Dive into the fascinating world of sport fishing in the Peruvian Amazon, where the black and crystal-clear waters of the jungle harbor legendary fish. In the heart of the world's largest rainforest, every fishing trip in the Amazon becomes an unforgettable adventure.
Imagine the thrill of battling a giant paiche of 200 kg, the raw power of the Amazonian arowana, or the legendary ferocity of the red piranha. In this unique ecosystem, sport fishing in the Amazon offers challenges you won't find anywhere else.
"Where the jungle breathes and the waters hide the giants of the Amazon"
From majestic rivers to mysterious lagoons, the Peruvian Amazon reveals an unparalleled diversity of fishing spots. Each aquatic ecosystem offers unique encounters with the jungle's freshwater giants.
Amazon River • Napo River • Flooded forest • Extreme biodiversity
Iquitos, the world's largest city inaccessible by road, is the ideal starting point to explore the black waters of the Amazon. The Amazon River and its tributaries like the Napo and Ucayali offer exceptional conditions for sport fishing in the Amazon, with a remarkable concentration of paiches, arowanas, and giant piranhas.
White waters • Lagoons • Shipibo communities
Pucallpa offers privileged access to the Ucayali River, one of the main tributaries of the Amazon. Its "white" waters rich in sediments harbor incredible fish diversity. The adjacent lagoons, isolated during the dry season, concentrate fish and offer spectacular fishing conditions for fishing in the Peruvian Amazon.
2nd largest reserve • Flooded forest • Abundant wildlife
The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Peru's second largest protected area, offers an authentic fishing experience in the heart of the primary forest. This vast network of rivers, lakes, and flooded forests harbors preserved populations of giant paiches, making this sanctuary an exceptional sport fishing in the Amazon spot.
Madre de Dios River • Biodiversity • Ecotourism
The Madre de Dios region, with the Tambopata National Reserve, offers a unique combination of sport fishing and wildlife observation. The Madre de Dios River and its tributaries harbor significant populations of giant catfish (surubí) and dorados, in a setting of exceptional biological richness for fishing in the Peruvian Amazon.
The mysterious waters of the Amazon harbor the world's most impressive freshwater fish. From prehistoric giants to legendary predators, each catch represents a unique challenge in one of the planet's richest ecosystems.
Largest freshwater fish in South America • Iconic species
The paiche, or arapaima, is the undisputed king of Peruvian Amazonian waters. This prehistoric fish can reach over 3 meters and 200 kg, offering epic fights. An air-breathing species, it regularly surfaces, creating spectacular moments of sport fishing in the Amazon. Its raw power makes it the holy grail for any angler.
Predator fish • Spectacular jumps • Ancient species
The arowana is one of the most spectacular predators of the Peruvian Amazon. Recognizable by its metallic scales and elongated body, this aggressive hunter is famous for its impressive jumps out of the water to catch its prey. Its fishing requires specific techniques and offers acrobatic fights memorable for fishing in the Amazon.
Iconic predator • Powerful bite • Aggressive schools
The red piranha embodies the legendary ferocity of the Amazon. Although its reputation is often exaggerated, this sharp-toothed predator offers intense and fast fights. Piranha fishing is accessible and particularly exciting, with decisive attacks and surprising power for its size. A must for sport fishing in the Peruvian Amazon.
River catfish • Deep power • Nocturnal active
The surubí is one of the largest catfish in the Peruvian Amazon. This bottom giant can exceed 1.5 meters and 50 kg, offering deep and powerful fights. Mainly nocturnal, its fishing requires patience and technique, but the reward is worth the effort. The surubí represents a major trophy for experienced anglers in the Amazon.
Cichla • Bright colors • Aggressive fight • Sport fishing
The peacock bass (Cichla) is one of the most sought-after sport fish in the Amazon. Introduced in certain areas, this predator with brilliant colors offers spectacular fights with violent surface attacks. Its territoriality and aggressiveness make it an ideal target for lure fishing in the Amazon, with often guaranteed results for anglers mastering the appropriate techniques.
Fishing techniques in the Amazon require an approach adapted to the jungle's complex ecosystems. From the black waters of rivers to isolated lagoons, each environment requires specific methods to catch the freshwater giants of the tropical forest.
Prime technique for paiche and surubí • Wide rivers
Heavy trolling is essential for targeting Amazon giants like the paiche. This technique involves towing large lures or live baits in the deep channels of major rivers. It allows for covering vast areas and reaching the depths where the largest specimens hold, offering the best chance of catching a trophy for sport fishing in the Amazon.
Spectacular technique • Arowana and peacock bass • Lagoons
Popper and topwater lure fishing is the most spectacular in the Amazon. This technique involves animating lures that create bubbles and noises on the surface, triggering violent attacks from arowana and peacock bass. The moments when these predators explode out of the water to seize the lure are among the most exciting aspects of fishing in the Peruvian Amazon.
Simple technique • Natural baits • Ideal for beginners
Still fishing is the most accessible technique for discovering the Amazon. With a simple rod and natural baits (meat, fish), it allows catching piranhas and many other species. Perfect for families and beginners, this method offers quick results and guarantees a successful introduction to sport fishing in the Amazon, while being effective for experienced anglers.
