfish. The species list reminds you exactly where you are.
BEST TIME TO FISH
The dry season in the upper Rio Negro basin — August through February — is when the river fishes best. Falling water concentrates fish in lagoons and tributary mouths. August–December is the absolute prime window. January and February extend the season with lure fishing also permitted.
THE UNTAMED AMAZON — LIVEABOARD MOTHERSHIP
Accommodation is aboard the Untamed Amazon — a purpose-built 92-foot solar-powered liveaboard and the first green ship in the Amazon basin. Luxury suites with private bathrooms, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, two jacuzzis, and a chef preparing world-class cuisine. The mothership repositions each week so every day you fish water that hasn’t seen a fly in months.
THE WEEK AT A GLANCE
| Day 1 | Fly into Manaus. Overnight at included 4-star hotel. |
| Day 2 | Chartered floatplane departs Manaus — 2–3 hours over unbroken Amazon canopy to the Untamed Amazon. First afternoon on the water. |
| Days 3–7 | Six full days of guided fishing from custom 20-foot skiffs. Two anglers per guide. New water daily. Mornings in lagoons targeting giants, afternoons working river structure. |
| Day 8 | Floatplane back to Manaus. International departure or optional extra night. |
RECOMMENDED GEAR
Primary rod
9–10wt, 9ft fast action
Backup rod
8wt for butterfly peacocks
Line
Tropical floating, weight forward
Leader
40–60lb fluorocarbon shock
Topwater flies
Large poppers, gurglers, Raider patterns
Streamers
Large baitfish, Clouser variations
Hooks
Heavy wire, 2/0–4/0, very sharp
Clothing
Light long-sleeve sun shirts, hat, gloves
GETTING THERE FROM AUSTRALIA
Standard routing is Sydney or Melbourne to São Paulo or Buenos Aires, then connecting to Manaus (MAO) — total 24–30 hours. All charter flights from Manaus, transfers, meals, beverages, guided fishing and licence are included in the package. Additional costs: native community fee (cash on arrival), gratuities, and international airfare.
The Rio Marié’s fly-only, catch-and-release rules and mobile mothership strategy are why the fish keep getting bigger every season. Records keep being broken here — not because of luck, but because of how the fishery is protected. Visit Rio Marié Lodge →
