One of the Most Diverse Fisheries in South America

For over 50 years the government of Brazil restricted fishing on the Rio Urariquera as a way of protecting one of the richest biospheres remaining on the earth today. Running over 75 miles long, Maraca island sits strategically in the middle of this undisturbed eco system. With animals that don't know to run from humans, birds that stepped out of Audubon Magazine and fish that have never seen a lure or a fly, the Rio Urariquera is among the last of the world class fishing destinations to be discovered.

When we first heard that the Government of Brazil was going to open access to this river for limited period of time and to a very limited number of anglers WWA secured 25% of the available openings for WWA clients. Worldwide Angling's David Caywood lead one of the first and only groups to fish the river in 2004.

Unlike most other Amazon destinations The Urariquera is way above sea level and as such has fast flowing currents, waterfalls, rapids and endless fishing possibilities. Parayara well over 20 pounds will test your reel's warranty if the Pirapitinga, or Pacu as they are referred to, don't. IGFA world records live in this oasis in such abundance that line and some time All Tackle records are set on a regular basis.

Every angler's dream is to hook a world record, followed by the biggest nightmare, losing the fish. This is happening daily! Reels have been smoked, poles turned to scrap and hooks streightened. While the beauty of the environment lulls you into it's seductive eddies, below the surface a real life Armageddon plays out. These fish do not live off worms or grubs they live solely off each other and as such only the strong survive, untouched for over fifty years.

These fish are so huge in just about every species, Piraiba, Red Tail catfish, Matrinchao to name a few, that the Government of Brazil has teamed up with several American universities to study the fish, mainly the Payara. There is a government scientist in the camp or on the water at all times. Each guide has been carefully taught to weight, measure, tag and record all Payara. Fisherman, in fact find themselves playing an important part of the study itself. Taking catch and release to a new level.

Paul Reiss, one of the first serious anglers to experience the Rio Urariquera states, "This is not the place for above average tackle! Reels are striped out on a regular basis and we know it's not the giant cats taking these top water plugs. It's got to be the Payara." adds Reiss.

Anglers fly to Manaus, clear customs, fly to Bora Vista, then an air-conditioned bus departs for one of the most beautiful drives through the Brazilian savannah. Arriving at the camp for dinner, one is almost startled at the vast arrays of amenities that one would not expect in this extremely remote location. Well-constructed bungalows, ice maker, electricy for charging batteries, and an array of food that almost makes one suspicious. One thing found in most remote camps is missing. The drone of the air conditioner. The AC at this altitude has been traded for warm blankets as the cool quiet night air gives you a sense of just how isolated paradise can be.

In 2008 the Government of Brazil closed the Rio Urariquera to everyone. It may some day reopen.

Rio Urariquera Fishing Camp Trip Duration

9 total days, 8 nights, 6 fishing days

Rio Urariquera Package Price 2008 Season

$3,850 per person, based on double occupancy and on a minimum of four anglers (required to operate private air charter).

Rio Urariquera Required Deposit Amount

To initiate a reservation at Rio Urariquera Fishing Camp, a $1000 per person deposit is required. Final payments are due 60 days prior to departure. A reservation is not confirmed until deposits are received.

Rio Urariquera Fishing Camp Package Includes

• Six full days of fishing
• Personalized airport assistance and all transfers in Manaus, Brazil.
• Round-trip domestic twin engine private charter flights
• Overnight accommodations at Rio Urariquera Fishing Camp (double occupancy)
• All meals, soft drinks & beer at lodge
• Guide operated fishing boat (2 anglers per boat)
• Fishing license

Not Included in the Rio Urariquera Package

Airfare to Manaus, Brazil; Fishing tackle; International airport departure taxes.

Rio Urariquera Fishing Camp Capacity

The Rio Urariquera Fishing Camp can accommodate between 8 anglers per week, keeping it at an intimate sized group that will enjoy excellent service and great angling opportunities without fishing all over each other.

Available Openings at Rio Urariquera

As the booking calendar changes on almost a daily basis, please contact our office for current availability on your specific travel dates.

Predominant Language at Rio Urariquera Fishing Camp

Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. Some of the guides can speak a few English phrases and words, mostly as they pertain to fishing. It is wise to learn a few Portuguese/Spanish phrases before undertaking a trip of this nature. Anglers booking this trip will be sent a basic English-Spanish-Portuguese translator. An English-speaking host will always be on the premises at Rio Urariquera Fishing Camp.

Special Entrance Requirements for Brazil

U.S. residents must have a valid passport to enter Brazil and also a tourist visa. The tourist visa is obtained from the Brazilian Consulate in advance of your trip. We will supply you with the application and information to obtain this visa.

Rio Urariquera Fishing Season

January through March.