Surubí and nocturnal species • Extreme adventure
Night fishing offers a unique experience in the mysterious darkness of the Amazon. Many species, like the surubí, are particularly active at night. Equipped with headlamps and guided by the sounds of the jungle, anglers experience an intense adventure. This demanding yet rewarding technique allows catching trophy fish in exceptional conditions of fishing in the Peruvian Amazon.
The rainfall cycle and water level variations determine the optimal periods for fishing in the Amazon. From the dry season to the flooded forest, each period offers specific advantages for sport fishing in the planet's richest ecosystem.
Optimal conditions
Low waters • Concentrated fish
Easy access to lagoons
Best general period
Start of rains
Progressive water rise
Active fish • Good compromise
Fishing still excellent
Difficult conditions
Flooded forest • Spread out waters
Dispersed fish • Limited access
More technical fishing
Water type: Black and white waters
Ideal period: Jun-Nov
Temperature: 25-32°C
Feature: Year-round access
Water type: White waters
Ideal period: Jul-Oct
Temperature: 24-30°C
Feature: Isolated lagoons in dry season
Water type: Black waters
Ideal period: Jul-Dec
Temperature: 26-31°C
Feature: Giant paiches
Water type: Mixed
Ideal period: Apr-Nov
Temperature: 22-28°C
Feature: Extreme biodiversity
The water level is the determining factor for fishing in the Peruvian Amazon. Annual variations of several meters radically transform the ecosystem, influencing fish distribution and fishing techniques. Understanding this cycle is essential for planning a successful sport fishing in the Amazon experience.
May-Oct
Concentrated fish
Easy fishing
Nov-Dec
Active fish
Good compromise
Jan-Apr
Dispersed fish
Special technique
Year-round
Adaptation necessary
Guides essential
Choosing the right guides and infrastructure is crucial for your Amazon fishing experience. Local guides possess ancestral knowledge of the rivers, fish habits, and the particular conditions of the rainforest.
Discover Amazonian rivers
Departure from your lodge
Expert guide • Equipment provided
Perfect for a first experience
Explore remote tributaries
Access to exclusive fishing zones
Discovery of aquatic wildlife
For passionate anglers
Total immersion in the Amazon
Stay in a fishing lodge
Personal guide • Customized program
Complete experience
Prioritize guides with in-depth knowledge of Amazonian ecosystems, river cycles, and tropical fish habits.
Verify that the guide masters specific techniques for catching local species like piranha, arapaima, peacock bass, or surubí.
Ensure the guide is trained in Amazon safety rules: river navigation, local wildlife, changing weather conditions.
Immersion in nature
Direct access to rivers and lakes
Rustic comfort • Environmental respect
For an authentic experience
Itinerant exploration
Navigation between different spots
Mobile accommodation on the water
To maximize opportunities
Comfort and full services
Organization of daily excursions
Quality equipment available
For a stay with all services included
Suitable equipment
Expert local guide
Boat and fuel
Meals and refreshments
Fishing permits
Important note: Most Amazon lodges also provide safety equipment (life jackets, first aid kits) and insect protection measures.
Fishing in the Amazon is strictly regulated to protect one of the world's most fragile and biodiverse ecosystems. These rules aim to preserve iconic species and their habitats in this unique and sensitive environment.
Required in all areas
Depends on the country (Brazil, Peru, etc.)
Organized by lodges or guides
Annual renewal often required
• Integral natural reserves
• Indigenous territories
• Amazonian national parks
• Specific breeding zones
Dry season (June to November)
Restrictions during "piracema"
Respect seasonal closures
Check according to region
Minimum size: 1.5m
Limit of 1 fish/day
Strictly regulated fishing
Varying sizes by species
Daily catch limits
Sport fishing encouraged
Pirarucu (Arapaima gigas)
Certain giant catfish
Rare endemic species
Piracema Period: During the rainy season (December to May), many species reproduce. Fishing is often restricted or prohibited in certain areas to protect spawning grounds.
• Leave no waste
• Respect aquatic flora
• Avoid river pollution
• Do not introduce species
• Respect territories
• Obtain necessary authorizations
• Follow local guides
• Support the local economy
• Insect protection
• Navigation equipment
• Weather forecasts
• Communication in remote areas
Valid permits
Local guide
Nature respect
Sustainable fishing
Responsible fishing in the Amazon is essential to preserve this jewel of global biodiversity. By strictly following regulations and adopting sustainable practices, you contribute to protecting this unique ecosystem for future generations and the communities that depend on it.
Fishing in the Peruvian Amazon awaits you with its mysterious rivers, hidden lakes, and breathtaking biodiversity. From the legendary Amazon River to the secret tributaries of the primary forest, and the isolated lagoons of the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, each spot offers a unique sport fishing experience in a tropical environment.
✅ Choose the season: June to November (dry season)
✅ Book a guide: Experience in the Amazon environment
✅ Health preparation: Vaccines and antimalarials
✅ Suitable equipment: Light and waterproof clothing
✅ Mosquito protection: Repellent and mosquito net
✅ Responsible fishing: Respect for protected species
"In the Amazon, every catch is a unique encounter and every moment an immersion in the green lung of our planet"
Amazon Fishing Peru, the local expert in responsible fishing in Pucallpa, accompanies you to experience unique adventures in the Peruvian Amazon off the beaten track.
⭐ English-speaking guides • 🌿 Sustainable fishing • 🏕️ Off-the-beaten-path hikes • 🎣 Authentic experiences