Fishing & Gear
The Kendjam waters of Iriri River and its tributaries, is every angler’s nirvana for jungle fish on the fly, while wading and with lots of sight fishing opportunities.
The waters of Iriri river are impressively clear, as opposed to most rivers of amazon, which carry a lot of sediment. The granite base is what makes the water very clear even after some rain. The river downstream from Kendjam community starts to divide its course in many parallel branches creating several smaller fast clear water streams.
This geographic phenomenon is created by its geologic structure makes the river flow faster and creates a perfect environment for wet wading. After some kilometers, the channels join back together again creating the main river course.
This situation is very common in many stretches of the Iriri River and sets the stage for this awesome and unique fishing ground in the Amazon. Anglers can target various species using different angling techniques all in the same run and pools.
CATCH & RELEASE RULES
All fish caught should be released without exception and please avoid unnecessary handling of the fish. Single hooks are mandatory. Handling these fish requires precaution, not only to avoid hurting them but also to prevent injuries to you. Follow your fishing guide's instructions.
Fishing Season
In this region of Amazon, the Xingu and Iriri Basin, we operate Kendjam during the best months of the low crystal clear water season which runs from mid June to late September
The dry season is the time when waters are at their lowest average levels and very clear, allowing great fishing throughout the entire river system, including its numerous tributaries.
Rainy season in southern Amazon in Brazil starts in November and the rivers reach their highest levels in March. After the rainy season is over, the water clarity begins to clear up very quickly and river levels start to drop. Millions of fish start their migration upstream to find food on the most oxygenated waters of Iriri granite base runs and rapids. Predatory fish follow this migration and the pulse of life comes back to the headwater system.
The dry season is characterized by hot and windy days, cool nights and the almost total absence of mosquitoes. This is certainly the most pleasant time of year and the Kayapó often refer to it as ‘good weather.’ In contrast, torrential rains characterize the rainy season, the inundation of most of the rivers and creeks and by the annoying presence of a large number of mosquitoes and other types of insects., referred to by the Indians as simply ‘rainy weather.’
* We recommend rigging one 5/6 weight rod for the amazing Dry fly fishing for Matrinchas and Pacu in runs, which are one of the highlights of kendjam waters. One 6/7 weight for Peacock Bass, Bicuda and other species with streamers and one 8/9wt with floating and intermediate (clear) sinking line for bigger Peacock Bass, Payara and Wolfish.Please plan on bringing extra backup rods. Powerful rods with a strong butt section are recommended.
* Our recommendations are Thomas & Thomas Rods - Exocett SS160 to 350, these models excel in the jungle in many aspects from a hopper or big dry fly into big streamers with sinking lines or poppers/wind resistance flies.
* As with rods, reels that have been designed for saltwater fly-fishing are the best choice. These jungle fish will test your stripping fingers more than your reel, but in the event you can get them on the reel before they get into the snares, reels with strong smooth drags are recommended. The Nautilus X series is our choice for fishing in Kendjam.
* 30lbs Backing is fine to fill your reel.
* Most of the fishing is done close to the surface of the water.
* Weight Forward lines specifically designed for the tropics and saltwater are what you want. We recommend and use Scientific Anglers Fly Lines. Other comparable, warm water fly lines work also well.
* The Scientific Anglers Jungle clear intermediate tip line is a must have in WF8I. The full floating Scientific Anglers Jungle Titan is excellent for effortlessly throwing giant wind resistant poppers.
* Dry fly fishing for pacus and matrinchas, the recommendations are the specific Scientific Anglers Bonefish or Grand Slam taper fly lines in weight 5 and 6.
* Do not bring cold water floating lines, as the hot weather makes these lines "soft and gummy".
* You will also want to bring a fast sinking tip line for some specific spots, and for big payara fishing. For this we recommend a 24 foot 200 to 350 grain sink-tip fly line. Scientific Anglers Jungle Custom Tip is our best choice for payara.
* We strongly suggest you bring at least one back up fly line.
* Most fish are not really leader shy but the very clear wáter situation can spook some big fish so fluorocarbon leaders make lines invisible underwater.
* Leaders should be strong and heavy enough to turn over big wind resistant fly, so heavy-strong butt leaders are important.
* Spools of Fluoro- carbon should include 16, 20, 30, and 40 pounds. Consider the Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon leaders
* Mono, which often floats better than Fluoro can be used for those dry fly situations.
