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all destinations RR · Rorainópolis · river

lower rio branco — santa maria do boiaçu

Muddy river with blackwater tributaries. Mixed fishing: peacock bass in the lakes and big catfish in the main channel.

forecast for here see on the map

The lower Rio Branco is a mosaic. The main channel, muddy and wide, holds pirarara and juvenile piraíba in pools and at sandbar points. The blackwater tributaries and lakes, such as Xeruini, Itapará and Água Boa do Univini, are peacock bass territory. Santa Maria do Boiaçu is the support village, with an airstrip. The region is remote and fishing is almost all done by operators with live-aboard boats or inns. Casting for peacock bass and bottom fishing with natural bait for the catfish.

best season

JanFebSeaAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Low water on the Rio Branco, December to March. In high water, May to August, fish spread into the forest.

Local rules: The Xeruini, Itapará and Água Boa do Univini tributaries have their own rules: Law RR 1.540/2021 and, in the Xeruini RDS, a 2026 conduct adjustment term that bans keeping peacock bass. Near Caracaraí are Viruá National Park and Niquiá Ecological Station, where fishing is banned. Check local rules.

getting there: From Manaus, live-aboard boat up the Rio Negro to the mouth of the Rio Branco, or a charter flight to the Santa Maria do Boiaçu airstrip. From Boa Vista, BR-174 to Caracaraí and then a boat downriver.
facilities: Live-aboard boats and operator inns. The riverside village has minimal infrastructure: bring supplies and fuel.
basin: Amazon

tip

For pirarara, use a whole natural bait or cut fish in the deep hole at the tail of a beach, with 80 lb line or heavier.

next 7 days here

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Each card shows the day's index (0 to 100) and, below it, a strip with the index for each hour, from 0h to 23h. from poor to excellent.

what you can catch here

Illustration of Speckled pavon

Speckled pavon

Cichla temensis

The largest peacock bass and the trophy fish of Amazonian sport fishing. Strikes surface lures with explosive force.

time of yearbest: Aug–Nov

Illustration of One-spot peacock bass

One-spot peacock bass

Cichla monoculus

The peacock bass of the Amazon's várzea lakes, common in muddy water and a staple on riverside tables.

time of yearbest: Aug–Nov

Illustration of Butterfly pavon

Butterfly pavon

Cichla orinocensis

Peacock bass with three ocelli on the flank, a companion of the açu on the Rio Negro. Smaller, but very numerous and aggressive.

time of yearbest: Aug–Nov

Illustration of Redtail catfish

Redtail catfish

Phractocephalus hemioliopterus

A strong, unmistakable catfish with a red tail and yellow band. Heavy fighter, sought after in rivers and pay lakes.

time of yearbest: Jul–Oct

Illustration of Kumakuma

Kumakuma

Brachyplatystoma filamentosum

The largest catfish in the Amazon. Juveniles are called filhote; adults exceed 100 kg and are Brazil's great trophy catfish.

time of yearbest: Jul–Oct

Illustration of Silver arowana

Silver arowana

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

Long silver fish that hunts at the surface and leaps to catch insects and even small animals on branches.

time of yearbest: Aug–Nov

Illustration of Payara

Payara

Hydrolycus armatus

Rapids predator with huge fangs on its lower jaw. High leaps and strong runs in the current.

time of yearbest: Jul–Oct

sources and references

Access, facilities and season information changes: check with the lodge, a local guide or the city hall before you travel.

official Assembleia Legislativa de Roraima — Lei estadual nº 1.540/2021 (tucunaré nos rios Água Boa do Univini, Itapará, Xeruini e Jufari)Consolidated text with Lei 2.112/2025
official MPF — MPF e MPRR atuam para regularizar pesca esportiva em reserva de desenvolvimento sustentável em RoraimaTAC of March 2026 in the Xeruini RDS; cites the Jufari River
official ICMBio — Parque Nacional do Viruá

near here

Xeruini River — Caracaraí

Itapará River — Rorainópolis

Jufari River — AM/RR border

Rio Negro — Barcelos