Click here for the Itapara YouTube video.
Itapara Lodge - Brazil
Itapara River Peacock Bass Fishing
Lures or Fly Fishing
Two lodges, 40 Miles Apart. Itapara's main lodge is situated approximately 250 miles north of Manaus on the Itapara River, a tributary of the Rio Blanco, a large tributary of the Rio Negro. The Itapara River has some of the largest peacock bass in the world, with good numbers of peacocks between 15 and 25 pounds. Over the years, we’ve hosted many trips to Itapara Lodge – it was one of Larry’s favorites.
Fishing Itapara Lodge - Brazil
Itapara has two lodges that are 40 river miles apart. The Lodges allow guests to fish about 75 miles of the river without runs of over 45-minutes. A five-day package offers one or two days at the Lower Lodge, and the 10-day package offers two to four days at the Lower Lodge.
You’ll primarily be fishing the Itapara River and some lagoons that form from the river dropping during the dry season. There are five or more lakes with boats reachable by short hikes from the river. The river itself can be great fishing, especially during lower water.
At Itapara, you may use lures or flies for peacock bass.
Fishing Season: Itapara's fishing season opens in early October, after the rainy season when the waters recede into the riverbed. At this time, the peacock bass roam in shoals and attack everything in sight. The Lodge season extends into early April. Peak fishing is between December 25th and March 15th. When water levels are low, peacocks roam in schools and attack everything in sight. Occasionally, the rainy season fails to abide by schedules and may add mid-season downpours.
Itapara Fishing Facts:
Boats: 17-foot aluminum boat with swivel seats, 25 HP Mercury motors, and electric trolling motors. Two anglers per boat and guide.
Guides: Experienced Portuguese-speaking guides.
Methods: Techniques include fly fishing, fishing with live bait, shallow diving minnow baits, jigs, and topwater prop plugs. To ensure the best survival rate, all flies need to be barbless.
Evening Catfishing: Two nights during your stay, take in one to two hours of guided catfishing after dinner.
Fishing Equipment: No equipment is provided. A comprehensive tackle and gear list is included in our confirmation packet.
Fishing License: is not provided and is $20.00 payable at the Lodge. The fishing license is free for women over 60 and men over 65.
Typical Fishing Day
Breakfast is served at 6:00 a.m. You’re on the boat by 6:30 a.m. You'll fish the river channels, inland lakes, and lagoons. Midday, you may choose to have lunch on the river or at the Lodge. You’ll arrive back at the Lodge about 5:30 p.m. for appetizers, drinks, and a family-style dinner buffet at 7:00.
Brad Staples's Latest Trip Report.
Click here for Brad Staples' 2020 Trip Report.
Larry Schoenborn with Itapara Peacock Bass.
Air Conditioned Bedrooms with Private Bath.
About Itapara Lodge
Click here to view Itapara Lodge Video.
Itapara Lodge is remote. From the main lodge, it’s a five-hour fast boat ride to the nearest village. The main lodge accommodates 18-guests in air-conditioned, double-occupancy rooms with two twin beds and a private bathroom. The Lodge has satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, and a pool table in the lounge area. There is also a small swimming pool. Free daily laundry service is provided.
The Lower Lodge is 40 miles downstream from the main lodge, about a two-hour boat ride, and has duplex-style cabanas accommodating up to eight guests.
Meals: Breakfast is served at 6:00 a.m. and features fresh fruit, home-baked bread, pastries, juice, pancakes, bacon, and eggs. Anglers can return to the lodge for lunch or have the guides grill fish for a shore lunch on the river. Sack lunches on the boat include beer, soda, or bottled water. After you return to the Lodge and enjoy a hot shower, appetizers and drinks are served before dinner. A buffet-style dinners is at 7:00 p.m. with entrees such as chicken, beef, pork, or fish, plus vegetables, potatoes, rice, etc. Their desserts are very good.
Alcohol: An open bar from 5:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m each evening is included in the package for local drinks. (Imported drinks are not included.)
Communications: Free Wi-Fi access is available at the main lodge, and too many users at one time can make it difficult to connect online. An onsite satellite phone is available for $3.00 per minute.
Getting to the Lodge:
After you pass through customs in Manaus, you’ll be greeted by a Lodge representative. He will drive you to the Quality Hotel Manaus hotel for an overnight stay. (The hotel night is included in the package.) The following morning between 6:00 and 7:00, you'll be driven to the local airport for the 90-minute charter flight (Navajo or Caravan 10-seater) to Itapara Lodge. (This roundtrip charter flight is included in the package. This flight has a baggage weight limit of 20 kg or 44-pounds. You’ll land on the Lodge's 1,100-meter paved runway at about 9:00 a.m. You'll enjoy a late breakfast and then head out for a half-day of guided fishing.
USD Rates valid through March 2024:
Per person - double occupancy
5-nights at the Lodge
and 4.5 days guided fishing
Two anglers per boat and room $4,300.00 per person
One angler per boat and room $5,300.00 per person
10-nights at the Lodge
and 9.5-days guided fishing
Two anglers per boat and room $7,500.00 per person
One angler per boat and room $8,500.00 per person
Prices are subject to change.
Packages Include:
Ground transfers in Manaus to the hotel and to the charter flight, hotel night at Quality Hotel in Manaus (first night, plus last night if necessary), roundtrip domestic charter flight between Manaus and Itapara Lodge, lodging, meals, alcohol (except for import brands),
Wi-Fi, laundry service, guided fishing, and upon request, our 65-page eBook Fly Fishing for Peacock Bass by Larry and Guy Schoenborn.Packages Do Not Include:
International airfare, airport taxes, meals in Manaus, satellite telephone calls ($3.00 per minute), imported liquor, fishing gear or tackle, fishing license ($20.00), Global Rescue, travel insurance, and anything not mentioned under inclusions. As of December 10, 2020, Fishing with Larry now adds a 2.5% convenience fee to all credit card transactions.