Accommodations at Rio Urariquera Fishing Camp

The new Urariquera Fishing Camp offers comfortable, land-based, double-occupancy, safari-style bungalows. They are fully floored, with a 4-ply insulated roof, fully-screened walls and an aluminum entry door. Employees outnumber guests - with approximately 10 staff members, including a bilingual host, camp manager, cooks, waiter, laundry personnel, maids, boat technician and guides. The camp has a generator for battery chargers, shortwave radio, washing machine and various freezers and refrigerators. Your camera, video and shaver batteries can be recharged daily as well. Centrally located within the river's most productive waters, Urariquera Fishing Camp is a comfortable home base in Brazil's spectacular, wildlife filled, Maraca bio-reserve. Safety - The Urariquera is a wild and powerful river. To maximize your security in this untamed environment, we've made safety our primary responsibility. Anglers always decide what water they're willing to enter. You can enjoy this fishery even if you opt to avoid fast water altogether. If you choose to fish fast water, our guides will proceed carefully and will never enter these areas unless anglers are securely seated and wearing life jackets.

The Meals at Rio Urariquera Fishing Camp

Meals are very tasty and are served in their large dining room. Breakfasts usually consist of polenta, omelets, eggs, pancakes, arepas, french toast, sliced fresh tropical fruits, coffee, tea, and fresh fruit drinks. Dinners range from the typical carne Asada (Venezuelan barbecue) with rice, black beans, and fried plantains to Soya marinated chicken breasts, steaks, fish and pasta, accompanied by baked potatoes, rice, boiled vegetables and a wide variety of salads. Lunch will be served on the boat during the fishing day and consist of meat and cheese, tuna, salmon and pastrami sandwiches, accompanied by melon or fruit chunks, chips cookies and soft drinks, bottled mineral water and beer.

The Fishing at Rio Urariquera

The incredible diversity at this location provides optimal environments for an amazing variety of species, both resident and migratory and is one of the greatest natural fish hatcheries in the world. The Urariquera exceeds every fisherman's wildest dreams.

PAYARA -- One of the greatest of all freshwater gamefish, the Payara, reside in such numbers and size, that WWA feels this is the hot new destination. We secured our week over a year in advance.The payara probably offers the best mix of fighting attributes of any fish yet discovered. Gut wrenching strikes, blazing, line stripping, reel smoking runs and acrobatic, head-shaking leaps characterize this fanged monster's fighting technique. The Urariquera holds plenty of payara into the 20 pound class, with even bigger fish lurking in some of the deep pools and tailwaters of this mighty river. The next world record for Payara will come from this river!

PIRAPITINGA --Known popularly as "Pacu", this brawny battler provides extraordinary thrills - beyond the expectations of anglers encountering it for the first-time. Vicious strikes are followed by prolonged, powerful runs. Reaching well into the 20 pound class, these robust giants provide an extended battle. Without a doubt, the world record pirapitinga is waiting in these waters.

JARU -- Among the world's largest catfish, huge jau are found throughout the Urariquera fishery. The world record red tail catfish was shattered here by an 85 pound monster. That's only the beginning. There are jau lurking in the river's depths that may easily double that size. Landing them on rod and reel, however, is the challenge. The photo above to the right, is a 200 pound monster David Caywood caught in Feb. 2004. The fish was too big to get in the boat so the guide got in the water as a reference to the size of the fish. The hour and a half fight to pull this fish out of a 120-foot hole destroyed a saltwater rod by bending the rod 90 degrees at the reel seat. Due to the lack of a scale and a policy of not harming or killing the fish, he was returned unharmed. We will never know if the fish was a new world record.

The variety doesn't end here. More species await to reward the angler willing to experiment. Some of the most interesting are listed below. Without a doubt, there are others that we haven't even encountered yet.

Bicuda -- A large, pike-like characin. Reaching 3 feet long, they provide a breath-taking aerial performance.

Matrinchao/Yatorana -- Up to 10 pounds, these large brycons fight like trout on drugs. Powerful runs punctuated by flying leaps characterize their fighting style.

Piraiba -- The Amazon's largest catfish, these odd monsters are known to exceed the 300 pound range. Not often caught on rod and reel, specimens in the 200 pound class lurk in the Urariquera.

Piranha -- Big piranha roam this fishery. Anglers can readily fight fish into the 6 pound class.

Jundira -- A smaller catfish, typically under 10 pounds. The world record was recently set here.

Peacock Bass -- Smaller specimens of Cichla Monoculus and Ocellaris can be found here.

Pescada -- Also called silver croaker, is a freshwater drum reaching 10 pounds. These fish hold in quiet backwaters and off sandy beaches.

Red-Tailed Catfish -- This giant cat can reach over 100 pounds. An IGFA 30 lb. line class record was caught here.

Others -- Species of Collosoma, brycons, aracu and more. Who knows what else lurks in the remote, untouched waters of the Urariquera... Certainly many more world record opportunities await in this land of giants.

Non-Angler Activities at Rio Urariquera Fishing Camp

For the non fishing companion, activities such as world class birdwatching and visits to interesting Indian villages are readily available.

