Brazil: Peacock Bass at Agua Boa Amazon Lodge

Hello? We're talking about the AMAZON River basin! Yep, the same one with the largest drainage of any river on the planet. The same river supporting about half of the world's remaining rainforest, a rainforest half the size of the United States and boasting the highest freshwater biological diversity in the world.  It's kind of a big deal!

The Agua Boa River happens to be the one of four rivers in all of Brazil that is reserved for single barbless hooks, catch and release only. A true treasure by any measure. When most people think of fishing the Amazon, they think of wide, silt-laden rivers. The Agua Boa is different. It flows out of the mountains of northern Brazil and during the dry season, the river typically runs low and clear. Once you have fished the crystal clear waters of the Agua Boa, you will come to realize why this river has been described as “the most exciting, unique fishing location on the planet” and “the best fly fishing experience on the planet”.  Your BRO hosts have now fished ABL in both high and low water conditions.  Even the “challenging” high water conditions produced the best fishing we’ve ever witnessed and when the river is low and clear?  Let’s just say you couldn't have better fishing in a hatchery! 

Armed with machetes, paddles and even chainsaw we would not be denied. We ended up fishing lagoons and creeks that rarely see any pressure under normal conditions. To us, hacking, paddling, polling and even portaging only added to the adventure. Especially when the result was unmolested hyper aggressive peacocks on the hunt. As was the case more times than not.

Expect to be pleasantly surprised with the delightful riverside cabañas and comfortable beds. The daily laundry service is a big plus (remember you’re in the Amazon jungle near the equator) as is the housekeeping. The lodge is a spacious facility with a large dining room, a living room, bar and game room. The game room has a snooker table, ping pong table, darts, and an endless array of games from chess to backgammon. There is also an entertainment area with a DVD player, wireless internet, and satellite TV.

The lodge has a great porch with an eating area, hammocks, and sitting area. Outside there is a 20 meter swimming pool, bar area, and soccer field. The Agua Boa Amazon Lodge is the finest facility in the peacock bass world. Combine the accommodations with the small guest capacity, and you will not find a better lodge in the Amazon.

Agua Boa Lodge is a "anglers’ destination". If you are looking for a tourist trip with shopping, beach relaxation, fun walks down quaint village streets with a bit of fishing - this is not your trip. The closest town is 5 boat hours away. However, you absolutely don’t need to be an expert fly angler to enjoy amazing results. The fishing can be so good that you'll actually need to pace yourself, sometimes fishing only a half day or even relaxing poolside with a book for a day.  

The staff and guides are simply delightful to a person. From the meeting of clients with a glass of champagne on the tarmac to the salutations when you leave - they are fantastic.  Expect to be blown away by their desire to make your trip exceptional.