Location

Hidden deep within Brazil’s Amazonas State, near the small town of Uarini, lies a vast network of floodplains and lakes that form part of the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve (RDS).
This is one of Brazil’s most remarkable wetland ecosystems — a UNESCO Ramsar site spanning over 1.1 million hectares of seasonally flooded forest at the confluence of the Solimões and Japurá Rivers, close to the city of Tefé.

Mamirauá stands as the largest wetland conservation area in the country and the only reserve located entirely within a floodplain. Its rich, dynamic waters host an extraordinary diversity of Amazonian fish species and wildlife — an angler’s dream in the heart of the rainforest.

The Fishing Experience

This pristine region is home to legendary species such as the Arapaima (Pirarucu) — one of the world’s largest freshwater fish — along with Pirapitinga, Tambaqui, and Aruanã.
Other sought-after catches include Tucunaré (Peacock Bass), Matrinxã, Pirarara (Redtail Catfish), Cachara, and Piranha, offering a rich mix of sport and challenge in untouched waters.

All fishing takes place in community-managed lakes, protected year-round to ensure sustainability. The result: truly exclusive access to thriving fisheries that balance conservation with local development.

Community Initiative

The Mamirauá Fishing Communities Project was launched in 2023 through collaboration between local residents and Angling Frontiers / Zyba Outdoors.
It began in the Boca do Mamirauá community and has since expanded to include Vila Alencar, Sítio São José, and Jarauá.

These communities protect their lakes throughout the year and open them exclusively for recreational fishing between September and December. The initiative now benefits more than 40 households, providing employment for guides, cooks, cleaning staff, and boat crews, while contributing directly to local conservation and livelihoods.

The Lodge

Located within the Boca do Mamirauá community, the lodge accommodates up to six anglers per week.
Guests stay in three air-conditioned twin suites, each newly built for comfort and equipped with private facilities.

Meals, laundry, and housekeeping are included, with fresh Amazonian cuisine served daily. Power is provided by a solar system (approximately four hours of energy daily) and supplemented by a nighttime generator for convenience.

Evenings at the lodge are a peaceful experience — a chance to relax under a canopy of stars after a rewarding day on the water.

Fishing Season

Fishing conditions in the Mamirauá Reserve are shaped by the Amazon’s rhythm of rainfall.

• May–July: As water levels begin to fall, opportunities arise for species such as Pirarara (Redtail Catfish), Apapa, and Barred Catfish.
• August–December: The dry season brings the best fishing, with optimal water levels and access to the communities’ exclusive lakes.

Because all angling occurs within these lakes, fishing remains largely unaffected by external flooding.

Fishing Structure

To minimize environmental impact, fishing is conducted using 6-metre wooden boats that remain within the lakes.
Gas and electric motors are not used, and access to some lakes may involve short walks of around 1.5 km through the forest — a rewarding part of the adventure.

Each day begins early, departing around 06:30 and returning at 18:00, with a picnic-style lunch served along the lakeshore.

Responsible Travel

To protect the ecosystem and respect local culture, alcohol and smoking are restricted to the lodge area.
All fishing follows a catch-and-release policy, ensuring the long-term health of the fish populations and their habitats.

By joining this expedition, guests directly support community-based conservation and help sustain livelihoods across the Mamirauá region.