upper paraná river — porto rico
The last free-flowing stretch of the Paraná River on Brazilian territory, with islands and várzeas (floodplains). Catfish and dorado, catch and release only.
Between the Porto Primavera dam and Itaipu Lake, the Paraná River runs free for about 230 km, with islands, channels and várzeas that flood in high water. Porto Rico lies in the middle of that stretch, one of the last nursery areas for migratory fish in the basin and a research site of the State University of Maringá for decades. Bottom fishing in the channels and cut banks, for surubim, jaú, barbado and armado; piapara and pacu at chum; dorado in the current and croaker in the eddies.
best season
Autumn and early spring, outside the spawning closure (piracema, Nov 1 to Feb 28).
Local rules: In Paraná, jaú, surubim, cachara, dorado and piracanjuba are catch and release only, with a 5 kg plus 1 fish limit for the rest (Portaria IAT 650/2025). The islands and várzeas lie in the Ilhas e Várzeas do Rio Paraná APA, and downriver is Ilha Grande National Park, a full-protection area. The Mato Grosso do Sul shore follows MS rules. Spawning closure (piracema), Nov 1 to Feb 28. Check local rules.
- getting there
- In northwestern Paraná state, on the Paraná River bank. Maringá has the nearest airport with scheduled flights.
- facilities
- Inns, weekend cabins, boatmen and fishing guides. Prainha beach on the city waterfront.
- basin
- Paraná
tip
In the channels between islands, surubim come out to hunt at night: tuvira or live fish bait on the bottom, along banks with deep water.
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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
sources and references
Access, facilities and season information changes: check with the lodge, a local guide or the city hall before you travel.