* Leaders will vary in size depending on the species from wolfish with 6’ leaders to matrincha at 9’-10’.
* Also bring 30lbs-40lbs wire leader for the toothy critters (Scientific Anglers are our choice).
* Fishing is done using a wide variety of baitfish, minnow, terrestrials and even algae imitations. For baitfish imitations to peacock bass and bicuda, streamers in White, Yellow, Chartreuse and combinations of these colors are very effective. A nice bunch of flash on these Streamers makes all the difference in our clear waters.
* The Clouser Minnow will work very well. Light color variations with a little flash tail. The synthetic pattern is stronger for the toothy species.
* For the Wolf Fish we usually cast weighted flies with dark colors combinations like Black/Red, Black/Purple or All Black. Muddler Deceiver with Dumbbell Eyes is an example.
* Good action and heavily dressed flies in lengths from 2 to 7 inches in barbless 1/0 to 3/0 (high quality hooks) are required.
* As for patterns, the most typical flies used are synthetic material streamers such as the Glimmer Minnow and the Sardina Cruiser However many baitfish imitations have proved to be very successful, among them Puglisi Streamers in medium to very big sizes Whistlers or Umpqua’s Tarpon’s Snake, Deceivers and Half and Half’s.
* Bring Foam Poppers or Umpqua’s Saltwater Popper in light colors variations with a couple flash tied on tail as well. The sizes should be from 1/0 to 3/0. Gurglers and Divers also are good surface choices.
* Terrestrials are very productive for matrincha and pacu. Patterns like Fat Albert, Umpqua's Pool Toy and Chernobyl Ant are the best. These Terrestrials need to be tied on strong hooks. Trout Hooks aren't strong enough for these toothy fish species. The hook sizes are #6 for pacu and #4 to matrincha.
* To imitate an Algae you should use a small weighted Olive Woolly Bugger. Strong hooks are important as well. Sizes from #10 to #6
*A rough number of flies you should consider for a fishing week in Kendjam:
30 to 40 Streamers
15 to 20 Dries/Algae
10 to 15 Poppers
* Flies are available for sale at the lodge for USD 5 to USD 10 each, but be sure to show up with a good selection as well. You can order in advance with us fully packaged selections for Kendjam species (recommended)
- Two Pair of Polarized Sunglasses (in case you lose or break a pair).
- Waterproof Sunscreen SPF 30+ (UVA) (UVB) (waterproof and unscented)
- Buff Face Mask, (light in color
- Fly Rods 5 to 9 Weights (no less than 3)
- Reels With Minimum 30 pound Backing
- Fly Lines (extra lines for backup)
- Flies and Fly Box (Zip Lock bags are recommended for Wading Fishing)
- Long Sturdy Pliers (debarbing and hook removal)
- Hook Sharpener
- Stripping Fingers or Finger Tape
- Fishing Sun Protection Gloves
- Line clippers
- LightWeight Gore-Tex® Rain Jacket
- Lightweight Synthetic Fleece Top
- 4 Long Sleeve Fishing Shirts or Hoodies.
- 3 Pair of Fast Drying Pants
- 1 Pair of Fast Drying Shorts or swimsuit
- Lightweight sturdy Wading Boots (felt is best)
- Boat Sandals
- 3 Pair of White Cotton Socks (for wearing on the boat deck while casting)
- Waterproof Camera, Memory Cards, Batteries and Charger
- Insect repellent and "anti-itch" cream
- Water Bottle & Dry Gatorade Mix or Emergen CPackets
- Lip Balm with sunscreen (highest SPF you can get)
- Dry Bag, Day Pack, boat bag or Fanny Pack (100% Waterproof)
- Smartphone or Tablet with Charger
- Waterproof Bags or Zip-Loc Bags (to carry camera, other gear while in the boat)
- Passport with at least 6 months of validity
- Flashlight/Headlamp
- 2 Copies of passport (***packed separately in zip-lock bag***)
- Airline tickets and itinerary
- Cash (Indian Fee, lodge gratuities, small bills for tip, gift shopping, etc.)
- Credit card (call company, inform of travel plans)
- Notebook and pen
- Emergency Telephone Numbers
- Toiletries (Toothbrush, toothpaste, hand lotion)
- GoldBond Medicated Powder
- Aspirin, other over-the-counter medications like antacids
- Prescription Medications (packed in your carry-on bag), consider bringing an Epipen anti allergic medication.
- Prescription Glasses
- Universal Electrical Adaptor