Weather conditions at Rio Urariquera

Temperatures typically range from 75 at night to as much as 95 degrees during the day. Anglers should be prepared to fish under the tropical sun and consider long sleeve shirts and pants made of a tropical weight material. Wide brim hats are also beneficial. The use of sunscreen and lip balm is an absolute necessity. Although we fish during the dry season, downpours do occur, so don't forget to pack a lightweight rainsuit.

Packing for the Rio Urariquera Fishing Camp

Upon receipt of deposits, you will receive packing lists, trip cancellation insurance application and other material that will help you with every aspect of this trip.

Rio Urariquera Fishing Camp Itinerary

Wednesday: Depart Miami at 21:15 via International flight to Manaus Brazil. Arrive Manaus before dawn.

Thursday: After clearing customs you are met by our agent and transferred to the domestic airport for a flight to Boa Vista. Board an air-conditioned van and drive through savannah land. Arrive in camp in time for dinner.

Friday - Wednesday: Six days of fishing. Your angling day begins with a 5:30 AM wake up call. Breakfast is served at 6:00 AM. Your guide is ready to depart at first light, although you can remain in camp at your leisure. Relax for an hour at lunchtime each day. Return to camp by dusk for appetizers, drinks and bragging, followed by a delicious dinner.

Thursday: Transfer back to Boa Vista and overnight.

Friday: Flight departs Bora Vista and connect with the 12:00 LAB flight back to MIA, arriving at 17:00.

Staff Notes: The staff of Worldwide Angling were among the first to fish the new Rio Urariquera Lodge. After an all night flight, quickly followed by a two-hour flight in a U.S. made Piper Navajo, we had breakfast followed by a four-hour bus ride to the camp. While this was by far the hardest part of the journey, plans are already in the works to have the Navajo fly directly to the camp and thus arrive 5 hours earlier!

Most went fishing on the first day despite the long night and morning before. For most of us it was the first time we had been in a boat going up the rapids. The guides of course did it every day but the group was at first abit startled and thus were more than wide-awake that first day.

The fishing for Payara was up to everybody's expectation. For most it was their first Payara and for one person with a 90210 zip code it was his first trip south of Miami! We came prepared with a lure list that included everything and I do mean everything. One unscrupulous tackle supplier sold everybody on the trip, self included, a 12-inch lure called "The Parrot"! We could not figure out what this thing was good for other than the seller having a good laugh on us and as such a new elite society was born called the "I bought the F#&king Parrot society."

The, I Bought The F#&king Parrot Society, will meet once a year and the highlight of the next meeting will be the stringing up of a fishing tackle salesman (you know who you are) over a fire ant mound. A strong turn out is expected. Get your reservations in early.

At first glance it looked as if the accommodations were going to be abit, how do you say, Spartan? In fact they were not. Sitting on a white sand beech nestled amongst the ficas were five very well appointed tents with internal frames. Superbly ventilated and vacuumed each morning for sand these were among some of the nicer accommodations I have found in the Amazon region. The only thing missing was an extra blanket as it was quite cool at night.

The weather could not have been better. Most of my experiences in the jungle has been very hot and humid. The Rio Urariquera was in fact extremely pleasant. A cool breeze seemed to be present at all times and made the day go by almost to fast. Several fellow anglers found themselves fishing for fish other than Payara. Pacu quickly gained fame after one angler had his reel striped out. In all 6 rods were broken including one salt-water rod that a catfish bent almost 45 degrees at the reel seat. The catfish was estimated to weigh over 200 pounds!

Dinner was as punctual as it was good. We found the owners stash of wine and liberated a few of the better years, (he is related to the Parrot salesman), so we were without guilt.

All in all the acid test of whether the group would go back again is an undeniable: yes, especially if an airstrip can be found close by. The Parrot salesman's brother tells me there is one close by that he is working on it. WWA has signed up for next year with some of the original cast plus some new faces. Boats in by 4pm, dinner is at 7, bring your own F#&king Parrot.
Dave Caywood, Feb. 2004

Trip Cancellation and Travel Insurance Recommendation

Travel, especially foreign travel, unfortunately has some unusual aspects that need to be addressed. Issues such as lost baggage, missed flights and medical concerns are often over looked until an untimely event happens. You or your traveling partner may need protection from trip cancellation due to events at home such as illness of you or your travel companion, illness while away from home, as well as a host of other travel nightmares. Worldwide Angling strongly recommends all parties obtain trip insurance right after booking a trip abroad. We obtain our own travel insurance with Travelex, a well established, highly recommended, travel insurance company and we recommend it to all of our clients. Travelex specializes in insuring the foreign traveler to far away and remote places. Once a trip is booked with Worldwide Angling, you will receive from us an application for Travelex travel insurance. The cost is quite reasonable, less than $60 per $1000 in most cases. Please review your insurance needs to see if Travelex is for you.