Our private access to several rivers in the far northern reaches of the Amazon Basin, including the Jufari, Itapara, and Xeurini, continued to be the difference-maker this week. Low water levels in this zone made for days full of explosive fishing action and beautiful evenings on the many expansive sand bars. Altogether, 30 anglers fishing from 4 River Trains accounted for 4,636 fish this week, including dozens of trophy-size fish and 4 monsters in excess of 20 lbs.
TOTAL ANGLERS: 30
TOTAL PEACOCKS: 4,636
OVER 10 lbs: 78
OVER 16 lbs: 15
OVER 20 lbs: 4
LIFE MEMORIES: Anglers accustomed to fishing for largemouth bass often don’t understand just how hard big peacocks fight. Angler Willis, from Ohio, found out when a 24.5” fish, estimated at between 17 and 18 lbs., actually broke his rod during the fight. “But the good folks at River Plate gave me another rod,” he says, “and then I went back out and caught a 32” fish that was over 20 lbs. It was unbelievable, the best fishing day of my life. There was another 15-pounder thrown in there too.”
EXOTIC OF THE WEEK: With its armored head, wide tail, barracuda-like teeth, and bulging black eyes, the prehistoric-looking wolf fish is among the strangest game species in the Amazon. They readily hit top water lures and put on a spectacular fight, spinning and twisting in the air. This specimen was around 14 lbs., but wolf fish can grow to five times that size.
RAINFALL MANAGEMENT: As is typically the case in the first two months of the year, the best fishing conditions are currently found in our North Eastern Zone (see the red outline in the map below). While high water plagues much of the rest of the basin, water levels in this zone are near-perfect and holding generally steady.
7 Day Accumulated Rainfall Forecast Map
Source: CPTEC-INPE
Next week’s rainfall forecast indicates more of the same with minimal rain predicted in the white and light blue areas at the top center. That should mean continued good fishing and weather for the near future. The mobility of our River Trains will allow us to strategically select the stretches of river with the best conditions on any given week.
Rainfall Anomaly Forecast Map
(Valid for January-February-March)
Source: CPTEC-INPE
The coming spring is expected to be a bit wetter than average, with the rainfall anomaly map showing roughly 1” to 3” more rain than in a typical year over much of our fishing territory. Fortunately, thanks to our sophisticated operation and decades of experience, we’re able to move our River Trains across vast distances to find good fishing for our clients. We hope you’ll join us!